Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device, according to one embodiment, comprises: at least one heater for heating an aerosol-generating material; a memory for storing at least one temperature profile and the operation time of the aerosol-generating device; a timer turned on upon receiving a second control signal and turned off upon receiving a first control signal; and a control unit for, on the basis of the operation time, controlling the power supplied to the heater, wherein the operation time is stored as a first time, and the control unit operates the aerosol-generating device by adding, to the first time, a second time during which operation was carried out in a state where the timer was turned on.

Description

Aerosol generating device

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

[0002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for alternative methods that overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for systems that generate aerosol by heating cigarettes or aerosol-generating materials using an aerosol generator, rather than by burning cigarettes to produce aerosol. Accordingly, research into heated aerosol generators is actively underway.

[0003] There are two main methods for controlling the operation of an aerosol generating device: a control method based on the number of puffs by the user and a control method based on the operation time.

[0004] In the case of a control method based on the number of puffs, heating is terminated when the accumulated number of puffs reaches the preset number of puffs, so there is a disadvantage in that it provides a smoking time that is shorter than the smoking time desired by the user.

[0005] Meanwhile, in the case of a control method based on the operating time, once heating is started, heating ends as a preset time elapses even if the user does not make a puffing motion, so there is a disadvantage that the cigarette may have to be discarded due to the end of heating even though the aerosol generating substance in the cigarette has not been sufficiently consumed.

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure seek to provide an aerosol generating device that allows a user's smoking motion to be performed to the greatest extent possible.

[0007] The technical task to be achieved by this embodiment is not limited to the technical task described above, and other technical tasks can be inferred from the following embodiments.

[0008] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment comprises: at least one heater for heating an aerosol generating material; a memory for storing at least one temperature profile and an operating time of the aerosol generating device; a timer turned on by receiving a second control signal and turned off by receiving a first control signal; and a control unit for controlling power supplied to the heater based on the operating time; wherein the operating time is stored as a first time, and the control unit operates the aerosol generating device by adding a second time during which the timer is turned on to the first time.

[0009] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment comprises: at least one heater for heating an aerosol generating material; a memory storing at least one temperature profile and an operating time of the aerosol generating device; a timer for counting the operating time of the aerosol generating device; and a control unit for controlling power supplied to the heater; wherein the control unit generates a second control signal for temporarily stopping the timer and a first control signal for restarting the timer, and cuts off power supplied to the heater when the operating time elapses.

[0010] By controlling the heating of the heater by considering the pause time in addition to the preset operating time for the aerosol generating device, sufficient smoking time can be guaranteed, thereby improving the user's smoking satisfaction.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a control method of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figures 5 and 6 are examples of temperature profiles of a heater according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power profile and a temperature profile for a first heater in multiple modes according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power profile and a temperature profile for a second heater in multiple modes according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIGS. 9A to 9B are drawings for reference in explaining the operation of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] The terms used in the examples are selected from widely used, current terms, taking into account the functions of the present invention. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined not simply based on their names, but based on their meanings and the overall content of the present invention.

[0020] When a part of the specification is said to "include" a component, this does not exclude other components, but rather implies the inclusion of other components, unless otherwise specifically stated. Furthermore, terms such as "-unit" and "-module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0021] As used herein, when an expression such as "at least one" precedes an array of elements, it modifies the entire array of elements, not just each individual element. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.

[0022] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating a stick accommodated in an internal space.

[0023] The aerosol generating device may include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater may be heated when current flows through the electrically conductive track.

[0024] The heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the stick depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0025] The stick may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be made of a sheet, a strand, or a finely chopped tobacco sheet. Additionally, the tobacco rod may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil.

[0026] The filter rod may be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may be composed of at least one segment. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a predetermined component contained within the aerosol.

[0027] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material.

[0028] An aerosol generating device may include a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be formed or assembled integrally with the body, and may be secured so as not to be detached by a user. The cartridge may be mounted to the body while containing the aerosol generating substance therein. However, this is not limited thereto, and the aerosol generating substance may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the body.

[0029] The cartridge may contain an aerosol-generating substance in any one of a variety of states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol-generating substance may comprise a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material including volatile tobacco flavoring components, or may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material.

[0030] The cartridge can be operated by an electric signal or wireless signal transmitted from the main body, thereby converting the phase of an aerosol-generating substance inside the cartridge into a gaseous phase to generate an aerosol. The aerosol may refer to a gas that is a mixture of vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating substance and air.

[0031] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may heat a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol may be delivered to the user through a stick. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition may travel along an airflow path of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow path may be configured such that the aerosol may pass through the stick and be delivered to the user.

[0032] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating material with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0033] The aerosol generating device may include a vibrator, which may generate short-cycle vibrations to atomize the aerosol generating material. The vibrations generated by the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency range of the ultrasonic vibrations may be, but is not limited to, about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz.

[0034] The aerosol generating device may further include a wick that absorbs the aerosol generating material. For example, the wick may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the vibrator or may be positioned to contact at least a portion of the vibrator.

[0035] When a voltage (e.g., an alternating current) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations may be generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator may be transmitted to an aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick. The aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick may be converted into a gaseous phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the vibrator, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0036] For example, the viscosity of an aerosol-generating substance absorbed into a wick may be lowered by heat generated from a vibrator, and an aerosol may be generated by fine particles of an aerosol-generating substance with a lowered viscosity due to ultrasonic vibration generated from a vibrator, but is not limited thereto.

[0037] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article accommodated in the aerosol generating device by induction heating.

[0038] An aerosol generating device may include a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil may apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. As power is supplied to the coil from the aerosol generating device, a magnetic field may be formed within the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor may be a magnetic material that generates heat due to an external magnetic field. When the susceptor is positioned within the coil and a magnetic field is applied, the susceptor generates heat, thereby heating the aerosol generating article. Additionally, optionally, the susceptor may be positioned within the aerosol generating article.

[0039] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further comprise a cradle.

[0040] The aerosol generator can be configured as a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can charge the aerosol generator's battery. Alternatively, the heater can be heated while the cradle and aerosol generator are combined.

[0041] Below, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. The present disclosure may be implemented in a form that can be implemented in the aerosol generating devices of the various embodiments described above, or may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0042] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0043] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an aerosol generating device (1) according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device (1) may include at least one of a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor (13), a heater (18), and a cartridge (19). At least one of the power source (11), the control unit (12), the sensor (13), and the heater (18) may be disposed inside a body (10) of the aerosol generating device. The body (10) may provide a space opened upwardly so that a stick (S), which is an aerosol generating article, may be inserted. The space opened upwardly may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the inside of the body (10) by a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the stick (S) can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of a region of the stick (S) containing an aerosol generating material and / or medium. The lower end of the stick (S) may be inserted into the inside of the body (10), and the upper end of the stick (S) may protrude outside the body (10). The user can inhale air by placing the top of the stick (S) exposed to the outside in his mouth.

[0045] The heater (18) can heat the stick (S). The heater (18) can extend upwardly around the space where the stick (S) is inserted. For example, the heater (18) can be in the form of a tube having a hollow space therein. The heater (18) can be placed around the insertion space. The heater (18) can be placed to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater (18) can heat the insertion space or the stick (S) inserted into the insertion space. The heater (18) can include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0046] For example, the heater (18) may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater (18) may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater (18) may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heater (18) may be electrically connected to a power source (11). The heater (18) may be directly heated by receiving current from the power source (11).

[0047] For example, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an induction coil surrounding a heater (18). The induction coil may heat the heater (18). The heater (18) may be a susceptor, and the heater (18) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field may penetrate the heater (18) and generate an eddy current within the heater (18). The current may generate heat in the heater (18).

[0048] Meanwhile, a susceptor may be included inside the stick (S), and the susceptor inside the stick (S) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil.

[0049] The cartridge (19) may contain an aerosol-generating substance in any one of a liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel state. The aerosol-generating substance may comprise a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing substance including volatile tobacco flavoring components, or may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco substance.

[0050] The cartridge (19) may be formed integrally with the body (10) or may be detachably coupled to the body (10).

[0051] For example, referring to FIG. 1, the cartridge (19) is formed integrally with the body (10) and can communicate with the insertion space through the airflow pass (CN).

[0052] For example, referring to FIG. 2, a space is formed on one side of the body (10), and at least a portion of the cartridge (19) is inserted into the space formed on one side of the body (10) so that the cartridge (19) can be mounted on the body (10). The airflow path (CN) can be defined by a portion of the cartridge and / or a portion of the body (10), and the cartridge (19) can communicate with the insertion space through the airflow path (CN).

[0053] The body (10) can be formed in a structure in which outside air can flow into the interior of the body (10) while the cartridge (19) is inserted. At this time, the outside air flowing into the body (10) can pass through the cartridge (19) and flow into the user's oral cavity.

[0054] The cartridge (19) may include a storage portion (C0) containing an aerosol generating material and / or a heater (24) for heating the aerosol generating material in the storage portion (C0). A liquid delivery means impregnating (containing) the aerosol generating material may be disposed inside the storage portion (C0). Here, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc. The electrically conductive track of the heater (24) may be formed in a coil-shaped structure that winds the liquid delivery means or a structure that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means.

[0055] In the following description, the heater (18) may be referred to as a first heater (18). The heater (24) may be referred to as a second heater (24) or a cartridge heater (24).

[0056] The cartridge (19) can generate an aerosol. The aerosol can be generated as the liquid delivery means is heated by the cartridge heater (24). The aerosol can be generated by heating the stick (S) by the heater (18). Tobacco material can be added to the aerosol while the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (24) and the heater (18) passes through the stick (S), and the aerosol added with the tobacco material can be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick (S).

[0057] The aerosol generating device (1) may be equipped with only a cartridge heater (24) and the body (10) may not be equipped with a heater (18). In this case, the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (24) may pass through the stick (S) and be mixed with tobacco material and inhaled into the user's mouth.

[0058] The aerosol generating device (1) may include a cap (not shown). The cap may be detachably coupled to the body (10) so as to cover at least a portion of a cartridge (19) coupled to the body (10). A stick (S) may be inserted into the body (10) through the cap.

[0059] The power source (11) can supply power to operate components of the aerosol generating device. The power source (11) can be referred to as a battery. The power source (11) can supply power to at least one of the control unit (12), the sensor (13), the cartridge heater (24), and the heater (18). When the aerosol generating device (1) includes an induction coil, the power source (11) can supply power to the induction coil.

[0060] The control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device. The control unit can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit (12) can control the operation of at least one of the power supply (11), the sensor (13), the heater (18), and the cartridge (19). The control unit (12) can control the operation of a display, a motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device. The control unit (12) can check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device to determine whether the aerosol generating device is in an operable state.

[0061] The control unit (12) can analyze the results detected by the sensor (13) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) so that the operation of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) is started or ended based on the results detected by the sensor (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensor (13).

[0062] The sensor (13) may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a color sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, and a cap detection sensor. For example, the sensor (13) may sense at least one of the temperature of the heater (18), the temperature of the power source (11), and the temperature inside and outside the body (10). For example, the sensor (13) may sense the user's puff. For example, the sensor (13) may sense whether the stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space. For example, the sensor (13) may sense whether the cartridge is mounted. For example, the sensor (13) may sense whether the cap is mounted.

[0063] Fig. 3 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] The aerosol generating device (1) may include a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), a memory (17), at least one heater (18, 24), and a timer (121). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (1) is not limited to that shown in Fig. 3. That is, a person having ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that some of the components shown in Fig. 3 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0065] The sensor (13) can detect the status of the aerosol generating device (1) or the status around the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (12). Based on the detected information, the control unit (12) can control the aerosol generating device (1) so that various functions such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), restricting smoking, determining whether a stick (S) and / or cartridge (19) is inserted, and displaying a notification are performed.

[0066] The sensor (13) may include at least one of a temperature sensor (131), a puff sensor (132), an insertion detection sensor (133), a reuse detection sensor (134), a cartridge detection sensor (135), a cap detection sensor (136), and a movement detection sensor (137).

[0067] The temperature sensor (131) can detect the temperature at which the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18), or the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) itself may serve as the temperature sensor.

[0068] The temperature sensor (131) can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). For example, the temperature sensor (131) can include a resistance element whose resistance value changes in response to a change in the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). It can be implemented by a thermistor, which is an element that utilizes the property of changing resistance depending on temperature. At this time, the temperature sensor (131) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). For example, the temperature sensor (131) can be configured as a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). At this time, the temperature sensor (131) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18).

[0069] A temperature sensor (131) may be placed around the power source (11) to monitor the temperature of the power source (11). The temperature sensor (131) may be placed adjacent to the power source (11). For example, the temperature sensor (131) may be attached to one side of a battery, which is the power source (11). For example, the temperature sensor (131) may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0070] A temperature sensor (131) is placed inside the body (10) and can detect the internal temperature of the body (10).

[0071] The puff sensor (132) can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. For example, the puff sensor (132) can detect the user's puff based on any one of temperature changes, flow changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes. The puff sensor (132) can output a signal corresponding to the puff.

[0072] In one embodiment, the puff sensor (132) may be configured to include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may output a sensing signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1) may correspond to the pressure of an airflow path through which gas flows (e.g., an airflow path (CN) of FIGS. 1 and 2). The pressure sensor may be arranged in correspondence to the airflow path through which gas flows in the aerosol generating device (1).

[0073] The pressure sensor can output a first sensing signal and a second sensing signal with opposite polarities depending on the direction of airflow in the airflow path. For example, when a user exhales, the pressure sensor can output a first sensing signal with a first polarity, and when a user inhales, the pressure sensor can output a second sensing signal with a polarity opposite to the first polarity. For example, the first polarity can be a signal with a positive polarity, and the second polarity can be a signal with a negative polarity. The control unit can determine whether the user exhales or inhales based on the polarity of the sensing signal of the pressure sensor.

[0074] In one embodiment, the puff sensor (132) may include a flow rate sensor. The flow rate sensor may measure the air flow of the airflow path. The flow rate sensor may output a first sensing signal and a second sensing signal with opposite polarities depending on the direction of the airflow of the airflow path. For example, when a user exhales, the flow rate sensor may output a first sensing signal with a first polarity, and when a user inhales, the flow rate sensor may output a second sensing signal with a polarity opposite to the first polarity. For example, the first polarity may be a positive polarity signal, and the second polarity may be a negative polarity signal. The control unit may determine whether the user exhales or inhales based on the polarity of the sensing signal of the flow rate sensor.

[0075] The insertion detection sensor (133) can detect insertion and / or removal of the stick (S). The insertion detection sensor (133) can detect a signal change according to the insertion and / or removal of the stick (S). The insertion detection sensor (133) can be installed around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor (133) can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick (S) according to a change in the permittivity inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor (133) can be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0076] An inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be positioned adjacent to an insertion space. For example, when a magnetic field changes around a current-flowing coil, the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.

[0077] An inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil. For example, an inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

[0078] A capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the electromagnetic properties of the surroundings, for example, the electrostatic capacitance around the conductor. For example, when a stick (S) including a wrapper made of a metallic material is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic properties around the conductor may be changed by the wrapper of the stick (S).

[0079] A reuse detection sensor (134) can detect whether the stick (S) has been reused. The reuse detection sensor (134) may be a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the color of the stick (S). The color sensor can detect the color of a portion of a wrapper that wraps the outside of the stick (S). The color sensor can detect a value for an optical characteristic corresponding to the color of an object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristic may be a wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as a single component with the proximity sensor, or may be implemented as a separate component distinct from the proximity sensor.

[0080] At least some of the wrappers constituting the stick (S) may change color due to the aerosol. The reuse detection sensor (134) may be positioned corresponding to a position where at least some of the wrappers whose color changes due to the aerosol are disposed when the stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick (S) is used by a user, the color of at least some of the wrappers may be a first color. At this time, as at least some of the wrappers are wetted by the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device (1) while passing through the stick (S), the color of at least some of the wrappers may change to a second color. Meanwhile, the color of at least some of the wrappers may be maintained at the second color after changing from the first color to the second color.

[0081] The cartridge detection sensor (135) can detect the mounting and / or removal of the cartridge (19). The cartridge detection sensor (135) can be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc.

[0082] The cap detection sensor (136) can detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the body (10), the cartridge (19) and a portion of the body (10) covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor (136) can be implemented by a contact sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0083] A motion detection sensor (137) can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device. The motion detection sensor (137) can be implemented with at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0084] In addition to the sensors (131 to 137) described above, the sensor (13) may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0085] The output unit (14) can output information on the status of the aerosol generating device (1) and provide it to the user. The output unit (14) may include at least one of a display (141), a haptic unit (142), and an audio output unit (143), but is not limited thereto. When the display (141) and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display (141) can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0086] The display (141) can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (1) may refer to various information such as the charging / discharging status of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), the preheating status of the heater (18), the insertion / removal status of the stick (S) and / or cartridge (19), the mounting / removal status of the cap, or the status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display (141) can output the above information to the outside. For example, the display (141) may be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display (141) may be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0087] The haptic unit (142) can provide tactile information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus. For example, the haptic unit (142) can generate a vibration corresponding to the completion of the initial preheating when initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18) for a set period of time. The haptic unit (142) can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0088] The acoustic output unit (143) can provide information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit (143) can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0089] The power source (11) can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (11) can supply power so that the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) can be heated. In addition, the power source (11) can supply power required for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device (1), such as a sensor (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), and a memory (17). The power source (11) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (11) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0090] Although not shown in FIG. 3, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power source (11) and may include a switching element.

[0091] The power protection circuit can block the power supply (11) according to certain conditions. For example, the power protection circuit can block the power supply (11) when the voltage level of the power supply (11) is higher than a first voltage corresponding to overcharge. For example, the power protection circuit can block the power supply (11) when the voltage level of the power supply (11) is lower than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarge.

[0092] The heater (18) can receive power from the power source (11) and heat the medium or aerosol generating material within the stick (S). Although not shown in FIG. 3, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the power source (11) and supplies it to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). In addition, when the aerosol generating device (1) generates the aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the direct current power of the power source (11) into alternating current power.

[0093] The control unit (12), sensor (13), output unit (14), input unit (15), communication unit (16), and memory (17) can receive power from the power source (11) and perform their functions. Although not shown in FIG. 3, a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power of the power source (11) and supplies it to each component may be further included. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 3, a noise filter may be provided between the power source (11) and the heater (18). The noise filter may be a low pass filter. The low pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low pass filter may correspond to the frequency of the high frequency switching current applied from the power source (11) to the heater (18). The low pass filter can prevent high frequency noise components from being applied to a sensor (13), such as an insertion detection sensor (133).

[0094] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18) may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, and the like. Additionally, the heater (18) may be implemented as, but not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate having electrically conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, and the like.

[0095] In another embodiment, the heater (18) may be an induction heater. For example, the heater (18) may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0096] The input unit (15) can receive information input from a user or output information to the user. For example, the input unit (15) can be a touch panel. The touch panel can include at least one touch sensor that detects touch. For example, the touch sensor can include, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc.

[0097] The display (141) and the touch panel may be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted (on-cell type or in-cell type) into the display (141). For example, the touch panel may be added-on to the display (141) panel.

[0098] Meanwhile, the input unit (15) may include, but is not limited to, buttons, key pads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0099] The memory (17) is hardware that stores various data processed in the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (12). 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.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory (17) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generating device (1), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

[0100] The communication unit (16) may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit (16) may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0101] The short-range wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0102] The wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0103] In one embodiment, the timer (121) can be turned on by receiving a second control signal and turned off by receiving a first control signal. The first control signal and the second control signal can be received from the control unit (12).

[0104] In another embodiment, the timer (121) can count the operating time of the aerosol generating device. The timer (121) can be paused upon receiving a second control signal and can start counting again upon receiving a first control signal.

[0105] In Fig. 3, the timer (121) is shown as a separate configuration from the control unit (12), but this is for convenience of explanation, and the configuration of the timer (121) may be built into the control unit (12) and configured as a single IC chip.

[0106] Although not shown in FIG. 3, the aerosol generating device (1) further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can transmit and receive information or charge a power source (11) by connecting to another external device through a connection interface such as a USB interface.

[0107] The control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present embodiment may be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0108] 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 cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) sensed by the temperature sensor (131). The control unit (12) can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). For example, the control unit (12) can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) based on a temperature profile stored in the memory (17).

[0109] The aerosol generating device (1) may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply (11) between the power supply (11) and the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater (24), the heater (18), or the induction coil (181). The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit (12) may control the power supply circuit.

[0110] The control unit (12) can control power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit may be an inverter that converts direct current power output from the power source (11) into alternating current power. For example, the inverter may be configured as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.

[0111] The control unit (12) can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power source (11) to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). The control unit (12) can turn off the switching element so that power is cut off to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). The control unit (12) can control the current supplied from the power source (11) by controlling the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0112] The control unit (12) can control the voltage output from the power source (11) by controlling the switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power source (11). For example, the power conversion circuit can include a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the power source (11). For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented using a buck-boost converter, a zener diode, etc.

[0113] The control unit (12) can control the on / off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit to adjust the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit. When the on state of the switching element continues, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the level of the voltage output from the power source (11). The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power source (11). As the duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element decreases, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may decrease. The heater (18) can be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0114] The control unit (12) can control power to be supplied to the heater (18) using at least one of the pulse width modulation (PWM) method and the proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0115] For example, the control unit (12) can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater (18) 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.

[0116] For example, the control unit (12) can determine a target temperature that is the target of control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) by using the PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference value between the temperature of the heater (18) and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[0117] The control unit (12) can prevent the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) from overheating. For example, the control unit (12) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit so that the supply of power to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) is cut off based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (12) can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) by a certain percentage based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol generating substance contained in the cartridge (19) is exhausted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) exceeding the limit temperature, and can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (24).

[0118] The control unit (12) can control the charging and discharging of the power source (11). The control unit (12) can check the temperature of the power source (11) based on the output signal of the temperature sensor (131).

[0119] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device (1), the control unit (12) can check whether the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than or equal to the first limit temperature, which is a criterion for blocking charging of the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is lower than the first limit temperature, the control unit (12) can control the power source (11) to be charged based on a preset charging current. If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than or equal to the first limit temperature, the control unit (12) can block charging of the power source (11).

[0120] When the power of the aerosol generating device (1) is turned on, the control unit (12) can check whether the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than or equal to the second limit temperature, which is a standard for blocking discharge of the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is lower than the second limit temperature, the control unit (12) can control to use the power stored in the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than or equal to the second limit temperature, the control unit (12) can stop using the power stored in the power source (11).

[0121] 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).

[0122] The control unit (12) can determine whether a stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (133). The control unit (12) can determine that the stick (S) is inserted based on the output signal of the insertion detection sensor (133). If it is determined that the stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space, the control unit (12) can control to supply power to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). For example, the control unit (12) can supply power to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) based on the temperature profile stored in the memory (17).

[0123] The control unit (12) can determine whether the stick (S) is removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether the stick (S) is removed from the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (133). For example, the control unit (12) can determine that the stick (S) is removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater (18) is higher than a limited temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater (18) is higher than a set slope. When it is determined that the stick (S) is removed from the insertion space, the control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18).

[0124] The control unit (12) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater (18) according to the state of the stick (S) detected by the sensor (13). The control unit (12) can check the level range that includes the level of the signal of the capacitance sensor based on a lookup table. The control unit (12) can determine the moisture content of the stick (S) according to the checked level range.

[0125] When the stick (S) is in an over-humidified state, the control unit (12) can control the power supply time to the heater (18) to increase the preheating time of the stick (S) compared to the normal state.

[0126] The control unit (12) can determine whether the stick (S) inserted into the insertion space has been reused through the reuse detection sensor (134). For example, the control unit (12) can compare the sensing value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range that includes a first color, and if the sensing value is included in the first reference range, it can determine that the stick (S) has not been used. For example, the control unit (12) can compare the sensing value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor with a second reference range that includes a second color, and if the sensing value is included in the second reference range, it can determine that the stick (S) has been used. If it is determined that the stick (S) has been used, the control unit (12) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18).

[0127] The control unit (12) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is coupled and / or removed through the cartridge detection sensor (135). For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is coupled and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cartridge detection sensor.

[0128] The control unit (12) can determine whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted. For example, the control unit (12) can preheat the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) by applying power, and determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) exceeds a limited temperature during the preheating period. If the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) exceeds the limited temperature, the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted. If the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted, the control unit (12) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18).

[0129] The control unit (12) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is usable. For example, the control unit (12) can determine that the cartridge (19) is unusable if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge (19) based on data stored in the memory (17). For example, the control unit (12) can determine that the cartridge (19) is unusable if the total time that the heater (24) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the heater (24) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power.

[0130] The control unit (12) can make a judgment regarding the user's inhalation through the puff sensor (132). For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether a puff has been generated based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor. For example, the control unit (12) can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor (132). If the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or if no puffs are detected for a preset time or longer, the control unit (12) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18).

[0131] The control unit (12) can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed through the cap detection sensor (136). For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cap detection sensor.

[0132] The control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) based on the result detected by the sensor (13). For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor (132) reaches a preset number, the control unit (12) can notify the user that the aerosol generating device (1) will soon be terminated through at least one of the display (141), the haptic unit (142), and the sound output unit (143). For example, the control unit (12) can notify the user through the output unit (14) based on the determination that the stick (S) does not exist in the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can notify the user through the output unit (14) based on the determination that the cartridge (19) and / or the cap is not mounted. For example, the control unit (12) can transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) to the user through the output unit (14).

[0133] The control unit (12) can store and update the history of the event that occurred in the memory (17) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. The event may include operations such as detection of insertion of the stick (S), initiation of heating of the stick (S), detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), detection of overvoltage application to the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), termination of heating of the stick (S), on / off of the aerosol generating device (1), initiation of charging of the power supply (11), detection of overcharge of the power supply (11), termination of charging of the power supply (11), etc. performed in the aerosol generating device (1). The history of the event may include the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, when the predetermined event is detection of insertion of the stick (S), the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor (133), etc. For example, if a given event is overheating detection of the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), the voltage applied to the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), the current flowing through the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), etc.

[0134] The control unit (12) can control to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. When data regarding authentication is received from the external device through the communication link, the control unit (12) can release the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device (1). Here, the data regarding authentication can include data indicating completion of user authentication for a user corresponding to the external device. The user can perform user authentication through the external device. The external device can determine whether user data is valid based on the user's birthday, a unique number representing the user, etc., and can receive data regarding the use authority of the aerosol generating device (1) from an external server. The external device can transmit data indicating completion of user authentication to the aerosol generating device (1) based on the data regarding the use authority. When the user authentication is completed, the control unit (12) can release the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the control unit (12) can release the restriction on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the heater (18) when user authentication is completed.

[0135] The control unit (12) can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to an external device via a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity, operation mode, etc. of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1) via a display of the external device.

[0136] An external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol generating device (1) based on an input that initiates location search of the aerosol generating device (1). When receiving a location search request from the external device, the control unit (12) may control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, in response to the location search request, the haptic unit (142) may generate vibration. For example, in response to the location search request, the display (141) may output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0137] The control unit (12) can control to perform a firmware update when receiving firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generating device (1) and determine whether a new version of the firmware exists. When an input requesting firmware download is received, the external device can receive a new version of the firmware data and transmit the new version of the firmware data to the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (12) can control to perform a firmware update of the aerosol generating device (1) upon receiving a new version of the firmware data.

[0138] The control unit (12) can transmit data on the sensing value of at least one sensor (13) to an external server (not shown) through the communication unit (16), and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing value through machine learning such as deep learning from the server. The control unit (12) can perform an operation of determining a user's inhalation pattern, an operation of generating a temperature profile, etc. using the learning model received from the server. The control unit (12) can store, in the memory (17), the sensing value data of at least one sensor (13) and data for learning an artificial neural network (ANN). For example, the memory (17) can store a database for each component provided in the aerosol generating device (1) for learning the artificial neural network (ANN), and weights and biases forming the artificial neural network (ANN) structure. The control unit (12) can learn data on the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor (13), the user's suction pattern, the temperature profile, etc., stored in the memory (17), and generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's suction pattern, generating the temperature profile, etc.

[0139] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a control method of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0140] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the control unit (12) can load the operating time of the aerosol generating device (1) stored in the memory (17) and control the power supplied to the heater based on the operating time. Specifically, the control unit (12) can heat the heater (18, or 24) so ​​that an appropriate amount of aerosol can be generated according to the user's puff for a first time period. Here, the first time period refers to a predetermined time period for appropriately using a smoking article (e.g., a stick, a cartridge) including an aerosol generating substance. The first time period can be stored in the memory (17). The control unit (12) initiates the heating operation of the heater in a first mode at step 410. The first mode is a mode in which a control operation is set to be suitable for a smoking situation by assuming a situation in which a user is smoking using the aerosol generating device.

[0141] In the first embodiment, the timer (121) can be turned on and count the operation time of the aerosol generating device when the control unit (12) initiates the heating operation of the heater in the first mode at step 410.

[0142] The control unit (12) generates a second control signal in response to the user's second input in step 420 and operates the aerosol generating device in the second mode. The second mode is a mode in which a control operation is set appropriately for a situation in which the user temporarily stops smoking. Here, the user's second input is an input for temporarily stopping smoking, and may be received through the user's exhalation, voice input, button input, or touch input. The user's exhalation may be detected through a pressure sensor or flow sensor included in the puff sensor (132). The user's button input or touch input may be received through the input unit (15). In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the heater to be supplied with lower power in the second mode compared to the first mode. A specific description of the power supplied to the heater in the first and second modes will be described later with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0143] In the first embodiment, at step 420, the control unit (12) generates a second control signal in response to the second input of the user, and the timer (121) can receive the second control signal and temporarily stop counting the operating time of the aerosol generating device.

[0144] In the second embodiment, the timer (121) can be turned on by receiving a second control signal. By being turned on by receiving the second control signal, the timer (121) can count the time for which the aerosol generating device operates in the second mode.

[0145] The control unit (12) detects the user's first input in step 430, generates a first control signal, and operates the aerosol generating device in the first mode again.

[0146] In the first embodiment, the timer (121) can be restarted by receiving the first control signal at step 430. That is, the timer (121) can be restarted by receiving the first control signal, thereby releasing the pause state and counting the operating time of the aerosol generating device again.

[0147] In the first embodiment, the control unit (12) cuts off the power supplied to the heater to stop the heating operation of the aerosol generating device when the operation time (TC) of the aerosol generating device (1) counted by the timer (121) exceeds the first time, which is the operation time of the aerosol generating device (1) stored in the memory (17). In the first embodiment, the timer (121) temporarily stops counting the operation time of the aerosol generating device while the aerosol generating device (1) is operating in the second mode, and as a result, the operation time of the aerosol generating device is extended by the time the aerosol generating device is operated in the second mode.

[0148] In the second embodiment, the timer (121) can be turned off upon receiving the first control signal. By being turned off upon receiving the first control signal, the timer (121) can selectively count the time during which the aerosol generating device operates in the second mode.

[0149] The control unit (12) can extend the operating time of the aerosol generating device (1) by the accumulated time for which the aerosol generating device was operated in the second mode in step 440. In the second embodiment, the timer (121) is turned on by receiving the second control signal and turned off by receiving the first control signal, so the timer (121) can accumulate and count the time for which the aerosol generating device was operated in the second mode. The control unit (12) can extend the operating time of the aerosol generating device (1) by the second time for which the timer (121) was operated in the turned-on state.

[0150] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may extend the operating time of the aerosol generating device (1) by only 120 seconds, not the second time, if the second time exceeds 120 seconds. If the operating time of the aerosol generating device (1) is extended beyond 120 seconds, a problem may occur in which the heater (18, or 24) is overheated or carbonized.

[0151] As described above, the aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can switch the aerosol generating device (1) to the second mode through a second input of the user (input / exhalation through the input unit) in a situation where the user can temporarily stop smoking (e.g., a phone call, a brief greeting / meeting with a non-smoker while smoking).

[0152] The aerosol generating device (1) according to the first embodiment counts the operating time of the aerosol generating device (1) excluding the time it is operated in the second mode, thereby ensuring sufficient smoking time and improving the user's smoking satisfaction.

[0153] Likewise, the aerosol generating device (1) according to the second embodiment counts the time for which it is operated in the second mode, and extends the operating time of the aerosol generating device (1) by the cumulative time for which it is operated in the second mode to the preset operating time of the aerosol generating device (1), thereby ensuring sufficient smoking time and improving the user's smoking satisfaction.

[0154] Hereinafter, a method for controlling power supplied to a heater in an extended operating period will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0155] Figures 5 and 6 are examples of temperature profiles of a heater according to one embodiment.

[0156] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, when a signal requesting activation of the heater (18, or 24) is generated, the control unit (12) supplies power to the heater (18, or 24) to initiate a heating operation of the heater (18, or 24). For example, the signal requesting activation of the heater (18, or 24) may be, but is not limited to, an input signal by a user, a signal indicating insertion (fastening) of a stick or cartridge, etc. In one embodiment, the heating operation of the heater (18, or 24) includes predetermined operations corresponding to each of a plurality of sections divided by time.

[0157] For example, the heating operation of the heater (18, or 24) may include a first heating operation, a second heating operation, and a third heating operation. The first heating operation may be a heating operation that prepares the user to start a puff by reaching a target temperature in a relatively short period of time from the time when power supply to the heater (18, or 24) is initiated. The second heating operation may be a heating operation that maintains at least one preset temperature for a first preset period of time so that an appropriate amount of aerosol can be generated according to the user's puff. The third heating operation may be a heating operation that maintains at least one preset temperature for a second period of time after the first period of time so that an aerosol can be generated.

[0158] The first preset time refers to a predetermined time for proper use of a smoking article (e.g., a stick, a cartridge) containing an aerosol generating substance. The first time may be stored in the memory (17).

[0159] The second time refers to the total time that the aerosol generating device has been operated in the second mode. A timer (121) according to one embodiment can count the total time that the aerosol generating device has been operated in the second mode.

[0160] When the heating operation of the heater (18, or 24) is initiated, the control unit (12) controls the heating operation of the heater (18, or 24) according to a pre-stored temperature profile. The temperature profile may refer to a temperature change of the heater (18, or 24) over time.

[0161] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, in the first section (510), the control unit (12) can control the heater (18, or 24) so ​​that the temperature of the heater (18, or 24) rises from the ambient temperature to the first temperature (T1). The first temperature (T1) at the first time point (a) is a temperature suitable for vaporizing an aerosol generating material, and may vary depending on the smoking environment (e.g., temperature, pressure, humidity, the user's smoking pattern, air composition, etc.) within a preset allowable temperature range. The heating operation of the heater (18, or 24) in the first section (510) may correspond to the first heating operation described above.

[0162] In the second section (520), the control unit (12) can control the heater (18, or 24) so ​​that the temperature of the heater (18, or 24) decreases from the first temperature (T1) to the second temperature (T2). The second temperature (T2) also falls within the allowable temperature range and may be lower than the first temperature (T1). The second temperature (T2) may be maintained until a preset second time point (b). The second time point (b) is the first time point (a) plus the first time. The heating operation of the heater (18, or 24) in the second section (520) may correspond to the second heating operation described above.

[0163] The control unit (12) can set the target temperature of the heater (18, or 24) for the third section (530) to be the same as the target temperature of the second time point (b), which is the time point at which the first time point ends. In other words, the control unit (12) can control the heater (18, or 24) in the third section (530) so that the temperature of the heater (18, or 24) is maintained at the second temperature (T2) at the second time point (b). The heating operation of the heater (18, or 24) in the third section (530) can correspond to the third heating operation described above and can continue until the third time point (c). The third time point (c) is the second time point (b) plus the second time point. The length of the third section (530) is the second time point, which is the time during which the aerosol generating device (1) is operated in the second mode.

[0164] As the temperature of the heater (18, or 24) in the third section (530) is maintained at the same temperature as the temperature (T2) in the second time point (b), the amount of vaporization, smoking sensation, etc. in the second section (520) can be maintained.

[0165] The control unit (12) can terminate the heating operation of the heater (18, or 24) after the third time point (c).

[0166] The target temperature of the heater (18, or 24) in the third section (530, 630) is different from that in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.

[0167] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the control unit (12) can set the target temperature of the heater (18, or 24) for the third section (630) to be lower than the target temperature of the second time point (b), which is the time point at which the first time point ends. Specifically, the control unit (12) can control the heater (18, or 24) in the third section (630) so that the temperature of the heater (18, or 24) is maintained at a third temperature (T3) lower than the temperature (T2) at the second time point (b). The heating operation of the heater (18, or 24) in the third section (630) can correspond to the third heating operation described above and can continue until the third time point (c). For example, the third time point (c) is the time at which the aerosol generating device (1) is operated in the second mode.

[0168] The control unit (12) can control the heater (18, or 24) so ​​that the temperature of the heater (18, or 24) is maintained at a temperature lower than the second temperature (T2) at the second time point (b) in the third section (630). The third temperature (T3) can be set lower as the time for which the aerosol generating device (1) is operated in the second mode increases. However, the third temperature (T3) can be set within a preset allowable temperature range. Here, the allowable temperature range is a temperature suitable for vaporizing an aerosol generating material, and can be set as a temperature range that provides a certain level of atomization amount and smoking sensation while preventing carbonization.

[0169] As the temperature of the heater (18, or 24) in the third section (630) is maintained at a temperature lower than the temperature (T2) at the second time point (b), overheating and carbonization of the heater (18, or 24) due to depletion of the aerosol generating material can be prevented, and a decrease in the smoking sensation can be suppressed.

[0170] The control unit (12) can terminate the heating operation of the heater (18, or 24) after the third time point (c).

[0171] According to some embodiments, each section (510, 520, 530, 610, 620, 630) of FIGS. 5 to 6 may be further subdivided into a plurality of sections, and the control unit (12) may control the heating operation of the heater (18, or 24) so ​​that the temperature of the heater (18, or 24) is maintained at a preset temperature corresponding to each of the plurality of sections. In some embodiments, the preset temperature corresponding to each of the plurality of sections included in each section (510, 520, 530, 610, 620, 630) may be set to gradually increase or decrease over time, to gradually increase and then decrease, to gradually decrease and then increase, or to repeatedly repeat a combination thereof.

[0172] For example, in the third section (530, 630), the control unit (12) can maintain the temperature of the heater (18, or 24) at the temperature (T2) at the second time point (b) for a predetermined period of time, and then maintain the temperature (e.g., T3) lower than the temperature (T2) after the predetermined period of time. Here, the predetermined period of time can be selected by the control unit (12) based on the smoking environment (e.g., temperature, pressure, humidity, user's smoking pattern, air composition, etc.) acquired through the sensor (13) or memory (17).

[0173] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the power profile and temperature profile for the first heater (18) and the second heater (24) will be described.

[0174] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating examples of power profiles and temperature profiles for a first heater in multiple modes according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating examples of power profiles and temperature profiles for a second heater in multiple modes according to one embodiment.

[0175] As described above, the first heater (18) heats the stick (S) inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), and the second heater (24) heats the liquid composition stored in the cartridge (19) detachable from the aerosol generating device (1). In FIGS. 7 and 8, the first graph (71, 81) represents the temperature profile of the heater (18, or 24), and the second graph (72, 82) represents the power profile supplied to the heater (18, or 24). The first section (710, 810) is a section operating in the first mode. The second section (720, 820) is a section operating in the second mode.

[0176] First, the power supplied to the first heater (18) and the temperature profile of the first heater (18) will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. It is preferable that the control unit (12) set the target temperature of the first heater (18) to be the same in the first mode (710) and the second mode (720). That is, as shown in FIG. 7, it is preferable that the first heater (18) is heated to the first temperature (T71) in both the first mode (710) and the second mode (720). This is because, if the temperature of the first heater (18) that heats the stick (S) differs in the first mode (710) and the second mode (720), a deviation in the taste of the aerosol generated from the stick (S) may occur.

[0177] To this end, it is preferable that the control unit (12) control the power level supplied to the first heater (18) in the second mode (720) to gradually decrease over time. For example, as shown in the second graph (72) of Fig. 7, the power supplied to the first heater (18) in the first section (721) of the second mode (720) supplies the first power (W71), the power supplied to the first heater (18) in the second section (722) supplies the second power (W72) lower than the first power (W71), and the power supplied to the first heater (18) in the third section (723) supplies the third power (W73) lower than the second power (W72).

[0178] As described above, in a situation where the user can temporarily stop smoking, the aerosol generating device (1) can be switched to the second mode (720) through the user's second input (input / exhalation).

[0179] Meanwhile, in the first mode (710), the temperature of the first heater (18) may be cooled due to the user's puff. On the other hand, in the second mode (720), since the user's puff is temporarily stopped, cooling of the first heater (18) due to the user's puff cannot be expected. Therefore, if a fixed power is supplied to the first heater (18) in the second mode (720), the temperature of the first heater (18) may continuously rise. This may cause the stick (S) to overheat and carbonization, so it is preferable that the power level supplied to the first heater (18) in the second mode (720) is controlled not to be a fixed value, but to gradually decrease over time.

[0180] Next, the power supplied to the second heater (24) and the temperature profile of the second heater (24) will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. It is preferable that the control unit (12) set the target temperature of the second heater (24) in the second mode (820) to be lower than the target temperature of the second heater (24) in the first mode (810). That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the second heater (24) is preferably heated to a temperature lower than the first temperature (T81), which is the target temperature in the first mode (810), in the second mode (820). The liquid composition stored in the cartridge (19) is atomized at a temperature exceeding the second temperature (T82), and is not atomized at a temperature lower than the second temperature (T82). If the temperature of the second heater (24) is maintained at a first temperature (T81) higher than the second temperature (T82), unnecessary atomization may occur in the second mode (820) where smoking is not expected. Therefore, in order to prevent unnecessary atomization from occurring in the second mode (820), it is necessary to maintain the temperature of the second heater (24) at a third temperature (T83) lower than the second temperature (T82).

[0181] To this end, it is preferable that the control unit (12) control the power level supplied to the second heater (24) in the second mode (820) to be lower than the power level supplied to the second heater (24) in the first mode (810). For example, as shown in the second graph (82) of Fig. 8, it is preferable that the power supplied to the second heater (24) in the first mode (810) supplies the first power (W81), and the power supplied to the second heater (24) in the second mode (820) supplies the second power (W82) lower than the first power (W81).

[0182] FIGS. 9A to 9B are drawings for reference in explaining the operation of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0183] Referring to FIGS. 9a and 9b, the aerosol generating device (1) can output an operation mode through an output unit. For example, FIG. 9a outputs the first mode, and FIG. 9b outputs the second mode.

[0184] The aerosol generating device (1) can output a user interface screen indicating an operation mode through the display (141). At this time, the user interface screen output through the display (141) can include at least one indicator indicating a plurality of modes. For example, the aerosol generating device (1) can output a user interface screen including an indicator indicating a mode currently set as an operation mode through the display (141) based on the execution of a function for setting an operation mode.

[0185] According to one embodiment, an indicator included in a user interface screen can be output to distinguish between the first mode and the second mode.

[0186] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) can set an operation mode based on a user input received through the input unit (15). For example, when a first input of pressing the input unit (15) once for less than a predetermined time is received, the aerosol generating device (1) can change an indicator included in a user interface screen output through the display (141). For example, when a second input of pressing the input unit (15) for more than a predetermined time is received, the aerosol generating device (1) can set a mode corresponding to an indicator included in a user interface screen output through the display (141) as the operation mode.

[0187] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) can set an operating mode based on a user input received via a sensor (13). For example, the aerosol generating device can set an operating mode by distinguishing between the user's exhalation and inhalation via the sensor (13). The aerosol generating device (1) can determine the user's inhalation as a first input and the user's exhalation as a second input.

[0188] As described above, the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can control the heating of the heater by considering a pause time in addition to a preset operation time for the aerosol generating device, thereby ensuring sufficient smoking time and improving the user's smoking satisfaction.

Claims

1. In the aerosol generating device, At least one heater for heating the aerosol generating material; A memory storing at least one temperature profile and an operating time of the aerosol generating device; A timer that is turned on when receiving a second control signal and turned off when receiving a first control signal; and A control unit that controls the power supplied to the heater based on the operation time; The above operation time is stored as the first time, The control unit operates the aerosol generating device by adding a second time during which the timer is turned on to the first time. Aerosol generating device.

2. In paragraph 1, The control unit sets the target temperature of the heater for the section to which the second time has been added to be the same as the target temperature of the heater at the time when the first time has ended. Aerosol generating device.

3. In paragraph 1, The control unit sets the target temperature of the heater for the section to which the second time has been added to be lower than the target temperature of the heater at the time when the first time has ended. Aerosol generating device.

4. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a puff sensor for detecting the user's puff; The above control unit cuts off the power supplied to the heater when the total number of puffs of the user exceeds the preset number of puffs. Aerosol generating device.

5. In paragraph 1, Further comprising an input unit for receiving information input from a user; The control unit generates the first control signal in response to the user's first input, or generates the second control signal in response to the user's second input. Aerosol generating device.

6. In paragraph 1, further comprising a sensor for detecting physical changes in the airflow path; The above control unit generates the first control signal in response to the first sensing signal output by the sensor. Aerosol generating device.

7. In paragraph 1, further comprising a sensor for detecting physical changes in the airflow path; The above control unit generates the second control signal in response to the second sensing signal output by the sensor. Aerosol generating device.

8. In paragraph 1, Further comprising an output section for outputting information on the status of the aerosol generating device; The above control unit Operating the aerosol generating device in the first mode based on the first control signal, Based on the second control signal, the aerosol generating device is operated in the second mode, Controlling the output unit to output information on the status of the aerosol generating device, Aerosol generating device.

9. In paragraph 8, The above output section Providing information to the user about the status of the aerosol generating device through at least one of visual, auditory, or tactile senses; Aerosol generating device.

10. In paragraph 8, The above heater A first heater for heating a stick inserted into a first part of the aerosol generating device; and A second heater for heating a liquid composition stored in a cartridge detachable from a second part of the aerosol generating device; Aerosol generating device.

11. In paragraph 10, An aerosol generating device, wherein the control unit controls the power supplied to the first heater so that the power level supplied to the first heater in the second mode gradually decreases over time.

12. In paragraph 10, An aerosol generating device, wherein the control unit controls the power supplied to the second heater so that the power level supplied to the second heater in the second mode is lower than the power level supplied to the second heater in the first mode.

13. In paragraph 12, The power level supplied to the second heater in the second mode corresponds to the lowest temperature of the second heater for generating an aerosol through the liquid composition. Aerosol generating device.

14. In the aerosol generating device, At least one heater for heating the aerosol generating material; A memory storing at least one temperature profile and an operating time of the aerosol generating device; a timer for counting the operating time of the aerosol generating device; and A control unit for controlling power supplied to the heater; The above control unit Generate a second control signal that pauses the timer, and a first control signal that restarts the timer, When the above operation time elapses, the power supplied to the heater is cut off. Aerosol generating device.

15. In paragraph 14, An input unit that receives information entered by a user; and further comprising a sensor for detecting physical changes in the airflow path; The above control unit Generating the first control signal in response to the first sensing signal output by the sensor, or generating the first control signal in response to the first input of the user, Generating the second control signal in response to the second sensing signal output by the sensor, or generating the second control signal in response to the second input of the user, The first sensing signal and the second sensing signal have opposite polarities. Aerosol generating device.

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