Aerosol-generating device and control method therefor

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device, according to an embodiment, comprises: at least one heater for heating an aerosol-generating material; a power source for supplying power to the at least one heater; a load switch comprising a first terminal electrically connected to the power source, a second terminal electrically connected to the at least one heater, and a third terminal for receiving an enable signal for turning on / off the electrical connection of the first terminal and the second terminal; a control unit for controlling power supplied to the heater; and a protection circuit which monitors an electrical signal of the load switch and outputs the enable signal to the third terminal.

Description

Aerosol generating device and control method thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and a method for controlling the same.

[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] Aerosol generating devices use a heater to heat the aerosol-generating substance. A malfunctioning heater can reduce the user's smoking experience and even damage the device.

[0004] Accordingly, a heater-equipped aerosol generating device requires a technology to prevent malfunction of the heater.

[0005] The technical tasks to be achieved by this embodiment are not limited to the technical tasks described above, and other technical tasks can be inferred from the following embodiments.

[0006] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment comprises: at least one heater for heating an aerosol generating material; a power source for supplying power to the at least one heater; a load switch including a first terminal electrically connected to the power source, a second terminal electrically connected to the at least one heater, and a third terminal for receiving an enable signal for turning on / off electrical connection of the first terminal and the second terminal; a control unit for controlling power supplied to the heater; and a protection circuit for monitoring an electrical signal of the load switch and outputting an enable signal to the third terminal.

[0007] A method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a first step of monitoring an electric signal of a load switch that transmits power supplied from a power source to a heater; and a second step of preventing abnormal operation of the load switch.

[0008] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment can prevent malfunction of a heater.

[0009] Figures 1 to 3 illustrate aerosol generating devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the body, cartridge, and cap of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 7 is a drawing illustrating a stick according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 9 is a block diagram for explaining the operation of a protection circuit according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0017] 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, terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, 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 based on their meaning and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply their names.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette accommodated in an internal space.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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 cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0023] The cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be made of a sheet, a strand, or a tobacco sheet cut into small pieces. 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may heat a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol may be delivered to a user through a cigarette. 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 cigarette and be delivered to the user.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further comprise a cradle.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0041] Figures 1 to 3 illustrate aerosol generating devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor (13), and a heater (18). 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.

[0043] The heater (18) can heat the stick (S). The heater (18) can extend upwardly in the space where the stick (S) is inserted. For example, the heater (18) can include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element. The heater (18) can be inserted into the lower part of the stick (S). The heater (18) can include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0044] For example, the heater (18) includes an electrically conductive track, and the heater (18) can be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heater (18) can be electrically connected to a power source (11). The heater (18) can be directly heated by receiving current from the power source (11).

[0045] For example, the heater (18) may be a multi-heater. The heater (18) may include a first heater (18A) and a second heater (18B). The first and second heaters (18A, 18B) may be arranged side by side along the length direction. The first and second heaters (18A, 18B) may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the 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) is inserted into the inside of the body (10), and the upper end of the stick (S) can protrude outside the body (10). The user can inhale air by putting the upper end of the stick (S) exposed to the outside in his / her mouth.

[0047] 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.

[0048] For example, the aerosol generator (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).

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] The cartridge (19) may be formed integrally with the body (10) or may be detachably coupled to the body (10).

[0052] For example, referring to FIG. 2, the cartridge (19) is formed integrally with the body (10) and can communicate with the insertion space through an airflow channel (CN).

[0053] For example, referring to FIG. 3, 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 channel (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 channel (CN).

[0054] 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.

[0055] The cartridge (19) may include a storage portion (C0) containing an aerosol generating material and / or a cartridge 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. The heater (24) may be referred to as 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 generator (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 generator (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]

[0060] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 5 is a combined perspective view of a body, a cartridge, and a cap of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 4, an aerosol generating device (A100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a body (A3). The aerosol generating device (A100) may include a cap (A30). The aerosol generating device (A100) may include a cartridge (A40). The cartridge (A40) may be detachably coupled to one side of the body (A3). The cap (A30) may be detachably coupled to the body (A3) to cover the cartridge (A40). The stick (S) may be inserted into the body (A3) by penetrating the cap (A30).

[0062] Referring to FIG. 5, the body (A3) may include a lower body (A1) and an upper body (A2). Components of the aerosol generating device (A100), such as a battery and a control unit, may be installed inside the lower body (A1). The upper body (A2) may be coupled to the upper side of the lower body (A1).

[0063] The upper body (A2) may include a column (A10) and a mounting portion (A20). The column (A10) may extend vertically. The column (A10) may have an outer wall (A11), an inner wall (A12), and an upper wall (A13).

[0064] The mounting portion (A20) may protrude from the lower portion of the inner wall (A12) of the column (A10). The mounting portion (A20) may face the upper side. The cartridge area (A24) may be formed between the inner wall (A12) of the column (A10) and the mounting portion (A20). The cartridge area (A24) may be located on one side of the inner wall (A12) of the column (A10) and may be located on the upper side of the mounting portion (A20).

[0065] The column (A10) may have an insertion space (A142). The insertion space (A142) may extend vertically within the column (A10) and may be opened upward so that the upper wall (A13) is open.

[0066] The body inlet (A141) may be formed on one side of the column (A10). The body inlet (A141) may be formed by opening the inner wall (A12). The body inlet (A141) may be opened to the outside of the column (A10). The body inlet (A141) may be in communication with the insertion space (A142). The body inlet (A141) may be arranged to face the cartridge area (A24). The body inlet (A141) may be in communication with the cartridge area (A24).

[0067] The cartridge (A40) can be detachably coupled to the upper body (A2) in the cartridge area (A24). The cartridge (A40) is coupled to the inner wall (A12) of the column (A10) and can be supported on the bottom by being seated on the seating portion (A20). The cartridge (A40) can have a first container (A41) and a second container (A42). The first container (A41) can be arranged above the second container (A42). The first container (A41) can store a liquid.

[0068] The cap (A30) covers the upper body (A2) and can be detachably coupled to the body (A3). The cap (A30) can cover the upper body (A2) and the cartridge (A40) coupled to the upper body (A2). The cap (A30) can have a space formed therein into which the upper body (A2) and the cartridge (A40) are inserted. The space inside the cap (A30) can be opened downward. The side wall (A31) of the cap (A30) can surround a side of the space inside the cap (A30). The upper wall (A33) of the cap (A30) can cover an upper portion of the space inside the cap (A30). The insertion port (A34) can be formed by opening the upper wall (A33). When the cap (A30) is coupled to the body (A3), the insertion opening (A34) can be connected to the insertion space (A142) from the upper side of the insertion space (A142). The cover (A35) can be movably installed on the upper wall (A33). The cover (A35) can slide on the upper wall (A33). The cover (A35) can open and close the insertion opening (A34).

[0069] Referring to FIG. 6, a first chamber (C1) may be formed inside a first container (A41). Liquid may be stored in the first chamber (AC1). A second chamber (AC2) may be formed inside a second container (A42).

[0070] The cartridge inlet (A441) may be formed by opening the cartridge (A40). The cartridge outlet (A442) may be formed by opening the cartridge (A40). The cartridge path (A443) may connect the cartridge inlet (A441) and the second chamber (AC2). The cartridge outlet (A442) may be in communication with the second chamber (AC2).

[0071] The cartridge discharge port (A442) may be formed by opening one side of the second container (A42). The discharge port (A422) may surround the cartridge discharge port (A442). The discharge port (A422) may protrude from one side of the second container (A42). When the cartridge (A40) is coupled to the upper body (A2), the discharge port (A422) is inserted into the body inlet (A141), and the cartridge discharge port (A442) and the body inlet (A141) may be connected.

[0072] The wick (A45) may be installed in the second chamber (AC2). The wick (A45) may be connected to the first chamber (AC1). The wick (A45) may receive liquid from the first chamber (AC1). The heater (A46) may be heated to heat the wick (A45). The heater (A46) may be placed in the second chamber (AC2). The heater (A46) may wind the wick (A45). When the heater (A46) heats the wick (A45), an aerosol may be generated around the wick (A45) in the second chamber (AC2).

[0073] The heater terminal (A47) may be exposed to the lower portion of the cartridge (A40). The heater terminal (A47) may be formed at the bottom of the second container (A42). The heater terminal (A47) may be electrically connected to the heater (A46). When the cartridge (A40) is coupled to the upper body (A2), the heater terminal (A47) may be brought into contact with the first pin (A50) and electrically connected thereto.

[0074] The first pin (A50) may protrude outside the mounting portion (A20). The first pin (A50) may receive power from a battery installed inside the lower body (A1) via a connector (A97) and provide it to the heater terminal (A47) and the heater (A46). The heater (A46) may receive power and generate heat.

[0075] Air outside the cartridge (A40) can be introduced into the cartridge (A40) through the cartridge inlet (A441). The air can sequentially flow through the cartridge inlet (A441), the cartridge passage (A443), the second chamber (AC2), and the cartridge outlet (A442). The air inside the cartridge (A40) can be discharged to the outside of the cartridge (A40) through the cartridge outlet (A442). The air introduced into the inside of the cartridge (A40) can be discharged to the outside of the cartridge (A40) through the cartridge outlet (A442) along with the aerosol generated in the second chamber (AC2).

[0076] The first pin (A50) is arranged on the inside of the body (A3), but may protrude outward from the body (A3). The body (A3) may include a mounting portion (A20).

[0077] The mounting portion (A20) may have an outer recessed groove (A25). The outer recessed groove (A25) may be formed by the upper surface (A21) of the mounting portion (A20) being recessed downward. The outer recessed groove (A25) may be located on the lower side of the cartridge area (A24). The upper surface (A21) of the mounting portion (A20) may be referred to as the outer surface of the body (A3). The outer recessed groove (A25) may be formed on the outer surface of the body (A3).

[0078] The lower part of the outer recessed groove (A25) may be covered with a bottom part (A251), and the side part may be covered with a peripheral part (A252). The upper part of the outer recessed groove (A25) may be open. One side of the outer recessed groove (A25) may be open without being covered with the peripheral part (A252). When the x direction indicated in the coordinate system is defined as the front, the front of the outer recessed groove (A25) may be open. The upper part of the first pin (A50) may be convexly protruded or exposed upward from the bottom part (A251) of the outer recessed groove (A25) toward the outer recessed groove (A25).

[0079] The bottom of the cartridge (A40) may have a shape corresponding to the mounting portion (A20) and the outer recessed groove (A25). When the cartridge (A40) is coupled to the upper body (A2), the bottom of the cartridge (A40) is mounted on the mounting portion (A20), and the first pin (A50) and the heater terminal (A47) may be electrically connected to each other.

[0080] The guide portion (A253) may be provided in multiple forms. The guide portion (A253) may extend from the front to the rear. The guide portion (A253) may be formed to be inclined so that it gradually increases in height from the front to the rear. Each of the plurality of guide portions (A253) may be positioned in front of each of the plurality of first fins (A50). The height of the rear end of the guide portion (A253) adjacent to the first fin (A50) may be equal to or similar to the height of the first fin (A50).

[0081] Accordingly, when the cartridge (A40) is coupled to the upper body (A2), the guide portion (A253) can guide the placement of the cartridge (A40) so that the first pin (A50) and the heater terminal (A47) come into contact.

[0082] Figure 7 is a drawing illustrating a stick according to one embodiment.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 7, the stick (S) includes a tobacco rod (S21) and a filter rod (S22).

[0084] Although the filter rod (S22) is illustrated as a single segment in FIG. 7, this is not limiting. In other words, the filter rod (S22) may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod (S22) may include a segment for cooling the aerosol and a segment for filtering a predetermined component contained within the aerosol. In addition, the filter rod (S22) may further include at least one segment that performs another function, as needed.

[0085] The diameter of the stick (SS) may be within the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and the length may be about 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod (S21) may be about 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod (S22) may be about 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod (S22) may be about 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod (S22) may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0086] The stick (S) may be wrapped by at least one wrapper (S24). The wrapper (S24) may have at least one hole formed therein through which outside air is introduced or internal gas is discharged. As an example, the stick (S) may be wrapped by one wrapper (S24). As another example, the stick (S) may be wrapped by two or more wrappers (S24) in an overlapping manner. For example, the tobacco rod (S21) may be wrapped by a first wrapper (S241), and the filter rod (S22) may be wrapped by wrappers (S242, S243, S244). In addition, the entire stick (S) may be re-wrapped by a single wrapper (S245). If the filter rod (S22) is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped by wrappers (S242, S243, S244).

[0087] The first wrapper (S241) and the second wrapper (S242) may be manufactured from general filter paper. For example, the first wrapper (S241) and the second wrapper (S242) may be porous paper or non-porous paper. Additionally, the first wrapper (S241) and the second wrapper (S242) may be manufactured from oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum composite packaging material.

[0088] The third wrapper (S243) may be manufactured from hard paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper (S243) may be within the range of 88 g / m2 to 96 g / m2, and preferably within the range of 90 g / m2 to 94 g / m2. In addition, the thickness of the third wrapper (S243) may be within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably 125 μm.

[0089] The fourth wrapper (S244) may be manufactured from a hard, oil-resistant paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper (S244) may be within the range of 88 g / m2 to 96 g / m2, and preferably within the range of 90 g / m2 to 94 g / m2. In addition, the thickness of the fourth wrapper (S244) may be within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably 125 μm.

[0090] The fifth wrapper (S245) may be manufactured from sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) refers to paper specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper (S245) may be within the range of 57 g / m2 to 63 g / m2, and preferably 60 g / m2. In addition, the thickness of the fifth wrapper (S245) may be within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0091] The fifth wrapper (S245) may be coated with a predetermined material. Examples of the predetermined material include, but are not limited to, silicone. For example, silicone has properties such as heat resistance with minimal temperature fluctuations, oxidation resistance without oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicone, any material having the aforementioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper (S245) without limitation.

[0092] The fifth wrapper (S245) can prevent the stick (S) from burning. For example, if the tobacco rod (S210) is heated by the heater (18), there is a possibility that the stick (S) will burn. Specifically, if the temperature rises above the ignition point of any of the materials contained in the tobacco rod (S310), the stick (S) may burn. Even in this case, since the fifth wrapper (S245) includes a non-combustible material, the phenomenon of the stick (S) burning can be prevented.

[0093] In addition, the fifth wrapper (S245) can prevent the holder (not shown) from being contaminated by substances generated from the stick (S). Liquid substances may be generated within the stick (S) by the user's puff. For example, liquid substances (e.g., moisture, etc.) may be generated by cooling the aerosol generated from the stick (S) by external air. As the fifth wrapper (S245) wraps the stick (S), liquid substances generated within the stick (S) can be prevented from leaking out of the stick (S).

[0094] The tobacco rod (S21) includes an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. Furthermore, the tobacco rod (S21) may contain other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. Furthermore, a flavoring agent, such as menthol or a humectant, may be added to the tobacco rod (S21) by spraying the tobacco rod (S21).

[0095] The tobacco rod (S21) can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod (S21) can be manufactured as a sheet or a strand. Furthermore, the tobacco rod (S21) can be manufactured as a cut tobacco sheet. Furthermore, the tobacco rod (S21) can be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod (S21) can evenly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod (S21), thereby improving the heat conductivity applied to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the taste of the tobacco. Furthermore, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod (S21) can function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. Although not illustrated in the drawing, the tobacco rod (S21) may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat-conducting material surrounding the exterior.

[0096] The filter rod (S22) may be a cellulose acetate filter. Meanwhile, there is no limitation on the shape of the filter rod (S22). For example, the filter rod (S22) may be a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod having a hollow portion therein. In addition, the filter rod (S22) may be a recessed rod. If the filter rod (S22) is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0097] The first segment of the filter rod (S22) may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure including a hollow space therein. When the heater (18) is inserted through the first segment, the internal material of the tobacco rod (S210) may be prevented from being pushed back, and a cooling effect of the aerosol may also be generated. The diameter of the hollow space included in the first segment may be an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0098] The length of the first segment may be any length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0099] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by adjusting the content of the plasticizer during the manufacturing of the first segment. In addition, the first segment can be manufactured by inserting a structure, such as a film or tube, of the same or different material into the interior (e.g., hollow).

[0100] The second segment of the filter rod (S22) cools the aerosol generated by the heater (18) heating the tobacco rod (S21). Accordingly, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0101] The length or diameter of the second segment can be determined in various ways depending on the shape of the stick (S). For example, the length of the second segment can be appropriately adopted within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment can be approximately 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0102] The second segment can be manufactured by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, a flavoring agent may be applied to the polymer fibers. Alternatively, the second segment can be manufactured by weaving together a separate fiber coated with a flavoring agent and a polymer fiber. Alternatively, the second segment can be formed by a crimped polymer sheet.

[0103] For example, the polymer may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[0104] As the second segment is formed by a woven polymer fiber or a crimped polymer sheet, the second segment may include one or more longitudinally extending channels. Here, a channel means a passage through which a gas (e.g., air or an aerosol) passes.

[0105] For example, the second segment, which is formed of a compressed polymer sheet, may be formed from a material having a thickness of between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, for example between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. Furthermore, the total surface area of ​​the second segment may be between about 300 mm2 / mm and about 1000 mm2 / mm. Furthermore, the aerosol-cooling element may be formed from a material having a specific surface area of ​​between about 10 mm2 / mg and about 100 mm2 / mg.

[0106] Meanwhile, the second segment may include a thread containing a volatile flavoring component. Here, the volatile flavoring component may be menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thread may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide the second segment with at least 1.5 mg of menthol.

[0107] The third segment of the filter rod (S22) may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be suitably selected within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be approximately 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0108] During the manufacturing process of the third segment, the third segment may be manufactured to generate a flavor by spraying a flavoring agent onto the third segment. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with a flavoring agent may be inserted into the interior of the third segment. The aerosol generated from the tobacco rod (S21) is cooled as it passes through the second segment of the filter rod (S22), and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user through the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring agent is added to the third segment, the effect of enhancing the persistence of the flavor delivered to the user can be produced.

[0109] Additionally, the filter rod (S22) may include at least one capsule (S23). Here, the capsule (S23) may perform a function of generating a flavor or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule (S23) may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is encapsulated in a film. The capsule (S23) may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0110] Figure 8 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] The aerosol generator (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), a protection circuit (30), and a load switch (31). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator (1) is not limited to that shown in Fig. 8. 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. 8 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generator (1).

[0112] The sensor (13) can detect the status of the aerosol generator (1) or the status around the aerosol generator (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (12). Based on the detected information, the control unit (12) can control the aerosol generator (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.

[0113] 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).

[0114] The temperature sensor (131) can detect the temperature at which the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) is heated. The aerosol generator (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 a temperature sensor.

[0115] 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).

[0116] 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.

[0117] A temperature sensor (131) is placed inside the body (10) and can detect the internal temperature of the body (10).

[0118] The puff sensor (132) can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor (926) can detect the user's puff based on any one of temperature change, flow change, voltage change, and pressure change. The puff sensor (132) can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor (132) can be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor (132) can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1) can correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor (132) can be arranged in correspondence with the airflow path through which the gas flows in the aerosol generating device (1).

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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).

[0123] 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 configuration with the proximity sensor, or may be implemented as a separate configuration distinct from the proximity sensor.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] The output unit (14) can output information on the status of the aerosol generator (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.

[0130] The display (141) can visually provide information about the aerosol generator (1) to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generator (1) may refer to various information such as the charging / discharging status of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generator (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 generator (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.

[0131] The haptic unit (142) can provide tactile information about the aerosol generator (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 the 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.

[0132] The acoustic output unit (143) can provide information about the aerosol generator (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.

[0133] The power source (11) can supply power used to operate the aerosol generator (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 generator (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.

[0134] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generator (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to a power source (11) and include a switching element.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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. 1, 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.

[0137] 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. 1, 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. 1, 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). By the low pass filter, high frequency noise components may be prevented from being applied to a sensor (13), such as an insertion detection sensor (133).

[0138] 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.

[0139] In another embodiment, the heater (18) may be an induction heating 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] Meanwhile, the input unit (15) may include, but is not limited to, buttons, key pads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0143] The memory (17) is hardware that stores various data processed in the aerosol generator (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 generator (1), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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.

[0147] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generator (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.

[0148] The control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator (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 to which the present embodiment pertains that the processor may be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0149] 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).

[0150] The aerosol generator (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.

[0151] 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.

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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 through a buck-boost converter, a zener diode, etc. Details regarding the power supplied from the power source (11) to the heater (18, 24) will be described later with reference to FIG. 9.

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] 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.

[0157] For example, the control unit (12) can determine the target temperature that is the target of control based on the 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 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. A more specific description of the control unit (12) controlling the power supplied to the heaters (18, 24) will be described later with reference to FIG. 9.

[0158] 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).

[0159] 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).

[0160] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generator (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 standard 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).

[0161] When the power of the aerosol generator (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).

[0162] 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).

[0163] 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).

[0164] 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).

[0165] 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.

[0166] 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.

[0167] 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).

[0168] 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.

[0169] 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).

[0170] 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 cartridge heater (24) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater (24) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power.

[0171] 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).

[0172] 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.

[0173] 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 generator (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).

[0174] 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), power on / off of the aerosol generator (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 generator (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.

[0175] 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 generator (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 generator (1) from an external server. The external device can transmit data indicating completion of user authentication to the aerosol generator (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 generator (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.

[0176] The control unit (12) can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generator (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 of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generator (1), the operation mode, etc. through the display of the external device.

[0177] An external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol generator (1) based on an input that initiates location search of the aerosol generator (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.

[0178] 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 generator (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 generator (1). The control unit (12) can control to perform a firmware update of the aerosol generator (1) upon receiving a new version of the firmware data.

[0179] 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.

[0180] The load switch (31) can receive power from the power source (11) and supply it to the heaters (18, 24). The protection circuit (30) can monitor the electric signal of the load switch (31) and control the load switch (31) based on the monitoring result. The protection circuit (30) can receive a control signal from the control unit (12). The protection circuit (30) can receive the duty ratio of the power supplied to the heaters (18, 24) from the control unit (12). A specific description of the load switch (31) and the protection circuit (30) will be described later with reference to FIG. 9.

[0181] Figure 9 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of a protection circuit according to one embodiment.

[0182] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a power source (911), a converter (920), a control unit (912), at least one load switch (931), a protection circuit (930), at least one heater (940), and a duty ratio control switch (950). The embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to the configuration of FIG. 9, and some configurations may be omitted, some configurations of FIG. 8 may be added, or the configuration may be combined with that of FIG. 8.

[0183] The power supply (911) supplies the power required for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0184] The power supply (911) can supply power to the control unit (912), the protection circuit (930), and the load switch (931). Those skilled in the art will understand that, in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 9, other general-purpose components can also receive power from the power supply (911).

[0185] The control unit (912) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device.

[0186] The control unit (912) can adjust the amount of power supplied to the heater (940). In one embodiment, the control unit (912) can adjust the duty ratio of the power supplied to the heater (940) using a PID (Proportional Integral Derivation) control method. The PID control method is a control method that combines proportional control (P control), integral control (I control), and differential control (D control).

[0187] P-control is a control method that multiplies the difference from the target value by a constant gain and provides feedback. P-control operates in a manner that fluctuates by the deviation from the target value. By performing control operations by multiplying the gain using P-control, the target value can be quickly approached. However, in systems of two or higher order, where P-control alone cannot adequately track the target value, I-control and / or D-control methods can be added.

[0188] I-control is a control method that integrates errors and provides feedback. In other words, I-control accumulates errors and reflects them in the next iteration. In P-control, if a value fluctuates significantly, PI control can gradually reduce overshoot and track the target value. On the other hand, if only PI control is performed, the value with small arithmetical fluctuations will exist as residual deviation, and this residual deviation can cause the measured value to oscillate for a considerable period of time.

[0189] D-control is a control method that differentiates errors and feeds them back to the control system. Adding D-control to PI control applies differentiation in a proportional and integrated graph form, eliminating residual deviations and allowing an oscillating system to track a target value without error within an appropriate timeframe.

[0190] In another embodiment, the control unit (912) may adjust the duty ratio of the power supplied to the heater (940) using a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control method. The control unit (912) may supply power to the heater (940) based on a preset duty ratio. The control unit (912) may transmit a duty ratio control signal to the duty ratio control switch (950). At this time, the control unit (912) may also transmit the duty ratio control signal to the protection circuit (930).

[0191] The protection circuit (930) monitors the electrical signal of the load switch and controls the load switch (931) based on the monitoring result, thereby preventing abnormal operation of the load switch (931). Although the protection circuit (930) and the control unit (912) are illustrated as separate configurations in FIGS. 8 and 9, this is merely an example for convenience of explanation, and the protection circuit (930) and the control unit (912) may be implemented in a single integrated circuit (IC). In one embodiment, the protection circuit (930) may be implemented as hardware independent from the control unit (912), and the protection circuit (930) may be implemented as a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0192] The load switch (931) can receive power from the power source (911). The load switch (931) can receive an enable signal from the protection circuit (930). The load switch (931) can transmit the power received from the power source (911) to the heater (940). The load switch (931) includes a first terminal (9311) electrically connected to the power source (911), a second terminal (9312) electrically connected to the heater, and a third terminal (9313) that receives an enable signal for turning on / off the electrical connection of the first terminal (9311) and the second terminal (9312). When the load switch (931) receives the first enable signal through the third terminal (9313), it turns off the electrical connection of the first terminal (9311) and the second terminal (9312). When the load switch (931) receives a second enable signal through the third terminal (9313), it turns on the electrical connection between the first terminal (9311) and the second terminal (9312). When the load switch (931) is turned on, power is supplied to the heater (940), and when the load switch (931) is turned off, power is cut off to the heater (940). The first enable signal may have a logic low value, and the second enable signal may have a logic high value.

[0193] The load switch (931) may have a limit on the power that can be transmitted through the first terminal (9311) and the second terminal (9312). Specifically, the load switch (931) may have a maximum current Imax, which is a limit on the amount of current flowing through the first terminal (9311) and the second terminal (9312). In addition, the load switch (931) may have a maximum input voltage Vmax, which is a limit on the amount of voltage applied to the first terminal (9311). If the voltage and current applied to the load switch (931) exceed the maximum current or the maximum input voltage, semiconductor elements such as FETs constituting the load switch (931) may be damaged, and normal on / off operations according to the first and second enable signals may not be performed. If the load switch (931) is damaged and cannot operate normally, the heater (940) may malfunction, the user's smoking satisfaction may be reduced, and further, the aerosol generating device (1) may be damaged. Accordingly, a technology is required to prevent damage to the load switch (931).

[0194] The protection circuit (930) can monitor the electric signal of the load switch (931). The protection circuit (930) can output an enable signal to the third terminal (9313) of the protection circuit (930) based on the monitoring result of the load switch (931).

[0195] In one embodiment, the protection circuit (930) can output a first enable signal to turn off the electrical connection between the first terminal (9311) and the second terminal (9312) of the load switch (931) when the current flowing through the first terminal (9311) and the second terminal (9312) of the load switch (931) exceeds a first threshold value. The first threshold value can be a value smaller than the maximum current Imax described above.

[0196] In one embodiment, the protection circuit (930) may output a first enable signal to turn off the electrical connection between the first terminal (9311) and the second terminal (9312) of the load switch (931) when the voltage applied to the first terminal (9311) of the load switch (931) exceeds a second threshold value. The second threshold value may be a value smaller than the maximum input voltage Vmax described above.

[0197] In one embodiment, the protection circuit (930) can prevent abnormal operation of the heater (940) based on the operation duration of the heater (940). Specifically, the protection circuit (930) can output a first enable signal to turn off the electrical connection between the first terminal (9311) and the second terminal (9312) of the load switch (931) when the turn-on duration of the load switch (931) exceeds a third threshold value. The third threshold value may be 4 to 5 minutes. The aerosol generating device (1) can preset the heating operation time of the heater (940) in consideration of the type of stick or cartridge to be inserted or the smoking environment. The fact that the turn-on duration of the load switch (931) exceeds the preset heating operation time of the heater (940) may indicate that an error has occurred in the heating operation time control algorithm of the heater (940). If an error occurs in the heating operation time control algorithm of the heater (940), damage to the aerosol generating device (1) may occur, but the aerosol generating device (1) according to the embodiment can prevent damage to the aerosol generating device (1) by turning off the electrical connection of the first terminal (9311) and the second terminal (9312) of the load switch (931) when the turn-on duration of the load switch (931) exceeds the third threshold value.

[0198] In another embodiment, the protection circuit (930) can prevent abnormal operation of the heater (940) based on the duty ratio of the power supplied to the heater (940). Specifically, the protection circuit (930) receives the duty ratio of the power supplied to the heater (940) from the control unit (912), and when the duty ratio is maintained at the same value for a predetermined period of time, the protection circuit (930) can output a first enable signal to turn off the electrical connection between the first terminal (9311) and the second terminal (9312) of the load switch (931). For example, the predetermined period of time may be 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, etc., but is not limited thereto. The fact that the duty ratio of the power supplied to the heater (940) is maintained at the same value for a predetermined period of time may indicate an error in the duty ratio control algorithm of the control unit (912). The control unit (912) controls the power supplied to the heater (940) according to the PID control method. If the same duty ratio is supplied to the heater (940) for a predetermined period of time, a decrease in the user's smoking satisfaction or damage to the aerosol generating device (1) may occur.

[0199] The first to third threshold values ​​and a predetermined time can be stored in advance in a memory (e.g., memory (17) of FIG. 8).

[0200] In one embodiment, the control unit (912) can receive the first and second enable signals output by the protection circuit (930). When the protection circuit (930) outputs the first enable signal, the control unit (912) can notify that the aerosol generating device is in a paused state through an output unit (e.g., output unit (14) of FIG. 8). The output unit can notify that the aerosol generating device is in a paused state by at least one of visual, tactile, and auditory means.

[0201] In one embodiment, the control unit (912) can detect the reinsertion of the stick through an insertion detection sensor (e.g., the insertion detection sensor (133) of FIG. 8). When reinsertion of the stick into the insertion space is detected, the control unit (912) can control the protection circuit (930) to output a second enable signal. The second enable signal output by the protection circuit (930) is output to the third terminal of the load switch (931), thereby turning on the electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal of the load switch (931). As a result, when reinsertion of the stick is detected, the control unit (912) can supply power to the heater (940) again to operate the aerosol generating device. When the protection circuit (930) outputs the second enable signal, the control unit (912) can notify that the aerosol generating device is in a heating operation state through an output unit (e.g., an output unit (14) of FIG. 8). The output unit can indicate that the aerosol generating device is in a heating operation state by at least one of visual, tactile, and auditory means.

[0202] The converter (920) can supply power supplied from the power source (911) to the heater (940) through the load switch (931). The converter (920) can adjust the level of the voltage output from the power source (911) and supply it to the heater (940). The converter (920) can be implemented using a buck-boost converter, a zener diode, or the like.

[0203] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0204] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, in step 1010, the protection circuit (930) monitors the electrical signal of the load switch (931).

[0205] In one embodiment, the protection circuit (930) measures the current flowing through the first terminal (9311) and the second terminal (9312) of the load switch (931) and compares the current flowing through the first terminal (9311) and the second terminal (9312) with a first threshold value. The first threshold value may be a value smaller than Imax, which is a maximum limit of the magnitude of the current flowing through the first terminal (9311) and the second terminal (9312) of the load switch (931).

[0206] In one embodiment, the protection circuit (930) measures a voltage applied to a first terminal (9311) of the load switch (931) and compares the voltage applied to the first terminal (9311) with a second threshold value. The second threshold value may be a value less than Vmax, which is a maximum limit of the voltage magnitude applied to the first terminal (9311) of the load switch (931).

[0207] In one embodiment, the protection circuit (930) measures the turn-on duration of the load switch (931) and compares the turn-on duration with a third threshold. The third threshold may be 4 to 5 minutes.

[0208] In step 1020, the protection circuit (930) prevents abnormal operation of the load switch (931). Specifically, the protection circuit (930) can output an enable signal to the third terminal (9313) of the protection circuit (930) based on the monitoring result of the load switch (931).

[0209] In one embodiment, the protection circuit (930) can output a first enable signal to turn off the electrical connection of the first terminal (9311) and the second terminal (9312) of the load switch when the current flowing through the first terminal (9311) and the second terminal (9312) of the load switch exceeds a first threshold value.

[0210] In one embodiment, the protection circuit (930) can output a first enable signal to turn off the electrical connection between the first terminal (9311) and the second terminal (9312) of the load switch when the voltage applied to the first terminal (9311) of the load switch exceeds a second threshold value.

[0211] In one embodiment, the protection circuit (930) can output a first enable signal to turn off the electrical connection between the first terminal (9311) and the second terminal (9312) of the load switch when the turn-on duration of the load switch (931) exceeds a third threshold value.

[0212] In another embodiment, the protection circuit (930) can prevent abnormal operation of the heater (940) based on the duty ratio of the power supplied to the heater (940). Specifically, the protection circuit (930) can receive the duty ratio of the power supplied to the heater (940) from the control unit (912). When the duty ratio is maintained at the same value for a predetermined period of time, the protection circuit (930) can output a first enable signal to turn off the electrical connection between the first terminal (9311) and the second terminal (9312) of the load switch.

[0213] As described above, the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can prevent malfunction of the heater.

[0214] Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may have their respective components or functions combined or used together.

[0215] For example, it means that a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that a combination is possible, except in cases where a combination is described as impossible.

[0216] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. At least one heater for heating the aerosol generating material; A power source supplying power to at least one of the heaters; A load switch including a first terminal electrically connected to the power source, a second terminal electrically connected to the at least one heater, and a third terminal receiving an enable signal for turning on / off the electrical connection of the first terminal and the second terminal; A control unit that controls the power supplied to the heater; and A protection circuit comprising: a protection circuit for monitoring an electric signal of the load switch and outputting an enable signal to the third terminal; Aerosol generating device.

2. In paragraph 1, The above protection circuit, When the current flowing through the first terminal and the second terminal exceeds a first threshold value, a first enable signal is output to turn off the electrical connection of the first terminal and the second terminal. Aerosol generating device.

3. In paragraph 1, The above protection circuit, When the voltage applied to the first terminal exceeds the second threshold value, a first enable signal is output to turn off the electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal. Aerosol generating device.

4. In paragraph 1, The above protection circuit When the turn-on duration of the load switch exceeds the third threshold value, a first enable signal is output to turn off the electrical connection of the first terminal and the second terminal. Aerosol generating device.

5. In paragraph 1, The above protection circuit Receive the duty ratio of the power supplied to the heater from the above control unit, When the duty ratio is maintained at the same value for a predetermined period of time, a first enable signal is output to turn off the electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal. Aerosol generating device.

6. In any one of paragraphs 2 to 5, The aerosol generating device further includes an output unit that outputs information on the status of the aerosol generating device; The control unit, when the protection circuit outputs the first enable signal, notifies through the output unit that the aerosol generating device is in a paused state. Aerosol generating device.

7. In paragraph 6, The above output unit provides information to the user by at least one of visual, tactile, and auditory means. Aerosol generating device.

8. In any one of paragraphs 2 to 5, The above aerosol generating device further includes an insertion detection sensor that detects whether a stick is inserted into the insertion space; The control unit controls the protection circuit to output a second enable signal that turns on the electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal when reinsertion of the stick into the insertion space is detected. Aerosol generating device.

9. In paragraph 8, The above insertion detection sensor detects whether the stick is inserted based on the change in dielectric constant inside the insertion space. Aerosol generating device.

10. In paragraph 5, The above control unit controls the power supplied to the heater in a PID manner. Aerosol generating device.

11. In a method for controlling an aerosol generating device, A first step of monitoring an electrical signal of a load switch that includes a first terminal electrically connected to a power source, a second terminal electrically connected to a heater, and a third terminal that receives an enable signal for turning on / off the electrical connection of the first terminal and the second terminal, and transmitting power supplied from the power source to the heater; and A second step for preventing abnormal operation of the load switch; method.

12. In paragraph 11, The above first step is A step of measuring the current flowing through the first terminal and the second terminal; and a step of comparing the current with a first threshold value; The second step above is A step of turning off the electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal when the current exceeds the first threshold value; method.

13. In paragraph 11, The above first step is A step of measuring the voltage applied to the first terminal; and a step of comparing the voltage and the second threshold value; The second step above is a step of turning off the electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal when the voltage exceeds the second threshold value; method.

14. In paragraph 11, The above first step is A step of measuring the turn-on duration of the above load switch; and Comprising a step of comparing the turn-on duration with a third threshold value; The second step above is A step of turning off the electrical connection of the first terminal and the second terminal when the turn-on duration exceeds a third threshold value; method.

15. In paragraph 11, A step of receiving a duty ratio of power supplied to the heater; further comprising: The second step above is A step of turning off the electrical connection of the first terminal and the second terminal when the duty ratio is maintained at the same value for a predetermined period of time; method.

Images