Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment comprises: a power supply; a heater for heating an aerosol-generating article on the basis of power supplied from the power supply; a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater; and a controller for controlling power supplied to the heater on the basis of a temperature profile including a preheating section and a smoking section. The controller controls power supplied to the heater in the preheating section on the basis of a first target temperature; a second target temperature lower than the first target temperature; a third target temperature lower than the first target temperature and higher than the second target temperature; and a fourth target temperature lower than the third target temperature and higher than the second target temperature.

Description

Aerosol generating device

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

[0002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for alternative methods that overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for methods that generate aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating material, rather than by burning the cigarette itself. Accordingly, research into heated cigarettes or heated aerosol-generating devices is actively underway.

[0003] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an aerosol generating device that changes a target temperature based on the point in time at which the target temperature is reached during preheating, and changes the temperature based on the number of puffs in the smoking section after preheating is completed.

[0004] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment comprises: a power source; a heater for heating an aerosol generating article based on power supplied from the power source; a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the heater; and a control unit for controlling power supplied to the heater based on a temperature profile including a preheating section and a smoking section; wherein the control unit controls power supplied to the heater based on a first target temperature in the preheating section; a second target temperature lower than the first target temperature; a third target temperature lower than the first target temperature and higher than the second target temperature; and a fourth target temperature lower than the third target temperature and higher than the second target temperature.

[0005] The preheating section includes a first section, a second section after the first section, a third section after the second section, and a fourth section after the third section, and the control unit controls the power supplied to the heater from a time point when the heating operation of the heater is started in the first section so that the temperature of the heater reaches the first target temperature, controls the power supplied to the heater from a first time point when the temperature of the heater reaches the first target temperature in the second section so that the temperature of the heater reaches the second target temperature, controls the power supplied to the heater from a second time point when the temperature of the heater reaches the second target temperature in the third section so that the temperature of the heater reaches the third target temperature, and controls the power supplied to the heater from a fourth section so that the temperature of the heater reaches the fourth target temperature.

[0006] The third section includes a 3-1 section and a 3-2 section after the 3-1 section, and the control unit controls the power supplied to the heater in the 3-1 section so that the temperature of the heater reaches the third target temperature from a second point in time when the temperature of the heater reaches the second target temperature, and controls the power supplied to the heater in the 3-2 section so that the temperature of the heater maintains the third target temperature.

[0007] The fourth section includes a 4-1 section and a 4-2 section following the 4-1 section, and the control unit controls the power supplied to the heater in the 4-1 section so that the temperature of the heater reaches the fourth target temperature from the third target temperature, and controls the power supplied to the heater in the 4-2 section so that the temperature of the heater maintains the fourth target temperature.

[0008] The above control unit cuts off the power supplied to the heater from the first time point to the second time point.

[0009] The control unit sets the length of the third section based on the length of the first section.

[0010] The control unit sets the length of the third section based on the length of the second section.

[0011] The control unit sets the value of the third target temperature based on the length of the first section.

[0012] The above control unit sets the length of the third section in proportion to the length of the first section.

[0013] The above control unit sets the value of the third target temperature in inverse proportion to the length of the first section.

[0014] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment further includes a puff sensor that detects a user's puff and outputs a signal corresponding to the puff; and the control unit controls power supplied to the heater in the smoking section based on the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor.

[0015] The control unit controls the power supplied to the heater so that the temperature of the heater reaches a fifth target temperature higher than the fourth target temperature when the number of puffs K is counted in the smoking section, controls the power supplied to the heater so that the temperature of the heater reaches a sixth target temperature higher than the fifth target temperature when the number of puffs L is counted which is more than the K, and controls the power supplied to the heater so that the temperature of the heater reaches a seventh target temperature lower than the fourth target temperature when the number of puffs M is counted which is more than the K.

[0016] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment further includes an output unit that outputs information on a state of the aerosol generating device, and the control unit controls the output unit so that, when the number of M puffs is counted, the output unit outputs a termination notice of the aerosol generating device.

[0017] The control unit controls the power supplied to the heater to be cut off when the number of puffs is counted to be M+1, and controls the output unit to output the termination of the aerosol generating device.

[0018] The output unit transmits information about the status of the aerosol generating device to the user by at least one of tactile, visual, or auditory means.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device performs an "N"-shaped temperature control, thereby enabling the heater to be stably preheated to a target temperature without carbonization of the aerosol generating substrate. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device of the present disclosure can provide a user with a rich vapor volume and a pleasant smoke sensation during smoking.

[0020] In addition, the temperature of the heater is controlled by a continuous increase control method in which the temperature of the heater is continuously increased in the smoking section, but in order to prevent overheating of the aerosol generating device in relation to “continuous smoking,” the target temperature of the heater is lowered when the smoking end point is approached.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating system according to another embodiment.

[0023] Figures 3 to 5 are drawings illustrating different types of cigarettes according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 6 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a temperature profile of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a temperature profile in a preheating section according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a method for adjusting a temperature profile in a preheating section of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a temperature profile in a smoking area according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] The terms used in the examples are selected from widely used, current terms, taking into account the functions of the present invention. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined not simply based on their names, but based on their meanings and the overall content of the present invention.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further comprise a cradle.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0053] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating system (1) may include an aerosol generating device (10) and an aerosol generating article (20). Hereinafter, the aerosol generating article (20) may be referred to as a cigarette or a stick.

[0055] The aerosol generating device (10) may include a cavity (11) which is an insertion space (or receiving space) for inserting an aerosol generating article (20), and may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating article (20) inserted into the cavity (11). The aerosol generating article (20) is a type of aerosol generating substrate and may include an aerosol generating material.

[0056] The aerosol generating device (10) may include a battery (110), a control unit (120), and a heating unit (130). The heating unit (130) may be referred to as a heater assembly (or heater). The heating unit (130) may correspond to a heater assembly that heats the aerosol generating article (20) using various heating methods, such as a resistance heating method, an induction heating method, a dielectric heating method, or an ultrasonic method. When the heating unit (130) heats the aerosol generating article (20) using an induction heating method, the heating unit (130) may include a susceptor (131) and an induction coil (132). Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the heating unit (130) heats the aerosol generating article (20) using an induction heating method will be described, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0057] Meanwhile, the internal structure and arrangement of the aerosol generating device (10) are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 1. Depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (10), some of the hardware configurations illustrated in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new configurations may be added, and each hardware configuration may be implemented in various arrangements, as will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment.

[0058] The aerosol generating device (10) can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article (20) accommodated in the aerosol generating device (10) using an induction heating method. The induction heating method may refer to a method of heating a magnetic body by applying an alternating magnetic field whose direction periodically changes to the magnetic body that generates heat due to an external magnetic field.

[0059] When a variable magnetic field is applied to a magnetic body, energy loss may occur in the magnetic body due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss, and the lost energy may be released from the magnetic body as heat energy. The greater the amplitude or frequency of the variable magnetic field applied to the magnetic body, the more heat energy may be released from the magnetic body. The aerosol generating device (10) can release heat energy from the magnetic body by applying a variable magnetic field to the magnetic body, and can transfer the heat energy released from the magnetic body to the aerosol generating article (20).

[0060] The magnetic material that generates heat by an external magnetic field may be a susceptor material. The susceptor (131) may be provided in the aerosol generating device (10) in the shape of a piece, a thin sheet, or a strip. For example, at least a portion of the susceptor (131) disposed inside the aerosol generating device (10) may be formed of a susceptor material.

[0061] At least a portion of the susceptor material may be formed of a ferromagnetic substance. For example, the susceptor material may include a metal or carbon. The susceptor material may include at least one of ferrite, a ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). Additionally, the susceptor material may include at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, a nickel alloy, a metal film, a ceramic such as zirconia, a transition metal such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), or a metalloid such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P).

[0062] The susceptor (131) may be tubular or cylindrical, and may be disposed on the outside of the susceptor (131) so as to surround the cavity (11) into which the aerosol generating article (20) is inserted. Accordingly, when the aerosol generating article (20) is inserted into the cavity (11) of the aerosol generating device (10), the susceptor (131) may be disposed on the outside of the aerosol generating article (20) so as to surround the aerosol generating article (20). Accordingly, the temperature of the aerosol generating material within the aerosol generating article (20) may be increased by the heat transferred from the susceptor (131).

[0063] The induction coil (132) can apply a variable magnetic field to the susceptor (131). When power is supplied to the induction coil (132) from the aerosol generating device (10), a magnetic field can be formed inside the induction coil (132). When an alternating current is applied to the induction coil (132), the direction of the magnetic field formed inside the induction coil (132) can be continuously changed. When the susceptor (131) is positioned inside the induction coil (132) and exposed to a variable magnetic field whose direction changes periodically, the susceptor (131) can generate heat, and the aerosol generating article (20) accommodated in the cavity (11) can be heated.

[0064] The induction coil (132) may be wound along the outer surface of the susceptor (131). Additionally, the induction coil (132) may be wound along the inner surface of the outer housing of the aerosol generating device (10). The susceptor (131) may be positioned in the internal space formed by winding the induction coil (132). When power is supplied to the induction coil (132), a variable magnetic field generated by the induction coil (132) may be applied to the susceptor (131).

[0065] The induction coil (132) may extend in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device (10). The induction coil (132) may extend to an appropriate length along the longitudinal direction. For example, the induction coil (132) may extend to a length corresponding to the length of the susceptor (131), or may extend to a length longer or shorter than the length of the susceptor (131).

[0066] The induction coil (132) can be placed at a position suitable for applying a variable magnetic field to the susceptor (131). The efficiency with which the variable magnetic field of the induction coil (132) is applied to the susceptor (131) can vary depending on the size, length, or placement of the induction coil (132).

[0067] When the amplitude or frequency of the variable magnetic field formed by the induction coil (132) changes, the degree of heating of the susceptor (131) (e.g., the temperature of the susceptor (131)) changes, and accordingly, the degree of heating of the aerosol generating article (20) by the susceptor (131) may also change. Since the amplitude or frequency of the magnetic field by the induction coil (132) may be changed by the power applied to the induction coil (132), the aerosol generating device (10) may control the heating of the aerosol generating article (20) by adjusting the power applied to the induction coil (132). For example, the aerosol generating device (10) may control the amplitude and frequency of the alternating current applied to the induction coil (132).

[0068] As an example, the induction coil (132) may be implemented as a solenoid. The induction coil (132) may be a solenoid wound along the inner surface of the outer housing of the aerosol generating device (10), and the susceptor (131) and the aerosol generating article (20) may be positioned in the inner space of the solenoid. The material of the conductor constituting the solenoid may be copper (Cu). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any one of silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni), or an alloy including at least one thereof may be the material of the conductor constituting the solenoid.

[0069] The battery (110) can supply power to the induction coil (132). The battery (110) may be, but is not limited to, a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery. For example, the battery (110) may be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, or the like.

[0070] The control unit (120) controls the power supplied to the induction coil (132) and can also control the overall functions and operations of the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (120) can control the power supplied to the induction coil (132) from the battery (110) to be adjusted. For example, the control unit (120) can control the power supplied to the induction coil (132) so that the susceptor (131) reaches a target temperature on the temperature profile or maintains the target temperature.

[0071] Meanwhile, although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the aerosol generating device (10) may also be configured as a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery (110) of the aerosol generating device (10). Alternatively, the induction coil (132) may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generating device (10) are combined.

[0072] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating system according to another embodiment.

[0073] The aerosol generating device (15) of Fig. 2 is equipped with a heating unit (135) of a different heating method compared to the aerosol generating device (10) of Fig. 1.

[0074] The heating unit (135) may be an external heating type heater assembly that heats the exterior of the aerosol generating article (20) by heating it with power supplied from the battery (120) when the aerosol generating article (20) is inserted into the aerosol generating device (15). Accordingly, the heating unit (135) may be implemented in a tubular or cylindrical structure.

[0075] The heating element (135) may be implemented as an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heating element (135) includes an electrically conductive track, and the heating element (135) may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track.

[0076] That is, FIGS. 1 and 2 are drawings for explaining examples of aerosol generating devices having an external heating type heater assembly that heats the outside of an aerosol generating article (i.e., a cigarette). The present embodiment described below can be easily modified and implemented in the aerosol generating devices (10, 15) of FIGS. 1 and 2. Meanwhile, the present embodiment can also be implemented in an aerosol generating device that employs an external heating method other than the method described in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0077] Figures 3 to 5 are drawings illustrating different types of cigarettes according to one embodiment.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the cigarette (21, 22, or 23) may correspond to the aerosol generating article (20) of FIGS. 1 and 2. The cigarette (21, 22, or 23) may be divided into a first portion (201), a second portion (212, 222, or 232), a third portion (203), and a fourth portion (204). The first portion (201), the second portion (212, 222, or 232), the third portion (203), and the fourth portion (204) may each include an aerosol generating element, a tobacco medium element, a cooling element, and a filter element. Specifically, the first portion (201) may comprise an aerosol generating material, the second portion (212, 222 or 232) may comprise a tobacco material and a humectant, the third portion (203) may comprise means for cooling the airflow passing through the first portion (201) and the second portion (202), and the fourth portion (204) may comprise a filter material.

[0079] The first part (201), the second part (212, 222 or 232), the third part (203), and the fourth part (204) may be arranged in order based on the longitudinal direction of the cigarette (21, 22 or 23). Here, the longitudinal direction may be a direction in which the length of the cigarette (21, 22 or 23) extends, and may be a direction from the first part (201) toward the fourth part (204). Accordingly, an aerosol generated from at least one of the first part (201) and the second part (212, 222 or 232) may sequentially pass from the first part (201) to the fourth part (204) to form an airflow, and thus, a user may inhale the aerosol from the fourth part (204).

[0080] The first portion (201) may include an aerosol generating element. The first portion (201) may contain other additives such as a flavoring agent, a humectant, and / or an organic acid as the aerosol generating element, and may contain a flavoring agent such as menthol or a humectant. Here, the aerosol generating element may include, for example, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol.

[0081] The first portion (201) may include a crimped sheet, and the aerosol generating element may be included in the first portion (201) in a state impregnated in the crimped sheet. In addition, other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids and flavoring liquids may be included in the first portion (201) in a state absorbed by the crimped sheet. The crimped sheet may be a sheet composed of a polymeric material. For example, the polymeric material may include at least one of paper, cellulose acetate, lyocell, and polylactic acid. For example, the crimped sheet may be a paper sheet that does not generate an off-flavor due to heat even when heated to a high temperature. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0082] The first portion (201) may extend from the end of the cigarette (21, 22 or 23) to a point about 7 to about 20 mm, and the second portion (212, 222 or 232) may extend from the end of the first portion (201) to a point about 7 to about 20 mm. However, the numerical range is not necessarily limited, and the lengths by which each of the first portion (201) and the second portion (212, 222 or 232) extends may be appropriately adjusted within a range that can be easily changed by a person skilled in the art.

[0083] The second portion (212, 222, or 232) may include a tobacco medium element. The cigarette type may be distinguished depending on which tobacco medium is included in the second portion (212, 222, or 232).

[0084] Specifically, referring to FIG. 3, the second portion (212) provided in the cigarette (21) may include a filter material impregnated with nicotine liquid. Here, the nicotine liquid may correspond to a nicotine solution containing a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavoring component, or may correspond to a solution to which a nicotine salt is added. The filter material may be a fiber bundle of cellulose acetate fiber strands, or a rolled paper sheet. That is, the cigarette (21) corresponds to a cigarette type that includes a tobacco medium in which nicotine liquid is impregnated into the filter material in the second portion (212).

[0085] Referring to FIG. 4, the second portion (222) provided in the cigarette (22) may include a plurality of tobacco granules. The plurality of tobacco granules may be embedded between filter materials. The filter material may be, for example, a bundle of cellulose acetate fiber strands or a rolled paper sheet. The plurality of tobacco granules may be evenly distributed between the cellulose fibers or evenly distributed within the rolled paper sheet. In other words, the cigarette (22) corresponds to a cigarette type that includes a tobacco medium of tobacco granules in the second portion (222).

[0086] Referring to FIG. 5, the second part (232) provided in the cigarette (23) may include tobacco filler, tobacco particles, or tobacco sheets. That is, the cigarette (23) corresponds to a cigarette type that includes solid tobacco materials such as tobacco leaves, tobacco side veins, expanded tobacco, cut tobacco filler, flat leaf tobacco filler, or reconstituted tobacco in the second part (232).

[0087] The third portion (203) may include a means for cooling the airflow passing through the first portion (201) and the second portion (212, 222, or 232). The third portion (203) may be made of a polymeric material or a biodegradable polymeric material and may have a cooling function. For example, the third portion (203) may be made of polylactic acid (PLA) fibers, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the third portion (203) may be made of a cellulose acetate filter having a plurality of holes. However, the third portion (203) is not limited to the examples described above, and any material that performs the function of cooling the aerosol may be used without limitation. For example, the third portion (203) may be a tube filter or a pipe filter including a hollow portion.

[0088] The fourth portion (204) may include a filter material. For example, the fourth portion (204) may be a cellulose acetate filter. Meanwhile, there is no limitation on the shape of the fourth portion (204). For example, the fourth portion (204) may be a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod having a hollow portion therein. Furthermore, the fourth portion (204) may be a recessed rod. If the fourth portion (204) is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0089] The fourth portion (204) may be manufactured to generate a flavor. For example, a flavoring agent may be sprayed onto the fourth portion (204), or a separate fiber coated with a flavoring agent may be inserted into the interior of the fourth portion (204).

[0090] The cigarette (21, 22 or 23) may include a wrapper (250) surrounding at least a portion of the first portion (201) to the fourth portion (204). Furthermore, the cigarette (21, 22 or 23) may include a wrapper (250) surrounding all of the first portion (201) to the fourth portion (204). The wrapper (250) may be positioned at the outermost portion of the cigarette (21, 22 or 23), and the wrapper (250) may be a single wrapper, or may be a combination of multiple wrappers.

[0091] The wrapper (250) may include a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be a metal foil such as silver foil (Ag), aluminum foil (Al), copper foil (Cu), etc., but is not limited thereto. The thermally conductive material provided in the wrapper (250) can evenly distribute heat transferred to the first portion (201) to the second portion (212, 222, or 232) to improve thermal conductivity, thereby improving the taste of the cigarette. The thermally conductive material provided in the wrapper (250) may also function as a susceptor.

[0092] Meanwhile, the thermally conductive material of the wrapper (250) can also be used as an electromagnetic inductor for cigarette detection. The thermally conductive material of the wrapper (250) can change the inductance of the cigarette detection means. Based on the detected change in inductance, the aerosol generating device (10 in FIG. 1) can determine whether the cigarette (21, 22, or 23) has been inserted into or extracted from the aerosol generating device (10).

[0093] In this embodiment, the three cigarette types illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5 are used as examples, but various cigarettes may be used in the aerosol generating system (1) in addition to the cigarette types including the tobacco medium elements described in FIGS. 3 to 5. In addition, in this embodiment, the cigarette (21, 22, or 23) is described as having a structure that can be distinguished into four parts, but this is not limited thereto, and the cigarette may also be implemented with various cigarette structures including tobacco medium elements.

[0094] Fig. 6 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0095] The aerosol generating device (1) may include a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), a memory (17), and at least one heater (18, 24). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (1) is not limited to that shown in Fig. 1. That is, a person having ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1), some of the components shown in Fig. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0096] The sensor (13) can detect the status of the aerosol generating device (1) or the status around the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (12). Based on the detected information, the control unit (12) can control the aerosol generating device (1) so that various functions such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), restricting smoking, determining whether a stick (S) and / or cartridge (19) is inserted, and displaying a notification are performed.

[0097] 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).

[0098] The temperature sensor (131) can detect the temperature at which the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18), or the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) itself may serve as the temperature sensor.

[0099] 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).

[0100] 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.

[0101] A temperature sensor (131) is placed inside the body (10) and can detect the internal temperature of the body (10).

[0102] 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).

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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).

[0107] A reuse detection sensor (134) can detect whether the stick (S) has been reused. The reuse detection sensor (134) may be a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the color of the stick (S). The color sensor can detect the color of a portion of a wrapper that wraps the outside of the stick (S). The color sensor can detect a value for an optical characteristic corresponding to the color of an object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristic may be a wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as a single component with the proximity sensor, or may be implemented as a separate component distinct from the proximity sensor.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] The output unit (14) can output information on the status of the aerosol generating device (1) and provide it to the user. The output unit (14) may include at least one of a display (141), a haptic unit (142), and an audio output unit (143), but is not limited thereto. When the display (141) and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit (141) can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0114] The display (141) can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (1) may refer to various information such as the charging / discharging status of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), the preheating status of the heater (18), the insertion / removal status of the stick (S) and / or cartridge (19), the mounting / removal status of the cap, or the status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display (141) can output the above information to the outside. For example, the display (141) may be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display (141) may be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0115] The haptic unit (142) can provide tactile information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus. For example, the haptic unit (142) can generate a vibration corresponding to the completion of the initial preheating when initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18) for a set period of time. The haptic unit (142) can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0116] The acoustic output unit (143) can provide information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit (143) can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0117] The power source (11) can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (11) can supply power so that the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) can be heated. In addition, the power source (11) can supply power required for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device (1), such as a sensor (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), and a memory (17). The power source (11) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (11) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0118] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to a power source (11) and may include a switching element.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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). The low pass filter can prevent high frequency noise components from being applied to a sensor (13), such as an insertion detection sensor (133).

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] The display (141) and the touch panel may be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted into the display (141) (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel may be added-on to the display panel (141).

[0126] Meanwhile, the input unit (15) may include, but is not limited to, buttons, key pads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0127] The memory (17) is hardware that stores various data processed in the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (12). The memory (17) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory (17) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generating device (1), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130]

[0131] 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.

[0132] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (1) further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can transmit and receive information or charge a power source (11) by connecting to another external device through a connection interface such as a USB interface.

[0133] The control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present embodiment may be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0134] 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).

[0135] The aerosol generating device (1) may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply (11) between the power supply (11) and the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater (24), the heater (18), or the induction coil (181). The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit (12) may control the power supply circuit.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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.

[0138] The control unit (12) can control the voltage output from the power source (11) by controlling the switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power source (11). For example, the power conversion circuit can include a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the power source (11). For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented using a buck-boost converter, a zener diode, etc.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] For example, the control unit (12) can determine a target temperature that is the target of control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) by using the PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference value between the temperature of the heater (18) and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[0143] 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).

[0144] 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).

[0145] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device (1), the control unit (12) can check whether the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than or equal to the first limit temperature, which is a criterion for blocking charging of the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is lower than the first limit temperature, the control unit (12) can control the power source (11) to be charged based on a preset charging current. If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than or equal to the first limit temperature, the control unit (12) can block charging of the power source (11).

[0146] When the power of the aerosol generating device (1) is turned on, the control unit (12) can check whether the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than or equal to the second limit temperature, which is a standard for blocking discharge of the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is lower than the second limit temperature, the control unit (12) can control to use the power stored in the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than or equal to the second limit temperature, the control unit (12) can stop using the power stored in the power source (11).

[0147] 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).

[0148] 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 heater (18). For example, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) based on the temperature profile stored in the memory (17).

[0149] The temperature profile may include a preheating section and a smoking section. The temperature profile may include information regarding a target temperature to be reached by the heater (18), and the control unit (12) may control the power supplied to the heater (18) so that the heater (18) follows the target temperature.

[0150] Meanwhile, if the temperature of the heater (18) is raised excessively in the preheating section, the temperature of the heater (18) may rapidly rise above the temperature at which the aerosol is generated, which may result in carbonization of the aerosol generating substrate. In addition, excessively hot mainstream smoke may be provided in the smoking section.

[0151] Conversely, if the temperature of the heater (18) is raised to an excessively low temperature in the preheating section, the thermal sensation of the mainstream smoke may decrease, but it may be difficult to secure the amount of vapor and may not provide a satisfactory smoking sensation to the user. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure can perform an “N” shaped temperature control in the preheating section. By performing an “N” shaped temperature control in the preheating section, the aerosol generating device (1) can stably preheat the heater to the target temperature without carbonization of the aerosol generating substrate. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure can provide the user with a rich amount of vapor and a pleasant smoking sensation in the smoking section.

[0152] Specifically, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) based on the first target temperature, the second target temperature, the third target temperature, and the fourth target temperature in the preheating section. The first to fourth target temperatures may each have different values. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) so that the temperature of the heater (18) is sequentially heated to the first to fourth target temperatures in the preheating section.

[0153] The warm-up section can be divided into four sections, including a first section, a second section following the first section, a third section following the second section, and a fourth section following the third section.

[0154] The control unit (12) controls the power supplied to the heater (18) so that the temperature of the heater (18) reaches the first target temperature from the time when the heating operation of the heater (18) is initiated in the first section.

[0155] The control unit (12) controls the power supplied to the heater (18) so that the temperature of the heater (18) reaches the second target temperature from the first point in time when the temperature of the heater (18) reaches the first target temperature in the second section.

[0156] The control unit (12) controls the power supplied to the heater (18) so that the temperature of the heater (18) reaches the third target temperature from the second target temperature in the third section. The third section may include a section in which the temperature of the heater rises from the second target temperature to the third target temperature and a section in which the third target temperature is maintained.

[0157] The control unit (12) controls the power supplied to the heater (18) so that the temperature of the heater (18) reaches the fourth target temperature from the third target temperature in the fourth section. The fourth section may include a section in which the temperature of the heater decreases from the third target temperature to the fourth target temperature and a section in which the fourth target temperature is maintained.

[0158] The first point in time at which the heater (18) reaches the first target temperature may be influenced by the temperature / humidity of the surrounding environment and may vary depending on the moisture content contained in the aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device (1). That is, the length of the first section is not a fixed value, but may vary depending on the temperature / humidity of the surrounding environment or the moisture content contained in the aerosol generating article. Similarly, the length of the second section may also vary depending on the temperature / humidity of the surrounding environment or the moisture content contained in the aerosol generating article.

[0159] Here, the first target temperature may be higher than the second target temperature. Furthermore, the third target temperature may be lower than the first target temperature and higher than the second target temperature. The fourth target temperature may be lower than the third target temperature and higher than the second target temperature. By lowering the temperature of the heater (18) to the second target temperature, which is lower than the first target temperature, carbonization of the aerosol generating substrate can be prevented and the heat sensation of the mainstream smoke can be reduced. Subsequently, by raising the temperature of the heater (18) again to the third target temperature, which is higher than the second target temperature and lower than the first target temperature, a rich amount of vapor and a pleasant smoke sensation can be provided to the user during the smoking period.

[0160] The control unit (12) can cut off the power supplied to the heater (18) from the first point in time when the temperature of the heater (18) reaches the first target temperature so that the temperature of the heater (18) reaches a second target temperature that is lower than the first target temperature. That is, the control unit (12) can cut off the power supplied to the heater (18) from the first point in time when the temperature of the heater (18) reaches the first target temperature to the second point in time when the temperature of the heater (18) reaches the second target temperature.

[0161] Additionally, the control unit (12) can cut off the power supplied to the heater (18) so that the temperature of the heater (18) in the fourth section reaches a fourth target temperature lower than the third target temperature.

[0162] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may set the length of the third section based on the length of the first section. Specifically, the control unit (12) may set the length of the third section “in proportion” to the length of the first section. If the length of the first section that reaches the first target temperature is long, it may be because the aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device (1) contains a high moisture content. In this case, the control unit (12) may alleviate the heat of the mainstream smoke provided in the smoking section by lengthening the length of the third section.

[0163] In another embodiment, the control unit (12) may set the value of the third target temperature, which is the target temperature of the third section, based on the length of the first section. Specifically, the control unit (12) may set the value of the third target temperature “inversely proportional” to the length of the first section. If the moisture content contained in the aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device (1) is high, the length of the first section that reaches the first target temperature may be relatively long. In this case, the control unit (12) may set the third target temperature low, thereby alleviating the heat sensation of the mainstream smoke provided in the smoking section.

[0164] In another embodiment, the control unit (12) may set the length of the third section based on the length of the second section. Specifically, the control unit (12) may set the length of the third section in “inverse proportion” to the length of the second section. If the length of the second section is short, the temperature of the heater (18) may drop too quickly from the first target temperature to the second target temperature, resulting in insufficient atomization. In this case, the control unit (12) may lengthen the length of the third section to secure the amount of atomization provided in the smoking section.

[0165] In another embodiment, the control unit (12) may set the value of the third target temperature based on the length of the second section. Specifically, the control unit (12) may set the value of the third target temperature inversely proportional to the length of the second section. If the length of the second section is short, the temperature of the heater (18) may drop too quickly from the first target temperature to the second target temperature, resulting in insufficient atomization. In this case, the control unit may set the third target temperature higher to secure the amount of atomization provided in the smoking section.

[0166] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) in the smoking section based on the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor.

[0167] Specifically, the control unit (12) controls the power supplied to the heater (18) so that the temperature of the heater (18) reaches a fifth target temperature from the fourth target temperature, which is the smoking section start temperature, when the number of puffs K is counted in the smoking section, and controls the power supplied to the heater (18) so that the temperature of the heater (18) reaches a sixth target temperature from the fifth target temperature, when the number of puffs L, which is greater than K, is counted.

[0168] The temperature control method of the heater (18) in the smoking section may be a continuous rising control method or a continuous falling control method.

[0169] The continuous rise control method is a method in which the temperature of the heater (18) in the smoking section continuously rises, and the fifth target temperature is higher than the fourth target temperature, and the sixth target temperature is higher than the fifth target temperature.

[0170] In contrast, the continuous lowering control method is a method in which the temperature of the heater (18) in the smoking section continuously decreases, such that the fifth target temperature is lower than the fourth target temperature, and the sixth target temperature is lower than the fifth target temperature.

[0171] In contrast to the continuous lowering control method, the continuous rising control method can provide the user with sufficient nicotine and glycerin transfer amounts until the end of smoking. In other words, it can provide the user with sufficient vapor and enjoyment until the end of smoking. However, since the temperature of the heater (18) continuously rises until the end of smoking in the continuous rising control method, the problem of excessive overheating of the aerosol generating device (1) may occur. In particular, overheating of the aerosol generating device (1) may cause a problem in relation to “continuous smoking.” In this case, “continuous smoking” means a smoking action performed by inserting a new cigarette immediately after the smoking action of the cigarette is finished.

[0172] Accordingly, the embodiments of the present disclosure are characterized in that the heater (18) is controlled in a continuous rising control manner so that sufficient nicotine and glycerin transfer amounts are provided to the user until the end of smoking, but the target temperature of the heater (18) is lowered when the end of smoking is approached in order to prevent overheating of the aerosol generating device (1) in relation to “continuous smoking.”

[0173] Specifically, the control unit (12) controls the power supplied to the heater (18) so that the temperature of the heater (18) reaches a fifth target temperature higher than the fourth target temperature when the number of puffs is K in the smoking section, controls the power supplied to the heater (18) so that the temperature of the heater (18) reaches a sixth target temperature higher than the fifth target temperature when the number of puffs is L more than K, controls the power supplied to the heater (18) so that the temperature of the heater (18) reaches a seventh target temperature lower than the fourth target temperature when the number of puffs is M more than K, controls the power supplied to the heater (18) so that the temperature of the heater (18) reaches a seventh target temperature lower than the fourth target temperature, and cuts off the power supplied to the heater when the number of puffs is N more than M, thereby terminating the smoking-related operation of the aerosol generating device.

[0174] Here, K, L, M, and N are preset values ​​and can be stored in advance in the memory. For example, the total number of puffs of the aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device (1) may be set to 14, K may be 7, L may be 10, and M may be 13. The aerosol generating device (1) may terminate heating of the heater (18) when the number of puffs is counted 14 times. When the preset total number of puffs is N, M may have the relationship “M = N - 1”. That is, the control unit (12) lowers the target temperature of the heater (18) when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor is M, which is the number of puffs just before the end of heating of the heater (18) (i.e., when the smoking end time is approaching). Specifically, the control unit (12) lowers the temperature of the heater (18) to be lower than the target temperature of the heater (18) at the start of the smoking section.

[0175] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to output a termination notice of the aerosol generating device (1) when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor is M times, which is the number of puffs immediately before the heating of the heater (18) is terminated.

[0176] 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 heater (18).

[0177] 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.

[0178] 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.

[0179] 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 heater (18).

[0180] 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.

[0181] 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).

[0182] The control unit (12) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is usable. For example, the control unit (12) can determine that the cartridge (19) is unusable if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge (19) based on data stored in the memory (17). For example, the control unit (12) can determine that the cartridge (19) is unusable if the total time that the heater (24) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the heater (24) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power.

[0183] 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).

[0184] 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.

[0185] The control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) based on the result detected by the sensor (13). For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor (132) reaches a preset number, the control unit (12) can notify the user that the aerosol generating device (1) will soon be terminated through at least one of the display (141), the haptic unit (142), and the sound output unit (143). For example, the control unit (12) can notify the user through the output unit (14) based on the determination that the stick (S) does not exist in the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can notify the user through the output unit (14) based on the determination that the cartridge (19) and / or the cap is not mounted. For example, the control unit (12) can transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) to the user through the output unit (14).

[0186] The control unit (12) can store and update the history of events that have occurred in the memory (17) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. The event may include operations such as detection of insertion of a 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 generating device (1), initiation of charging of the power source (11), detection of overcharge of the power source (11), termination of charging of the power source (11), etc. performed in the aerosol generating device (1). The history of the event may include the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, when the predetermined event is detection of insertion of a 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.

[0187] The control unit (12) can control to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. When data regarding authentication is received from the external device through the communication link, the control unit (12) can release the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device (1). Here, the data regarding authentication can include data indicating completion of user authentication for a user corresponding to the external device. The user can perform user authentication through the external device. The external device can determine whether user data is valid based on the user's birthday, a unique number representing the user, etc., and can receive data regarding the use authority of the aerosol generating device (1) from an external server. The external device can transmit data indicating completion of user authentication to the aerosol generating device (1) based on the data regarding the use authority. When the user authentication is completed, the control unit (12) can release the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the control unit (12) can release the restriction on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the heater (18) when user authentication is completed.

[0188] The control unit (12) can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the external device through 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 generating device (1), the operation mode, etc. through the display of the external device.

[0189] An external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol generating device (1) based on an input that initiates location search of the aerosol generating device (1). When receiving a location search request from the external device, the control unit (12) may control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, in response to the location search request, the haptic unit (142) may generate vibration. For example, in response to the location search request, the display (141) may output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0190] The control unit (12) can control to perform a firmware update when receiving firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generating device (1) and determine whether a new version of the firmware exists. When an input requesting firmware download is received, the external device can receive a new version of the firmware data and transmit the new version of the firmware data to the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (12) can control to perform a firmware update of the aerosol generating device (1) upon receiving a new version of the firmware data.

[0191] 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.

[0192] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a temperature profile of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0193] Referring to Fig. 7, information regarding the temperature of the heater is illustrated. In Fig. 7, the x-axis represents time and the y-axis represents temperature. If the aerosol generating device operates by induction heating, the temperature of the heater may refer to the temperature of the susceptor.

[0194] The aerosol generating device can control power supplied from a power source to the heater so that the temperature of the heater is controlled based on a temperature profile. The aerosol generating device can further include an insertion detection sensor for detecting insertion and / or removal of an aerosol generating article. The control unit can initiate a heating operation of the heater based on the temperature profile when the insertion of the aerosol generating article is detected by the insertion detection sensor. In other words, the aerosol generating device can initiate a heating operation of the heater based on the detection of insertion of the aerosol generating article even without a separate user input. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. The aerosol generating device can further include a user interface, such as a button, and can initiate a heating operation of the heater based on an input received through the user interface.

[0195] An aerosol generating device may preheat an aerosol generating article before a user performs a smoking action involving a user puff. The preheating section may correspond to a section in which preparations are made for use before a smoking action using the aerosol generating device is performed. Accordingly, a sufficient amount of aerosol may be delivered from the user's first puff. The aerosol generating device may perform a heater preheating operation according to a preheating profile, and when the preheating profile ends, a notification may be sent indicating that preheating is complete. When the preheating profile ends, the aerosol generating device may perform a heater heating operation according to a smoking profile. The smoking section may correspond to a section in which a smoking action using the aerosol generating device is actually performed. The user may recognize that preparations for smoking are complete through the notification, and may perform smoking involving the user puff in the smoking section.

[0196] A temperature profile may include information regarding target temperature and heating time. Based on the target temperature and / or heating time, the temperature profile may be divided into a preheating section and a smoking section. The preheating section may refer to a section in which the heater temperature is increased to a preset target temperature. The smoking section may refer to a section in which actual puffs are performed, and may refer to a section in which the heater temperature is maintained within a preset target temperature range.

[0197] Meanwhile, if the control unit controls the power supplied to the heater based on a single target temperature but the preheating time is short, the temperature of the heater may rise rapidly in a short period of time, and this rapid temperature rise of the heater may cause carbonization of the aerosol generating substrate. In addition, if the control unit controls the power supplied to the heater based on a single target temperature but the preheating time is long, the preheating time may increase excessively, which may increase user dissatisfaction. On the other hand, if the preheating section includes only the temperature rising section, an excessively large amount of aerosol may be transferred at the beginning of smoking, and thus the continuity of aerosol transfer may not be maintained at the end of smoking.

[0198] To address these issues, the aerosol generating device of the present disclosure can perform multi-stage temperature control during the preheating period. Below, with reference to the drawings, the preheating profile of the aerosol generating device according to the present disclosure will be described in detail. The aerosol generating device according to one embodiment can maintain a uniform aerosol transfer amount throughout the entire smoking process.

[0199] In the graphs of FIGS. 8 to 10 described below, the temperature change graph of the heater over time is composed of straight lines. However, this is merely for convenience of explanation, and as illustrated in FIG. 7, the actual temperature graph of the heater may include at least one curve.

[0200] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a temperature profile in a preheating section according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0201] The warm-up period can be divided into four sections.

[0202] The first target temperature (TT1) may be higher than the second target temperature (TT2). In addition, the third target temperature may be lower than the first target temperature (TT1) and higher than the second target temperature (TT2). The fourth target temperature (TT4) may be lower than the third target temperature (TT3) and higher than the second target temperature (TT2). The temperature profile of the heater in the preheating section may have an "N" shape. As described above, by lowering the temperature of the heater to the second target temperature (TT2) lower than the first target temperature (TT1) in the preheating section, carbonization of the aerosol generating substrate can be prevented and the heat sensation of the mainstream smoke can be reduced. Subsequently, by raising the temperature of the heater again to the third target temperature (TT3) higher than the second target temperature (TT2) and lower than the first target temperature (TT1), a rich amount of vapor and a pleasant smoke sensation can be provided to the user in the smoking section.

[0203] The first section (PH1) is the section from the start of heating to the first time point (t1) at which the temperature of the heater reaches the first target temperature (TT1). The first time point (t1) at which the heater reaches the first target temperature (TT1) may be affected by the temperature / humidity of the surrounding environment and may vary depending on the moisture content contained in the aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device. The control unit may control the power supplied to the heater so that the temperature of the heater reaches the first target temperature (TT1). Therefore, the first time point, which is the length of the first section (PH1), is not a fixed value but may vary depending on the temperature / humidity of the surrounding environment or the moisture content contained in the aerosol generating article.

[0204] The second period (PH2) is the period from the first time point (t1) to the second time point (t2) when the temperature of the heater reaches the second target temperature (TT2). The third time point (t3) when the heater reaches the second target temperature (TT2) may also vary depending on the temperature / humidity of the surrounding environment or the moisture content contained in the aerosol-generating article. Therefore, the second time, which is the length of the second period (PH2), is not a fixed value but may vary depending on the temperature / humidity of the surrounding environment or the moisture content contained in the aerosol-generating article. The control unit may control the power supplied to the heater to be cut off in the second period (PH2).

[0205] A third section (PH3) has a third time length and is a section from a second time point (t2) to a fourth time point (t4). The control unit can control power supplied to the heater so that the temperature of the heater in the third section (PH3) follows a third target temperature (TT3). The length of the third section (PH3) can be variable, and the control unit can set the length of the third section (PH3) based on the length of the first section (PH1) or the length of the second section (PH2). The value of the third target temperature (TT3) can be variable, and the control unit can set the value of the third target temperature (TT3) based on the length of the first section (PH1). The heater can reach the third target temperature (TT3) before reaching the fourth time point (t4), in which case the heater can include a maintenance section for maintaining the third target temperature (TT3). That is, the third section (PH3) can be divided into a 3-1 (PH3-1) section, which is a section in which the temperature of the heater rises from the second target temperature (TT2) to the third target temperature (TT2), and a 3-2 (PH3-2) section, which is a section in which the temperature of the heater maintains the third target temperature (TT3).

[0206] In one embodiment, the control unit may set the length of the third time period in proportion to the length of the first time period, which is the length of the first section (PH1). Additionally, the control unit may set the value of the third target temperature (TT3) in inverse proportion to the first time period.

[0207] In another embodiment, the control unit may set the length of the third time period inversely proportional to the length of the second time period (PH2). Additionally, the control unit may set the value of the third target temperature (TT3) inversely proportional to the second time period.

[0208] The fourth section (PH4) has a fourth time length and is a section from the fourth time point (t4) to the sixth time point (t6). The control unit can control the power supplied to the heater so that the temperature of the heater follows the fourth target temperature (TT4) in the fourth section (PH4). The heater can reach the fourth target temperature (TT4) before reaching the sixth time point (t6), in which case the heater can include a maintenance section in which the fourth target temperature (TT4) is maintained. That is, the fourth section (PH4) can be divided into a section 4-1 (PH4-1), in which the temperature of the heater decreases from the third target temperature (TT3) to the fourth target temperature (TT4), and a section 4-2 (PH4-2), in which the temperature of the heater maintains the fourth target temperature (TT4). The length of the entire preheating section can have a fixed value, and as the lengths of the first section (PH1) to the third section (PH3) are varied, the length of the fourth section (PH4) can also be varied. The control unit can control the power supplied to the heater to be cut off in the 4-1 section (PH4-1).

[0209] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a method for adjusting a temperature profile in a preheating section of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0210] Referring to FIG. 9, a first temperature profile (910) is illustrated when a normal aerosol-generating article is inserted into an aerosol generating device, and a second temperature profile (920) is illustrated when an over-humidified aerosol-generating article is inserted into an aerosol generating device. An over-humidified aerosol-generating article is one in which the moisture content contained in the aerosol-generating article exceeds a reference value, and has a higher moisture content than the normal aerosol-generating article.

[0211] The first temperature profile (910) may be identical to the temperature profile described in FIG. 8.

[0212] In the first section, the length of the first section (PH1*) of the second temperature profile (920) may be longer than the length of the first section (PH1) of the first temperature profile (910). The second temperature profile (920) is a case where the aerosol-generating article is in a hyper-humidified state, and the specific heat is relatively increased compared to the aerosol-generating article in a normal state due to the high moisture content of the aerosol-generating article. Therefore, even if the power supplied to the heater is the same, when the aerosol-generating article is in a hyper-humidified state, the first target temperature (TT1) is reached later than when the aerosol-generating article is in a normal state.

[0213] In the second section, the length of the second section (PH2*) of the second temperature profile (920) may be longer than the length of the second section (PH2) of the first temperature profile (910).

[0214] The length of the third section may be set “proportionally” to the length of the first section. It can be seen that the length of the first section (PH1) of the first temperature profile (910) is set shorter than the length of the first section (PH1*) of the second temperature profile (920), and the length of the third section (PH3) of the first temperature profile (910) is set shorter than the length of the third section (PH3*) of the second temperature profile (920). If the length of the first section is long, it may be the case that the aerosol generating article is in a hyper-humidified state. In this case, the length of the third section may be lengthened to alleviate the heat sensation of the mainstream smoke provided in the smoking section.

[0215] Additionally, in the third section, the third target temperature (TT3) may be set “inversely proportional” to the length of the first section. It can be seen that the length of the first section (PH1) of the first temperature profile (910) is shorter than the length of the first section (PH1*) of the second temperature profile (920), and the third target temperature (TT3) of the first temperature profile (910) is set higher than the third target temperature (TT3*) of the second temperature profile (920). If the length of the first section is long, it may be the case that the aerosol generating article is in an over-humidified state, and in this case, by setting the third target temperature low, the heat sensation of the mainstream smoke provided in the smoking section can be alleviated.

[0216] Additionally, the length of the third section can be set "inversely" to the length of the second section. If the second section is too short, the heater temperature may drop too quickly from the first target temperature to the second target temperature, resulting in insufficient vaporization. In this case, it is desirable to lengthen the third section to secure the vaporization provided in the smoking section.

[0217] Additionally, the third target temperature in the third section may be set "inversely proportional" to the length of the second section. It can be seen that the length of the second section (PH2) of the first temperature profile (910) is shorter than the length of the second section (PH2*) of the second temperature profile (920), and the third target temperature (TT3) of the first temperature profile (910) is set higher than the third target temperature (TT3*) of the second temperature profile (920). If the length of the second section is short, the amount of vaporization may be insufficient. If the length of the second section is short, the amount of vaporization may be insufficient. In this case, it is desirable to secure the amount of vaporization provided in the smoking section by setting the third target temperature high.

[0218] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a temperature profile in a smoking area according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0219] The control unit can control the power supplied to the heater based on the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor in the smoking section. In one example, the smoking section can be divided into four sections. For example, the smoking section can be divided based on the number of puffs reached K, L, M, and N.

[0220] In one embodiment, the control unit can set the K, L, M, and N values ​​based on the type of aerosol-generating article inserted into the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device can further include a button for receiving a user input or a sensor for identifying the type of aerosol-generating article. The user input received by the button can correspond to mode selection or type selection of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device can be configured such that the K, L, M, and N values ​​are preset and stored in memory in advance based on the user input. The K, L, M, and N values ​​can be stored in memory in the form of a lookup table that matches the type of aerosol-generating article.

[0221] The fifth target temperature (TT5) may be higher than the fourth target temperature (TT4). Additionally, the sixth target temperature (TT6) may be higher than the fifth target temperature (TT5). The seventh target temperature (TT6) may be lower than the fourth target temperature (TT4).

[0222] The first section (H1) is a section in which the number of puffs K is counted from the time the smoking section starts. The control unit can control the power supplied to the heater so that the temperature of the heater follows the fourth target temperature (TT4) in the first section (H1).

[0223] The second section (H2) is a section in which the number of buffs L is counted from the number of puffs K times. The control unit can control the power supplied to the heater so that the temperature of the heater follows the fifth target temperature (TT5) in the second section (H2).

[0224] The third section (H3) is a section in which the number of buffs M is counted after the number of puffs L. The control unit can control the power supplied to the heater so that the temperature of the heater follows the sixth target temperature (TT6) in the third section (H3).

[0225] The fourth section (H4) is the section from the number of puffs M to the end of smoking. When the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor reaches a preset number N, the control unit can cut off the power supplied to the heater to terminate the heating of the heater. The control unit can control the power supplied to the heater so that the temperature of the heater follows the seventh target temperature (TT7) in the fourth section (H4). In one embodiment, the relationship may be "N = M+a". a may have a value greater than or equal to 1. When a has a value of 1, the control unit can control the power supplied to the heater so that the temperature of the heater follows the seventh target temperature (TT7) when the number of puffs before the preset number N is counted.

[0226] In contrast to the continuous-down control method, the continuous-up control method can provide the user with sufficient nicotine and glycerin transfer amounts until the end of smoking. In other words, it can provide the user with sufficient vapor and a pleasant taste until the end of smoking. However, the continuous-up control method may cause the aerosol generator to overheat because the heater temperature continuously rises until the end of smoking. In particular, overheating of the aerosol generator may cause problems in "continuous smoking." "Continuous smoking" refers to the smoking action performed by inserting a new cigarette immediately after the end of the smoking action on the cigarette.

[0227] Accordingly, the embodiments of the present disclosure are characterized in that the heating operation of the heater is controlled in a continuous rising control manner so that sufficient nicotine transfer amount and glycerin transfer amount are provided to the user until the end of smoking, but in order to prevent overheating of the aerosol generating device in relation to “continuous smoking,” the target temperature of the heater is lowered when the end of smoking is approached (when the number of puffs is counted M times).

[0228] An embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, executed by a computer. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer, and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. Furthermore, computer-readable media can include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data, such as program modules, in a modulated data signal, or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media.

[0229] The description of the above-described embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection for the invention should be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the content described in the claims should be construed as being included within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. Power; A heater for heating an aerosol generating article based on power supplied from the above power source; a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater; and A control unit that controls power supplied to the heater based on a temperature profile including a preheating section and a smoking section; The above control unit is in the above preheating section 1st target temperature; A second target temperature lower than the first target temperature; a third target temperature lower than the first target temperature and higher than the second target temperature; and Controlling the power supplied to the heater based on a fourth target temperature that is lower than the third target temperature and higher than the second target temperature; Aerosol generating device.

2. In paragraph 1, The above preheating section is Including a first section, a second section after the first section, a third section after the second section, and a fourth section after the third section, The above control unit Controlling the power supplied to the heater so that the temperature of the heater reaches the first target temperature from the time the heating operation of the heater is initiated in the first section; In the second section, the power supplied to the heater is controlled so that the temperature of the heater reaches the second target temperature from the first point in time when the temperature of the heater reaches the first target temperature, In the third section, the power supplied to the heater is controlled so that the temperature of the heater reaches the third target temperature from the second point in time when the temperature of the heater reaches the second target temperature, In the fourth section, the power supplied to the heater is controlled so that the temperature of the heater reaches the fourth target temperature. Aerosol generating device.

3. In paragraph 2, The above 3rd section includes the 3-1 section and the 3-2 section following the 3-1 section, The above control unit In the 3-1 section, the power supplied to the heater is controlled so that the temperature of the heater reaches the third target temperature from the second point in time when the temperature of the heater reaches the second target temperature, In the above 3-2 section, the power supplied to the heater is controlled so that the temperature of the heater is maintained at the third target temperature. Aerosol generating device.

4. In paragraph 2, The above 4th section includes the 4-1 section and the 4-2 section following the 4-1 section, The above control unit In the above 4-1 section, the power supplied to the heater is controlled so that the temperature of the heater reaches the fourth target temperature from the third target temperature, In the above 4-2 section, the power supplied to the heater is controlled so that the temperature of the heater maintains the fourth target temperature. Aerosol generating device.

5. In paragraph 2, The above control unit, Cutting off the power supplied to the heater from the first point in time to the second point in time, Aerosol generating device.

6. In paragraph 2, The above control unit Based on the length of the first section, the length of the third section is set. Aerosol generating device.

7. In paragraph 2, The above control unit Based on the length of the second section, the length of the third section is set. Aerosol generating device.

8. In paragraph 2, The above control unit Based on the length of the first section, the value of the third target temperature is set. Aerosol generating device.

9. In paragraph 6, The above control unit Setting the length of the third section in proportion to the length of the first section, Aerosol generating device.

10. In paragraph 8, The above control unit Setting the value of the third target temperature inversely proportional to the length of the first section, Aerosol generating device.

11. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a puff sensor that detects the user's puff and outputs a signal corresponding to the puff; The above control unit, Controlling the power supplied to the heater in the smoking section based on the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor. Aerosol generating device.

12. In paragraph 11, The above control unit, in the smoking area When the number of K puffs is counted, the power supplied to the heater is controlled so that the temperature of the heater reaches a fifth target temperature higher than the fourth target temperature. When the number of puffs L times is counted more than the above K times, the power supplied to the heater is controlled so that the temperature of the heater reaches a sixth target temperature higher than the fifth target temperature. When the number of puffs M times is counted more than the above K times, the power supplied to the heater is controlled so that the temperature of the heater reaches a seventh target temperature lower than the fourth target temperature. Aerosol generating device.

13. In paragraph 12, Further comprising an output section for outputting information on the status of the aerosol generating device; The above control unit, When the number of puffs of the above M sessions is counted, the output unit controls the output unit to output a termination notice of the aerosol generating device. Aerosol generating device.

14. In paragraph 13, The above control unit When the number of puffs M+1 times is counted, the power supplied to the heater is controlled to be cut off, Controlling the output unit so that the output unit outputs the end of the aerosol generating device; Aerosol generating device.

15. In paragraph 12, The above output section, conveying information about the status of said aerosol generating device to the user by at least one of tactile, visual, or auditory means; Aerosol generating device.

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