Aerosol-generating device having puff sensing structure

Abstract

The aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cavity into which an aerosol-generating article is inserted; a heater for heating the aerosol-generating article inserted into the cavity; an air flow channel communicating with the cavity; an inlet port communicating with the air flow channel so as to introduce external air into the air flow channel; a battery for supplying power to the heater; a power adjustment means connected between the battery and the heater; a microcontroller connected to the power adjustment means so as to control the power control mean; a puff-sensing metal structure installed in the air flow channel; a first wire and a second wire connected to the puff-sensing metal structure, respectively, and made of materials having different thermal conductivities; and an amplifier having an input terminal connected to each of the first wire and the second wire and having an output terminal connected to the microcontroller. The microcontroller recognizes puffs according to signals input from the amplifier and counts the number of puffs.

Description

Aerosol generator having a puff detection structure

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device capable of recognizing a user's puff, and more specifically, to an aerosol generating device capable of recognizing a puff by using a puff-detecting metal structure installed in an airflow passage connected to a cavity into which an aerosol-generating article is inserted.

[0002] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining an example of a conventional aerosol generating device. Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (10) includes a heater (14) that generates heat by resistance when current is applied, a battery (16) that can instantly supply high power to the heater (14), and a control unit (15) for controlling the heater (14). The heater (14) generates an aerosol by heating a vaporizing agent containing a substance (vaporizing substance) that vaporizes when heated above a certain temperature, which is accommodated in a cavity (13). For example, when an aerosol generating article (11) filled with paper impregnated with or covered with an inhalable substance is inserted into the cavity (13) through an opening (12), the heater (14) is heated to vaporize the inhalable substance inside the aerosol generating article (11), so that the user can inhale the vaporized inhalable substance through the filter unit of the aerosol generating article (11). The aerosol-generating article (11) may be, for example, an aerosol-generating article in the form of a cigarette.

[0003] The function of counting the user's puffs in the aerosol generating device (10) described above is a technology necessary for controlling the number of puffs that can be made with one aerosol generating device at a constant level, thereby providing a uniform taste and impact.

[0004] For example, as a prior art, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2024-0011341 discloses an aerosol generating device comprising: a cavity forming a space into which an aerosol-generating article is inserted and having a hollow portion at the bottom; a heater disposed in the cavity; an airflow passage communicating with the hollow portion provided at the bottom of the cavity; an intake port communicating with the airflow passage and introducing outside air into the airflow passage; a battery supplying power to the heater; a power control means connected between the battery and the heater; and a microcontroller connected to the power control means and controlling the power control means; wherein the device comprises a first temperature sensor installed in the intake port; and a second temperature sensor installed within the airflow passage, and the microcontroller calculates a temperature difference value based on respective detection signals input from the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor to determine the number of inhalations and controls the power control means.

[0005] The above-described conventional technology uses a temperature sensor installed within an airflow passage to recognize a user's puff, but there is a problem that the temperature sensor may malfunction or break down due to liquid droplets that may occur within the airflow passage. In addition, even when a pressure sensor is installed within an airflow passage to recognize a user's puff, there is a problem that the pressure sensor may malfunction or break down due to liquid droplets that may occur within the airflow passage, and if the user's puff strength is weak, puff detection may not be accurate.

[0006]

[0007] Prior art literature

[0008] (Patent Document) Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2024-0011341

[0009] An embodiment of the present invention is designed to solve the problems of the above-described prior art, and aims to provide an aerosol generating device that is installed in an airflow passage and can recognize a puff without the detection performance being degraded by droplets.

[0010] In addition, an embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an aerosol generating device having a puff detection structure capable of improving the accuracy of puff recognition.

[0011] In addition, an embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an aerosol generating device that performs a heating operation by varying the target temperature of the heater in response to a user's puff pattern.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol generating device includes: a cavity into which an aerosol-generating article is inserted; a heater for heating the aerosol-generating article inserted into the cavity; an airflow passage communicating with the cavity; an intake port communicating with the airflow passage and introducing outside air into the airflow passage; a battery for supplying power to the heater; a power control means connected between the battery and the heater; a microcontroller connected to the power control means and controlling the power control means; a puff-detecting metal structure installed in the airflow passage; first wires each connected to the puff-detecting metal structure and made of materials having different thermal conductivities; and a second wire; an amplifier having input terminals connected to the first wire and the second wire, respectively, and an output terminal connected to the microcontroller; wherein the microcontroller recognizes a puff and counts the number of puffs according to a signal input from the amplifier.

[0013] In addition, according to an embodiment, the device further includes a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the cavity or the heater and applies the temperature value to the microcontroller, and the microcontroller controls the power control unit to perform a heating operation by using a temperature profile including a plurality of target temperatures and the temperature value from the temperature detection unit, thereby controlling aerosol generation from an aerosol-generating article in the cavity, and controls the power control unit by varying the target temperature in response to a puff pattern of recognized puffs.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first wire and a second wire made of materials having different thermal conductivities are connected to a metal structure for detecting a puff installed in an airflow passage, and a puff is detected by a potential difference between the first wire and the second wire, so that detection performance is not reduced by droplets, and the accuracy of puff recognition can be increased.

[0015] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the accuracy of puff recognition can be increased by detecting a puff by a puff detection metal structure forming a part of an airflow passage.

[0016] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a heating operation is performed by varying the target temperature of the heater in response to the user's puff pattern and / or whether or not the user puffs, thereby enabling temperature control optimized for each user's puffing habits.

[0017] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the target temperature of the heater must be changed, the heating of the heater is stopped for a period of time including before and after the change, and then the heating of the heater is restarted, so that the temperature of the heater can be lowered more quickly or controlled without overshooting.

[0018] Figure 1 is a drawing for explaining an example of a conventional aerosol generating device.

[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram conceptually explaining an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 is a block diagram for explaining an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a metal structure for detecting a puff according to a first embodiment of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a graph for explaining puff recognition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a metal structure for detecting a puff according to a second embodiment of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a metal structure for detecting a puff according to a third embodiment of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing examples of a circuit configuration including a first wire, a second wire, and an amplifier in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between a temperature graph including a puff graph and target temperatures of a heater in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between a temperature profile graph of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention and a graph of power applied to a heater.

[0028] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cavity into which an aerosol-generating article is inserted; a heater for heating the aerosol-generating article inserted into the cavity; an airflow passage communicating with the cavity; an intake port communicating with the airflow passage and introducing outside air into the airflow passage; a battery for supplying power to the heater; a power control means connected between the battery and the heater; a microcontroller connected to the power control means and controlling the power control means; a puff-detecting metal structure installed in the airflow passage; first wires each connected to the puff-detecting metal structure and made of materials having different thermal conductivities; and a second wire; an amplifier having input terminals connected to each of the first wire and the second wire and an output terminal connected to the microcontroller; wherein the microcontroller recognizes a puff and counts the number of puffs according to a signal input from the amplifier.

[0029] Additionally, according to an embodiment, the metal structure for detecting the puff is formed in a pin type.

[0030] Additionally, according to an embodiment, the metal structure for detecting the puff is formed in a plate type.

[0031] Additionally, according to an embodiment, the metal structure for detecting the puff is formed in a ring type.

[0032] Additionally, according to an embodiment, the metal structure for detecting the puff is formed in a mesh type.

[0033] Additionally, according to an embodiment, the metal structure for detecting the puff is formed as a part of the airflow passage.

[0034] Additionally, according to an embodiment, a puff detection metal structure formed as part of the airflow passage is spaced apart from the outer side of the cavity.

[0035] Additionally, according to an embodiment, a puff detection metal structure formed as part of the airflow passage is spaced apart from the lower outer side of the cavity.

[0036] Additionally, according to an embodiment, the puff detection metal structure formed as part of the airflow passage is in the shape of a pipe.

[0037] Additionally, according to the embodiment, the puff detection metal structure formed as part of the airflow passage has a square or triangular cross-section.

[0038] Additionally, according to an embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the puff detection metal structure formed as part of the airflow passage is 100㎟ or less.

[0039] Additionally, according to an embodiment, the metal structure for detecting puff has a thermal conductivity of 50 to 400 W / mK.

[0040] Additionally, according to an embodiment, the material of the metal structure for detecting the puff includes at least one of brass, bronze, aluminum, beryllium, iron, chromium, cobalt, copper, gold, iridium, potassium, magnesium, molybdenum, nickel, platinum, silver, sodium, tantalum, tin, tungsten, carbon steel, vanadium, and zinc.

[0041] In addition, according to an embodiment, the device further includes a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the cavity or the heater and applies the temperature value to the microcontroller, and the microcontroller controls the power control unit to perform a heating operation by using a temperature profile including a plurality of target temperatures and the temperature value from the temperature detection unit, thereby controlling aerosol generation from an aerosol-generating article in the cavity, and controls the power control unit by varying the target temperature in response to a puff pattern of recognized puffs.

[0042] Additionally, depending on the embodiment, the puff pattern includes the number or order of recognized puffs.

[0043] Additionally, according to an embodiment, each of the plurality of target temperatures of the temperature profile is stored in the microcontroller corresponding to the number or order of puffs.

[0044] Additionally, according to an embodiment, the microcontroller controls the power control means to perform a heating operation by using the current target temperature and temperature value to maintain the current target temperature until the next puff is recognized.

[0045] In addition, according to an embodiment, the device further includes a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the cavity or the heater and applies the temperature value to the microcontroller, and the microcontroller controls the power control means using the temperature profile and the temperature value from the temperature detection unit to perform a heating operation so that aerosol is generated from an aerosol-generating article within the cavity, and performs a power cut-off operation to the heater during the heating operation.

[0046] In addition, according to an embodiment, the temperature profile includes a plurality of target temperatures and a control point (t) for each of the plurality of target temperatures, and the microcontroller controls the power control means to cut off power to the heater from a time (ta) before the control point (t) to the next target temperature to a time (t+b) before the heating operation of the heater according to the current target temperature, when the current target temperature must be changed to a next target temperature, to perform a power cut-off operation.

[0047] Additionally, depending on the embodiment, each of time (a) and time (b) is a positive number, or one of time (a) and time (b) is 0 and the other is a positive number.

[0048] Additionally, depending on the embodiment, the time of the power cut-off operation is greater than 0 and within 5 seconds.

[0049] Additionally, according to an embodiment, the microcontroller performs a power cut-off operation when the temperature difference between the current target temperature and the next target temperature is within a range of 50°C.

[0050] Additionally, according to an embodiment, the microcontroller does not perform a power-off operation if the temperature difference between the current target temperature and the next target temperature is within the reference temperature difference.

[0051] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0052] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram conceptually explaining an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram conceptually explaining an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, an aerosol generating device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cavity (102) into which an aerosol generating article (101) is inserted, a heater (103) for heating the aerosol generating article (101) inserted into the cavity (102), an airflow passage (104) communicating with the cavity (102), and an intake port (105) communicating with the airflow passage (104) to introduce external air into the airflow passage (104).

[0054] In addition, it includes a battery (106) that supplies power to the heater (103), a power control means (107) connected between the battery (106) and the heater (103), and a microcontroller (108) that is connected to the power control means (107) and controls the power control means (107).

[0055] In addition, it includes a puff detection metal structure (109) installed in an airflow passage (104), a first wire (111) and a second wire (112) which are each connected to the puff detection metal structure (109) and are made of materials with different thermal conductivities, and an amplifier (113) whose input terminals are each connected to the first wire (111) and the second wire (112) and whose output terminal is connected to a microcontroller (108), and the microcontroller (108) recognizes a puff and counts the number of puffs according to a signal input from the amplifier (113).

[0056] The aerosol-generating article (101) may be, for example, an aerosol-generating article in the form of a cigarette. In an embodiment, the aerosol-generating article in the form of a cigarette comprises a filter portion, a cooling portion, and an aerosol-forming substrate layer comprising a liquid or gel-like aerosol-forming substrate (e.g., a single or mixed material including at least one of curing agent, flavoring agent, nicotine, VG (vegetable glycerin), PG (propylene glycol), clove, etc.). In addition, the aerosol-generating article in the form of a cigarette comprises a wrapping portion that surrounds the filter portion, the cooling portion, and the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate layer. The aerosol-forming substrate layer may be composed of a plurality of layers.

[0057] When the aerosol-generating article (101) is inserted into the cavity (102), and power is supplied to the heater (103) from the battery (106) under the control of the microcontroller (108), the aerosol-generating article (101) is heated by the heater (103), and when the user puffs while holding the end of the aerosol-generating article (101) in his / her mouth, external air is drawn into the airflow passage (104) from the inlet (105), is transported to the cavity (102), and penetrates into the aerosol-generating article (101), and the user inhales the aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming device provided in the aerosol-generating article (101) through the end of the aerosol-generating article (101) by the heating of the heater (103). The microcontroller (108) controls the power control means (107) to control the power supplied from the battery (106) to the heater (103). For example, the power control means (107) includes an FET, and the microcontroller (108) inputs a PWM signal to the power control means (107) to control the power supplied from the battery (106) to the heater (103). As the FET included in the power control means (107) is turned on and off according to the duty of the PWM signal input from the microcontroller (108), the power supplied from the battery (106) to the heater (103) is controlled, thereby heating the heater (103).

[0058] FIG. 4 is a perspective view for explaining a metal structure for detecting a puff according to a first embodiment of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a graph for explaining puff recognition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5, when a user puffs, external air flows into the airflow passage (104) from the inlet (105) as described above. In addition, the external air flowing into the airflow passage (104) passes through the puff detection metal structure (109) installed in the airflow passage (104). The first wire (111) and the second wire (112), which are each connected to the puff detection metal structure (109) and are made of materials with different thermal conductivities, cause a potential difference to be generated between the first wire (111) and the second wire (112) depending on the temperature environment of the puff detection metal structure (109).

[0060] When the external air flowing into the airflow passage (104) passes through the puff detection metal structure (109) installed in the airflow passage (104), the temperature environment of the puff detection metal structure (109) changes instantaneously, and the potential difference between the first wire (111) and the second wire (112) changes instantaneously, so that a signal is input to an amplifier (113) having input terminals connected to the first wire (111) and the second wire (112), and the signal is amplified by the amplifier (113) and output to the microcontroller (108). For example, the microcontroller (108) may have an AD converter built in, and the AD converter converts an analog signal input from the amplifier (113) into a digital signal (ADC value). For example, a preset reference signal may be stored in the microcontroller (108), and the microcontroller (108) recognizes a puff and counts the number of puffs by comparing the amount of change in a digitally converted signal input from the amplifier (113) with the reference signal. For example, the microcontroller (108) has the first puff recognition reference value and the second puff recognition reference value shown in FIG. 5 pre-stored as reference signals, and the amount of change in a digital signal (ADC value, potential difference of the first wire - the second wire of FIG. 5) converted by an AD converter into an analog signal input from the amplifier (113) is compared with the first puff recognition reference value and the second puff recognition reference value, and when the amount of change in the digital signal is greater than or equal to the first puff recognition reference value and becomes less than or equal to the second puff recognition reference value, it is recognized that one puff has occurred and the number of puffs is counted once. Depending on the embodiment, the puff recognition reference values ​​(first puff recognition reference value and second puff recognition reference value) may be set differently depending on the heating temperature.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the puff-detecting metal structure (109) and the first wire (111) and the second wire (112) may be formed integrally, formed by assembly, or formed by welding. It is preferable that the shape of the puff-detecting metal structure (109) be formed in a shape that can generate the greatest possible thermal change, and it is also preferable that the material of the puff-detecting metal structure (109) be made of a material that is sensitive to thermal change. For example, in order to implement a shape that generates the greatest possible thermal change, the puff-detecting metal structure (109) is formed in a pin type according to an embodiment. In addition, according to an embodiment, the puff-detecting metal structure (109) is formed in a plate type. In addition, according to an embodiment, the puff-detecting metal structure (109) is formed in a ring type. In addition, according to an embodiment, the puff-detecting metal structure (109) is formed in a mesh type.

[0062] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a metal structure for detecting a puff according to a second embodiment of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Referring to (a) of FIG. 6, the puff detection metal structure (115) according to the second embodiment is formed as a part of the airflow passage (104), and the first wire (111) and the second wire (112) are connected to the puff detection metal structure (115) in the same manner as the puff detection metal structure (109) according to the first embodiment described above. In addition, referring to (b) of FIG. 6, the puff detection metal structure (115) is arranged spaced apart from the side outer side of the cavity (102) and is formed as a part of the airflow passage (104).

[0064] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a metal structure for detecting a puff according to a third embodiment of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Referring to (a) and (b) of FIG. 7, the puff detection metal structure (116) according to the third embodiment is formed as a part of the airflow passage (104) in the same manner as the puff detection metal structure (115) according to the second embodiment described above, and the puff detection metal structure (116) is connected to a first wire (111) and a second wire (112) in the same manner as the puff detection metal structure (109) according to the first embodiment described above, and the puff detection metal structure (116) is arranged spaced apart from the lower outer side of the cavity (102) and is formed as a part of the airflow passage (104).

[0066] According to an embodiment, the puff detection metal structure (115, 116) formed as a part of the airflow passage (104) may be in the shape of a pipe, and according to an embodiment, the puff detection metal structure (115, 116) formed as a part of the airflow passage (104) may have a cross-section of a square or a triangle.

[0067] In addition, referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 according to an embodiment, the cross-sectional area (A) of the puff detection metal structure (115, 116) formed as a part of the airflow passage (104) can be designed to be 100㎟ or less. The length (L) of the puff detection metal structure (115, 116) can be designed by arbitrarily setting the dimension.

[0068] In addition, according to an embodiment, it is preferable that the metal structure (109, 115, 116) for detecting puffs has a thermal conductivity of 50 to 400 W / mK, and the material of the metal structure (109, 115, 116) for detecting puffs is a metal material having such thermal conductivity, and includes at least one of brass, bronze, brass, aluminum, beryllium, iron, chromium, cobalt, copper, gold, iridium, potassium, magnesium, molybdenum, nickel, platinum, silver, sodium, tantalum, tin, tungsten, carbon steel, vanadium, and zinc.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 and 6 and 7, when a user puffs, external air is drawn into the airflow passage (104) from the inlet (105) as described above. In addition, the external air drawn into the airflow passage (104) passes through the puff-detecting metal structure (115, 116) formed as a part of the airflow passage (104). The first wire (111) and the second wire (112) which are respectively connected to the puff-detecting metal structure (115, 116) and made of materials having different thermal conductivities generate a potential difference between the first wire (111) and the second wire (112) depending on the temperature environment of the puff-detecting metal structure (115, 116). When the external air flowing into the airflow passage (104) passes through the puff detection metal structure (115, 116) formed as a part of the airflow passage (104), the temperature environment of the puff detection metal structure (115, 116) changes instantaneously, and the potential difference between the first wire (111) and the second wire (112) changes instantaneously, so that a signal is input to an amplifier (113) having input terminals connected to the first wire (111) and the second wire (112), and the signal is amplified by the amplifier (113) and output to the microcontroller (108). For example, the microcontroller (108) may have an AD converter built in, and the AD converter converts an analog signal input from the amplifier (113) into a digital signal (ADC value). For example, a preset reference signal can be stored in the microcontroller (108), and the microcontroller (108) recognizes a puff by comparing the amount of change in a digitally converted signal input from the amplifier (113) with the reference signal and counts the number of puffs.For example, the microcontroller (108) stores the first puff recognition reference value and the second puff recognition reference value shown in FIG. 5 as reference signals, and compares the change amount (change amount of potential difference in FIG. 5) of the digital signal (ADC value, potential difference between the first wire and the second wire in FIG. 5) converted by the AD converter from the analog signal input from the amplifier (113) with the first puff recognition reference value and the second puff recognition reference value, and if the change amount of the digital signal is greater than or equal to the first puff recognition reference value and then becomes less than or equal to the second puff recognition reference value, it recognizes that one puff has occurred and counts the number of puffs as one. Depending on the embodiment, the puff recognition reference values ​​(the first puff recognition reference value and the second puff recognition reference value) may be set differently depending on the heating temperature.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the configuration for detecting a puff using a metal structure (109, 115, 116) for detecting a puff installed in an airflow passage (104) and a first wire (111) and a second wire (112) made of materials having different thermal conductivities and connected to the metal structure (109, 115, 116) for detecting a puff may be replaced with a configuration for detecting temperature in another way, and for example, a thermocouple, an NTC thermistor, a PTC thermistor, an RTD (PT100, PT1000), or a temperature sensor IC disposed on the outer surface of the airflow passage (104) may be used.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the aerosol generator (100) is connected to a microcontroller (108) and includes a power supply (114) that turns the power on and off. For example, the microcontroller (108) can recognize a puff based on a signal input from an amplifier (113), count the number of puffs, and control the power supply (114) to turn the power off when it is determined that the number of puffs has reached a preset number.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the microcontroller (108) recognizes a puff based on a signal input from an amplifier (113), counts the number of puffs, and when it is determined that the number of puffs has reached a preset number, the microcontroller does not input a PWM signal to the power control means (107), so that power is not supplied to the heater (103) from the battery (106), and thus heating of the heater (103) can be terminated.

[0073] In addition, according to an embodiment, a preset temperature profile according to the number of puffs may be stored in the microcontroller (108), and the microcontroller (108) may recognize a puff according to a signal input from the amplifier (113), count the number of puffs, and control the power control means (107) to heat the heater (103) with a preset temperature profile according to the number of puffs. The microcontroller (108) may adjust and input a PWM signal as a control signal input to the power control means (107) to heat the heater (103) with a preset temperature profile according to the number of puffs, so that the FET included in the power control means (107) turns on and off according to the duty of the PWM signal input from the microcontroller (108), thereby adjusting the power supplied to the heater (103) from the battery (106), so as to heat the heater (103) with a preset temperature profile according to the number of puffs.

[0074] FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing examples of a circuit configuration including a first wire, a second wire, and an amplifier in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] As described above, the amplifier (113) is included, the input terminals of which are connected to the first wire (111) and the second wire (112), respectively, and the output terminal of which is connected to the microcontroller (108). If the potential difference between the first wire (111) and the second wire (112) is small, the microcontroller (108) may not recognize the signal, so the signal is amplified through the amplifier (113) and input to the microcontroller (108), and various circuit designs can be configured as shown in (a), (b), (c), and (d) of FIG. 8.

[0076] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between a temperature graph including a puff graph and target temperatures of a heater in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 9, the embodiment further includes a temperature detection unit (117) that detects the temperature of a cavity (102) or a heater (103) and applies the temperature value to a microcontroller (108), and the microcontroller (108) controls a power control means (107) using a temperature profile including a plurality of target temperatures and a temperature value from the temperature detection unit (128) to perform a heating operation, thereby controlling aerosol generation from an aerosol-generating article (101) within the cavity (102).

[0078] The microcontroller (108) generates a control signal (e.g., a PWM signal, etc.) based on the applied temperature value and temperature profile from the temperature detection unit (117) and applies the control signal to the power control means (107) to control the power control means (107), thereby performing a heating operation on the aerosol-generating article (101) so that an aerosol of an aerosol-forming material included in the aerosol-generating article (101) is generated.

[0079] The microcontroller (108) stores a temperature profile including a plurality of target temperatures, each corresponding to the number or order of puffs, and a heating end time. As shown in Fig. 9, the temperature profile includes an initial target temperature (T0), a first target temperature (T1) corresponding to a first puff (P1), a second target temperature (T2) corresponding to a second puff (P2), and a third target temperature (T3) corresponding to a third puff (P3).

[0080] The microcontroller (108) maintains the current target temperature according to the puff pattern from the start time (0) to the heating end time, or reads the next target temperature and changes the current target temperature to the next target temperature. In addition, the microcontroller (108) controls the power control means (107) so that the heater (103) performs a heating operation so that the temperature value is maintained at or reaches the current target temperature or the next target temperature. According to an embodiment, the puff pattern includes the number or order of recognized puffs.

[0081] At the starting point (0), since the target temperature is the initial target temperature (T0), the microcontroller (108) reads the initial target temperature (T0) and controls the power control means (107) so that the temperature value reaches and is maintained at the initial target temperature (T0), thereby causing the heater (103) to perform a heating operation. The microcontroller (108) maintains the initial target temperature (T0) as the current target temperature until the first puff (P1) is recognized.

[0082] While the heater (103) is performing a heating operation, the microcontroller (108) recognizes a puff and counts the number of puffs by comparing the amount of change in a digitally converted signal input from the amplifier (113) through the first wire (111) and the second wire (112) which are respectively connected to the puff detection metal structures (109, 115, 116).

[0083] When the first puff (P1) is recognized, instead of the initial target temperature (T0) which is the current target temperature, the first target temperature (T1) corresponding to the first puff (P1) is read as the next target temperature, and the power control means (107) is controlled so that the temperature value reaches and is maintained at the first target temperature (T1), thereby causing the heater (103) to perform a heating operation. The microcontroller (108) maintains the first target temperature (T1) as the current target temperature until the second puff (P2) is recognized.

[0084] When the microcontroller (108) compares the amount of change in the digitally converted signal input from the amplifier (113) through the first wire (111) and the second wire (112) respectively connected to the puff detection metal structures (109, 115, 116) while performing the heating operation of the heater (103) with a reference signal to recognize the second puff (P2), instead of the first target temperature (T1) which is the current target temperature, the microcontroller reads the second target temperature (T2) corresponding to the second puff (P2) as the next target temperature, and controls the power control means (107) so that the temperature value reaches and is maintained at the second target temperature (T2), thereby causing the heater (103) to perform the heating operation. The microcontroller (108) maintains the second target temperature (T2) as the current target temperature until it recognizes the third puff (P3).

[0085] In the same manner as above, the microcontroller (108) reads the target temperature corresponding to the number of puffs or the order from the start time (0) to the heating end time, and controls the power control means (107) to perform a heating operation so that the temperature value reaches and is maintained at the read target temperature.

[0086] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between a temperature profile graph of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention and a graph of power applied to a heater.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 10, the embodiment further includes a temperature detection unit (117) that detects the temperature of a cavity (102) or a heater (103) and applies the temperature value to a microcontroller (108), and the microcontroller (108) controls a power control means (107) using a temperature profile and a temperature value from the temperature detection unit (117) to perform a heating operation so that an aerosol is generated from an aerosol-generating article within the cavity (104), but performs a power cut-off operation to the heater (103) during the heating operation.

[0088] The microcontroller (108) generates a control signal (e.g., a PWM signal, etc.) based on the applied temperature value and temperature profile from the temperature detection unit (117) and applies the control signal to the power control means (107) to control the power control means (107) to perform a heating operation on the aerosol-generating article so that an aerosol of the aerosol-forming material is generated. In addition, for example, when the current target temperature must be changed to the next target temperature during the heating operation of the heater (103) according to the current target temperature, the microcontroller (108) controls the power control means (107) to cut off power to the heater (103) for a period of time including before the change to the next target temperature and after the change to the next target temperature.

[0089] The microcontroller (108) stores a temperature profile including a plurality of target temperatures, control points for each of the plurality of target temperatures, and a heating end point (total execution time of the heating operation).

[0090] A control point refers to a point in time when the current target temperature changes to the next target temperature. In a temperature profile, each of a plurality of target temperatures corresponds to a plurality of control points arranged in chronological order. The temperature profile graph in (a) of Fig. 10 visually illustrates a temperature profile including a plurality of target temperatures (T1, T2, T3, etc.), control points (0, t1, t2, etc.) for each of the plurality of target temperatures, and a heating end point (tf).

[0091] In (a) of Fig. 10, the first target temperature (T1) is the start temperature of the heating operation and the control point in time is 0 seconds, the second target temperature (T2) is the target temperature after the first target temperature (T1) and the control point in time is t1, and the third target temperature (T3) is the target temperature after the second target temperature (T2) and the control point in time is t2. The second target temperature (T2) is higher than the first target temperature (T1), and the third target temperature (T3) is lower than the second target temperature (T2) and higher than the first target temperature (T1). Descriptions of the other target temperatures are omitted.

[0092] The power graph of (b) in Fig. 10 is a graph visually representing the powers applied to the heater (103) by the microcontroller (108) controlling the power control means (107). The first power (P1) corresponds to the power for the temperature value to reach the first target temperature (T1), the second power (P2) corresponds to the power for the temperature value to reach the second target temperature (T2), and the third power (P3) corresponds to the power for the temperature value to reach the third target temperature (T3). Descriptions of the other powers are omitted.

[0093] The process in which the microcontroller (108) performs a heating operation from time 0 to the heating end time (tf) is described in detail.

[0094] The microcontroller (108) controls the power control means (107) at the start time (time 0) of the heating operation, which is the control time of the first target temperature (T1), so that the first power (P1) is applied to the heater (103) so that the temperature value reaches the first target temperature (T1).

[0095] The microcontroller (108) controls the power control means (107) at a time (t1-a1) before the control time (t1) of the second target temperature (T2), which is the time point at which the first target temperature (T1) is to be changed from the current target temperature (T1) to the second target temperature (T2), to cut off the power supply to the heater (103) while the first power (P1) is applied to the heater (103) to perform a heating operation, and controls the power control means (107) from a time (t1+b1) after the control time (t1) of the second target temperature (T2) has elapsed so that the second power (P2) is supplied to the heater (103). Here, each of a1 and b1 may be a positive number, or one of a1 and b1 may be 0 and the other may be a positive number. That is, when the heating operation of the heater (103) according to the first target temperature (T1) needs to be changed to the second target temperature (T2), the microcontroller (108) controls the power control means (107) to include the control time point of the second target temperature (T2), and performs a power cut-off operation to cut off the power to the heater (103) from a time (t1-a1) before the control time point (t1) of the second target temperature (T2) to a time (t1+b1) after the control time point (t1) of the second target temperature (T2). The microcontroller (108) performs the power cut-off operation for a time (a1+b1).

[0096] In the same way, the microcontroller (108) controls the power control means (107) to cut off the power supply to the heater (103) at a time (t2-a2) before the control point (t2) of the third target temperature (T3), which is the point in time when the current target temperature (T2) should be changed to the third target temperature (T3), while performing a heating operation by applying power to the heater (103) from a time (t1+b1) after the control point (t1) of the second target temperature (T2), and after the control point (t2) of the third target temperature (T3) has elapsed, the power control means (107) is controlled at a time (t2+b2) so that the third power (P3) is supplied to the heater (103). Here, each of a2 and b2 may be a positive number, or one of a2 and b2 may be 0 and the other may be a positive number. The microcontroller (108) performs a power-off operation for a time (a2+b2).

[0097] The microcontroller (108) performs the power cut-off operation and the heating operation by the heater (103) as described above until the heating termination time (tf), and controls the power control means (107) to cut off the power to the heater (103) and terminate the aerosol generation function.

[0098] In this embodiment, the microcontroller (108) can select and perform the power cut-off operation execution time within a range greater than 0 and less than 5 seconds.

[0099] In this embodiment, the microcontroller (108) can perform a power cut-off operation when the temperature difference between the current target temperature and the next target temperature is within a range of 50°C.

[0100] In another embodiment, the microcontroller (108) may not always perform a power cut-off operation when the temperature changes from the current target temperature to the next target temperature, but may not perform the power cut-off operation when the temperature difference between the current target temperature and the next target temperature is within the reference temperature difference, making it easy to control the temperature change and preventing overshooting.

[0101] In another embodiment, the microcontroller (108) can control the execution time of the power cut-off operation when the target temperature rises to be different from the execution time of the power cut-off operation when the target temperature falls.

[0102] As described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific preferred embodiments described above, and anyone having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains can make various modifications without departing from the gist of the present invention claimed in the claims, and such modifications are within the scope of the claims.

[0103] An aerosol generating device can be provided that detects a puff by a potential difference between a first wire and a second wire made of materials with different thermal conductivities and connected to a metal structure for detecting a puff installed in an airflow passage, thereby preventing detection performance from being reduced by droplets and increasing the accuracy of puff recognition.

Claims

1. A cavity into which an aerosol-generating item is inserted; A heater for heating an aerosol-generating material inserted into the above cavity; An air passage communicating with the above cavity; An intake port communicating with the air passage and introducing outside air into the air passage; A battery for supplying power to the above heater; A power control means connected between the battery and the heater; A microcontroller connected to the power control means and controlling the power control means; A metal structure for detecting puffs installed in the above airflow passage; A first wire, each connected to the above puff detection metal structure and made of a material having different thermal conductivity; and a second wire; An amplifier having an input terminal connected to each of the first wire and the second wire, and an output terminal connected to the microcontroller; An aerosol generating device characterized in that the microcontroller recognizes a puff and counts the number of puffs according to a signal input from the amplifier.

2. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, characterized in that the metal structure for detecting the puff is formed in a pin type.

3. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, characterized in that the metal structure for detecting the puff is formed in a plate type.

4. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, characterized in that the metal structure for detecting the puff is formed in a ring type.

5. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, characterized in that the metal structure for detecting the puff is formed in a mesh type.

6. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, characterized in that the metal structure for detecting the puff is formed as a part of the airflow passage.

7. In paragraph 6, An aerosol generating device, characterized in that the puff-detecting metal structure formed as part of the airflow passage is spaced apart from the outer side of the cavity.

8. In paragraph 6, An aerosol generating device, characterized in that the puff-detecting metal structure formed as part of the airflow passage is spaced apart from the lower outer side of the cavity.

9. In paragraph 6, An aerosol generating device, characterized in that the metal structure for detecting a puff formed as part of the above airflow passage is in the shape of a pipe.

10. In paragraph 6, An aerosol generating device, wherein the puff-detecting metal structure formed as part of the airflow passage has a square or triangular cross-section.

11. In any one of clauses 6 to 10, An aerosol generating device, characterized in that the cross-sectional area of ​​the metal structure for detecting the puff is 100㎟ or less.

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, An aerosol generating device, wherein the metal structure for detecting the puff has a thermal conductivity of 50 to 400 W / mK.

13. In paragraph 12, An aerosol generating device characterized in that the material of the metal structure for detecting the puff includes at least one of brass, bronze, brass, aluminum, beryllium, iron, chromium, cobalt, copper, gold, iridium, potassium, magnesium, molybdenum, nickel, platinum, silver, sodium, tantalum, tin, tungsten, carbon steel, vanadium, and zinc.

14. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device further comprising a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the cavity or the heater and applies the temperature value to the microcontroller, wherein the microcontroller controls the power control unit to perform a heating operation by using a temperature profile including a plurality of target temperatures and the temperature value from the temperature detection unit to control aerosol generation from an aerosol-generating article in the cavity, wherein the power control unit is controlled by varying the target temperature in response to the puff pattern of the recognized puffs.

15. In paragraph 14, An aerosol generating device, wherein the puff pattern includes the number or order of recognized puffs.

16. In paragraph 15, An aerosol generating device, characterized in that each of a plurality of target temperatures of the above temperature profile is stored in the microcontroller corresponding to the number or order of puffs.

17. In paragraph 15 or 16, An aerosol generator characterized in that the microcontroller controls the power control means using the current target temperature and temperature value to perform a heating operation, and maintains the current target temperature until the next puff is recognized.

18. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device further comprising a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the cavity or the heater and applies the temperature value to the microcontroller, wherein the microcontroller controls the power control means using the temperature profile and the temperature value from the temperature detection unit to perform a heating operation so that aerosol is generated from an aerosol-generating article within the cavity, and performs a power cut-off operation to the heater during the performance of the heating operation.

19. In Article 18, An aerosol generating device characterized in that the temperature profile includes a plurality of target temperatures and a control point in time (t) for each of the plurality of target temperatures, and the microcontroller controls the power control means to cut off power to the heater from a time (ta) before the control point in time (t) to a time (t+b) before the next target temperature when the current target temperature should be changed to a next target temperature during the heating operation of the heater according to the current target temperature, thereby performing a power cut-off operation.

20. In paragraph 19, An aerosol generating device, wherein each of time (a) and time (b) is a positive number, or one of time (a) and time (b) is 0 and the other is a positive number.

21. In any one of paragraphs 18 to 20, An aerosol generating device, characterized in that the time of the power cut-off operation is in a range greater than 0 and within 5 seconds.

22. In paragraph 19, An aerosol generating device characterized in that the microcontroller performs a power cut-off operation when the temperature difference between the current target temperature and the next target temperature is within a range of 50℃.

23. In paragraph 19, An aerosol generating device, characterized in that the microcontroller does not perform a power cut-off operation when the temperature difference between the current target temperature and the next target temperature is within the reference temperature difference.

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