Aerosol-generating device and operating method thereof

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device and an operating method thereof are disclosed. The aerosol-generating device of the present disclosure comprises: a body; a heater for heating an aerosol-generating material; a battery for supplying power to the heater; a charging circuit for supplying the power to the battery; and a control unit for controlling the charging circuit, wherein the charging circuit includes a first charging circuit including a switching charger and a second charging circuit including a charge pump, and the control unit uses the first charging circuit so as to perform normal charging for supplying a first current to the battery, and uses the second charging circuit so as to perform high-speed charging for supplying, to the battery, a second current, which is greater than the first current.

Description

Aerosol generating device and its operating method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof.

[0002] An aerosol generator is designed to extract a specific component from a medium or substance through an aerosol. The medium may contain various components. The components contained in the medium may include various flavoring substances. For example, the components contained in the medium may include nicotine, herbal ingredients, and / or coffee ingredients. Recently, extensive research has been conducted on such aerosol generators.

[0003] Aerosol generators typically use rechargeable batteries for portability and ease of use. Furthermore, the larger the battery capacity and the faster the battery can be charged, the more usable the device can be. However, considering that larger battery capacities increase manufacturing costs and that there are technical limitations to increasing battery capacity, active research is being conducted to shorten battery charging times.

[0004] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned and other problems.

[0005] Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device and its operating method that can shorten the time for charging a battery using a charge pump.

[0006] Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof that can efficiently control the operation of a charge pump based on the temperature within the device.

[0007] Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device and method of operating the same that can utilize a charge pump with improved performance.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described object, an aerosol generating device comprises: a body; a heater for heating an aerosol generating material; a battery for supplying power to the heater; a charging circuit for supplying power to the battery; and a control unit for controlling the charging circuit, wherein the charging circuit comprises: a first charging circuit including a switching charger; and a second charging circuit including a charge pump, wherein the control unit can perform normal charging by supplying a first current to the battery using the first charging circuit, and can perform fast charging by supplying a second current greater than the first current to the battery using at least the second charging circuit.

[0009] An operating method of an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described purpose may include an operation of performing normal charging by supplying a first current to a battery that supplies power to a heater using a first charging circuit including a switching charger; and an operation of performing fast charging by supplying a second current greater than the first current to the battery using at least a second charging circuit including a charge pump.

[0010] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the time for charging a battery can be shortened using a charge pump.

[0011] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the operation of the charge pump can be efficiently controlled based on the temperature within the device.

[0012] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a charge pump with improved performance can be utilized.

[0013] Further scope of the applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description below. However, since various modifications and variations within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of example only.

[0014] FIGS. 1 to 9 are drawings illustrating an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a charging circuit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Fig. 12 is a circuit diagram of a charging circuit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIGS. 14 to 17 are drawings for reference in explaining the operation of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components are assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0021] The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description may be assigned or used interchangeably solely for the convenience of writing the specification. "Module" and "part" do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves.

[0022] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concepts disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings. It should be understood that the attached drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included within the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0023] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components. However, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0024] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, although it should be understood that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0025] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0026] FIGS. 1 to 9 illustrate aerosol generating devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor (13), and a heater (18). At least one of the power source (11), the control unit (12), the sensor (13), and the heater (18) may be disposed inside a body (10) of the aerosol generating device. The body (10) may provide a space opened upwardly so that a stick (S), which is an aerosol generating article, may be inserted. The space opened upwardly may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the inside of the body (10) by a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the stick (S) can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of a region of the stick (S) containing an aerosol generating material and / or medium. The lower end of the stick (S) is inserted into the inside of the body (10), and the upper end of the stick (S) can protrude outside the body (10). The user can inhale air by putting the upper end of the stick (S) exposed to the outside in his / her mouth.

[0028] The heater (18) can heat the stick (S). The heater (18) can extend upwardly in the space where the stick (S) is inserted. For example, the heater (18) can include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element. The heater (18) can be inserted into the lower part of the stick (S). The heater (18) can include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0029] For example, referring to FIG. 1, the heater (18) may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater (18) may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater (18) may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heater (18) may be electrically connected to a power source (11). The heater (18) may be directly heated by receiving current from the power source (11).

[0030] For example, the heater (18) may be a multi-heater. The heater (18) may include a first heater (18A) and a second heater (18B). The first and second heaters (18A, 18B) may be arranged side by side along the length direction. The first and second heaters (18A, 18B) may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

[0031] For example, referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device may include an induction coil (181) surrounding a heater (18). The induction coil (181) may heat the heater (18). The heater (18) may be a susceptor, and the heater (18) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil (181). The magnetic field may penetrate the heater (18) and generate an eddy current within the heater (18). The current may generate heat in the heater (18).

[0032] For example, referring to FIG. 3, a susceptor (SS) may be included inside the stick (S), and the susceptor (SS) inside the stick (S) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through an induction coil (181). The susceptor (SS) may be disposed inside the stick (S) and may not be electrically connected to the aerosol generating device. The susceptor (SS) may be inserted into the insertion space together with the stick (S) and may be removed from the insertion space together with the stick (S). The stick (S) may be heated by the susceptor (SS) inside the stick (S). At this time, the aerosol generating device may not be equipped with a heater (18).

[0033] The power source (11) can supply power to operate components of the aerosol generator. The power source (11) can be referred to as a battery. The power source (11) can supply power to at least one of the control unit (12), the sensor (13), and the heater (18). The power source (11) can supply power to the induction coil (181).

[0034] The control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator. The control unit can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit (12) can control the operation of at least one of the power supply (11), the sensor (13), and the heater (18). The control unit (12) can control the operation of the induction coil (181). The control unit (12) can control the operation of the display, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generator. The control unit (12) can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator to determine whether the aerosol generator is in an operable state.

[0035] The control unit (12) can analyze the results detected by the sensor (13) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) so that the operation of the heater (18) is started or ended based on the results detected by the sensor (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the amount of power supplied to the heater (18) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater (18) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensor (13).

[0036] The sensor (13) may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, and an acceleration sensor. For example, the sensor (13) may sense at least one of the temperature of the heater (18), the temperature of the power source (11), and the temperature inside and outside the body (10). For example, the sensor (13) may sense the user's puff. For example, the sensor (13) may sense whether the stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space. For example, the sensor (13) may sense the movement of the aerosol generating device.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the aerosol generating device may include at least one of a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor (13), and a heater (18). At least one of the power source (11), the control unit (12), the sensor (13), and the heater (18) may be disposed inside a body (10) of the aerosol generating device. The body (10) may provide a space opened upwardly so that a stick (S), which is an aerosol generating article, may be inserted. The space opened upwardly may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the inside of the body (10) by a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the stick (S) can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of a region of the stick (S) containing an aerosol generating material and / or medium. The lower end of the stick (S) may be inserted into the inside of the body (10), and the upper end of the stick (S) may protrude outside the body (10). The user can inhale air by placing the top of the stick (S) exposed to the outside in his mouth.

[0038] The heater (18) can heat the stick (S). The heater (18) can extend upwardly around the space where the stick (S) is inserted. For example, the heater (18) can be in the form of a tube having a hollow space therein. The heater (18) can be placed around the insertion space. The heater (18) can be placed to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater (18) can heat the insertion space or the stick (S) inserted into the insertion space. The heater (18) can include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0039] For example, referring to FIG. 4, the heater (18) may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater (18) may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater (18) may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heater (18) may be electrically connected to a power source (11). The heater (18) may receive current from the power source (11) and may be directly heated. The heater (18) may be a hollow heater, arranged to surround at least a portion of a stick (S) inserted into an insertion space, thereby heating the outside of the inserted stick (S), or may be a heater in the shape of a needle, rod, tube, or the like, and may be inserted into the inside of the stick (S) inserted into the insertion space to heat the inside.

[0040] For example, referring to FIG. 5, the aerosol generating device may include an induction coil (181) surrounding a heater (18). The induction coil (181) may heat the heater (18). The heater (18) may be a susceptor, and the heater (18) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil (181). The magnetic field may penetrate the heater (18) and generate an eddy current within the heater (18). The current may generate heat in the heater (18).

[0041] Meanwhile, a susceptor may be included inside the stick (S), and the susceptor inside the stick (S) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil (181).

[0042] The power source (11) can supply power to the components of the aerosol generator to operate. The power source (11) can be referred to as a battery. The power source (11) can supply power to at least one of the control unit (12), the sensor (13), and the heater (18). When the aerosol generator (1) includes an induction coil (181), the power source (11) can supply power to the induction coil (181).

[0043] The control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator. The control unit can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit (12) can control the operation of at least one of the power supply (11) and the sensor (13). The control unit (12) can control the operation of the induction coil (181). The control unit (12) can control the operation of the display, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generator. The control unit (12) can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator to determine whether the aerosol generator is in an operable state.

[0044] The control unit (12) can analyze the results detected by the sensor (13) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) so that the operation of the heater (18) is started or ended based on the results detected by the sensor (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the amount of power supplied to the heater (18) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater (18) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensor (13).

[0045] The sensor (13) may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, and an insertion detection sensor. For example, the sensor (13) may sense at least one of the temperature of the heater (18), the temperature of the power source (11), and the temperature inside and outside the body (10). For example, the sensor (13) may sense the user's puff. For example, the sensor (13) may sense whether the stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a body (10) and a cartridge (19). The aerosol generating device (10) may include at least one of a power source (11), a control unit (12), and a sensor (13). At least one of the power source (11), the control unit (12), and the sensor (13) may be disposed inside the body (10). A cartridge (19), which is an aerosol generating article, may be mounted on the body (10). A user may inhale the aerosol by putting a mouthpiece provided at one end of the cartridge (19) in his / her mouth.

[0047] The cartridge (19) may contain an aerosol generating material in any one of a liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel state, within an internal chamber (C0). The aerosol generating material 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.

[0048] The cartridge (19) can be detachably coupled to the body (10). The cartridge (19) can be mounted on the body (10) by being inserted into the body (10).

[0049] The body (10) can be formed in a structure in which outside air can be introduced into the interior of the body (10) while the cartridge (19) is inserted. At this time, the outside air introduced into the body (10) can pass through the cartridge (19) and flow into the user's oral cavity through the airflow channel (CN).

[0050] The cartridge (19) may include a chamber (C0) containing an aerosol generating material and / or a heater (24) for heating the aerosol generating material in the chamber (C0). A liquid delivery means (25) impregnated with (contained by) the aerosol generating material may be disposed inside the chamber (C0). Here, the liquid delivery means (25) may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc. The electrically conductive track of the heater (24) may be formed in a coil-shaped structure that winds the liquid delivery means (25) or a structure that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means (25). The heater (24) may be referred to as a cartridge heater.

[0051] The cartridge (19) can generate an aerosol. As the liquid delivery means (25) is heated by the cartridge heater (24), an aerosol can be generated. The generated aerosol can be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the airflow channel (CN).

[0052] An airflow channel (CN) may be provided in the cartridge (19). The airflow channel (CN) may communicate a chamber in which a heater (24) of the cartridge (19) is arranged with the outside of the cartridge. One end of the airflow channel (CN) may be opened to the chamber in which the heater (24) is arranged, and the other end may be communicated with the mouthpiece (35). For example, referring to FIG. 6, the airflow channel (CN) may extend along the length of the cartridge (19) from one side of the chamber (C0) of the cartridge (19). For example, referring to FIG. 7, the airflow channel (CN) may extend along the length of the cartridge (19) by penetrating the chamber (C0) of the cartridge (10).

[0053] The power source (11) can supply power to operate components of the aerosol generator. The power source (11) can be referred to as a battery. The power source (11) can supply power to at least one of the control unit (12), the sensor (13), and the cartridge heater (24).

[0054] The control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator. The control unit can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit (12) can control the operation of at least one of the power supply (11), the sensor (13), and the cartridge (19). The control unit (12) can control the operation of a display, a motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generator. The control unit (12) can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator to determine whether the aerosol generator is in an operable state.

[0055] The control unit (12) can analyze the results detected by the sensor (13) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the cartridge heater (24) so ​​that the operation of the cartridge heater (24) is started or ended based on the results detected by the sensor (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater (24) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the cartridge heater (24) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensor (13).

[0056] The sensor (13) may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, and a movement detection sensor. For example, the sensor (13) may sense at least one of the temperature of the cartridge heater (24), the temperature of the power source (11), and the temperature inside and outside the body (10). For example, the sensor (13) may sense the user's puff. For example, the sensor (13) may sense whether the cartridge is mounted. For example, the sensor (13) may sense the movement of the aerosol generating device.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the aerosol generating device (1) may include at least one of a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor (13), a heater (18), and a cartridge (19). At least one of the power source (11), the control unit (12), the sensor (13), and the heater (18) may be disposed inside a body (10) of the aerosol generating device. The body (10) may provide a space opened upwardly so that a stick (S), which is an aerosol generating article, may be inserted. The space opened upwardly may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the inside of the body (10) by a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the stick (S) can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of a region of the stick (S) containing an aerosol generating material and / or medium. The lower end of the stick (S) is inserted into the inside of the body (10), and the upper end of the stick (S) can protrude outside the body (10). The user can inhale air by putting the upper end of the stick (S) exposed to the outside in his / her mouth.

[0058] The heater (18) can heat the stick (S). The heater (18) can extend upwardly around the space where the stick (S) is inserted. For example, the heater (18) can be in the form of a tube having a hollow space therein. The heater (18) can be placed around the insertion space. The heater (18) can be placed to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater (18) can heat the insertion space or the stick (S) inserted into the insertion space. The heater (18) can include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0059] For example, the heater (18) may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater (18) may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater (18) may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heater (18) may be electrically connected to a power source (11). The heater (18) may be directly heated by receiving current from the power source (11).

[0060] For example, the aerosol generator (1) may include an induction coil surrounding a heater (18). The induction coil may heat the heater (18). The heater (18) may be a susceptor, and the heater (18) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field may penetrate the heater (18) and generate an eddy current within the heater (18). The current may generate heat in the heater (18).

[0061] Meanwhile, a susceptor may be included inside the stick (S), and the susceptor inside the stick (S) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil.

[0062] The cartridge (19) may contain an aerosol-generating substance in any one of a liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel state. The aerosol-generating substance may comprise a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing substance including volatile tobacco flavoring components, or may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco substance.

[0063] The cartridge (19) may be formed integrally with the body (10) or may be detachably coupled to the body (10).

[0064] For example, referring to FIG. 8, the cartridge (19) is formed integrally with the body (10) and can communicate with the insertion space through an airflow channel (CN).

[0065] For example, referring to FIG. 9, a space is formed on one side of the body (10), and at least a portion of the cartridge (19) is inserted into the space formed on one side of the body (10) so that the cartridge (19) can be mounted on the body (10). The airflow channel (CN) can be defined by a portion of the cartridge and / or a portion of the body (10), and the cartridge (19) can communicate with the insertion space through the airflow channel (CN).

[0066] The body (10) can be formed in a structure in which outside air can flow into the interior of the body (10) while the cartridge (19) is inserted. At this time, the outside air flowing into the body (10) can pass through the cartridge (19) and flow into the user's oral cavity.

[0067] The cartridge (19) may include a storage portion (C0) containing an aerosol generating material and / or a heater (24) for heating the aerosol generating material in the storage portion (C0). A liquid delivery means impregnating (containing) the aerosol generating material may be disposed inside the storage portion (C0). Here, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc. The electrically conductive track of the heater (24) may be formed in a coil-shaped structure that winds the liquid delivery means or a structure that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means. The heater (24) may be referred to as a cartridge heater (24).

[0068] The cartridge (19) can generate an aerosol. The aerosol can be generated as the liquid delivery means is heated by the cartridge heater (24). The aerosol can be generated by heating the stick (S) by the heater (18). Tobacco material can be added to the aerosol while the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (24) and the heater (18) passes through the stick (S), and the aerosol added with the tobacco material can be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick (S).

[0069] The aerosol generator (1) may be equipped with only a cartridge heater (24) and the body (10) may not be equipped with a heater (18). In this case, the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (24) may pass through the stick (S) and be mixed with tobacco material and inhaled into the user's mouth.

[0070] The aerosol generator (1) may include an upper case (not shown). The upper case may be detachably coupled to the body (10) so as to cover at least a portion of a cartridge (19) coupled to the body (10). A stick (S) may be inserted into the body (10) by penetrating the upper case.

[0071] The power source (11) can supply power to the components of the aerosol generator to operate. The power source (11) can be referred to as a battery. The power source (11) can supply power to at least one of the control unit (12), the sensor (13), the cartridge heater (24), and the heater (18). When the aerosol generator (1) includes an induction coil, the power source (11) can supply power to the induction coil.

[0072] The control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator. The control unit can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit (12) can control the operation of at least one of the power supply (11), the sensor (13), the heater (18), and the cartridge (19). The control unit (12) can control the operation of the display, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generator. The control unit (12) can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator to determine whether the aerosol generator is in an operable state.

[0073] The control unit (12) can analyze the results detected by the sensor (13) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) so that the operation of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) is started or ended based on the results detected by the sensor (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensor (13).

[0074] The sensor (13) may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, a stick detection sensor, a color sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, and an upper case detection sensor. For example, the sensor (13) may sense at least one of the temperature of the heater (18), the temperature of the power source (11), and the temperature inside and outside the body (10). For example, the sensor (13) may sense the user's puff. For example, the sensor (13) may sense whether the stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space. For example, the sensor (13) may sense whether the cartridge is mounted. For example, the sensor (13) may sense whether the upper case is mounted.

[0075] Fig. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 10, the aerosol generator (1) may include a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), a memory (17), at least one heater (18, 24) and / or a power generation unit (20). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator (1) is not limited to that shown in FIG. 10. 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 generator (1), some of the components shown in FIG. 10 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0077] The sensor (13) can detect the status of the aerosol generator (1) or the status around the aerosol generator (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (12). Based on the detected information, the control unit (12) can control the aerosol generator (1) so that various functions such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), restricting smoking, determining whether a stick (S) and / or cartridge (19) is inserted, and displaying a notification are performed.

[0078] The sensor (13) may include at least one of a temperature sensor (131), a puff sensor (132), a stick detection sensor (133), a reuse detection sensor (134), a cartridge detection sensor (135), an upper case detection sensor (136), a movement detection sensor (137), and a stick authentication sensor (138).

[0079] The temperature sensor (131) can detect the temperature at which the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) is heated. The aerosol generator (1) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18), or the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) itself may serve as a temperature sensor.

[0080] 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).

[0081] 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.

[0082] A temperature sensor (131) is placed inside the body (10) and can detect the internal temperature of the body (10).

[0083] The puff sensor (132) can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. 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 to the airflow path through which the gas flows in the aerosol generating device (1).

[0084] The stick detection sensor (133) can detect insertion and / or removal of the stick (S). The stick detection sensor (133) can detect a signal change according to the insertion and / or removal of the stick (S). The stick detection sensor (133) can be installed around the insertion space. The stick 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 stick detection sensor (133) can be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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).

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] The upper case detection sensor (136) can detect the attachment and / or removal of the upper case. When the upper case is separated from the body (10), the cartridge (19) and a portion of the body (10) covered by the upper case may be exposed to the outside. The upper case detection sensor (136) can be implemented by a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] The output unit (14) can output information on the status of the aerosol generator (1) and provide it to the user. The output unit (14) may include at least one of a display (141), a haptic unit (142), and an audio output unit (143), but is not limited thereto. When the display (141) and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit (141) can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0095] The display (141) can visually provide information about the aerosol generator (1) to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generator (1) may refer to various information such as the charging / discharging status of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generator (1), the preheating status of the heater (18), the insertion / removal status of the stick (S) and / or cartridge (19), the mounting / removal status of the upper case, or the status in which the use of the aerosol generator (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display (141) can output the above information to the outside. For example, the display (141) may be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display (141) may be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0096] The haptic unit (142) can provide tactile information about the aerosol generator (1) to the user by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus. For example, the haptic unit (142) can generate a vibration corresponding to the completion of the initial preheating when the initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18) for a set period of time. The haptic unit (142) can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0097] The acoustic output unit (143) can provide information about the aerosol generator (1) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit (143) can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0098] The power source (11) can supply power used to operate the aerosol generator (1). The power source (11) can supply power so that the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) can be heated. In addition, the power source (11) can supply power required for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generator (1), such as a sensor (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), and a memory (17). The power source (11) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (11) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0099] Although not shown in FIG. 10, the aerosol generator (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to a power source (11) and include a switching element.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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 illustrated in FIG. 10, 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.

[0102] 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 illustrated in FIG. 10, the device may further include a power conversion circuit, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the power source (11) and supplies it to each component. In addition, although not illustrated in FIG. 10, 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 the sensor (13), such as the stick detection sensor (133).

[0103] 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.

[0104] In another embodiment, the heater (18) may be an induction heater. For example, the heater (18) may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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).

[0107] Meanwhile, the input unit (15) may include, but is not limited to, buttons, key pads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0108] The memory (17) is hardware that stores various data processed in the aerosol generator (1), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (12). The memory (17) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory (17) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generator (1), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] Although not shown in FIG. 10, the aerosol generator (1) further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can transmit and receive information or charge a power source (11) by connecting to another external device through a connection interface such as a USB interface.

[0113] The control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator (1). In one embodiment, the control unit (1) 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.

[0114] 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).

[0115] The aerosol generator (1) may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply (11) between the power supply (11) and the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater (24), the heater (18), or the induction coil (181). The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit (12) may control the power supply circuit.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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).

[0124] 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).

[0125] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generator (1), the control unit (12) can check whether the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than or equal to the first limit temperature, which is a standard for blocking charging of the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is lower than the first limit temperature, the control unit (12) can control the power source (11) to be charged based on a preset charging current. If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than or equal to the first limit temperature, the control unit (12) can block charging of the power source (11).

[0126] When the power of the aerosol generator (1) is turned on, the control unit (12) can check whether the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than or equal to the second limit temperature, which is a standard for blocking discharge of the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is lower than the second limit temperature, the control unit (12) can control to use the power stored in the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than or equal to the second limit temperature, the control unit (12) can stop using the power stored in the power source (11).

[0127] 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).

[0128] The control unit (12) can determine whether a stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (133). The control unit (12) can determine that the stick (S) is inserted based on the output signal of the insertion detection sensor (133). If it is determined that the stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space, the control unit (12) can control to supply power to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). For example, the control unit (12) can supply power to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) based on the temperature profile stored in the memory (17).

[0129] The control unit (12) can determine whether the stick (S) is removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether the stick (S) is removed from the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (133). For example, the control unit (12) can determine that the stick (S) is removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater (18) is higher than a limited temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater (18) is higher than a set slope. When it is determined that the stick (S) is removed from the insertion space, the control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18).

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] The control unit (12) can determine whether the stick (S) inserted into the insertion space has been reused through the reuse detection sensor (134). For example, the control unit (12) can compare the sensing value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range that includes a first color, and if the sensing value is included in the first reference range, it can determine that the stick (S) has not been used. For example, the control unit (12) can compare the sensing value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor with a second reference range that includes a second color, and if the sensing value is included in the second reference range, it can determine that the stick (S) has been used. If it is determined that the stick (S) has been used, the control unit (12) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18).

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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).

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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).

[0137] The control unit (12) can determine whether the upper case is joined and / or removed through the upper case detection sensor (136). For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether the upper case is joined and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the upper case detection sensor.

[0138] The control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) based on the result detected by the sensor (13). For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor (132) reaches a preset number, the control unit (12) can notify the user that the aerosol generator (1) will soon be terminated through at least one of the display (141), the haptic unit (142), and the sound output unit (143). For example, the control unit (12) can notify the user through the output unit (14) based on the determination that the stick (S) does not exist in the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can notify the user through the output unit (14) based on the determination that the cartridge (19) and / or the upper case 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).

[0139] The control unit (12) can store and update the history of the event that occurred in the memory (17) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. The event may include operations such as detection of insertion of the stick (S), initiation of heating of the stick (S), detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), detection of overvoltage application to the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), termination of heating of the stick (S), power on / off of the aerosol generator (1), initiation of charging of the power supply (11), detection of overcharge of the power supply (11), termination of charging of the power supply (11), etc. performed in the aerosol generator (1). The history of the event may include the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, when the predetermined event is detection of insertion of the stick (S), the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor (133), etc. For example, if a given event is overheating detection of the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), the voltage applied to the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), the current flowing through the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), etc.

[0140] The control unit (12) can control to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. When data regarding authentication is received from the external device through the communication link, the control unit (12) can release the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator (1). Here, the data regarding authentication can include data indicating completion of user authentication for a user corresponding to the external device. The user can perform user authentication through the external device. The external device can determine whether user data is valid based on the user's birthday, a unique number representing the user, etc., and can receive data regarding the use authority of the aerosol generator (1) from an external server. The external device can transmit data indicating completion of user authentication to the aerosol generator (1) based on the data regarding the use authority. When the user authentication is completed, the control unit (12) can release the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator (1). For example, the control unit (12) can release the restriction on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the heater (18) when user authentication is completed.

[0141] The control unit (12) can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generator (1) to an external device via a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generator (1), the operation mode, etc. through the display of the external device.

[0142] An external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol generator (1) based on an input that initiates location search of the aerosol generator (1). When receiving a location search request from the external device, the control unit (12) may control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, in response to the location search request, the haptic unit (142) may generate vibration. For example, in response to the location search request, the display (141) may output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0143] The control unit (12) can control to perform a firmware update when receiving firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generator (1) and determine whether a new version of the firmware exists. When an input requesting firmware download is received, the external device can receive a new version of the firmware data and transmit the new version of the firmware data to the aerosol generator (1). The control unit (12) can control to perform a firmware update of the aerosol generator (1) upon receiving a new version of the firmware data.

[0144] 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.

[0145] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a charging circuit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram of a charging circuit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 11, the aerosol generator (1) may include a charging circuit (1100). The charging circuit (1100) may provide power to a battery (11). Based on input power input through an input terminal (in) of the charging circuit (1100), output power may be output through an output terminal (out). For example, the input terminal (in) may be electrically connected to a power terminal from which power is supplied externally, and the output terminal (out) may be electrically connected to the battery (11).

[0147] The charging circuit (1100) may include a first charging circuit (1110) and a second charging circuit (1120). The first charging circuit (1110) may include a switching charger using a switching charging method. The second charging circuit (1120) may include a charge pump that converts voltage.

[0148] The charging circuit (1100) can perform charging of the battery (11) using at least one of the first charging circuit (1110) and the second charging circuit (1120). For example, the charging circuit (1100) can perform normal charging using the first charging circuit (1110). For example, the charging circuit (1100) can perform fast charging using at least the second charging circuit (1120). Here, the current flowing to the output terminal (out) during normal charging may be smaller than the current flowing to the output terminal (out) during fast charging.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the charging circuit (1100) may further include a micro-sub interface controller (MUIC) that receives data from or transmits data to an external device connected through a Dp / Dn pin of a power terminal, a power delivery integrated chip (PDIC) that identifies an electrical state of a CC (Configuration Channel) pin of the power terminal, an over voltage protection IC, etc.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 12, the first charging circuit (1110) may include a first transistor (T1) connected to an input terminal (b), a second transistor (T2) and a third transistor (T3) connected in series and arranged between the first transistor (T1) and a ground terminal, an inductor (L1) having one end connected to a first node (a) between the second transistor (T2) and the third transistor (T3), a fourth transistor (T4) arranged between the other end of the inductor (L1) and an output terminal (out), and / or a capacitor (C1) arranged between the other end of the inductor (L1) and a ground terminal.

[0151] The first transistor (T1) to the fourth transistor (T4) can operate based on a plurality of signals (SW1 to SW4), respectively. The plurality of signals (SW1 to SW4) can be transmitted from the control unit (12).

[0152] When the first transistor (T1) and the fourth transistor (T4) are turned on, charging of the battery (11) using the first charging circuit (1110) can be performed. When the first transistor (T1) and the fourth transistor (T4) are turned off, charging of the battery (11) using the first charging circuit (1110) can be stopped.

[0153] The first charging circuit (1110) can control the current and / or voltage output from the first charging circuit (1110) through the switching operation of the second transistor (T2) and the third transistor (T3). For example, the second transistor (T2), the third transistor (T3), and the inductor (L1) can operate as a buck converter.

[0154] The second charging circuit (1120) may include a fifth transistor (T5) and a sixth transistor (T6) each having one end connected to an input terminal (in), a first capacitor (C11) disposed between a second node (b) to which the other end of the fifth transistor (T5) is connected and a third node (c) to which the other end of the sixth transistor (T6) is connected, a seventh transistor (T7) disposed between the third node (c) and a ground terminal, an eighth transistor (T8) disposed between the second node (b) and an output terminal (out), and / or a second capacitor (C12) disposed between the output terminal (out) and a ground terminal.

[0155] The second charging circuit (1120) can control the current and / or voltage output from the second charging circuit (1120) through the switching operation of a plurality of transistors (T5 to T8). For example, the first capacitor (C11) can be charged when the fifth transistor (T5) and the seventh transistor (T7) are turned on and the sixth transistor (T6) and the eighth transistor (T8) are turned off, and can be discharged when the fifth transistor (T5) and the seventh transistor (T7) are turned off and the sixth transistor (T6) and the eighth transistor (T8) are turned on. At this time, the second charging circuit (1120) can output a voltage that is boosted compared to the voltage of the input terminal (in).

[0156] The capacitors (C2, C3) included in the second charging circuit (1120) may be implemented as supercapacitors. Supercapacitors have high energy density and can be charged and discharged at high current densities, thereby achieving high output characteristics. Accordingly, the performance of the second charging circuit (1120) can be further improved.

[0157] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 13, the aerosol generator (1) can initiate charging of the battery (11) in operation S1310. For example, the aerosol generator (1) can initiate charging of the battery (11) based on the electrical state of the CC pin when a power cord of the USB Type-C or USB PD (Power Delivery) Type-C type is connected.

[0159] The aerosol generator (1) can determine, in operation S1320, whether the temperature of the aerosol generator (1) is within a predetermined temperature range. Here, the temperature of the aerosol generator (1) can include the temperature of the heater (18), the temperature of the battery (11), the internal temperature of the body (10), etc., which are detected through the temperature sensor (131). For example, the aerosol generator (1) can determine whether any one of the temperature of the heater (18), the temperature of the battery (11), and the internal temperature of the body (10) is within a predetermined temperature range.

[0160] The predetermined temperature range may correspond to a temperature at which the charging efficiency of the battery (11) is above a predetermined level. At this time, the predetermined temperature may be set differently depending on the type of temperature detected by the temperature sensor (131). For example, the maximum value of the predetermined temperature range corresponding to the temperature of the heater (18) (e.g., 150°C) may exceed the maximum value of the predetermined temperature range corresponding to the temperature of the battery (11) (e.g., 45°C).

[0161] The aerosol generator (1) can perform normal charging when the temperature of the aerosol generator (1) is not within a predetermined temperature range in operation S1330. For example, the aerosol generator (1) can perform normal charging using the first charging circuit (1110). At this time, the aerosol generator (1) can turn off the eighth transistor (T8) while performing normal charging. Meanwhile, the aerosol generator (1) can turn on the fifth transistor (T5) and the seventh transistor (T7) and turn off the sixth transistor (T6) so that the first capacitor (C11) is charged while performing normal charging.

[0162] The aerosol generator (1) can perform high-speed charging when the temperature of the aerosol generator (1) falls within a predetermined temperature range during operation S1340. For example, the aerosol generator (1) can perform high-speed charging using both the first charging circuit (1110) and the second charging circuit (1120). At this time, the second charging circuit (1120) can operate to output a boosted voltage.

[0163] In a state where the temperature of the aerosol generator (1) is high, such as immediately after the heating of the heater (18) is terminated, normal charging can be performed considering that the temperature of the battery (11) is also high and the charging efficiency is low. On the other hand, in a state where the temperature of the aerosol generator (1) is sufficiently low, such as when a certain amount of time has passed since the heating of the heater (18) is terminated, the temperature of the battery (11) is not high, so fast charging can be performed considering that the charging efficiency is sufficient. In addition, despite the differences in the configuration or design of the aerosol generator (1), the charging method for the battery (11) can be determined based on the temperature within various types of devices.

[0164] The aerosol generator (1) can determine, in operation S1350, whether the voltage of the battery (11) is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage. Here, the predetermined voltage may be a voltage corresponding to constant voltage charging that maintains the voltage of the battery (11) at a constant level.

[0165] The aerosol generator (1) can perform constant voltage charging when the voltage of the battery (11) is higher than a predetermined voltage in operation S1360. For example, the aerosol generator (1) can maintain the voltage output to the battery (11) at a predetermined voltage using the first charging circuit (1110).

[0166] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator (1) can adjust the size of the current output from the charging circuit (1100) based on the temperature of the aerosol generator (1) when performing either normal charging or fast charging. For example, when the temperature of the battery (11) is higher than a predetermined temperature, the aerosol generator (1) can reduce the size of the current output from the charging circuit (1100) as the temperature of the battery (11) increases.

[0167] FIGS. 14 to 17 are diagrams showing graphs of charging currents (1410, 1420, 1610, 1620) output from a charging circuit (1100) and voltages (1510, 1520, 1710, 1720) of a battery (11) according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0168] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the aerosol generator (1) can output a minimum current (I0) corresponding to charging through the charging circuit (1100) at a time point t0 when charging of the battery (11) is initiated. Here, the minimum current (I0) may be a current of a magnitude that does not damage the battery (11) due to the charging current when the voltage of the battery (11) is lower than a certain level.

[0169] The aerosol generator (1) can detect the temperature of the aerosol generator (1), the voltage of the battery (11), etc.

[0170] The aerosol generator (1) can perform normal charging from time t1 when the temperature of the aerosol generator (1) is not within a predetermined temperature range. The aerosol generator (1) can output a first current (I1) through the charging circuit (1100) from time t1 when normal charging is performed. Here, the first current (I1) can be a current of a size corresponding to normal charging (e.g., 2 A).

[0171] The aerosol generator (1) can perform fast charging from time t2 when the temperature of the aerosol generator (1) is within a predetermined temperature range at time t2. The aerosol generator (1) can output a second current (I2) through the charging circuit (1100) from time t2 when fast charging is performed (1410). Here, the second current (I2) may be a current of a size corresponding to fast charging (e.g., 5 A). When fast charging is performed on the battery (11) from time t2, the voltage of the battery (11) can reach a predetermined voltage (Vref) at time t3 (1510).

[0172] Meanwhile, the aerosol generator (1) can maintain the output of the first current (I1) through the charging circuit (1100) if the temperature of the aerosol generator (1) does not fall within a predetermined temperature range even after the time point t2 (1420). If normal charging of the battery (11) is maintained, the voltage of the battery (11) can reach a predetermined voltage (Vref) at the time point t4, which is later than the time point t3 (1520).

[0173] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the aerosol generator (1) can perform high-speed charging from time t1 when the temperature of the aerosol generator (1) is within a predetermined temperature range. The aerosol generator (1) can output a second current (I2) through the charging circuit (1100) from time t1 when high-speed charging is performed.

[0174] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator (1) can maintain the output of the second current (I2) through the charging circuit (1100) when the temperature of the aerosol generator (1) is within a predetermined temperature range while performing high-speed charging on the battery (11) (1610). When the output of the second current (I2) through the charging circuit (1100) is maintained, the voltage of the battery (11) can reach the predetermined voltage (Vref) at time t5 (1710).

[0175] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, the aerosol generator (1) can adjust the current output from the charging circuit (1100) based on the temperature of the aerosol generator (1) when the temperature of the aerosol generator (1) is within a predetermined temperature range while performing high-speed charging on the battery (11). For example, when the temperature of the battery (11) is higher than the predetermined temperature, the aerosol generator (1) can reduce the size of the current output from the charging circuit (1100) as the temperature of the battery (11) increases. At this time, the aerosol generator (1) can gradually reduce the size of the current output from the charging circuit (1100) for each section of the temperature of the battery (11). When the size of the current output from the charging circuit (1100) decreases based on the temperature of the aerosol generator (1), the voltage of the battery (11) can reach a predetermined voltage (Vref) at time t6, which is later than time t5 (1720).

[0176] As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the time for charging a battery using a charge pump can be shortened.

[0177] Additionally, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the operation of the charge pump can be efficiently controlled based on the temperature within the device.

[0178] Additionally, at least one embodiment of the present disclosure may utilize a charge pump with improved performance.

[0179] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 17, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a body (10); a heater (18) for heating an aerosol generating material; a battery (11) for supplying power to the heater (18); a charging circuit (1100) for supplying power to the battery (11); and a control unit (12) for controlling the charging circuit (1100), wherein the charging circuit (1100) includes a first charging circuit (1110) including a switching charger; And a second charging circuit (1120) including a charge pump, and the control unit (12) can perform normal charging by supplying a first current to the battery (11) using the first charging circuit (1110), and can perform fast charging by supplying a second current greater than the first current to the battery (11) using at least the second charging circuit (1120).

[0180] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generator (1) includes a temperature sensor (131) that detects the temperature, and the control unit (12) can perform the normal charging when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (131) is not within a predetermined temperature range, and can perform the fast charging when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (131) is within the predetermined temperature range.

[0181] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the temperature of the aerosol generating device (1) may be any one of the internal temperature of the body (10), the temperature of the heater (18), and the temperature of the battery (11).

[0182] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit (12) may perform constant voltage charging using the first charging circuit (1110) when the voltage of the battery (11) is higher than a predetermined voltage, and may perform either the normal charging or the fast charging based on the temperature detected through the temperature sensor (131) when the voltage of the battery (11) is lower than the predetermined voltage.

[0183] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, when performing either the normal charging or the fast charging, the control unit (12) may adjust the size of the current output from the charging circuit (1100) based on the temperature detected through the temperature sensor (131), and as the temperature detected through the temperature sensor (131) increases, the size of the current output from the charging circuit (1100) may decrease.

[0184] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the capacitors (C11, C12) provided in the charge pump may be supercapacitors.

[0185] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first charging circuit (1110) includes a first transistor (T1) connected to an input terminal (in) of the charging circuit (1100), a second transistor (T2) and a third transistor (T3) connected in series and arranged between the first transistor (T1) and a ground terminal, and a fourth transistor (T4) arranged between an output terminal (out) of the charging circuit (1100) and the other end of an inductor, one end of which is connected to a first node (a) between the second transistor (T2) and the third transistor (T3), and the other end of the inductor is connected to the first node (a) between the second transistor (T2) and the third transistor (T3), and the second charging circuit (1120) includes a fifth transistor (T5) and a sixth transistor (T6) each connected to the input terminal (in), and a first capacitor (C11) arranged between a second node (b) to which the other end of the fifth transistor (T5) is connected and a third node (c) to which the other end of the sixth transistor (T6) is connected, It may include a seventh transistor (T7) disposed between the third node (c) and the ground terminal, an eighth transistor (T8) disposed between the second node (b) and the output terminal (out), and a second capacitor (C12) disposed between the output terminal (out) and the ground terminal.

[0186] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit (12) can turn on the fifth transistor (T5) and the seventh transistor (T7) and turn off the sixth transistor (T6) and the eighth transistor (T8) while performing the normal charging.

[0187] An operating method of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include an operation of performing normal charging by supplying a first current to a battery (11) that supplies power to a heater (18) using a first charging circuit (1110) including a switching charger; and an operation of performing fast charging by supplying a second current greater than the first current to the battery (11) using at least a second charging circuit (1120) including a charge pump.

[0188] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes an operation of determining whether to perform either the normal charging or the fast charging based on the temperature of the aerosol generating device (1) detected through a temperature sensor, and the operation of determining whether to perform either the normal charging or the fast charging may include an operation of determining to perform the normal charging when the temperature detected through the temperature sensor (131) is not within a predetermined temperature range; and an operation of determining to perform the fast charging when the temperature detected through the temperature sensor (131) is within the predetermined temperature range.

[0189] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the temperature of the aerosol generating device (1) may be any one of the internal temperature of the body of the aerosol generating device (1), the temperature of the heater (18), and the temperature of the battery (11).

[0190] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, when the voltage of the battery (11) is higher than a predetermined voltage, an operation of performing constant voltage charging using the first charging circuit (1110) is further included, and the operation of determining whether to perform either the normal charging or the fast charging may be an operation performed when the voltage of the battery (11) is lower than the predetermined voltage.

[0191] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, when performing either the normal charging or the fast charging, the method further includes an operation of adjusting the size of the current output from the charging circuit (1100) based on the temperature detected through the temperature sensor (131), and as the temperature detected through the temperature sensor (131) increases, the size of the current output from the charging circuit (1100) may decrease.

[0192] Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein may have their respective components or functions combined or used together.

[0193] For example, it means that a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that a combination is possible, except in cases where a combination is described as impossible.

[0194] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Body; A heater for heating an aerosol generating material; A battery that supplies power to the above heater; A charging circuit for supplying power to the above battery; and Including a control unit that controls the above charging circuit, The above charging circuit, A first charging circuit including a switching charger; and A second charging circuit including a charge pump, The above control unit, Using the above first charging circuit, normal charging is performed to supply a first current to the battery, An aerosol generating device characterized in that it performs high-speed charging by supplying a second current greater than the first current to the battery by at least using the second charging circuit.

2. In paragraph 1, Including a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the aerosol generating device, The above control unit, If the temperature detected by the above temperature sensor is not within the specified temperature range, the above normal charging is performed, An aerosol generating device characterized in that the high-speed charging is performed when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is within the predetermined temperature range.

3. In paragraph 2, An aerosol generating device, characterized in that the temperature of the aerosol generating device is any one of the internal temperature of the body of the aerosol generating device, the temperature of the heater, and the temperature of the battery.

4. In paragraph 2, The above control unit, When the voltage of the above battery is higher than a predetermined voltage, constant voltage charging is performed using the first charging circuit, An aerosol generating device characterized in that, when the voltage of the battery is lower than the predetermined voltage, one of the normal charging and the fast charging is performed based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

5. In paragraph 2, The above control unit, In the case of performing either the above normal charging or the above fast charging, the size of the current output from the charging circuit is adjusted based on the temperature detected through the temperature sensor, An aerosol generating device characterized in that as the temperature detected by the temperature sensor increases, the magnitude of the current output from the charging circuit decreases.

6. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device characterized in that the capacitor provided in the above charge pump is a supercapacitor.

7. In paragraph 1, The above first charging circuit, It includes a first transistor connected to the input terminal of the charging circuit, a second transistor and a third transistor connected in series and arranged between the first transistor and the ground terminal, and a fourth transistor arranged between the other terminal of an inductor, one end of which is connected to the first node between the second transistor and the third transistor, and the output terminal of the charging circuit. The above second charging circuit, An aerosol generating device characterized by comprising a fifth transistor and a sixth transistor each connected to the input terminal, a first capacitor disposed between a second node to which the other terminal of the fifth transistor is connected and a third node to which the other terminal of the sixth transistor is connected, a seventh transistor disposed between the third node and the ground terminal, an eighth transistor disposed between the second node and the output terminal, and a second capacitor disposed between the output terminal and the ground terminal.

8. In paragraph 7, The above control unit, An aerosol generator characterized in that, while performing the above-mentioned normal charging, the fifth transistor and the seventh transistor are turned on, and the sixth transistor and the eighth transistor are turned off.

9. An operation of performing a normal charge by supplying a first current to a battery that supplies power to a heater using a first charging circuit including a switching charger; and An operating method of an aerosol generating device, comprising an operation of performing high-speed charging by supplying a second current greater than a first current to the battery using at least a second charging circuit including a charge pump.

10. In paragraph 9, Further comprising an operation of determining whether to perform either the normal charging or the fast charging based on the temperature of the aerosol generating device detected through the temperature sensor; The operation of determining whether to perform either the above normal charging or the above fast charging is as follows: An operation of determining to perform the normal charging when the temperature detected through the temperature sensor is not within a predetermined temperature range; and An operating method of an aerosol generating device, characterized in that it includes an operation of determining to perform the high-speed charging when the temperature detected through the temperature sensor is within the predetermined temperature range.

11. In paragraph 10, An operating method of an aerosol generating device, characterized in that the temperature of the aerosol generating device is any one of the internal temperature of the body, the temperature of the heater, and the temperature of the battery.

12. In paragraph 10, If the voltage of the battery is higher than a predetermined voltage, the operation of performing constant voltage charging using the first charging circuit is further included. An operating method of an aerosol generating device, characterized in that the operation of determining whether to perform either the normal charging or the fast charging is an operation performed when the voltage of the battery is lower than the predetermined voltage.

13. In paragraph 10, In the case of performing either the above normal charging or the above fast charging, an operation of adjusting the size of the current output from the charging circuit based on the temperature detected through the temperature sensor is further included. An operating method of an aerosol generating device, characterized in that as the temperature detected by the temperature sensor increases, the magnitude of the current output from the charging circuit decreases.

Images