Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device according to one aspect controls a power supply unit according to a preset power profile so as to acquire a calibration reference current corresponding to a calibration reference temperature of a second susceptor when the second susceptor, which is different from a first susceptor, is inserted into an insertion space after the first susceptor is extracted from the insertion space, and determines the temperature of the second susceptor on the basis of the calibration reference temperature and the calibration reference current.

Description

Aerosol generating device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device capable of accurately determining the temperature of a replaceable heating element.

[0002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for alternative methods that overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for systems that generate aerosols by heating an aerosol-generating substrate using an aerosol-generating device, rather than by burning cigarettes to produce aerosol.

[0003] These aerosol generating devices may be positioned so that the heating element is in direct contact with the aerosol generating material, such as by being inserted into the aerosol generating material. Furthermore, if the heating element is positioned so that it is in direct contact with the aerosol generating material, some of the aerosol generating material may be deposited on the heating element over time. Since such deposits can impair the user's enjoyment of the product, the aerosol generating device may be positioned so that the heating element is replaceable.

[0004] However, each replaceable heating element may have different optimal control criteria due to manufacturing tolerances, etc. However, conventional techniques have the problem of not calibrating the optimal control criteria of each replaceable heating element. Furthermore, even if the optimal control criteria are calibrated, conventional techniques have the problem of this calibration being performed manually by the user. Furthermore, if the calibration is set to be performed automatically, there is the problem of increased power consumption due to the need to periodically detect the replacement of heating elements.

[0005] The technical problem of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device capable of accurately determining the temperature of a replaceable heating element.

[0006] The technical problems of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other technical problems can be inferred from the following examples.

[0007] An aerosol generating device according to one aspect includes a power supply unit that outputs direct current power, a power conversion unit that converts the direct current power into alternating current power, an induction coil that receives the alternating current power and generates an alternating magnetic field, a first susceptor that generates heat by the alternating magnetic field generated by the induction coil and is replaceably inserted into an insertion space, and a control unit that determines a temperature of the first susceptor based on a direct current output from the power supply unit, wherein, when a second susceptor different from the first susceptor is inserted into the insertion space after the first susceptor is extracted from the insertion space, the control unit controls the power supply unit according to a preset power profile to obtain a calibration reference current corresponding to a calibration reference temperature of the second susceptor, and determines a temperature of the second susceptor based on the calibration reference temperature and the calibration reference current.

[0008] The aerosol generating device of the present disclosure can provide a uniform taste sensation to the user by setting an optimal control standard for the replaced susceptor.

[0009] Additionally, the aerosol generating device can automatically perform a calibration mode without user input, according to an embodiment, thereby minimizing user inconvenience.

[0010] In addition, since the susceptor is likely to be replaced when the upper case is separated from the body, the aerosol generating device of the present disclosure determines whether to initiate the correction mode depending on whether the upper case is separated or joined, thereby exhibiting the effect of reducing power consumption.

[0011] In addition, the aerosol generating device can easily determine through the probe DC power that the susceptor has not been replaced, and if the susceptor has not been replaced, it can further reduce power consumption by terminating the calibration mode early.

[0012] Additionally, since the replaceable susceptors are manufactured to converge to a specific temperature in response to a specific DC power, the aerosol generating device can easily obtain a calibration reference without additional configuration to calibrate the replaceable susceptors.

[0013] Additionally, the temperature at which the replaceable susceptors converge in the calibration mode is set lower than the Curie temperature, which has the effect of increasing the life of the aerosol generating device.

[0014] In addition, the aerosol generating device is configured so that the susceptor, which is a heating element, can be replaced, thereby providing the user with an optimal flavor sensation.

[0015] Additionally, the aerosol generating device comprises a heating element consisting of an induction coil and a susceptor, thereby eliminating the need for a replaceable susceptor and electrode connection.

[0016] The effects of the invention are not limited to those exemplified above, and more diverse effects are included in this specification.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view illustrating the coupling relationship of the replaceable susceptor of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates an upper case detection unit and a substrate detection unit formed integrally according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 6 is an internal block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the direct current of the power supply unit, the temperature of the susceptor, and whether the susceptor is replaced according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an operation method of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a calibration reference temperature according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining a control method in a correction mode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an operation method in a correction section according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] An aerosol generating device according to one aspect includes a power supply unit that outputs direct current power, a power conversion unit that converts the direct current power into alternating current power, an induction coil that receives the alternating current power and generates an alternating magnetic field, a first susceptor that generates heat by the alternating magnetic field generated by the induction coil and is replaceably inserted into an insertion space, and a control unit that determines a temperature of the first susceptor based on a direct current output from the power supply unit, wherein, when a second susceptor different from the first susceptor is inserted into the insertion space after the first susceptor is extracted from the insertion space, the control unit controls the power supply unit according to a preset power profile to obtain a calibration reference current corresponding to a calibration reference temperature of the second susceptor, and determines a temperature of the second susceptor based on the calibration reference temperature and the calibration reference current.

[0029] In addition, the aerosol generating device further includes an input unit that receives a user input, and the control unit determines that the input unit has entered a calibration mode when the input unit receives the user input for a preset input time or longer, and obtains the calibration reference current corresponding to the calibration reference temperature of the second susceptor.

[0030] In addition, the aerosol generating device further includes a memory that stores information about the direct current power output by the power supply in each of the first section and the second section consecutive to the first section, and when the control unit enters the correction mode, the power supply controls the power supply so that the power supply outputs the first direct current power in the first section and outputs the second direct current power that is smaller than the first direct current power in the second section.

[0031] In addition, the power supply unit includes a battery and a DC / DC converter connected to the battery, and the control unit controls the DC / DC converter so that the DC / DC converter outputs the first DC power and the second DC power by adjusting the DC voltage among the DC current and DC voltage output by the DC / DC converter.

[0032] Additionally, the control unit sets the first DC power and the second DC power output by the power unit so that the second susceptor converges to the calibration reference temperature in the calibration mode.

[0033] Additionally, the control unit determines that the second susceptor has reached the calibration reference temperature when the direct current output by the power supply is maintained within a reference range for a preset reference time in the calibration mode.

[0034] Additionally, the control unit determines the DC current output by the power unit as the calibration reference current at the time when the second susceptor reaches the calibration reference temperature.

[0035] In addition, the control unit obtains in advance the first DC current output by the power supply unit at a time when the first susceptor reaches the calibration reference temperature, and obtains a calibration value based on the difference between the calibration reference current and the first DC current.

[0036] Additionally, the control unit corrects the correspondence between the DC current output by the power unit and the temperature of the second susceptor based on the correction value.

[0037] Additionally, the control unit determines the temperature of the second susceptor based on the corrected correspondence relationship.

[0038] 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 given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0039] The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are given or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing specifications, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves.

[0040] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a 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 easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0042] 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, but 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.

[0043] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0044] Throughout this specification, the direction of the aerosol generator (1) may be defined based on an orthogonal coordinate system. In the orthogonal coordinate system, the x-axis direction may be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generator (1). The y-axis direction may be defined as the front-back direction of the aerosol generator (1). The z-axis direction may be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generator (1).

[0045] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an aerosol generating device (1) according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of a power supply unit (101), a control unit (102), a detection unit (103), and a heating unit (108). At least one of the power supply unit (101), the control unit (102), the detection unit (103), and the heating unit (108) may be disposed inside a body (10) of the aerosol generating device (1). The body (10) may provide a space opened upwardly so that an aerosol generating substrate (S), which is an aerosol generating article, may be inserted. The space opened upwardly may be referred to as an insertion space or a cavity. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the interior of the body (10) by a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol generating substrate (S) can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of a region in the aerosol generating substrate (S) in which an aerosol generating material and / or medium are included. The lower end of the aerosol generating substrate (S) may be inserted into the interior of the body (10), and the upper end of the aerosol generating substrate (S) may protrude outside the body (10). The user may hold the upper end of the aerosol generating substrate (S), which is exposed to the outside, in his / her mouth and inhale air. According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a vaporizer (not shown), and the aerosol generated by the vaporizer may pass through the aerosol generating substrate (S) and be delivered to the user. For this purpose, the vaporizer may include a liquid storage portion, a liquid delivery means, and an additional heating element.

[0047] The heating element (108) can heat the aerosol generating substrate (S). The heating element (108) can extend upwardly in a space where the aerosol generating substrate (S) is inserted. For example, the heating element (108) can include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element. The heating element (108) can be inserted into the lower portion of the aerosol generating substrate (S). According to an embodiment, the heater can include a cylindrical heating element, unlike FIGS. 1 and 2, and the cylindrical heating element can accommodate the aerosol generating substrate (S) and heat at least a portion of the outer surface of the aerosol generating substrate (S).

[0048] The heating unit (108) may include an electric resistance heater and / or an induction heater. In this respect, the heating unit (108) may be referred to as a heater.

[0049] For example, referring to FIG. 1, the heating element (108) may be a resistive heater. To this end, the heating element (108) includes an electrically conductive track, and the heating element (108) may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heating element (108) may be electrically connected to a power supply unit (101). The heating element (108) may receive current from the power supply unit (101) and directly generate heat.

[0050] For example, the heating element (108) may be a multi-heater. The heating element (108) may include a first heater (108A) and a second heater (108B). The first and second heaters (108A, 108B) may be arranged in parallel along the length direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The first and second heaters (108A, 108B) may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

[0051] For example, referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an induction coil (15) surrounding a susceptor (50). The induction coil (15) may heat the susceptor (50). In an example where the heating unit (108) of the aerosol generating device (1) is an induction heater, the induction coil (15) and the susceptor (50) may be referred to as a heating unit (108). In an embodiment, only the susceptor (50) may be referred to as a heating unit (108). In addition, the induction coil (15) and the susceptor (50) may be referred to as a heater since they contribute to heating.

[0052] The susceptor (50) can be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil (15). The magnetic field can penetrate the susceptor (50) and generate an eddy current within the susceptor (50). The current can generate heat in the susceptor (50). The susceptor (50) can be a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element. However, in some embodiments, the susceptor (50) may have a cylindrical shape to accommodate the aerosol generating substrate (S) and heat at least a portion of the outer surface of the aerosol generating substrate (S). In addition, in some embodiments, the susceptor (50) may be a component included in the aerosol generating substrate (S) rather than the aerosol generating device (1).

[0053] The power supply unit (101) can supply power to operate components of the aerosol generating device (1). The power supply unit (101) can supply power to at least one of the control unit (102), the detection unit (103), and the heating unit (108).

[0054] The control unit (102) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (102) can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit (102) can control the operation of at least one of the power supply unit (101), the detection unit (103), and the heating unit (108). The control unit (102) can control the operation of the induction coil (15). The control unit (102) can control the operation of a display, a motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (102) can check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device (1) to determine whether the aerosol generating device (1) is in an operable state.

[0055] The control unit (102) can analyze the results detected by the detection unit (103) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (102) can control the power supplied to the heating unit (108) so that the operation of the heating unit (108) is started or ended based on the results detected by the detection unit (103). For example, the control unit (102) can control the amount of power supplied to the heating unit (108) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heating unit (108) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the detection unit (103).

[0056] The sensing unit (103) may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, and an acceleration sensor. For example, the sensing unit (103) may sense at least one of the temperature of the heating unit (108), the temperature of the power unit (101), and the temperature inside and outside the body (10). For example, the sensing unit (103) may sense a puff from the user. For example, the sensing unit (103) may sense whether an aerosol generating substrate (S) has been inserted into the insertion space. For example, the sensing unit (103) may sense the movement of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0057] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 3, the upper case (40) can be detachably coupled to the body (10). The upper case (40) can be coupled to the upper side of the body (10). The upper case (40) can cover the upper periphery of the body (10). The upper case (40) can have an insertion port (44). An aerosol generating substrate (S) can be inserted into the insertion port (44). The insertion port (44) can have a configuration corresponding to the insertion space or cavity described in FIGS. 1 and 2. The upper case (40) can include a cover (45) for opening and closing the insertion port (44). The cover (45) can slide laterally to open and close the insertion port (44).

[0059] The upper case (40) may include an upper case wing (42). The upper case wing (42) may extend downward from both sides of the upper case body (41). The upper case wing (42) may be referred to as an upper case grip (42).

[0060] The body (10) may include a body wing (17). The body wing (17) may extend upward from an edge of the upper portion of the body (10). The body wings (17) may be formed as a pair facing each other with the upper portion of the body (10) as the center. The body wings (17) may be formed at a position that is misaligned with the upper case wing (42).

[0061] When the upper case (40) is coupled to the body (10), the upper case (40) can form the upper exterior of the aerosol generating device (1). When the upper case (40) is coupled to the body (10), the body wing (17) can cover the side portion of the upper case (40) exposed between the upper case wings (42). When the upper case (40) is coupled to the body (10), the upper case wing (42) can cover the outer wall of the body (10).

[0062] FIG. 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view illustrating the coupling relationship of the replaceable susceptor of the present disclosure.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 4, the body (10) of the aerosol generating device (1) may have a shape that is elongated vertically. The body (10) may provide a first insertion space (14) therein. The first insertion space (14) may be opened upward. The first insertion space (14) may have a cylindrical shape that is elongated vertically. The first insertion space (14) may be defined by a body pipe (11) formed inside the body (10). The body pipe (11) may include a lateral wall (111) that surrounds the periphery of the first insertion space (14) and a lower wall (112) that covers the bottom of the first insertion space (14). The lower wall (112) may be formed at the bottom of the body pipe (11). The side wall (111) of the body pipe (11) may be called the inner lateral wall (111) of the body (10).

[0064] The heater holder (20) can be detachably inserted into the first insertion space (14). The pipe (20') can include a side wall (21) that extends vertically and a lower wall (22) formed at the lower end of the side wall (21). The pipe (20') can be referred to as a heater holder pipe (20'). The lower wall (22) of the pipe (20') can be referred to as a bottom (22) or a mount (22). The lower wall (22) of the pipe (20') can form the bottom (22) of the heater holder (20). The susceptor (50) can be coupled to or fixed to the heater holder (20). The susceptor (50) can be replaced together with the heater holder (20).

[0065] The heater holder (20) can provide a second insertion space when coupled with the extractor (30). In one embodiment, when the heater holder (20) is coupled with the extractor (30), the side wall (21) of the heater holder (20) and the side wall (31) of the extractor (30) can define a second insertion space that is opened upward. Each of the side wall (21) of the heater holder (C20) and the side wall (31) of the extractor (30) can cover at least one side of the second insertion space. The side wall (21) of the heater holder (20) and the side wall (31) of the extractor (30) can together form a side perimeter of the second insertion space.

[0066] The side wall (31) of the extractor (30) may be extended vertically. The side wall (21) of the heater holder (20) and the side wall (31) of the extractor (30) may each be spaced apart from the center of the second insertion space by the same distance in the radial direction. The side wall (21) of the heater holder (20) and the side wall (31) of the extractor (30) may each be positioned on the same peripheral extension line of the second insertion space. The side wall (21) of the heater holder (20) and the side wall (31) of the extractor (30) may each extend in a curved manner in the circumferential direction along the perimeter of the second insertion space.

[0067] The side walls (21) of the heater holder (20) may be arranged in multiple numbers along the circumference of the lower wall (22) of the heater holder (20). A first slit (214) extending vertically may be formed between each of the multiple side walls (21) of the heater holder (20). The multiple side walls (21) and the multiple first slits (214) of the heater holder (20) may be arranged alternately in the circumferential direction along the circumference of the second insertion space.

[0068] The side walls (31) of the extractor (30) may be arranged in multiple numbers along the circumference of the lower wall (32) of the extractor (30). A second slit (314) extending vertically may be formed between each of the multiple side walls (31) of the extractor (30). The multiple side walls (31) and the multiple second slits (314) of the extractor (30) may be arranged alternately in the circumferential direction along the circumference of the second insertion space.

[0069] The extractor (30) can be inserted into the heater holder (20). When the extractor (30) is inserted into the heater holder (20), the side wall (21) of the heater holder (20) can be placed in the second slit (314), and the side wall (31) of the extractor (30) can be placed in the first slit (214).

[0070] Accordingly, the side wall (21) of the heater holder (20) and the side wall (31) of the extractor (30) can form a second insertion space. In addition, by reducing the thickness of the wall between the induction coil (15) and the susceptor (50), the heat generation efficiency of the susceptor (50) can be improved.

[0071] The lower end of the aerosol generating substrate (S) is inserted into the second insertion space, and the upper end of the aerosol generating substrate (S) can protrude outside the aerosol generating device (1). The susceptor (50) can heat the first insertion space (14) and the second insertion space.

[0072] The lower end of the susceptor (50) can be fixed to the mount (22). The susceptor (50) can be extended long toward the opening of the second insertion space. The susceptor (50) can be formed in a cylindrical shape, and the upper end can be pointed upward. As another example, the susceptor (50) can have a shape extending in the circumferential direction and can be coupled to the side wall (21) of the heater holder (20). However, this is an example, and the shape of the susceptor (50) is not limited to that described above or illustrated, and can be coupled to the heater holder (20) so long as it can heat the aerosol generating substrate (S) inserted into the second insertion space.

[0073] The heater holder (20) can be formed by insert injection into the susceptor (50). The heater holder (20) can have high heat resistance and excellent rigidity. For example, the heater holder (20) can be formed of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). However, the material of the heater holder (20) is not limited thereto.

[0074] The through hole (35) can be formed by opening the lower wall (32) of the extractor (30). The through hole (35) can be opened vertically. When the extractor (30) is inserted into the heater holder (20), the susceptor (50) can protrude through the through hole (35) into the second insertion space. When the aerosol generating substrate (S) is inserted into the second insertion space, the susceptor (50) can be inserted into the lower portion of the aerosol generating substrate (S).

[0075] The induction coil (15) can surround the first insertion space (14). The induction coil (15) can be wound around the side wall (111) of the body pipe (11). The induction coil (15) can surround the susceptor (50). The induction coil (15) can heat the susceptor (50). According to an embodiment, a substrate detection unit (1031) can be arranged between the induction coil (15) and the side wall (111) of the body pipe (11). The substrate detection unit (1031) can be configured as a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor can be made of a thin film and cover at least a portion of the side wall (111) of the body pipe (11). The substrate detection unit (1031) can be used to determine the presence or absence of an aerosol generating substrate (S) inserted into the second insertion space.

[0076] The user can easily separate the aerosol generating substrate (S) from the susceptor (50) by separating the extractor (30) and the heater holder (20) from each other. The aerosol generating substrate (S) inserted into the interior of the extractor (30) can be more easily separated from the extractor (30) by separating from the susceptor (50). The aerosol generating substrate (S) can be separated even when the extractor (30) and the heater holder (20) are not separated from each other.

[0077] In addition, foreign substances generated from the aerosol generating substrate (S) do not remain around the susceptor (50) and the heater holder (20), but can be extracted through the extractor (30). Accordingly, cleaning of the aerosol generating device (1) around the susceptor (50) becomes easier, and convenience of management can be improved. In addition, factors that reduce the performance of the susceptor (50) can be reduced, the durability of the susceptor (50) can be improved, and the replacement cycle of the susceptor (50) can be extended. In addition, factors that spoil the taste of the aerosol generating substrate (S) can be reduced.

[0078] The heater holder (20) can be placed between the body (10) and the extractor (30). The side wall (111) of the body pipe (11) can surround the side wall (21) of the heater holder (20). The lower wall (112) of the body pipe (11) can face the lower wall (22) of the heater holder (20). The side wall (21) of the heater holder (20) can surround the side wall (31) of the extractor (30). The lower wall (22) of the heater holder (20) can face the lower wall (32) of the extractor (30).

[0079] The side wall (31) of the extractor (30) can be spaced inwardly from the side wall (21) of the heater holder (20). The lower wall (32) of the extractor (30) can be spaced upwardly from the lower wall (22) of the heater holder (20). Air can flow between the extractor (30) and the heater holder (20), pass through the through hole (35), and then be provided to the aerosol generating substrate (S) inserted into the second insertion space.

[0080] The upper wall (12) of the body (10) may extend outwardly in a horizontal direction from the upper end of the body pipe (11). The upper wall (12) of the body (10) may cover the upper end of the induction coil (15). The outer lateral wall (13) of the body (10) may extend downwardly from the outer end of the upper wall (12) of the body (10). The outer lateral wall (13) of the body (10) may face the side wall (111) of the body pipe (11). The outer lateral wall (13) of the body (10) may be spaced outwardly from the body pipe (11). The induction coil (15) may be disposed between the body pipe (11) and the outer lateral wall (13) of the body (10).

[0081] The upper case (40) can be detachably coupled to the body (10). The upper case (40) can be coupled to the upper side of the body (10). The upper case (40) can cover the periphery of the first insertion space (14) and the upper periphery of the body (10). The upper case (40) can have an insertion port (44). An aerosol generating substrate (S) can be inserted into the insertion port (44). The upper case (40) can include a cover (45) for opening and closing the insertion port (44). The cover (45) can slide laterally to open and close the insertion port (44). The heater holder (20) can be arranged between the body (10) and the upper case (40).

[0082] The upper case (40) may include an upper case body (41). The insertion opening (44) may be formed by opening the upper case body (41) upwardly and downwardly. The insertion opening (44) may be formed at a position that is offset to one side from the center of the upper case body (41). The lower surface of the upper case body (41) may have a shape corresponding to the upper wall (12) of the body (10). The lower surface of the upper case body (41) may extend horizontally, parallel to the upper wall (12) of the body (10). The cover (45) may be installed so as to be slidable on the upper surface of the upper case body (41).

[0083] The upper case (40) may include an upper case wing (42). The upper case wing (42) may extend downward from both sides of the upper case body (41). A portion of the side of the upper case body (41) may be exposed between the pair of upper case wings (42). The upper case wing (42) may be referred to as an upper case grip (42).

[0084] The extractor (30) can be coupled to the upper case (40). The upper end of the extractor (30) is coupled to the upper case (40), and the lower end of the extractor (30) can protrude downward from the upper case (40). The extractor (30) can be coupled to a position corresponding to the insertion port (44). The insertion port (44) can be located on the upper side of the second insertion space. The insertion port (44) can communicate the second insertion space with the outside of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0085] The upper end of the extractor (30) can be coupled to the upper case body (41). The extractor (30) can extend downward from the upper case body (41). The extractor (30) can be placed between a pair of upper case wings (42).

[0086] When the upper case (40) is coupled to the body (10), the upper case (40) can form the upper exterior of the aerosol generating device (1). When the upper case (40) is coupled to the body (10),

[0087] Since the upper case (40) has an upper case top (42), the user can more easily separate the extractor (30) from the body (10). The user can separate the extractor (30) inserted into the second insertion space without the inconvenience of gripping the extractor (30) by holding the outer surface of the upper case (40) and separating it from the body (10). For example, the user can easily separate the upper case (40) and the extractor (30) from the body (10) by holding a pair of upper case wings (42) and pulling them away from the body (10).

[0088] The heater holder (20) may include an extension portion (23). The extension portion (23) may be formed at the upper end of the heater holder (20). The extension portion (23) may extend outward in a horizontal direction from the upper end of the pipe (20'). The extension portion (23) may have a plate shape. The extension portion (23) may be formed such that one side is longer with respect to the pipe (20'). The extension portion (23) may be referred to as a heater holder extension portion (23).

[0089] The extension (23) may have a shape corresponding to the upper wall (12) of the body (10). The extension (23) may be formed horizontally on the upper wall (12) of the body (10). When the pipe (20') is inserted into the first insertion space (14), the extension (23) may be supported or seated on the upper wall (12) of the body (10). The upper wall (12) of the body (10) may support the extension, and the extension (23) may support the pipe (20'). The pipe (20') may be suspended from the extension (23) and spaced upward from the bottom (112) of the body pipe (11) to form an air gap. The outer circumferential surface of the pipe (20') may be spaced inward from the side wall (111) of the body pipe (11) to form an air gap.

[0090] The extension (23) may have a shape corresponding to the lower surface of the upper case body (41). The extension (23) may be formed horizontally on the lower surface of the upper case body (41). When the upper case (40) is coupled to the body (10) and the extractor (30) is inserted into the inside of the pipe (20'), the extension (23) may come into contact with the lower surface of the upper case body (41). No conductive material may be placed on the extension (23). This is to more accurately determine whether the upper case (40) is detected, which will be described later.

[0091] The upper case (40) can be separated from the body (10). The heater holder (20) can be detachably coupled to the upper case (40). When the upper case (40) is separated from the body (10), the heater holder (20) can be separated from the body (10) together with the upper case (40) while being coupled to the upper case (40). In a state where the upper case (40) to which the heater holder (20) is coupled is separated from the body (10), the heater holder (20) can be separated from the upper case (40).

[0092] As another example, the heater holder (20) may be detachably coupled to the extractor (30). When the extractor (30) is separated from the body (10), the heater holder (20) may be separated from the body (10) together with the extractor (30) while still coupled with the extractor (30). When the extractor (30) to which the heater holder (20) is coupled is separated from the body (10), the heater holder (20) may be separated from the extractor (30).

[0093] The heater holder (20) can be detachably connected to the upper case (40) by a snap-fit ​​connection method. At this time, either the heater holder (20) or the upper case (40) may be provided with a connection hook, and the other may be provided with a groove into which the hook is connected. This is merely an example, and the method by which the heater holder (20) is detachably connected to the upper case (40) is not limited to the above-described method, and the heater holder (20) may be detachably connected to the upper case (40) by various known methods.

[0094] The heater holder (20) coupled to the upper case (40) can protrude downward from the upper case (40). The heater holder (20) can be placed between a pair of upper case wings (42). The pipe (20') can protrude downward from the upper case body (41) further than the upper case wings (42). Accordingly, the heater holder (20) can be easily held. In addition, the susceptor (50) can be conveniently replaced.

[0095] In addition, the aerosol generating substrate (S) can be easily separated from the susceptor (50). The user can easily separate the aerosol generating substrate (S) from the susceptor (50) by separating the extractor (30) and the heater holder (20) from each other. The aerosol generating substrate (S) inserted into the interior of the extractor (30) can be more easily separated from the extractor (30) by being separated from the susceptor (50).

[0096] The heater holder (20) can be detachably coupled to the body (10). In a state where the heater holder (20) is coupled to the body (10), the upper case (40) and / or the extractor (30) can be separated from the body (10) and the heater holder (20). In a state where the upper case (40) and / or the extractor (30) are separated from the body (10) and the heater holder (20), the heater holder (20) can be detachably coupled to the body (10). The heater holder (20) can be detachably coupled to the body (10) by a snap-fit ​​coupling method. At this time, either the heater holder (20) or the body (10) may be provided with a coupling hook, and the other may be provided with a groove into which the hook is coupled. This is only an example, and the manner in which the heater holder (20) is detachably connected to the body (10) is not limited to that described above, and the heater holder (20) can be detachably connected to the body (10) in various known ways.

[0097] Meanwhile, at least one conductor (47) can be fixed inside the upper case body (41). The conductor (47) can be adjacent to the lower surface of the upper case body (41).

[0098] The upper case detection unit (1032) may be positioned adjacent to the upper wall (12) of the body (10). The upper case detection unit (1032) may be formed at a position corresponding to the conductor (47). The upper case detection unit (1032) may be configured as an inductive sensor and may be manufactured as a thin film. In addition, the upper case detection unit (1032) may be formed integrally with the substrate detection unit (1031). The upper case detection unit (1032) may be used to determine whether the upper case (40) is detached by interacting with the conductor (47) of the upper case (40).

[0099] An extension (23) coupled to the body (10) can be exposed upward from the body (10). The extension (23) can be positioned between a pair of body wings (17). The extension (23) can be positioned adjacent to the outer lateral wall (13) of the body (10) between a pair of body wings (17), or in a position vertically parallel to the outer lateral wall (13). Accordingly, the heater holder (20) can be easily held.

[0100] Accordingly, the heater holder (20) can be easily separated from the body (10) while being stably connected to the body (10). In addition, the susceptor (50) can be conveniently replaced.

[0101] In addition, the aerosol generating substrate (S) can be easily separated from the susceptor (50). The user can easily separate the aerosol generating substrate (S) from the susceptor (50) by separating the extractor (30) and the heater holder (20) from each other. The aerosol generating substrate (S) inserted into the interior of the extractor (30) can be more easily separated from the extractor (30) by being separated from the susceptor (50).

[0102] FIG. 5 illustrates an upper case detection unit and a substrate detection unit formed integrally according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 5, the upper case detection unit (1032) and the substrate detection unit (1031) may be formed as a single unit. The upper case detection unit (1032) and the substrate detection unit (1031) may be implemented in a pattern shape on an insulating substrate. For example, the upper case detection unit (1032) and the substrate detection unit (1031) may each be implemented in a pattern shape on a single flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0104] The upper case detection unit (1032) may include an inductive sensor. In an embodiment in which the upper case detection unit (1032) includes an inductive sensor, the upper case detection unit (1032) may include a detection coil (13b). The detection coil (13b) may be implemented in a pattern shape on an insulating substrate. The upper case detection unit (1032) may vary its inductance according to the approach and retreat of the upper case (40), and may transmit the varied inductance value to the control unit (102). For this purpose, the integrated upper case detection unit (1032) and substrate detection unit (1031) may further include a signal transmission unit (13c). The signal transmission unit (13c) includes a first channel (ch1) and a second channel (ch2), and the signal transmission unit (13c) can transmit a variable inductance value to the control unit (102) through the first channel (ch1).

[0105] The control unit (102) can determine whether the upper case (40) is mounted on the body (10) based on the inductance value output by the upper case detection unit (1032). For example, the control unit (102) can determine that the upper case (40) is mounted on the body (10) if the change in inductance per unit time output by the upper case detection unit (1032) is greater than or equal to a preset reference inductance.

[0106] The substrate detection unit (1031) may include at least one capacitor sensor. In an embodiment in which the substrate detection unit (1031) includes a capacitor sensor, the substrate detection unit (1031) may include at least one electrode (13a). Although an embodiment in which there are three electrodes (13a) is illustrated in FIG. 5 , the number of electrodes (13a) is not limited thereto. The electrodes (13a) may be implemented in a pattern shape on an insulating substrate. The electrodes (13a) may be in contact with an outer surface of the first insertion space (14) and may surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the first insertion space (14).

[0107] Since the electrode (13a) surrounds the first insertion space (14), the insertion space (14, 24) can be understood as a dielectric space that causes a change in capacitance. In other words, when an aerosol generating substrate (S) is inserted into the insertion space (14, 24), the dielectric constant of the electrode (13a) changes, and the capacitance of the substrate detection unit (1031) can change. In this way, the substrate detection unit (1031) can output a capacitance value that changes according to the change in capacitance of the electrode (13a) itself, without separately having a transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode. The substrate detection unit (1031) can transmit the capacitance value to the control unit (102). The signal transmission unit (13c) can transmit the capacitance value to the control unit (102) through a second channel (ch2) that is different from the first channel (ch1).

[0108] The control unit (102) can determine whether an aerosol generating substrate (S) inserted into the insertion space (14, 24) exists based on the capacitance value output by the substrate detection unit (1031). For example, the control unit (102) can obtain a monitoring value according to a change in the capacitance of the substrate detection unit (1031), and determine whether an aerosol generating substrate (S) inserted into the insertion space (14, 24) exists based on the monitoring value. The monitoring value can include a charging time, a discharge time, a number of charge / discharge cycles, and a capacitance change amount of the electrode (13a) according to a change in the capacitance of the substrate detection unit (1031). For example, the control unit (102) can determine that an aerosol generating substrate (S) is inserted into the cavity when the monitoring value decreases by a reference decrease amount or more within a preset time.

[0109] In this way, since the upper case detection unit (1032) and the substrate detection unit (1031) are formed integrally in the form of a thin film that shares the signal transmission unit (13c), the device size can be significantly reduced.

[0110] FIG. 6 is an internal block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device (1) may include at least one of a power supply unit (101), a power conversion unit (107), a heating unit (108), a detection unit (103), a control unit (102), a memory (104), an input unit (105), and an output unit (106). Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure may further include other general-purpose components in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 6. For example, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a communication unit (not illustrated) for communicating with an external device.

[0112] The power supply unit (101) supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the power supply unit (101) can supply power to at least one of the power conversion unit (107), the heating unit (108), the detection unit (103), the control unit (102), the memory (104), the input unit (105), and the output unit (106).

[0113] The power supply unit (101) may include a battery (1011 of FIG. 7) and a DC-DC converter (1012 of FIG. 7). The DC / DC converter (1012) may supply power to internal components of the aerosol generating device (1) by boosting or lowering the direct current power supplied from the battery (1011).

[0114] The battery (1011) may be configured as a detachable battery that is detachably placed on the aerosol generating device (1). Alternatively, the battery (1011) may be fixed to the aerosol generating device (1). In this case, the battery (1011) may be a rechargeable or disposable battery. For example, the battery (1011) may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0115] The DC / DC converter (1012) includes at least one switching element and can step up or step down the direct current power provided from the battery (1011). To this end, the DC / DC converter (1012) may include at least one of a buck converter, a boost converter, and a buck-boost converter.

[0116] The power conversion unit (107) can convert the direct current power output by the DC / DC converter (1012) into alternating current power. To this end, the power conversion unit (107) can include a DC / AC converter. The DC / AC converter can include at least one switching element and can be configured as an E-class or D-class power converter. The power conversion unit (107) can provide the converted alternating current power to the heating unit (108).

[0117] The heating element (108) may include an induction coil (15) and a susceptor (50). The induction coil (15) may generate a variable magnetic field when supplied with AC power. The susceptor (50) may be heated by the variable magnetic field, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0118] The susceptor (50) can be arranged so as to be replaceable. The susceptor (50) can be coupled to the heater holder (20) and can be replaceably coupled to the body (10). For example, a first heater module including a first susceptor (51) can be separated from the body (10), and a second heater module including a second susceptor (52) can be coupled to the body (10). Therefore, the meaning of replaceable below can include replacement of the heater holder (20). For convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on the first susceptor (51) and the second susceptor (52), but the following description can of course also be applied to the first heater module and the second heater module.

[0119] In one embodiment, a first susceptor (51) may be coupled to an aerosol generating device (1), and a second susceptor (52) may be coupled to the aerosol generating device (1) after the first susceptor (51) is extracted. The first susceptor (51) or the second susceptor (52) coupled to the aerosol generating device (1) may be considered as an internal component of the aerosol generating device (1). The first susceptor (51) may be a component provided together with the aerosol generating device (1) during manufacturing. Alternatively, the first susceptor (51) may refer to a susceptor on which the calibration described below has been performed. The second susceptor (52) may refer to a susceptor to be calibrated as a component that is continuously or discontinuously coupled to the aerosol generating device (1) after the first susceptor (51) is extracted.

[0120] The detection unit (103) can detect various status information of the aerosol generating device (1). The results detected by the detection unit (103) are transmitted to the control unit (102), and the control unit (102) can control the aerosol generating device (1) so that various functions such as controlling the operation of the heating unit, restricting smoking, determining whether or not the heating unit (108) is inserted, and displaying notifications are performed based on the detection results.

[0121] The detection unit (103) may include a substrate detection unit (1031), an upper case detection unit (1032), and a current detection unit (1033).

[0122] The substrate detection unit (1031) and the upper case detection unit (1032) may be implemented in a pattern shape on a single insulating substrate, respectively. The substrate detection unit (1031) may include a capacitance sensor including at least one electrode. Accordingly, the substrate detection unit (1031) may have a variable capacitance as the aerosol generating substrate (S) is inserted into and extracted from the cavity. The substrate detection unit (1031) may transmit the capacitance value to the control unit (102) in real time or periodically.

[0123] The upper case detection unit (1032) may include an inductive sensor. Accordingly, the inductance of the upper case detection unit (1032) may vary as the upper case (40) approaches and retreats from the body (10). The upper case detection unit (1032) may transmit the inductance value to the control unit (102) in real time or periodically.

[0124] The current detection unit (1033) can detect the direct current output by the DC / DC converter (1012). The current detection unit (1033) can transmit information about the direct current to the control unit (102) in real time or periodically. The detected direct current can be used to determine the temperature of the susceptor (50).

[0125] Meanwhile, the sensing unit (103) of FIG. 6 illustrates components related to the present embodiment. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that, in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 6, other general-purpose components may be further included in the sensing unit (103). For example, the sensing unit (103) may further include a water detection sensor for detecting water inside and / or outside the aerosol generating device (1), a battery temperature sensor, and a puff sensor.

[0126] The memory (104) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1), and the memory (104) can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (102). The memory (104) can be implemented in various types, such as random access memory (RAM) such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), etc. In one embodiment, the memory (104) can include direct current-temperature information for the first susceptor (51) and / or the second susceptor (52). The direct current-temperature information can be used for temperature control for each susceptor (50).

[0127] The input unit (105) can receive user input. The input unit (105) can be implemented with physical keys and / or touch sensors for receiving user input. For example, the input unit (105) can include, but is not limited to, buttons, keypads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0128] The output unit (106) may include a display that outputs visual information related to the aerosol generating device (1). In addition, the output unit (106) may include a motor that outputs tactile information related to the aerosol generating device (1). Here, the visual and tactile information related to the aerosol generating device (1) includes all information related to the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the output unit (106) may visually and tactilely output information about the insertion and extraction of the aerosol generating substrate (S) through a predetermined means. For this purpose, the output unit (106) may include a display and a haptic motor. The display may be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD) and an organic light emitting display panel (OLED). Meanwhile, when the display and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display may be used as an input device in addition to an output device. A haptic motor can provide tactile information to a user about an aerosol generating device (1) by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus.

[0129] The control unit (102) controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). In one embodiment, the control unit (102) 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.

[0130] The control unit (102) can control the heating unit (108) to heat the aerosol generating substrate (S) when the aerosol generating substrate (S) is inserted into the cavity. In one embodiment, the control unit (102) can control the direct current power output from the power supply unit (101) and / or the alternating current power supplied to the induction coil (15) so that the induction coil (15) generates a variable magnetic field. The susceptor (50) can be heated by the variable magnetic field generated by the induction coil (15), thereby generating an aerosol. In this way, the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure can automatically initiate heating of the aerosol generating substrate (S) when the aerosol generating substrate (S) is inserted into the cavity without a user input.

[0131] If the control unit (102) initiates heating of the aerosol generating substrate (S), it can control the power supplied to the heating unit (108) according to the temperature profile stored in the memory (104). The control unit (102) can use the direct current output from the DC / DC converter (1012) without a separate temperature sensor to determine the temperature of the susceptor (50) in direct contact with the aerosol generating substrate (S). In one embodiment, the direct current output from the DC / DC converter (1012) can decrease as the temperature of the susceptor (50) increases. In other words, the direct current output from the DC / DC converter (1012) and the temperature of the susceptor (50) can have a linear relationship. In this way, the control unit (102) can determine the temperature of the susceptor (50) based on the linear relationship between the direct current and the susceptor (50), and control the power supplied to the heating unit (108) by comparing the determined temperature with the temperature profile.

[0132] Meanwhile, during the manufacturing stage, the relationship between the actual temperature of the susceptor (50) and the direct current can be mapped and shipped. However, if the replaced susceptor (50) is heated using the mapping information at the time of manufacturing even though the susceptor (50) has been replaced, accurate temperature control may not be possible. This is because the relationship between the actual temperature and the direct current differs for each susceptor (50) due to manufacturing tolerances, etc. This also applies to a susceptor (50) that has undergone the calibration described below and a susceptor (50) that has not undergone the calibration.

[0133] In order to solve this problem, the present disclosure can update the mapping information stored in the memory (104) for the replaced susceptor (50) through the correction value.

[0134] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the direct current of the power supply unit, the temperature of the susceptor, and whether the susceptor is replaced according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0135] Referring to Fig. 7, the power supply unit (101) can output direct current power (Pdc). For this purpose, the power supply unit (101) can include a battery (1011) and a DC-DC converter (1012). The battery (1011) outputs direct current power, and the DC-DC converter (1012) can step up or step down the direct current power. The stepped-up or stepped-down direct current power can be expressed as a direct current voltage (Vdc) and a direct current (Idc), and the direct current voltage (Vdc) and the direct current (Idc) can be provided to the power conversion unit (107) as direct current power (Pdc). The direct current power (Pdc) output by the power supply unit (101) can be regulated by the control of the control unit (102).

[0136] The power conversion unit (107) can convert direct current power (Pdc) into alternating current power (Pac). To this end, the power conversion unit (107) can include a DC / AC converter. The DC / AC converter includes at least one switching element and can be configured as an E-class or D-class power converter. The power conversion unit (107) converts the direct current power (Pdc) into alternating current power (Pac) and outputs it according to the on / off of the switching element.

[0137] The heating unit (108) may include an induction coil (15) and a susceptor (50). The induction coil (150) receives an AC power source (Pac) to generate an alternating magnetic field, and the susceptor (50) may generate heat by the alternating magnetic field to heat the aerosol generating substrate (S).

[0138] The current detection unit (1033) can detect the direct current (Idc) output by the DC-DC converter (1012). To this end, the current detection unit (1033) can include at least one shunt resistor. However, the current detection method of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0139] The control unit (102) can determine the temperature of the susceptor (50) based on the direct current (Idc) detected by the current detection unit (1033). In one embodiment, the susceptor (50) may correspond to an impedance component when viewed from the DC-DC converter (1012), which is an input terminal. In addition, as the temperature of the susceptor (50) increases, the size of the resistance component may increase. Accordingly, as the temperature of the susceptor (50) increases, the direct current (Idc) detected by the current detection unit (1033) may decrease. In other words, a linear relationship may be formed between the temperature of the susceptor (50) and the direct current (Idc). In this way, the control unit (102) can determine the temperature of the susceptor (50) based on the linear relationship between the temperature of the susceptor (50) and the direct current (Idc). Information on the relationship between the temperature of the susceptor (50) and the direct current (Idc) can be stored in the memory (104) as a lookup table.

[0140] The control unit (102) can determine the temperature of the susceptor (50) from the direct current (Idc) and control the direct current power (Pdc) output by the DC-DC converter (1012) based on the determined temperature. The control unit (102) can control the direct current power (Pdc) output by the DC-DC converter (1012) through the control signal (S1). Meanwhile, since the direct current (Idc) is used to determine the temperature of the susceptor (50), the control unit (102) can adjust the direct current voltage (Vdc) in order to control the direct current power (Pdc). In other words, the control unit (102) can adjust the direct current power output by the DC-DC converter (1012) by adjusting the direct current voltage (Vdc).

[0141] Meanwhile, the susceptor (50) of the present disclosure can be interchangeably coupled to the aerosol generating device (1). For example, after the first susceptor (51) is extracted from the insertion space, a second susceptor (52) different from the first susceptor (51) can be inserted into the insertion space. At this time, the first susceptor (51) may be a susceptor (50) coupled to the aerosol generating device (1) during the manufacturing step or a susceptor (50) that has been calibrated, and the second susceptor (52) may be a susceptor (50) that has not been calibrated. When the second susceptor (52) is inserted, the control unit (102) may perform a calibration operation on the second susceptor (52) in a calibration mode.

[0142] This calibration work can be performed when the input unit (105) receives a user's input. This is to prevent cases where the calibration work is performed regardless of the user's intention, which may cause user inconvenience and risk. According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure can automatically perform the calibration work without user input. This is to minimize user inconvenience. Meanwhile, in an example where the calibration work is performed without user input, it is possible to periodically determine whether the susceptor (50) needs to be replaced in order to automatically perform the calibration work, but this method has a problem in that it significantly increases power consumption. In order to solve this problem, the present disclosure performs the calibration work only when the upper case (40) is separated from the body (10) and then re-connected to the body (10). This is because if the upper case (40) is separated from the body (10), there is a high possibility that the heater holder (20) including the susceptor (50) will also be separated from the body (10). Also, if the heater holder (20) is separated from the body (10), there is a high possibility that the susceptor (50) may need to be replaced.

[0143] In this way, if the upper case (40) is separated from the body (10), there is a high possibility that the susceptor (50) will be replaced. However, in some cases, only the upper case (40) may be separated from the body (10) and then re-attached to the body (10). In this way, the present disclosure can easily determine that the susceptor (50) has not been replaced through the probe DC power (Pp).

[0144] More specifically, the control unit (102) can control the DC-DC converter (1012) to output probe DC power (Pp). The probe DC power (Pp) can be set to be less than the DC powers in the calibration mode described below. In one embodiment, the probe DC power (Pp) can be set to less than 5 W. For example, the probe DC power (Pp) can be set to 2 W, but is not limited thereto.

[0145] The output method of the probe DC power (Pp) of the control unit (102) is the same as the output method of the DC power source (Pdc). In other words, the control unit (102) can control the DC-DC converter (1012) by adjusting the probe DC voltage (Vp) of the DC-DC converter (1012) so that the DC power output by the DC-DC converter (1012) follows the probe DC power (Pp).

[0146] Meanwhile, the susceptor (50) may correspond to an impedance component when viewed from the DC-DC converter (1012), which is an input terminal. In addition, this impedance component may be unique to each susceptor (50). The present disclosure can easily determine whether the susceptor (50) needs to be replaced based on the unique characteristics of the susceptor (50). To this end, the current detection unit (1033) can obtain the probe direct current (Ip). Information about the probe direct current (Ip) can be transmitted to the control unit (102).

[0147] Information about the probe DC current (Ip) for the first susceptor (51) may be stored in advance in the memory (104). The probe DC current (Ip) for the first susceptor (51) may be referred to as a reference DC current. The control unit (102) may determine that the first susceptor (51) has not been replaced if the probe DC current (Ip) detected by the current detection unit (1033) is equal to the reference DC current. Accordingly, the control unit (102) may terminate the calibration mode early by transmitting a second control signal (S2) to the DC / DC converter (1012). Accordingly, power consumption may be significantly reduced. Hereinafter, the start and end conditions of this calibration mode will be described in more detail.

[0148] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an operation method of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 8, in step S911, the upper case detection unit (1032) detects whether the upper case (40) is detached.

[0150] The upper case detection unit (1032) may include an inductive sensor. Accordingly, the inductance of the upper case detection unit (1032) may vary as the upper case (40) approaches and retreats from the body (10). The upper case detection unit (1032) may transmit the inductance value to the control unit (102) in real time or periodically.

[0151] The control unit (102) can determine whether the upper case (40) is separated from the body (10) based on the inductance value output by the upper case detection unit (1032). For example, the control unit (102) can determine that the upper case (40) is separated from the body (10) when the change per unit time of the inductance output by the upper case detection unit (1032) is less than a preset reference inductance.

[0152] At step S912, the control unit (102) determines whether the upper case (40) and the body (10) are reconnected.

[0153] The control unit (102) can determine whether the upper case (40) is reconnected to the body (10) based on the inductance value output by the upper case detection unit (1032). For example, the control unit (102) can determine that the upper case (40) is reconnected to the body (10) if the change in inductance per unit time output by the upper case detection unit (1032) is greater than or equal to a preset reference inductance.

[0154] If the control unit (102) determines that the upper case (40) is still separated from the body (10), it can control the upper case detection unit (1032) to detect in real time or periodically whether the upper case (40) is reconnected.

[0155] At step S913, if the control unit (102) determines that the upper case (40) has been reconnected to the body (10), it initiates the correction mode.

[0156] The calibration mode may include a probe section and a calibration section following the probe section. The control unit (102) may perform a calibration operation on the susceptor (50) by controlling the power supply unit (101) according to a preset power profile in the calibration mode.

[0157] In step S914, the current detection unit (1033) can detect the probe DC current corresponding to the probe DC power.

[0158] The control unit (102) can determine whether the susceptor (50) needs to be replaced by controlling the power supply unit (101) to output probe DC power at the start of the calibration mode. To this end, the control unit (102) can adjust the probe DC voltage of the DC-DC converter (1012) to output probe DC power. In addition, the current detection unit (1033) can detect the probe DC current corresponding to the probe DC power.

[0159] At step S915, the control unit (102) can compare the probe DC current with the reference DC current.

[0160] The reference DC current may refer to the probe DC current for the first susceptor (51). In other words, information about the probe DC current may be stored in the memory (104) in advance before the susceptor (50) is replaced. When the calibration mode is initiated, the control unit (102) may compare the probe DC current detected by the current detection unit (1033) with the reference current. If the susceptor (50) is not replaced, the probe DC current detected by the current detection unit (1033) may be equal to the reference current.

[0161] The control unit (102) can terminate the calibration mode when the probe DC current is equal to the reference current.

[0162] At step S916, if the control unit (102) determines that the probe direct current is not equal to the reference current, it determines that the susceptor (50) has been replaced and can determine whether to receive the first user input.

[0163] The first user input may refer to a user input for terminating the calibration mode. The input unit (105) may be provided in the form of a single key and may receive user input. The control unit (102) may set a user input longer than a preset first input time as the first user input. For example, the first input time may be 5 seconds, but is not limited thereto.

[0164] At step S917, if the first user input is not received, the control unit (102) can perform calibration on the replaced susceptor (50). Calibration of the susceptor (50) is described in more detail below in FIG. 9.

[0165] At step S918, the control unit (102) can terminate the calibration mode when the first user input is received.

[0166] The user may want to heat the aerosol generating substrate (S) immediately after replacing the susceptor (50), and in this case, the initiation of the calibration mode causes user inconvenience, so the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure can increase user satisfaction by immediately terminating the calibration mode by such user input.

[0167] At step S919, the control unit (102) can determine whether or not a second user input is received while the correction mode is terminated.

[0168] The second user input may refer to a user input for restarting the calibration mode. The control unit (102) may set a user input longer than the preset second input time as the first user input. For example, the second input time may be 8 seconds, but is not limited thereto.

[0169] If the control unit (102) does not receive the second user input, it maintains the termination of the calibration mode.

[0170] In step S920, if the control unit (102) receives a second user input, it can restart the calibration mode.

[0171] A user may desire that a calibration operation be performed at a specific time for a uniform flavor, and the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure may be designed to restart the calibration mode even upon a user's request. Such calibration of the susceptor (50) by user input will be described later with reference to FIG. 9 and below.

[0172] Meanwhile, if the control unit (102) corrects the correspondence between the DC current output by the power supply unit (101) and the temperature of the susceptor (50) in the correction mode and does not receive a second user input, it does not enter the correction mode until the upper case (40) is separated from the body (10) again.

[0173] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a calibration reference temperature according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0174] In Fig. 9, the x-axis represents time and the y-axis represents temperature. In addition, Fig. 9 shows a saturation temperature graph (1010) of the first susceptor (51) and a saturation temperature graph (1020) of the second susceptor (52) over time when the same power is provided.

[0175] Referring to Fig. 9, both the first susceptor (51) and the second susceptor (52) are manufactured to converge to a predetermined saturation temperature (Ts) within a preset power range. This is to ensure that the replaced susceptors (50) also exhibit uniform performance. In addition, as described below, this is to facilitate calibration work by comparing the direct currents when the same saturation temperature (Ts) is reached.

[0176] The first susceptor (51) and the second susceptor (52) are configured to generate power per cubic millimeter (w / mm) within a preset reference range to converge to a predetermined saturation temperature (Ts) within a preset power range. 3 ) can be manufactured to have. This can be achieved by performing a heat treatment step, a magnetic field supply step, and a gas (e.g., nitrogen and argon, etc.) supply step during the manufacturing of the first susceptor (51) and the second susceptor (52). In one embodiment, the first susceptor (51) and the second susceptor (52) can be manufactured to converge within a range of 330 to 340 degrees when a direct current power of 5 to 12 W is supplied. For example, when the supplied direct current power is 10 W, the first susceptor (51) and the second susceptor (52) can converge at 335 degrees.

[0177] In this way, the present disclosure corrects the standard for temperature judgment by considering that both the first susceptor (51) and the second susceptor (52) converge to a specific temperature at a specific DC power. In other words, since both the first susceptor (51) and the second susceptor (52) have the same saturation temperature (Ts), this saturation temperature (Ts) is set as the calibration reference temperature (Tcf), and by comparing the first measurement parameters measured when the first susceptor (51) is inserted with the second measurement parameters measured when the second susceptor (52) is inserted with each other around the calibration reference temperature (Tcf), a calibration operation for the second susceptor (52) can be performed.

[0178] Meanwhile, since the temperature of the susceptor (50) in the present disclosure can be sensed by sensing the direct current output by the DC / DC converter (1012), the first measurement parameter and the second measurement parameter may refer to direct currents measured when each susceptor (50) is inserted. In addition, since the temperature of the susceptor (50) in the present disclosure can be sensed by sensing the direct current output by the DC / DC converter (1012), the fact that the temperature of the susceptor (50) is saturated may mean the same as that the direct current is maintained. Accordingly, the control unit (102) may determine that the temperature of the susceptor (50) has reached the calibration reference temperature (Tcf) when the direct current is maintained within a reference range for a preset reference time. In one embodiment, the control unit (102) may obtain information about the direct current output by the current detection unit (1033) at the time when the temperature of the susceptor (50) has reached the calibration reference temperature (Tcf).

[0179] In FIG. 9, the control unit (102) can confirm that the first susceptor (51) has reached the calibration reference temperature (Tcf) at the first time point (t1) through the first DC current (I1) output by the current detection unit (1033). In addition, the control unit (102) can confirm that the second susceptor (52) has reached the calibration reference temperature (Tcf) at the second time point (t2) through the second DC current (I2) output by the current detection unit (1033). In this way, even though the temperatures of the first susceptor (51) and the second susceptor (52) are the same as the calibration reference temperature (Tcf), a difference may occur between the first DC current (I1) and the second DC current (I2), such as a (A). The present disclosure performs a calibration operation based on this difference a (A).

[0180] Meanwhile, the first susceptor (51) may be a configuration provided together with the aerosol generating device (1) during manufacturing, so that the relationship between the actual temperature and the direct current may be accurately mapped. Alternatively, the first susceptor (51) may be a susceptor (50) that has already undergone calibration work, so that the relationship between the temperature and the direct current may be accurate. Therefore, the saturation temperature graph (1010) of the first susceptor (51) in FIG. 9 is merely a drawing for showing the difference in direct current with respect to the second susceptor (52), and information on the first direct current (I1) may be stored in advance in the memory (104). The control unit (102) may determine the temperature of the first susceptor (51) based on the linear relationship between the mapped direct current and temperature until the second susceptor (52) is inserted. However, when the second susceptor (52) is inserted, a difference a (A) between the direct currents occurs as shown in FIG. 9, so the control unit (102) can correct the mapping relationship stored in the memory (104) in correction mode.

[0181] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining a control method in a correction mode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0182] In Fig. 10, the x-axis represents time, and the y-axis represents temperature or power. In addition, Fig. 10 also shows a power profile graph (1110) over time in the calibration mode and a temperature change graph (1120) of the second susceptor (52) according to the power profile. Meanwhile, the probe section included in the calibration mode is omitted in Fig. 10. In other words, the calibration mode may include a probe section and a calibration section. The probe section is a section for simply determining whether or not to replace the susceptor, as described in Fig. 7. The calibration section is a section following the probe section and corresponds to a section for calibrating the replaced susceptor (50). Although the calibration mode is illustrated below as including only the calibration section, the calibration mode may also include the probe section.

[0183] Referring to FIG. 10, the aerosol generating device (1) can accommodate a second susceptor (52) different from the first susceptor (51) after the first susceptor (51) is extracted from the insertion space.

[0184] The control unit (102) may enter a calibration mode when receiving a user input. In this case, the user input may refer to the second user input of FIG. 8. The aerosol generating device (1) has an input unit (105) in the form of a single button key, and may enter a calibration mode when receiving a user input longer than a preset input time. In one embodiment, the preset input time may be set to 5 seconds or longer. For example, the input time may be 8 seconds, but is not limited thereto. In this way, limiting the input time to a relatively long time is to prevent entering the calibration mode contrary to the user's intention.

[0185] In some embodiments, the control unit (102) may automatically enter the calibration mode when the upper case (40) is reattached to the body (10) after being detached from the body (10). The control unit (102) may confirm the replacement of the susceptor (50) through the probe section while the calibration mode is initiated. In addition, the control unit (120) may perform control in the following calibration section while confirming the replacement of the susceptor (50) and not receiving a user input requesting the termination of the calibration mode.

[0186] The control unit (102) can control the power supplied to the heating unit (108) according to a power profile rather than a temperature profile in the calibration mode. The control unit (102) can supply direct current power to the heating unit (108) according to the power profile for the first section and the second section consecutive to the first section in the calibration mode. The power profiles for the first section and the second section can be stored in advance in the memory (104).

[0187] When entering the correction mode, the control unit (102) can control the power supply unit (101) in the first section to output the first DC power (P1). In addition, the control unit (102) can control the power supply unit (101) in the second section to output the second DC power (P2) that is smaller than the first DC power (P1). The control unit (102) can provide the first DC power (P1) or the second DC power (P2) to the power conversion unit (107) by boosting or lowering the DC power output by the battery (1011) through the DC / DC converter (1012) included in the power supply unit (101). Meanwhile, since the DC current output by the DC / DC converter (1012) can vary depending on the temperature of the susceptor (50), the control unit (102) can control the DC voltage output by the DC / DC converter (1012) so that the DC power output by the DC / DC converter (1012) follows the first DC power and the second DC power despite the variation in the DC current.

[0188] Meanwhile, in FIG. 10, the first DC power (P1) and the second DC power (P2) can be set to converge to the calibration reference temperature (Tcf) even if the susceptor (50) is replaced. In one embodiment, the control unit (102) can set the first DC power (P1) and the second DC power (P2) in the range of 5 W to 12 W. For example, the first DC power (P1) can be set to 10 W, and the second DC power (P2) can be set to 7 W. The reason why the first DC power (P1) is set to be greater than the second DC power (P2) in the first section, which is the initial section of the calibration mode, is to allow the susceptor (50) to reach the calibration reference temperature (Tcf) more quickly. In addition, setting the second DC power (P2) lower than the first DC power (P1) in the second section, which is the latter section of the calibration mode, helps to minimize the burden on the susceptor (50) and reduce power consumption. The control unit (102) can set the first section to be sufficiently long so that the second susceptor (52) converges to the calibration reference temperature (Tcf) in the first section. However, in order to minimize the burden on the device, the length of the first section can be set to be shorter than the length of the second section. For example, the length of the first section can be set to 2 minutes or less, and the sum of the first section and the second section can be set to 5 minutes or less, but is not limited thereto.

[0189] Fig. 10 illustrates an example in which the second susceptor (52) reaches the calibration reference temperature (Tcf) in the first section. In addition, in Fig. 10, the second susceptor (52) converges to a temperature lower than the calibration reference temperature (Tcf) due to a decrease in the DC power in the second section. However, since the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure does not have a separate temperature sensor, whether or not the temperature converges to the calibration reference temperature (Tcf) can be estimated from the DC current output by the DC / DC converter (1012). The control unit (102) can determine that the second susceptor (52) has reached the calibration reference temperature (Tcf) when the DC current output by the DC / DC converter (1012) is maintained within a reference range for a preset reference time. For example, the reference time may be 3 seconds, and the reference range may be 0 to 100 mA, but is not limited thereto.

[0190] In Fig. 10, the second susceptor (52) reaches the calibration reference temperature (Tcf) from the second time point (t2), and the current detection unit (1033) can output the second direct current (I2) as a detection value. The second direct current (I2) is a direct current corresponding to the calibration reference temperature (Tcf), and thus can be referred to as a calibration reference current. The control unit (102) corrects the current-temperature relationship for the second susceptor (52) based on the calibration reference temperature (Tcf) and the calibration reference current, and determines the temperature of the second susceptor (52) based on the corrected correspondence relationship.

[0191] More specifically, the control unit (102) can store in advance in the memory (104) information about the first DC current (I1 in FIG. 9) output by the DC / DC converter (1012) at the time when the first susceptor (51) reaches the calibration reference temperature (Tcf), and the control unit (102) can obtain a calibration value based on the difference between the second DC current (I2), which is the calibration reference current, and the first DC current (I1). For example, the difference between the second DC current (I2) and the first DC current (I1) can be a(A), as in FIG. 9, and the control unit (102) can obtain a(A) as the calibration value.

[0192] The control unit (102) can correct the temperature matching information for the second susceptor (52) based on the correction value. The control unit (102) can modify the DC current-temperature information for the first susceptor (51) stored in the memory (104). For example, the control unit (102) can add the correction value (a) to the first DC current (I1) and map the added value (I1+a) to the correction reference temperature (Tcf). Since the DC current and the temperature of the susceptor (50) have a linear relationship, the control unit (102) can correct the correspondence between the second DC current (I2) and the temperature of the second susceptor (52) based on the added value (I1+a) and the correction reference temperature (Tcf). For example, the linear relationship between the second DC current (I2) and the temperature of the second susceptor (52) can be increased by the overall correction value (a) in the linear relationship between the first DC current (I1) and the first susceptor (51). The control unit (102) can determine the temperature of the second susceptor (52) based on the corrected correspondence relationship.

[0193] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an operation method in a correction section according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0194] The control unit (102) can enter the calibration mode manually by user input and / or automatically depending on whether the upper case (40) is detected.

[0195] In an example where the control unit (102) manually enters the calibration mode by user input, after the first susceptor (51) is extracted from the insertion space, a second susceptor (52) different from the first susceptor (51) is inserted into the insertion space. The present disclosure has an easy replacement structure for the susceptor (50), and the first susceptor (51) can be separated, discarded, cleaned, and reinserted into the insertion space. The first susceptor (51) has a structure that is easy to clean when extracted from the insertion space, and the user can heat the aerosol generating substrate (S) while replacing the susceptors (50) for a uniform taste sensation. The structure of the replaceable susceptor (50) is as described above in FIG. 4. The input unit (105) may be provided in the form of a single button key. The control unit (102) may enter the calibration mode when it receives continuous user input for a preset input time or longer. Continuous user input exceeding a preset input time may be referred to as a long key input. In one embodiment, the preset input time may be set to 5 seconds or longer. For example, the input time may be 8 seconds, but is not limited thereto. Limiting the input time to a relatively long time is intended to prevent the user from entering correction mode unintentionally.

[0196] In an example of automatically entering the correction mode depending on whether the upper case (40) is detected, the upper case detection unit (1032) may be equipped with an inductive sensor. The upper case detection unit (1032) may have a variable inductance as the upper case (40) approaches and retreats from the body (10). The upper case detection unit (1032) may transmit the inductance value to the control unit (102) in real time or periodically. The control unit (102) may determine whether the upper case (40) is separated from the body (10) based on the inductance value output by the upper case detection unit (1032). If the control unit (102) determines that the upper case (40) is reconnected to the body (10), the control unit (102) may enter the correction mode.

[0197] The control unit (102) can perform the following steps when entering the correction mode manually by user input and / or automatically depending on whether the upper case (40) is detected.

[0198] Referring to FIG. 11, at step S1210, the control unit (102) obtains a calibration reference current corresponding to the calibration reference temperature of the second susceptor (52).

[0199] The control unit (102) can control the power supplied to the heating unit (108) according to a power profile rather than a temperature profile in the calibration mode. The memory (104) can store information on the DC power output by the power supply unit (101) in each of the probe section, the first section, and the second section. When entering the calibration mode, the control unit (102) can control the power supply unit (101) in the first section after the probe section to output the first DC power. In addition, the control unit (102) can control the power supply unit (101) in the second section to output the second DC power, which is smaller than the first DC power.

[0200] The power supply unit (101) includes a battery (1011) and a DC / DC converter (1012) connected to the battery (1011), and the control unit (102) controls the DC voltage among the DC current and DC voltage output by the DC / DC converter (1012), thereby controlling the DC / DC converter (1012) to output first DC power and second DC power.

[0201] Meanwhile, the control unit (102) can set the first DC power and the second DC power output by the power supply so that the second susceptor (52) converges to the calibration reference temperature in the calibration mode. The second susceptor (52) converges to the calibration reference temperature when the second susceptor (52) outputs power per cubic millimeter (w / mm) within a preset reference range. 3 ) is manufactured to have the same properties as described above in Fig. 9.

[0202] In the present disclosure, since the temperature of the second susceptor (52) can be sensed by the second direct current output by the power supply unit (101), the fact that the temperature of the second susceptor (52) has converged to the calibration reference temperature may mean the same thing as that the second direct current is maintained within a preset range. Accordingly, the control unit (102) can determine that the temperature of the second susceptor (52) has converged to the calibration reference temperature when the second direct current is maintained within the preset reference range for a preset reference time. The control unit (102) can obtain information about the second direct current output by the current detection unit (1033) at the time when the temperature of the second susceptor (52) reaches the calibration reference temperature, and set it as the calibration reference current.

[0203] At step S1220, the control unit obtains a calibration value based on the calibration reference current.

[0204] The control unit (102) can store in advance, in the memory (104), information about the first direct current output by the power supply unit (101) at the time when the first susceptor (51) reaches the calibration reference temperature. The control unit (102) can obtain a calibration value based on the difference between the second direct current, which is the calibration reference current, and the first direct current. In one embodiment, the control unit (102) can obtain the calibration value by subtracting the first direct current from the second direct current, which is the calibration reference current.

[0205] At step S1230, the control unit corrects the correspondence between the DC current output by the power supply and the temperature of the second susceptor based on the correction value.

[0206] The control unit (102) can obtain the correspondence between the second susceptor (52) and the second direct current and the temperature of the second susceptor (52) by correcting the correspondence between the first direct current of the first susceptor (51) and the temperature of the first susceptor (51) based on the correction value. In other words, the control unit (102) can correct the temperature matching information for the first susceptor (51) to the temperature matching information for the second susceptor (52) based on the correction value.

[0207] The memory (104) can store a first correspondence relationship between a direct current and a temperature for the first susceptor (51). The first correspondence relationship for the first susceptor (51) can have a linear relationship centered on the first direct current corresponding to the calibration reference temperature, and this linear relationship can be stored in the memory (104) in the form of a lookup table. The control unit (102) can obtain a correction value from the calibration reference temperature and the calibration reference current for the second susceptor (52), and correct the first correspondence relationship based on the correction value. For example, the control unit (102) can add the correction value to the first direct current corresponding to the calibration reference temperature in the first correspondence relationship, and correspond the added first direct current to the calibration reference temperature. The added first direct current can correspond to the second direct current, and a second correspondence relationship can be obtained that has a linear relationship centered on the calibration reference temperature corresponding to the second direct current. In other words, the first correspondence relationship can be corrected to the second correspondence relationship and stored in the memory (104) in the form of a lookup table. The second correspondence relationship is information for determining the temperature of the second susceptor (52), and the control unit (102) can determine the temperature of the second susceptor (52) based on the second correspondence relationship.

[0208] At step S1240, the control unit determines the temperature of the second susceptor (52) based on the corrected correspondence relationship.

[0209] The corrected correspondence relationship of step S1240 may mean the second correspondence relationship. Through steps S1210 to S1230, the correspondence relationship between the second DC current and the temperature of the second susceptor (52) was corrected according to the calibration reference current corresponding to the calibration reference temperature of the second susceptor (52). In other words, the calibration reference current corresponding to the calibration reference temperature was corrected to the second DC current obtained by adding the calibration value to the first DC current, and the linear relationship between the DC current and the temperature was also corrected around the calibration reference current - calibration reference temperature, so that the control unit (102) can accurately determine the temperature of the second susceptor (52) even though the susceptor (50) was replaced.

[0210] Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may have their respective components or functions combined or used together.

[0211] 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.

[0212] 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. In the aerosol generating device, A power supply that outputs direct current power; A power conversion unit that converts the above DC power into AC power; An induction coil that receives the above AC power and generates an alternating magnetic field; A first susceptor that generates heat by an alternating magnetic field generated by the above induction coil and is replaceably inserted into the insertion space; and A control unit that determines the temperature of the first susceptor based on the DC current output by the power unit; The above control unit An aerosol generating device that, when a second susceptor different from the first susceptor is inserted into the insertion space after the first susceptor is extracted from the insertion space, controls the power supply according to a preset power profile to obtain a calibration reference current corresponding to the calibration reference temperature of the second susceptor, and determines the temperature of the second susceptor based on the calibration reference temperature and the calibration reference current.

2. In paragraph 1, further comprising an input unit for receiving user input; The above control unit An aerosol generating device that determines that the input unit has entered a calibration mode when it receives the user input for a preset input time or longer, and obtains the calibration reference current corresponding to the calibration reference temperature of the second susceptor.

3. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a memory for storing information on the DC power output by the power supply in each of the first section and the second section consecutive to the first section; The above control unit An aerosol generating device that controls the power supply unit so that, when entering the correction mode, the power supply unit outputs a first DC power in the first section and outputs a second DC power that is smaller than the first DC power in the second section.

4. In paragraph 3, The above power supply comprising a battery and a DC / DC converter connected to the battery; The above control unit An aerosol generating device that controls the DC / DC converter so that the DC / DC converter outputs the first DC power and the second DC power by adjusting the DC voltage among the DC current and DC voltage output by the DC / DC converter.

5. In paragraph 1, The above control unit An aerosol generating device that sets the first DC power and the second DC power output by the power supply so that the second susceptor converges to the calibration reference temperature in the calibration mode.

6. In paragraph 1, The above control unit An aerosol generating device that determines that the second susceptor has reached the calibration reference temperature when the direct current output from the power supply is maintained within a reference range for a preset reference time in the calibration mode.

7. In paragraph 6, The above control unit An aerosol generating device that determines the direct current output by the power supply at the time when the second susceptor reaches the calibration reference temperature as the calibration reference current.

8. In paragraph 7, The above control unit An aerosol generating device that obtains in advance the first direct current output by the power supply at a time when the first susceptor reaches the calibration reference temperature, and obtains a calibration value based on the difference between the calibration reference current and the first direct current.

9. In paragraph 8, The above control unit An aerosol generating device that corrects the correspondence between the direct current output by the power supply and the temperature of the second susceptor based on the above correction value.

10. In paragraph 9, The above control unit An aerosol generating device that determines the temperature of the second susceptor based on the corrected corresponding relationship.

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