Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device according to one aspect comprises: a heater which heats an aerosol-generating article accommodated in a cavity; an inductor unit which includes at least one inductor surrounding at least a part of the cavity, and the inductance of which changes when the aerosol-generating article is accommodated in the cavity; a capacitor unit which includes at least one capacitor surrounding another part of the cavity, and the capacitance of which changes when the aerosol-generating article is accommodated in the cavity; and a control unit which acquires a first monitoring value corresponding to a change in the inductance and a second monitoring value corresponding to a change in the capacitance, and determines whether the aerosol-generating article is accommodated in the cavity, on the basis of at least one of the first monitoring value and the second monitoring value.

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 detecting whether an aerosol generating substrate has been inserted while reducing power consumption.

[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] Such an aerosol generating device can provide user convenience by having a sensor that detects an aerosol generating substrate, and automatically heating a heater when an aerosol generating substrate is inserted into the device. Conventional aerosol generating devices have a problem in that accuracy is significantly reduced because they determine whether an aerosol generating substrate is inserted using only one of an inductive sensor or a capacitive sensor. In addition, conventional aerosol generating devices have a problem in that power consumption increases because the components for determining changes in inductance or capacitance exist separately from the processor.

[0004] The technical challenge of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device capable of accurately detecting whether an aerosol generating substrate has been inserted while reducing power consumption.

[0005] 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.

[0006] An aerosol generating device according to one aspect comprises: a heater for heating an aerosol generating article accommodated in a cavity; at least one inductor surrounding at least a portion of the cavity, the inductor section having a variable inductance when the aerosol generating article is accommodated in the cavity; at least one capacitor surrounding the remaining portion of the cavity, the capacitor section having a variable capacitance when the aerosol generating article is accommodated in the cavity; and a control section for obtaining a first monitoring value corresponding to a change in the inductance and a second monitoring value corresponding to a change in the capacitance, and determining whether the aerosol generating article is accommodated in the cavity based on at least one of the first monitoring value and the second monitoring value.

[0007] The aerosol generating device of the present disclosure determines whether an aerosol generating substrate is inserted by considering not only a change in inductance but also a change in capacitance, so that accuracy can be significantly increased.

[0008] In addition, since the aerosol generating device includes components for determining changes in inductance and changes in capacitance within the processor, power consumption can be significantly reduced compared to when the inductive sensor and the capacitive sensor are provided separately.

[0009] Additionally, the processor includes multiple cores, and among the multiple cores, a low-power core is designed to judge both changes in inductance and changes in capacitance, thereby significantly reducing power consumption.

[0010] In addition, peripheral components for determining changes in inductance and peripheral components for determining changes in capacitance can be included in the processor as shared components, and the low-power core determines the change by using at least one of the shared components as needed, thereby demonstrating the effects of integrated design and low-power design.

[0011] The effects of the invention are not limited to those exemplified above, and more diverse effects are included in this specification.

[0012] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly for illustrating the arrangement of an inductor and capacitor according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 is a drawing for explaining an inductor and capacitor formed integrally.

[0018] Fig. 7 is an internal block diagram of a control unit according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a method for obtaining a first monitoring value corresponding to a change in inductance according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 9 is a drawing for explaining a method for determining the frequency change of Figure 8.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method for obtaining a second monitoring value corresponding to a change in capacitance according to one embodiment.

[0022] Fig. 11 is a drawing for explaining a method for determining a change in the buffer time of Fig. 10.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining obtaining a counting value representing the capacitance of a capacitor section according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between a counting value and a buffer time according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining a method of determining whether an aerosol generating article is inserted using a counting value indicating a change in capacitance according to one embodiment.

[0026] Fig. 15 is a flowchart for explaining an operation method of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0027] An aerosol generating device according to one aspect includes a heater for heating an aerosol generating article accommodated in a cavity, at least one inductor surrounding at least a portion of the cavity, an inductor section having a variable inductance when the aerosol generating article is accommodated in the cavity, at least one capacitor surrounding the remaining portion of the cavity, and a capacitor section having a variable capacitance when the aerosol generating article is accommodated in the cavity, and a control section for obtaining a first monitoring value corresponding to a change in the inductance and a second monitoring value corresponding to a change in the capacitance, and determining whether the aerosol generating article is accommodated in the cavity based on at least one of the first monitoring value and the second monitoring value.

[0028] In addition, the control unit includes a square wave generator that generates a square wave, and a sine wave generator that generates a sine wave AC power based on the square wave output by the square wave generator, and the inductor unit is electrically connected to the sine wave generator to receive the AC power and generates an external magnetic field based on the AC power.

[0029] Additionally, the inductance of the inductor section varies as the aerosol generating article approaches.

[0030] In addition, the control unit further includes a current detection unit that detects a change in an AC current flowing in the inductor unit according to a change in the inductance, and a frequency change detection unit that detects a change in the frequency of the AC current based on the AC current detected by the current detection unit.

[0031] Additionally, the frequency change detection unit includes a timer and a counter that counts the rising edge or falling edge of the AC current.

[0032] In addition, the control unit further includes a first operation unit that operates a frequency change of the AC current based on the number of rising edges of the AC current per unit time or the number of falling edges of the AC current per unit time, and the first operation unit determines whether the aerosol generating article is inserted into the cavity based on the frequency change of the AC current corresponding to the first monitoring value.

[0033] In addition, the control unit includes a power supply unit that provides power to the capacitor unit, a switching unit connected to the power supply unit and including at least one switching element, and a charge / discharge control unit that controls the switching unit to charge and discharge the capacitor unit.

[0034] Additionally, the capacitance of the capacitor portion varies as the aerosol generating article approaches.

[0035] In addition, the control unit further includes a charging voltage detection unit that detects a charging voltage of the capacitor unit according to a change in the capacitance, and a charging time change detection unit that detects a change in the charging time of the capacitor unit based on the charging voltage.

[0036] In addition, the buffer time change detection unit includes a comparison unit that compares the charging voltage of the capacitor unit with a preset reference voltage, and if the charging voltage is higher than the reference voltage, determines that the capacitor unit is buffered and outputs buffer information, a timer, and a counter that counts the number of times the capacitor unit is buffered or the buffer time based on the buffer information output by the comparison unit.

[0037] In addition, the control unit further includes a first operation unit that calculates a change in the buffering time of the capacitor unit based on the number of buffering operations or the buffering time of the capacitor unit, and the first operation unit determines whether the aerosol generating article is inserted into the cavity based on a change in the buffering time corresponding to the second monitoring value.

[0038] Additionally, the control unit includes a first operation unit that determines whether the aerosol generating article is received in the cavity, and a second operation unit that controls the operation of the heater.

[0039] Additionally, the first operation unit determines that the aerosol generating article is received in the cavity when the first monitoring value exceeds the preset first reference range and the second monitoring value exceeds the preset second reference range.

[0040] In addition, when the first operation unit determines that the aerosol generating product has been received in the cavity, it outputs a wake-up signal, and the second operation unit is woken up by the wake-up signal and heats the heater.

[0041] Additionally, the power consumption of the first operation unit is set lower than the power consumption of the second operation unit.

[0042] 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 will be assigned the same reference numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar drawing numbers may be used for similar or related components.

[0043] The suffixes “module” and “unit” used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves. Meanwhile, the suffixes “module” or “unit” may include units implemented with hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A “module” or “unit” may be a component configured integrally, or a minimum unit of the component that performs one or more functions, or a part thereof. For example, a “module” or “unit” may be implemented in the form of an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0048] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory (17)) readable by a machine (e.g., an aerosol generating device (1)). For example, a processor (e.g., a control unit (12)) of the machine (e.g., an aerosol generating device (1)) may call at least one command among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called command. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0049] In the present disclosure, the direction of the aerosol generating device (1) can be defined based on the orthogonal coordinate system. In the orthogonal coordinate system, the x-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The y-axis direction can be defined as the front-back direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0050] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), a memory (17), and / or a heater (18, 24). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that some of the components illustrated in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0052] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) can detect the state of the aerosol generating device (1) or the state around the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (12). For example, the sensor unit (13) may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a reuse detection sensor, an overly moist detection sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor, and / or a movement detection sensor. Meanwhile, the sensor unit (13) may further include various sensors, such as a liquid remaining amount sensor for detecting the liquid remaining amount of the cartridge, and an immersion sensor for detecting immersion of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0053] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature at which the heater (18, 24) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater (18, 24), or the heater (18, 24) itself may function as a temperature sensor. As an example, the temperature sensor may be used to measure the impedance to the heater (18). The impedance to the heater (18) may be correlated with the temperature of the heater (18). The temperature sensor may measure the current and / or voltage applied to the heater (18) (or the induction coil). Based on the measured current and / or voltage, the impedance to the heater (18) may be calculated. The control unit (12) may estimate the temperature of the heater (18) based on the calculated impedance.

[0054] For example, the temperature sensor may include a resistance element (e.g., a thermistor) whose resistance value changes in response to a temperature change of the heater (18, 24). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element, and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (18, 24) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0055] As another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor that detects the resistance value of the heater (18, 24). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater (18, 24), and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (18, 24) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0056] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the power source (11). The temperature sensor can be positioned adjacent to the power source (11). For example, the temperature sensor can be attached to one surface of the power source (11) (e.g., a battery) and / or mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board. For example, the aerosol generating device (1) can include a power protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor can be positioned adjacent to the power source (11) together with the power protection circuit.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be placed inside the housing (not shown) of the aerosol generating device (1) to detect the temperature inside the housing (not shown).

[0058] In one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect a user's puff.

[0059] For example, the puff sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1), and the control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1) may correspond to the pressure of an airflow path through which gas flows. The puff sensor may be arranged in correspondence to the airflow path through which gas flows in the aerosol generating device (1).

[0060] As another example, the puff sensor may include a temperature sensor. When the user puffs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow path, the space where the aerosol generating product is inserted (hereinafter, referred to as the insertion space), the heater (18, 24), etc. The control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path, etc. output from the temperature sensor.

[0061] As another example, the puff sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor may measure a temperature used to correct the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. As an example, the puff sensor may correct a signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and output the corrected signal. As another example, the puff sensor may output a signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a signal corresponding to the internal pressure measured by the puff sensor. In this case, the control unit (12) may receive the signals and correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

[0062] As another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In the present disclosure, the capacitance sensor may also be referred to as a capacitive sensor or a capacitive sensor. When a user puffs, a temperature change and / or aerosol flow may occur within the insertion space of the aerosol-generating article, and thus, the permittivity within the insertion space may change. The control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the permittivity within the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0063] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0064] In one embodiment, an insertion detection sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating item. The insertion detection sensor can be installed around the insertion space. Additionally, the insertion detection sensor can include any combination of the examples described above.

[0065] For example, the insertion detection sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol-generating article is inserted or removed within the insertion space, the permittivity around the conductor may change. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal corresponding to the permittivity within the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitive sensor.

[0066] As another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and the at least one coil may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol-generating article (e.g., a wrapper of an aerosol-generating article) includes a conductor, when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil through which a current flows. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article including a conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc. of the alternating current). Alternatively, a susceptor (SUS) or the like may be included in the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a medium portion of the aerosol-generating article). In this case as well, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil based on the insertion or removal of the susceptor or the like within the insertion space, and the control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0067] The insertion detection sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented with various sensors (e.g., proximity sensors, etc.) for detecting the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. Furthermore, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above. In one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may include a switch or the like for detecting pressure by an aerosol-generating article.

[0068] In one embodiment, a reuse detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article has been reused. For example, the reuse detection sensor may be a color sensor for detecting the color of the aerosol-generating article. When the aerosol-generating article is used by a user, a color change may occur in a portion of a wrapper surrounding the exterior of the aerosol-generating article due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor can output a signal corresponding to an optical characteristic (e.g., a wavelength of light) corresponding to the color of the wrapper based on light reflected from the wrapper. If a change in the color of a portion of the wrapper is detected, the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the over-humidity detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is over-humidified. For example, the over-humidity detection sensor can include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor can include at least one conductor disposed adjacent to an insertion space. The control unit (12) can detect whether the aerosol-generating article is over-humidified based on the level of a signal corresponding to a permittivity or the like output from the capacitive sensor. For example, the control unit (12) can check a level range within which the level of the signal is included based on a look-up table, and determine the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article based on the checked level range.

[0070] In one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can detect whether an aerosol generating article is genuine and / or detect the type of aerosol generating article.

[0071] For example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an optical sensor for detecting an identification material (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., wrapper) of an aerosol-generating article. The optical sensor may irradiate light toward the identification material (or identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article and detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating article based on the reflected light. For example, the identification material may include a material that emits light in a specific wavelength range based on the irradiated light. The control unit (12) may detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating article based on the range of the wavelength.

[0072] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The dielectric constant within the insertion space may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating product inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating product based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant within the insertion space output from the capacitive sensor.

[0073] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. When a conductor is included in the wrapper and / or the interior (e.g., the medium portion) of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space, the characteristics of the current detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of the alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.) when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion space may differ depending on the type of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect whether the inserted aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or the type of the inserted aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor.

[0074] The cigarette identification sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the authenticity of an aerosol-generating product and / or the type of aerosol-generating product. Furthermore, the cigarette identification sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

[0075] In one embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor may detect the mounting and / or removal of a cartridge. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), and / or an optical sensor.

[0076] In one embodiment, the cap detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of the cap. For example, the cap detection sensor can include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), and / or an optical sensor. The cap can include a structure that covers at least a portion of a cartridge mounted or inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), or covers at least a portion of a housing of the aerosol generating device (1). The cap detection sensor can output a signal corresponding to the mounting or removal when the cap is mounted on or removed from the housing, and the control unit (12) can detect the mounting or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the mounting or removal.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the motion detection sensor can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device (1). The motion detection sensor can be implemented as at least one of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) may further include, in addition to the aforementioned sensors, at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (Global Positioning System, GPS), or a proximity sensor. Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the output unit (14) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1). The output unit (14) can include, but is not limited to, a display, a haptic unit, and / or an audio output unit. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (1) can include a charging / discharging status of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), a preheating status of the heater (18, 24), an insertion / removal status of an aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge, a mounting and / or removal status of a cap, or a status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article). The display can visually provide information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the display can include a light emitting diode (LED) light emitting element, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display, if it includes a touch pad, can also be used as an input unit (15). The haptic unit can provide tactile information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the haptic unit can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electrical stimulation device, etc. The acoustic output unit can provide audible information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the power source (11) can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (11) can include one or more batteries. The power source (11) can supply power so that the heaters (18, 24) can be heated. In addition, the power source (11) can also supply power required for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device (1), such as the control unit (12), the sensor unit (13), the output unit (14), the input unit (15), the communication unit (16), and the memory (17). The power source (11) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (11) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source (11) can also be a replaceable type (detachable) battery (hereinafter, referred to as a removable battery). The removable battery may be mounted in the battery compartment provided within the aerosol generating device (1) or may be removed from the battery compartment. The removable battery may be charged by wire and / or wirelessly.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be powered by the power source (11) to heat the aerosol generating article and / or the medium and / or the aerosol generating material within the cartridge. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a heater (18) for heating the aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge heater (24) for heating the cartridge (i.e., the solid and / or liquid medium).

[0082] In one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the electrically resistive heater may include an electrically resistive material, such as a metal or metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. The electrically resistive heater may be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate having electrically conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0083] In one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be an induction heating heater. For example, the induction heating heater may include a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field. A magnetic field may be generated from the induction coil by an alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The generated magnetic field may penetrate the heater, and an eddy current may be generated in the susceptor. The susceptor may be heated based on the generation of the eddy current. In one embodiment, the susceptor may be included within the aerosol generating article (e.g., the medium portion). In this case, the susceptor included within the aerosol generating article may be heated by the induction coil.

[0084] The heater (18, 24) is not limited to the examples described above, and may include or be replaced with various heating methods, structures, components, etc. for heating the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the input unit (15) can receive information input from a user. For example, the input unit (15) can include a touch panel, a button, a key pad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the memory (17) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (12). For example, the memory (17) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. For example, the memory (17) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generating device (1), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (16) may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device (e.g., a portable electronic device). For example, the communication unit (16) may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (wireless local area network) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (infrared Data Association, IrDA) communication unit, a WFD (Wireless Fidelity Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an ANT (Adaptive Network Topology)+ communication unit, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the control unit (12) can include at least one processor. The control unit (12) can be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose MCU (microcontroller unit) (or microprocessor) and a memory storing a program that can be executed in such an MCU. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment pertains that the control unit (12) can be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (11) to the heater (18, 24). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) based on the temperature of the heater (18, 24) detected using a temperature sensor (e.g., the sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) based on a temperature profile and / or a power profile stored in the memory (17).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to the heater (18, 24) by controlling a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heater (18, 24) and the power source (11). For example, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / DC converter (e.g., a buck converter, a buck-boost converter, a boost converter, a Zener diode, etc.) that converts power to be supplied to the heater (18, 24), and a DC / AC converter (e.g., an inverter) that converts power to be supplied to an induction coil (not shown). The DC / AC converter may be implemented as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements. For example, a power conversion circuit may include at least one switching element, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET).

[0091] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the current and / or voltage supplied to the heater (18, 24) by controlling the frequency and / or duty ratio of a current pulse input to at least one switching element of the power conversion circuit (not shown). The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element can correspond to the ratio of the output voltage of the power conversion circuit to the output voltage of the power source (11).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method. For example, the control unit (12) can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater (18, 24) using the PWM method. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse. For example, the control unit (12) can determine a target temperature that is a target of control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by using the PID method, which is a feedback control method using the difference value between the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can determine a target power that is the target of control based on the power profile. The control unit (12) can also control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) to correspond to the preset target power over time.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can detect the user's puff by detecting the power supplied to the heater (18, 24). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) using a PID method. When the user's puff is generated, a temporary temperature drop may occur in a space where an aerosol generating article is inserted (hereinafter, referred to as the insertion space), the heater (18, 24), etc. Accordingly, a change may occur in the power (or current) supplied to the heater (18, 24) during the power control using the PID method. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on the change in the controlled power.

[0095] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can prevent the heater (18, 24) from overheating. For example, the control unit (12) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to reduce the amount of power supplied to the heater (18, 24) or to stop supplying power to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the temperature of the heater (18, 24) exceeds a preset limit temperature.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control charging and discharging of the power source (11). For example, the control unit (12) can check the temperature of the power source (11) using a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than a first limit temperature, the control unit (12) can block charging of the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than a second limit temperature, the control unit (12) can stop using (e.g., discharging) the power stored in the power source (11). The control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source (11). For example, the control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power source (11) based on voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power source (11).

[0097] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13).

[0098] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article into the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can control to supply power to the heater (18, 24) when it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can also determine that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater (18, 24) is equal to or higher than a limited temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater (18, 24) is equal to or higher than a set slope.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater (18, 24) based on the state of the aerosol generating article. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol generating article is in an over-humidity state by using an over-humidity detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)), the control unit (12) can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) to the heater (18, 24).

[0100] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating article has been reused. For example, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) if it is determined that the aerosol generating article has been used.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the cartridge is coupled and / or removed using a cartridge detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)), the control unit (12) can control to stop the power supply to the heater (18, 24) or prevent power from being supplied to the heater (18, 24).

[0102] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the temperature of the heater (18, 24) exceeds a limit temperature while preheating the heater (18, 24) (i.e., during the preheating period), the control unit (12) may determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted. If the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24).

[0103] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the cartridge is available for use. For example, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the current number of puffs is determined to be greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge based on data stored in the memory (17). Alternatively, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total time that the heater (18, 24) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the heater (18, 24) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power. In this case, the control unit (12) may stop the power supply to the heater (18, 24) or control that power is not supplied to the heater (18, 24).

[0104] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the user's puff. For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether a puff has been generated and / or the intensity of the puff using a puff sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs and / or no puffs are detected for a preset period of time. The control unit (12) can also control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when a puff is detected.

[0105] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is genuine and / or the type thereof. For example, the control unit (12) may detect whether the aerosol generating article is genuine and / or the type thereof using a cigarette identification sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is counterfeit, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24). If the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is genuine, the control unit (12) may control (e.g., start) the power supply to the heater (18, 24). As another example, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) differently depending on the type of the aerosol generating article (or cartridge). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, 24) based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a first aerosol generating article (or a first cartridge), and can control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, 24) based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a second aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge).

[0106] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to visually, tactilely and / or audibly provide information that the aerosol generating device (1) is about to be terminated when the number of puffs counted using the puff sensor (e.g., the sensor unit (13)) reaches a preset number. For example, the control unit (12) can also control the output unit (14) to visually, tactilely and / or audibly provide information about the temperature of the heater (18, 24).

[0107] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may store and update a history of events that have occurred in the memory (17) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, the event may include operations such as detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, initiation of heating of the aerosol generating article, detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the heater (18, 24), detection of overvoltage application to the heater (18, 24), termination of heating of the aerosol generating article, power on / off of the aerosol generating device (1), initiation of charging of the power source (11), detection of overcharging of the power source (11), termination of charging of the power source (11), etc., performed in the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the history of events may include the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a given event is detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, log data corresponding to the event may include data on the sensing value of an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if a given event is detection of overheating of a heater (18, 24), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the heater (18, 24), the voltage applied to the heater (18, 24), the current flowing through the heater (18, 24), and the like.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the communication unit (16) to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may release restrictions on the use of at least one function (e.g., heating function) of the aerosol generating device (1) when authentication data is received from an external device via a communication link. For example, the authentication data may include the user's birthday, a unique number identifying the user, whether the user has completed authentication, etc.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to an external device via a communication link (e.g., remaining capacity of the power source (11), operating mode, etc.). The transmitted data can be output through a display of the external device, etc.

[0111] According to one embodiment, when a request for location search of the aerosol generating device (1) is received from an external device via a communication link, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the control unit (12) can control the haptic unit to generate vibration or control the display to output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can perform a firmware update when firmware data is received from an external device via a communication link.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may transmit data on the sensed values ​​of at least one sensor unit (13) to an external server (not shown) via a communication link, and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensed values ​​through machine learning, such as deep learning, from the server. The control unit (12) may perform an operation of determining a user's suction pattern, an operation of generating a temperature profile, etc., using the learning model received from the server.

[0114] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may include at least one switching element and may cut off the power supply (11) in response to overcharging and / or overdischarging of the power supply (11). The aerosol generating device (1) may further include a connection interface, such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may transmit and receive information or charge the power supply (11) by connecting to another external device through the connection interface.

[0115] The aerosol generating article referred to in the present disclosure may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium portion) and at least one filter rod. The heater (18) may be arranged to correspond to the at least one aerosol generating rod, and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement order and / or position of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod may include at least one of nicotine, an aerosol generating material, and an additive. For example, the aerosol generating material may include glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and / or propylene glycol (PG), and may also include various other substances. For example, the additive may include a flavoring agent and / or an organic acid, and may also include various other substances. For example, the aerosol-generating rod may comprise an aerosol-generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a liquid non-tobacco material (e.g., an aerosol-generating material and / or nicotine), and / or may comprise a solid tobacco material (e.g., leaf tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, etc.). The tobacco material may be included in the aerosol-generating rod in various forms, such as cut tobacco, granules, powder, etc. In one embodiment, the additive of the aerosol-generating rod may include an alkaline material. Based on the alkaline material, the nicotine of the tobacco material included in the aerosol-generating rod may have an alkaline pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, freebase nicotine may be released from the aerosol-generating rod even at low temperatures. In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating rod may include two or more aerosol-generating rods, and the two or more aerosol-generating rods may each include a tobacco material and / or a non-tobacco material.Meanwhile, although not shown, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may be individually and / or integrally wrapped by at least one wrapper. In the present disclosure, the aerosol generating article may also be referred to as a stick.

[0116] The cartridge referred to in the present disclosure may contain an aerosol-generating material having any one of the following states: a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol-generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. Meanwhile, the cartridge may include a storage portion containing the aerosol-generating material and / or a liquid delivery means impregnating (containing) the aerosol-generating material. For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The cartridge heater (24) may be included in the cartridge in the form of a coil-shaped structure surrounding (or winding) the liquid delivery means, or in a structure contacting one side of the liquid delivery means. Alternatively, the cartridge heater (24) may be included in an aerosol-generating device (1) that is separable from the cartridge.

[0117] Fig. 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment. Fig. 3 illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a housing (10), a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), and / or a heater (182, 183) (e.g., the heater (18) of FIG. 1). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that the components included in the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, and that some of the components may be omitted or new configurations may be added. The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 2 may be referred to as an 'internal heating type' aerosol generating device that heats the inside of the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 3 may be referred to as an 'external heating type' aerosol generating device that heats the outside of the aerosol generating article (2). In the drawings below, any description overlapping with that of FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) may provide a space that is opened upwardly to allow an aerosol-generating article (2) to be inserted. In the present disclosure, the space that is opened upwardly may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the interior of the housing (10) to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may be longer than the length of a region of the aerosol-generating article (2) containing an aerosol-generating material and / or medium. The lower end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the housing (10), and the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may protrude outside the housing (10). A user may hold the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (2) exposed to the outside in his / her mouth and inhale the aerosol.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the heater (182, 183) can heat the aerosol generating article (2).

[0121] Referring to FIG. 2, the heater (182) may be an internal heating type heater.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the internally heated heater may extend upwardly in a space (i.e., an insertion space) into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the internally heated heater may include a rod-shaped or needle-shaped heating element as illustrated, but may also include various heating elements such as a tubular heating element or a plate-shaped heating element. The internally heated heater may be inserted through the lower portion of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0123] According to one embodiment, the internal heating heater may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater.

[0124] For example, an electric resistance heater may include an electric resistance material on the inside (e.g., an inner hollow portion or inner surface) or the outside (e.g., an outer surface), and may be heated as current flows through the electric resistance material. In this case, the electric resistance heater may be electrically connected to a power source (11), and may directly generate heat by receiving current from the power source (11). In addition, the induction coil (181) may be omitted.

[0125] For example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an induction coil (181) that surrounds at least a portion of the internal heating type heater (e.g., is disposed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator or the like may be further included on the outside of the induction coil (181) to increase the efficiency of induction heating. The induction heating type heater includes a susceptor and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (181). According to one embodiment, the induction heating type heater (e.g., susceptor) (or a heater module including the same) may be arranged to be detachable from the housing (10).

[0126] According to one embodiment, the heater (182) may be a multi-heater. The multi-heater may include a first heater and a second heater, and may be inserted into the aerosol generating article (2). The first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of two or more aerosol generating rods, respectively (respectively). Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of a first portion and a second portion of one aerosol generating rod, respectively. Meanwhile, when the heater (182) is an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be respectively disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may respectively be disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first part and the second part of one heater (182). In addition, three or more heaters and / or induction coils may be included.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the susceptor may be disposed (or included) within the aerosol generating article (2) (e.g., the medium portion), and the susceptor included within the aerosol generating article (2) may be implemented to generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from an induction coil (181).

[0128] Referring to FIG. 3, the heater (183) may be an external heating type heater.

[0129] In one embodiment, the external heating heater may extend upwardly around the space into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). For example, the external heating heater may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. For example, the external heating heater may have a tubular shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) having a hollow space therein. The external heating heater may also have a shape having a hollow space on the inside and surrounding the hollow space. In this case, the external heating heater may be supported by a polyimide film. A heater supported by such a film may be referred to as a film heater. The external heating heater may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The external heating heater may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the hollow space.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the external heating heater may include an electric resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater, and a description overlapping with FIG. 2 will be omitted. Meanwhile, in the case of an induction heating heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an external heating heater implemented as a tubular susceptor, and may include an induction coil (181) surrounding at least a portion of the external heating heater (e.g., disposed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In addition, the induction coil (181) may include a fan coil. Meanwhile, when the external heating heater is an electric resistance heater, a separate induction coil (181) may be omitted since heat generation is possible through current flow on a tubular electric resistance heater (e.g., a film heater). Meanwhile, an insulating material may be disposed on the outside of the external heating heater. Through this, heat radiating from the heater (183) in an outward direction and applied to the outside of the housing (10) may be reduced.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) may be a multiple heater, and the first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction to surround at least a portion of the insertion space, respectively. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. Meanwhile, when the heater (183) is an induction heating heater, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater, respectively. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first portion and the second portion of one heater (183), respectively.

[0132] Unlike as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the heater (182) of FIG. 2 and the heater (183) of FIG. 3 may be included together in the aerosol generating device (1). In this case, the heater (182) may heat the inside of the aerosol generating article (2), and the heater (183) may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0133] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing (10) may include a structure (e.g., a hole) through which air can be introduced from the outside into the housing (10). The air introduced into the housing (10) may be introduced into the aerosol generating article (2) through the lower end (i.e., the upstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generated based on the heating of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the upper end (i.e., the downstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2) together with the introduced air.

[0134] Fig. 4 illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a housing (10), a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), and / or a heater (183, 24) (e.g., the heater (18, 24) of FIG. 1). However, those skilled in the art will understand that the components included in the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 4, and that some of the components may be omitted or new configurations may be added. In the drawings below, any description overlapping with that of FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0136] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) may provide an upper-open space (hereinafter, referred to as an insertion space) into which an aerosol-generating article (2) is inserted. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the interior of the housing (10) to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) can be inserted. The lower end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the housing (10), and the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may protrude outside the housing (10).

[0137] Unlike the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge (19) may provide an insertion space for accommodating the aerosol generating article (2). In this case, the insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the interior of the cartridge (19) to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol generating article (2) can be inserted. The lower end of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the cartridge (19), and the upper end of the aerosol generating article (2) may protrude outside the cartridge (19). Furthermore, in this case, the aerosol generating device (1) may not include a heater (183).

[0138] In one embodiment, the depth of the insertion space may be greater than the length of the region containing the aerosol-generating material and / or medium in the aerosol-generating article (2). The user may hold the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (2) exposed to the outside in his / her mouth and inhale air.

[0139] In one embodiment, the heater (183) can heat the aerosol-generating article (2). The heater (183) can extend upwardly around the space (i.e., the insertion space) into which the aerosol-generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the heater (183) can be in the form of a tube (e.g., a cylindrical shape) having a hollow space therein. The heater (183) can have a shape including a hollow space on the inside and surrounding the hollow space. In this case, the heater (183) can be supported by a polyimide film. A heater supported by such a film can be referred to as a film heater. The heater (183) can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater (183) can heat the outside of the aerosol-generating article (2) inserted into the hollow space. In the present disclosure, the heater (183) may be referred to as an external heating type heater that heats the outside of the aerosol generating article (2). Meanwhile, an insulating material may be placed on the outside of the heater (183). Through this, the heat radiating from the heater (183) in an outward direction and applied to the outside of the housing (10) can be reduced.

[0140] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating type heater.

[0141] For example, an electrical resistance heater includes an electrically resistive material and can be heated as current flows through the electrically resistive material. In this case, the electrical resistance heater can be electrically connected to a power source (11) and can directly generate heat by receiving current from the power source (11).

[0142] For example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an induction coil (not shown) that surrounds at least a portion of the heater (183) (e.g., is disposed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater (183). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator or the like may further be included on the outside of the induction coil (not shown) to increase the efficiency of induction heating. The induction heating type heater includes a susceptor and can generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (not shown).

[0143] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) may be a multi-heater. The multi-heater may include a first heater and a second heater, and may be inserted into the aerosol generating article (2). The first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of two or more aerosol generating rods, respectively (respectively). Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of a first portion and a second portion of one aerosol generating rod, respectively. Meanwhile, when the heater (183) is an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be respectively disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may respectively be disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first part and the second part of one heater (183). In addition, three or more heaters and / or induction coils may be included.

[0144] Unlike the drawing, the aerosol generating device (1) may not include a heater (183). The aerosol generating article (2) may be heated directly or indirectly by the cartridge heater (24), or may not be substantially heated. Indirect heating may mean that the aerosol generating article (2) is heated by receiving heat contained in the aerosol during the process in which the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (24) passes through the aerosol generating article (2). In this case, the aerosol generating device (1) may be referred to as a non-heating (or indirect heating) aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating rod of the aerosol generating article (2) may include an additive such as a basic substance. Based on this basic substance, the nicotine contained in the aerosol generating rod may have a basic pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). This basic nicotine can flow into the user's oral cavity together with the aerosol flowing into the aerosol generating article (2) from the cartridge (19) described below.

[0145] Unlike the illustrated embodiment, the heater (183) may include an internal heating heater. For example, the internal heating heater may include various heating elements, such as a rod-shaped or tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, or a needle-shaped heating element. The internal heating heater may be inserted through the lower portion of the aerosol generating article (2) and may be configured to heat the inside of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0146] According to one embodiment, the cartridge (19) may be detachably coupled to the housing (10). For example, a space may be formed on one side of the housing (10), and at least a portion of the cartridge (19) may be inserted into the space formed on one side of the housing (10) so that the cartridge (19) may be mounted on the housing (10). Alternatively, the cartridge (19) may be formed integrally with the housing (10).

[0147] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) and / or the cartridge (19) may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing (10) may include a structure through which air can be introduced from the outside into the interior of the housing (10) when the cartridge (19) is inserted. The introduced air can pass through the cartridge (19) and enter the insertion space through the airflow channel (CN) and flow into the user's oral cavity. The airflow channel (CN) may include various structures to reduce residual droplets or facilitate airflow.

[0148] In FIG. 4, the cartridge (19) is positioned laterally relative to the aerosol-generating article (2), and the airflow channel (CN) is formed from the side of the aerosol-generating article (2) to the lower end (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol-generating article (2), but the positions of the cartridge (19) and the airflow channel (CN) are not limited thereto. For example, the cartridge (19) may be positioned adjacent to the lower end (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol-generating article (2), and in this case, the airflow channel (CN) may be formed in a substantially straight shape so as to connect the cartridge (19) and the lower end (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol-generating article (2).

[0149] According to one embodiment, the cartridge (19) may include a storage portion (C0) containing an aerosol generating material, a cartridge heater (24), and / or a liquid delivery means impregnating (containing) the aerosol generating material. The liquid delivery means (25) may impregnate the aerosol generating material supplied from the chamber (C0). For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the cartridge heater (24) can heat the aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge (19). For example, the cartridge heater (24) can include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0151] For example, an electrical resistance heater includes an electrically resistive material and can be heated as a current flows through the electrically resistive material. As another example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an induction coil (not shown) around the induction heating type heater. The induction heating type heater includes a susceptor and can generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (not shown). The cartridge heater (24) may be formed in a coil shape that surrounds (or winds) a liquid delivery means and / or in a shape (e.g., a pattern shape) that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means.

[0152] Unlike the illustration, the cartridge heater (24) may be included in the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the cartridge heater (24) may be included inside the housing (10). In this case, the cartridge (19) and the cartridge heater (24) may be separated by removing the cartridge (19).

[0153] In one embodiment, an aerosol may be generated based on heat generation from a cartridge heater (24). For example, vapor may be generated from an aerosol generating material impregnated in a liquid delivery means as the aerosol generating material is heated by the cartridge heater (24), and an aerosol may be generated as the generated vapor is mixed with outside air introduced into the cartridge (19). The aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (24) may be introduced into an aerosol generating article (2) through an airflow channel (CN). Tobacco or a flavoring material may be added to the aerosol as it passes through the aerosol generating article (2), and the aerosol added with tobacco or a flavoring material may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through one end of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0154] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly for explaining the arrangement of an inductor and capacitor according to one embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining an inductor and capacitor formed integrally.

[0155] FIG. 5 illustrates an example in which a heater (18) is an external heating type that heats the outside of an aerosol generating article (2). In addition, in FIG. 5, the heater (18) is illustrated as an electrical resistance heater. However, the heater (18) of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and if the aerosol generating device (1) has a cavity (h1) that accommodates an aerosol generating substrate, and an inductor (L1, L2, hereinafter, referred to as L when no distinction is necessary) and a capacitor (C) surround the cavity (h1), it is not limited to the example of FIG. 5. That is, the heater (18) may have a structure and a heating method described in FIGS. 2 to 4 and may be applied to the following description.

[0156] Referring to FIG. 5, a heater (18) may be disposed within a housing (10). The heater (18) may be referred to as a heater assembly. The heater (18) may have a tubular or cylindrical shape including a hollow space therein. The heater (18) may surround a cavity (h1). The cavity (h1) may be referred to as an insertion space and may be provided by the heater (18). The cavity (h1) or an aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the cavity (h1) may be heated by the heater (18).

[0157] The heater (18) may include a flange (1810), a thermally conductive member (1820), and an electrically conductive track (1830). Depending on the embodiment, the heater (18) may further include an insulator (not shown) between the thermally conductive member (1820) and the electrically conductive track (1830) or on the outside of the thermally conductive member (1820). The insulator may be formed of a material having flexibility and heat resistance. The insulator may include, but is not limited to, polyimide or polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and may include other materials having elasticity, heat resistance, and electrical insulation.

[0158] A flange (1810) may be coupled to the housing (10). A thermally conductive member (1820) may be attached to or press-fitted to the flange (1810). A cavity (h1) may be formed by the coupling of the flange (1810) and the thermally conductive member (1820). The thermally conductive member (1820) may be located at the innermost side of the heater (18). The thermally conductive member (1820) may be coupled to the flange (1810) and may extend in the vertical direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The thermally conductive member (1820) may be disposed on the inner side of the electrically conductive track (1830) and may surround at least a portion of the cavity (h1). At least a portion of the inner surface of the thermally conductive member (1820) may be in contact with the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the cavity (h1). The thermally conductive member (1820) may be made of, but is not limited to, stainless steel, aluminum, or an alloy.

[0159] The electrically conductive track (1830) may have a cylindrical shape. The electrically conductive track (1830) may be disposed on the outside of the thermally conductive member (1820). The electrically conductive track (1830) may surround at least a portion of the thermally conductive member (1820). The electrically conductive track (1830) may receive power from the power source (11) and generate heat. The electrically conductive track (1830) may be formed by etching a metal thin film with a laser. The electrically conductive track (1830) may be made of, but is not limited to, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, or an alloy.

[0160] The flange (1810) may include an aperture (h2). The aperture (h2) is formed on one side of the flange (1810) and may be in communication with the cavity (h1). The aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted into the cavity (h1). Outside air may be introduced through the aperture (h2) and may be introduced into the interior of the aerosol generating article (2) via the end of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0161] An inductor section (810) and a capacitor section (1010 in FIG. 10) for detecting whether an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted may be disposed in the heater (18). The inductor section (810) may include at least one inductor (L). In addition, the capacitor section (1010) may include at least one capacitive sensor, i.e., a capacitor (C). Although FIG. 5 illustrates that the inductor section (810) includes a first inductor (L1) and a second inductor (L2), and that the capacitor section (1010) includes one capacitor (C), the number of inductors (L) and capacitors (C) is not limited thereto.

[0162] The first inductor (L1) and the second inductor (L2) can surround at least a portion of the cavity (h1). The capacitor (C) can surround the remaining portion of the cavity (h1). The area where the first inductor (L1) and the second inductor (L2) surround the cavity (h1) and the area where the capacitor (C) surrounds the cavity (h1) may not overlap each other. The first inductor (L1), the second inductor (L2), and the capacitor (C) may be formed as a single body to surround the cavity (h1).

[0163] FIG. 6 illustrates an inductor section (810) and a capacitor section (1010) arranged on a first surface (601) and a second surface (602) of an insulating substrate (131). In FIG. 6, the first surface (601) may refer to a surface facing the cavity (h1), and the second surface (602) may refer to an opposite surface of the first surface (601). Referring to FIG. 6, the inductor section (810) includes a first inductor (L1) and a second inductor (L2), and the first inductor (L1) and the second inductor (L2) may be implemented in a pattern shape on the first surface (601) of the insulating substrate (131). In this case, the insulating substrate (131) may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), but is not limited thereto. The first inductor (L1) and the second inductor (L2) may be arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The first inductor (L1) may be arranged on the lower side of the insulating substrate (131), and the second inductor (L2) may be arranged spaced apart from the first inductor (L1) but on the upper side of the first inductor (L1).

[0164] The first inductor (L1) and the second inductor (L2) included in the inductor section (810) are passive elements, and their inductance can be varied as the aerosol generating article (2) is accommodated in the cavity (h1). The control section (12) can monitor the variable value of the inductance through the first channel (ch1) of the signal transmission section (610). In this way, since the inductor section (810) includes only passive elements whose inductance is varied, the inductor section (810) can be referred to as an inductor antenna. The capacitor section (1010) includes a capacitor (C) and can be implemented in a pattern shape on the first surface (601) of the insulating substrate (131). The capacitor (C) can be spaced apart from the first inductor (L1) and arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0165] The capacitor (C) may be provided in the form of a single electrode. Since the single electrode surrounds the cavity (h1), the cavity (h1) can be understood as a dielectric space that causes a change in capacitance. In other words, when an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the cavity (h1), the permittivity of the single electrode, which is a passive element, changes, and accordingly, the capacitance can also change. In this way, the capacitor unit (1010) can output the capacitance of the single electrode itself without separately providing a transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode. The control unit (12) can monitor the variable value of the capacitance through the second channel (ch2) of the signal transmitting unit (610). Since the capacitor unit (1010) includes only a passive element whose capacitance changes, the capacitor unit (1010) can be referred to as a capacitor antenna.

[0166] According to an embodiment, the capacitor unit (1010) may include a plurality of electrodes. At this time, the capacitor unit (1010) may further include a compensation capacitor (Ccp) disposed on the second surface (602) of the insulating substrate (131). The compensation capacitor (Ccp) may be disposed at a position corresponding to the capacitor (C) on the second surface (602) of the insulating substrate (131). Since the capacitor (C) disposed on the first surface (601) is disposed close to the heating space, it may not exhibit the expected charge / discharge effect as the temperature of the heating space increases, or it may fracture as the temperature of the heating space increases. The compensation capacitor (Ccp) may be disposed on the second surface (602) of the insulating substrate (131) to compensate for the temperature or thermal degradation of the capacitor (C). The output value of the compensation capacitor (Ccp) may be transmitted to the control unit (12) through the second channel (ch2) of the signal transmission unit (610) together with the output value of the capacitor (C), or may be transmitted to the control unit (12) through a separate channel (not shown). Meanwhile, according to the embodiment, the inductor unit (810) may also include additional inductors (not shown) arranged on the second surface (602) of the insulating substrate (131) in addition to the inductors (L1, L2) arranged on the first surface (601) of the insulating substrate (131). Additional inductors (not shown) arranged on the second surface (602) may also be arranged to compensate for the temperature or thermal degradation of the inductors (L1, L2) arranged on the first surface (601), or to detect a change in inductance outside the cavity (h1). The aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure can significantly reduce the size of the device because the inductor section (810) and the capacitor section (1010) are integrally formed in a thin film form that shares the signal transmission section (610). In addition, unlike the inductive sensor and the capacitive sensor provided in the form of a conventional IC chip, the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure has only passive elements in a configuration separate from the control section (12), and the control section (12) includes configurations for determining the amount of change in the monitoring value within the IC chip.Therefore, compared to conventional IC chip type sensors, power consumption is significantly reduced and product miniaturization can be facilitated.

[0167] Referring again to FIG. 5, the first inductor (L1) and the second inductor (L2) can surround at least a portion of the cavity (h1) formed by the flange (1810) and the thermally conductive member (1820). For convenience of explanation in FIG. 5, the insulating substrate (131) is omitted. The first inductor (L1) can surround at least a portion of the cavity (h1) on the lower side of the heater (18). The first inductor (L1) can be arranged to contact a portion of the flange (1810) and surround a portion of the outer surface of the flange (1810). The second inductor (L2) is arranged adjacent to the upper side of the first inductor (L1) and can surround at least a portion of the cavity (h1). The second inductor (L2) is arranged to be spaced apart from the first inductor (L1) and can be in contact with a portion of the thermally conductive member (1820). The second inductor (L2) may be positioned to surround a portion of the periphery of the thermally conductive member (1820).

[0168] The capacitor (C) may surround a remaining portion of the cavity (h1) formed by the thermally conductive member (1820). The capacitor (C) may be arranged to contact a portion of the flange (1810) and surround a portion of the outer surface of the flange (1810). The capacitor (C) surrounds at least a portion of the cavity (h1) on the lower side of the heater (18), but the covering area of ​​the capacitor (C) and the covering area of ​​the first inductor (L1) may not overlap. Accordingly, as in FIG. 5, a portion of the capacitor (C) may be arranged to face a portion of the first inductor (L1).

[0169] The control unit (12) can monitor the inductance change amount of each of the first inductor (L1) and the second inductor (L2). The inductance change amount of at least one of the first inductor (L1) and the second inductor (L2) can be calculated by the control unit (12) as a first monitoring value.

[0170] The control unit (12) can also monitor the capacitance change amount of the capacitor (C). The capacitance change amount of the capacitor (C) can be calculated by the control unit (12) as a second monitoring value.

[0171] The control unit (12) can determine whether the aerosol generating article (2) is received in the cavity (h1) based on at least one of the first monitoring value and the second monitoring value. The aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure can significantly reduce malfunction of the heater (18) because the components for detecting whether the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the lower part of the cavity (h1) are arranged. In other words, the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure automatically heats the heater (18) only when the aerosol generating article (2) is completely inserted into the cavity (h1), thereby preventing unnecessary heating of the heater (18).

[0172] Figure 7 is an internal block diagram of a control unit according to one embodiment.

[0173] Referring to FIG. 7, the control unit (12) may include a first operation unit (121), a second operation unit (122), and a shared component unit (123). The first operation unit (121) and the second operation unit (122) may be referred to as a central processing unit (CPU) or a central processing unit core in that they are components where actual data processing is performed. In addition, the shared component unit (123) may be referred to as peripherals in that they are a set of auxiliary components for data processing.

[0174] The first operation unit (121) can determine whether an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. The first operation unit (121) can obtain a first monitoring value corresponding to a change in inductance of the inductor unit (810) and a second monitoring value corresponding to a change in capacitance of the capacitor unit (1010). In addition, the first operation unit (121) can determine whether an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the cavity (h1) based on at least one of the first monitoring value and the second monitoring value.

[0175] The first operation unit (121) may utilize some components included in the shared configuration unit (123) to obtain the first monitoring value and the second monitoring value. Some components included in the shared configuration unit (123) may be electrically connected to the first operation unit (121) and function to derive the first monitoring value and the second monitoring value.

[0176] The shared component (123) may include components for determining changes in inductance of the inductor component (810) and changes in capacitance of the capacitor component (1010). The shared component (123) may include a square wave oscillator (820 of FIG. 8), a sine wave generator (830 of FIG. 8), a current detector (840 of FIG. 8), a frequency change detector (850 of FIG. 8), a timer (851 of FIG. 8), and a counter (852 of FIG. 8) to obtain a first monitoring value. In addition, the shared component (123) may further include a power supply unit (1020 of FIG. 10), a switching unit (1030 of FIG. 10), a charge / discharge control unit (1040 of FIG. 10), a charging voltage detection unit (1050 of FIG. 10), a charging time change detection unit (1060 of FIG. 10), a comparison unit (1061 of FIG. 10), a timer (1062 of FIG. 10), and a counter (1063 of FIG. 10) to obtain a second monitoring value.

[0177] The first operation unit (121) can obtain a frequency change of the inductor unit (810) as a first monitoring value by using some of the components included in the shared component unit (123). In addition, the first operation unit (121) can obtain a charge time change of the capacitor unit (1010) as a second monitoring value by using some of the components included in the shared component unit (123). The first operation unit (121) can determine whether the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the cavity (h1) based on at least one of the first monitoring value and the second monitoring value. According to an embodiment, the first monitoring value may be set as a main parameter for determining whether the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted, and the second monitoring value may be set as an auxiliary parameter for determining whether the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. In other words, the first operation unit (121) can determine that the aerosol generating article (2) has been inserted into the cavity (h1) when the first monitoring value is outside the first reference range and the second monitoring value is outside the second reference range. The aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure determines whether the aerosol generating article (2) has been inserted by considering not only the change in inductance but also the change in capacitance, thereby obtaining more accurate results.

[0178] In one embodiment, the first calculation unit (121) can obtain a plurality of inductance changes as the first monitoring value. For example, in an embodiment where the inductor unit (810) includes a plurality of inductors (L1, L2) as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first calculation unit (121) can obtain the inductance change value of the first inductor (L1) surrounding the lower side of the cavity (h1) as the first change value. In addition, the first calculation unit (121) can obtain the inductance change value of the second inductor (L2) positioned above the first inductor (L1) as the second change value. When both the first change value and the second change value are outside the first reference range, the first calculation unit (121) can additionally obtain the second monitoring value to make a final decision on whether to insert the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure obtains the first monitoring value, which is a main parameter, from a plurality of change values, so that the accuracy of determining whether or not to insert is further improved.

[0179] Meanwhile, the method by which the first operation unit (121) obtains the first monitoring value is described in more detail in FIGS. 8 to 9, and the method by which the first operation unit (121) obtains the second monitoring value is described in more detail in FIGS. 10 to 14.

[0180] The first operation unit (121) may be supplied with power at all times. Alternatively, the first operation unit (121) may be supplied with power at preset intervals. The second operation unit (122) may operate in a sleep mode, consuming minimal power or having power cut off, until a wake-up signal, as described below, is received.

[0181] When the first operation unit (121) determines that an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the cavity (h1), it can transmit a wake-up signal to the second operation unit (122). When the second operation unit (122) receives the wake-up signal, it wakes up and can control the operation of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0182] The first operation unit (121) may be provided to perform a first function, and the second operation unit (122) may be provided to perform a second function different from the first function. In one embodiment, the first function is a function of determining whether an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted, and the second function may refer to various functions that can be performed by the aerosol generating article (2) other than the function of determining whether the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the second operation unit (122) may control the output unit (14) to output the status of the aerosol generating device (1). Alternatively, the second operation unit (122) may control the communication unit (16) to communicate with an external device. Alternatively, the second operation unit (122) may control the heater (18) to heat the aerosol generating article (2) accommodated in the cavity (h1).

[0183] Meanwhile, sharing of the shared component (123) may mean sharing not only of components for determining changes in inductance and capacitance, but also sharing between the first operation unit (121) and the second operation unit (122). In other words, the components included in the shared component (123) may also be used to perform the function of the second operation unit (122).

[0184] Meanwhile, the performance of the first operation unit (121) may be lower than the performance of the second operation unit (122). The clock speed of the first operation unit (121) may be lower than the clock speed of the second operation unit (122). For example, the clock speed of the first operation unit (121) may be selected in the range of 30 MHz to 90 MHz, and the clock speed of the second operation unit (122) may be selected in the range of 90 MHz to 210 MHz. In addition, the number of interrupts processed by the first operation unit (121) may be lower than the number of interrupts processed by the second operation unit (122). For example, the number of interrupts processed by the first operation unit (121) may be 10 to 50, and the number of interrupts processed by the second operation unit (122) may be 220 to 260. In addition, the power consumption of the first operation unit (121) may be lower than the power consumption of the second operation unit (122). For example, the power consumption of the first operation unit (121) may be 4uW / MHz to 13uW / MHz, and the power consumption of the second operation unit (122) may be 20uW / MHz to 40uW / MHz. However, the difference between the performance of the first operation unit (121) and the performance of the second operation unit (122) is only an example, and the clock speed, number of interrupts processed, and power consumption described above are not limited thereto.

[0185] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a method for obtaining a first monitoring value corresponding to a change in inductance according to one embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a method for determining a change in frequency of FIG. 8.

[0186] Referring to FIG. 8, the control unit (12) may include a square wave oscillator (820), a sine wave generator (830), a current detector (840), a frequency change detector (850), and a first operation unit (121). The square wave oscillator (820), the sine wave generator (830), the current detector (840), and the frequency change detector (850) may be components included in the shared component (123). Meanwhile, in FIG. 8, the control unit (12) is illustrated as mainly including components that perform operations related to obtaining the first monitoring value. However, the control unit (12) may be equipped with other components in addition to the components described in FIG. 8.

[0187] The square wave generator (820) includes a general-purpose input / output (GPIO) pin, and any one of the pins can be set as an output port. The square wave generator (820) can output a square wave having a preset period through the output port based on an interrupt signal.

[0188] The sine wave generator (830) can generate AC power having a sine wave based on the square wave output by the square wave generator (820). The AC power output by the sine wave generator (830) can be supplied to the inductor unit (810). The supply AC current output by the sine wave generator (830) can be controlled by the inductance of the inductor unit (810) arranged outside the control unit (12). At this time, the first frequency (f1) of the supply AC current can be determined by the first inductance value (Li), which is the initial inductance value of the inductor (L) included in the inductor unit (810), as shown in the following mathematical expression 1.

[0189]

[0190] The capacitance (Ci) of the above mathematical expression 1 is a component of a resonance tank (not shown) included in the inductor section (810) or provided separately, and contributes to the formation of a resonance frequency, and its value may not change depending on the approach of the aerosol generating article (2). That is, a supply alternating current having a resonance frequency according to the initial inductance value of the inductor (L) may be provided to the inductor section (810).

[0191] The inductor unit (810) includes at least one inductor (L) and may be provided separately as a configuration distinct from the control unit (12). The inductor unit (810) may be electrically connected to the sine wave generator unit (830). In addition, the inductor unit (810) may receive AC power from the sine wave generator unit (830) and generate an external magnetic field based on the AC power.

[0192] Meanwhile, as the aerosol generating article (2) approaches the inductor (L), the external magnetic field changes, and the change in the external magnetic field may cause a change in the inductance value of the inductor portion (810). In one embodiment, the inductance value of the inductor portion (810) may change from a first inductance value (Li), which is an initial inductance value, to a second inductance value (Lf). Accordingly, the resonant frequency of the AC current flowing in the inductor portion (810) may change to a second frequency (f2), as in the following mathematical expression 2.

[0193]

[0194] The current detection unit (840) may be provided to detect a change in the AC current flowing in the inductor unit (810) according to a change in the inductance. The current detection unit (840) may include at least one shunt resistor and may obtain a sensed AC current flowing in the inductor unit (810). The current detection unit (840) may transmit the sensed AC current to the frequency change detection unit (850). According to an embodiment, the current detection unit (840) may include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that converts the sensed AC current into a digital value. According to an embodiment, the analog-to-digital converter may be a component included in the frequency change detection unit (850).

[0195] The frequency change detection unit (850) can detect a frequency change based on the AC current detected by the current detection unit (840). To this end, the frequency change detection unit (850) can include a timer (851) and a counter (852). The timer (851) can measure the passage of time. The counter (852) can be provided to count the cycle of the sensed AC current.

[0196] The first operation unit (121) can determine whether an aerosol generating article (2) is included in the cavity (h1) based on a change in the frequency of the alternating current.

[0197] Referring to FIG. 9, FIG. 9 illustrates a supply AC current (910) provided to an inductor unit (810) and a sensing AC current (920) as an analog value obtained by a current sensing unit (840). In addition, FIG. 9 illustrates a supply pulse current (930) obtained by converting the supply AC current (910) into a digital value and a sensing pulse current (940) obtained by converting the sensing AC current (920) into a digital value.

[0198] The timer (851) can measure the passage of time. The supplied alternating current (910) can be expressed as an alternating current having a first period (T1) by the first inductance value (Li) of the initial inductance value of the inductor section (810). In addition, the sensing alternating current (920) can be detected as an alternating current having a second period (T2) by the second inductance value (Lf) which is the changed inductance value of the inductor section (810).

[0199] When the supply AC current (910) is expressed in the form of a pulse wave, it can be expressed as high when the supply AC current (910) is positive, and low when it is negative. In addition, the same applies when the sensing AC current (920) is also expressed in the form of a pulse wave. In Fig. 9, the second period (T2) of the sensing AC current (920) is shown to be shorter than the first period (T1) of the supply AC current (910), but depending on the design, the second period (T2) can also be set longer than the first period (T1).

[0200] Since the frequency is a cycle per unit time, the first operation unit (121) can determine the frequency change of the inductor unit (810) based on the change in the number of cycles per unit time. The cycle is related to the rising edge or falling edge of the pulse signal. This can also be seen from the fact that the number of rising edges or falling edges is constant in one cycle of each of the supply AC current (910) and the sensing AC current (920) of FIG. 9. Hereinafter, a method of detecting a frequency change based on a falling edge will be described, but the control unit (12) of the present disclosure may also detect a frequency change based on a rising edge.

[0201] The memory (17) can store the pulse wave period for the supply pulse current (930). The timer (851) can measure the passage of time. The counter (852) can count the number of rising edges or falling edges of the supply pulse current (930). In one embodiment, the counter (852) can be designed to count the number of falling edges of the supply pulse current (930). The first operation unit (121) can receive information about the passage of time from the timer (851) and the number of falling edges of the supply pulse current (930) from the counter (852). The first operation unit (121) can determine the change in frequency of the AC current flowing in the inductor unit (810) based on the number of falling edges per unit time.

[0202] In Fig. 9, it can be seen that the falling edge of the supply pulse current (930) is once during the unit time tr, while the falling edge of the sensing pulse current (940) is twice. The first operation unit (121) can determine the change in the frequency of the AC current flowing in the inductor unit (810) from the change in the number of falling edges per unit time. As shown in Fig. 9, in an embodiment where the number of falling edges occurs once in one cycle of the AC current, if the number of falling edges doubles, the first operation unit (121) can calculate that the frequency of the AC current has increased approximately twice.

[0203] The first calculation unit (121) can set the frequency change of the AC current flowing in the inductor unit (810) as the first monitoring value. In addition, the first calculation unit (121) can determine whether the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the cavity (h1) based on the first monitoring value. The first calculation unit (121) can determine that the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the cavity (h1) when the first monitoring value exceeds a preset first reference range. The first reference range can be selected from a range of 1.1 to 10 times the frequency of the supplied AC current (910), but is not limited thereto.

[0204] According to an embodiment, when the first operation unit (121) determines that the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the cavity (h1) based on a change in the frequency of the alternating current flowing in the inductor unit (810), it can verify this based on a change in the charging time of the capacitor unit (1010).

[0205] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining a method for obtaining a second monitoring value corresponding to a change in capacitance according to one embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a method for determining a change in the buffer time of FIG. 10.

[0206] Referring to FIG. 10, the control unit (12) may include a power supply unit (1020), a switching unit (1030), a charge / discharge control unit (1040), a charge voltage detection unit (1050), a charging time change detection unit (1060), and a first operation unit (121). The power supply unit (1020), the switching unit (1030), the charge / discharge control unit (1040), the charge voltage detection unit (1050), and the charging time change detection unit (1060) may be components included in the shared component unit (123). Meanwhile, in FIG. 10, the control unit (12) is illustrated as mainly including components that perform operations related to obtaining the second monitoring value. However, the control unit (12) may be equipped with other components in addition to the components described in FIG. 10.

[0207] The power supply unit (1020) can provide power to the capacitor unit (1010). In some embodiments, the power output from the power supply unit (1020) can be converted into an analog value and output. In this respect, the power supply unit (1020) can be referred to as a current digital to analog converter (CDAC or IDAC). The output of the power supply unit (1020) can be adjusted according to the capacitance of the capacitor unit (1010). For example, the output of the power supply unit (1020) can be adjusted at a level of 30 to 5000 nA, but is not limited thereto, and the power supply unit (1020) can have various output levels.

[0208] The switching unit (1030) may include at least one switching element. In one embodiment, the switching unit (1030) may include a first switching element (S1) and a second switching element (S2). The second switching element (S2) may be connected between the power supply unit (1020) and the capacitor unit (1010), and the second switching element (S2) may be connected between the capacitor unit (1010) and a ground terminal.

[0209] The capacitor unit (1010) includes at least one capacitor (C) and may be provided separately as a passive element distinct from the control unit (12). The capacitor unit (1010) is electrically connected to the switching unit (1030) and may be charged and discharged by the switching unit (1030).

[0210] The charge / discharge control unit (1040) can control the switching unit (1030) to charge and discharge the capacitor unit (1010). The charge / discharge control unit (1040) can output a first switching signal (Si1) and a second switching signal (Si2). The first switching element (S1) can be turned on or off by the first switching signal (Si1). In addition, the second switching element (S2) can be turned on or off by the second switching signal (Si2). The first switching element (S1) and the second switching element (S2) can operate complementarily to each other. In one embodiment, the charge / discharge control unit (1040) can turn on the first switching element (S1) and turn off the second switching element (S2) in a charging mode. Accordingly, the capacitor unit (1010) can be charged by the power supplied by the power supply unit (1020). The charge / discharge control unit (1040) can turn on the second switching element (S2) and turn off the first switching element (S1) in the discharge mode. Accordingly, the voltage charged in the capacitor unit (1010) can be discharged through the ground terminal.

[0211] Meanwhile, as the aerosol generating article (2) approaches the capacitor unit (1010), the capacitance of the capacitor unit (1010) may vary. In one embodiment, when the aerosol generating article (2) approaches the capacitor unit (1010), the capacitance may increase due to the approached aerosol generating article (2). The increase in capacitance may be expressed as a parasitic capacitor (Cs) generated by the approached aerosol generating article (2) being connected in parallel to the capacitor (C). When the capacitor (C) has a first capacitance (Ci) which is an initial capacitance, and the parasitic capacitor (Cs) has a second capacitance (Cf), the composite capacitance (Ceq) of the parallel-connected capacitors may be expressed as the sum of the first capacitance (Ci) and the second capacitance (Cf), as in the following mathematical expression 3.

[0212]

[0213] In other words, the capacitance of the capacitor unit (1010) can increase from the first capacitance (Ci), which is the initial capacitance, to the combined capacitance (Ceq), which is the sum of the first capacitance (Ci) and the second capacitance (Cf). As the capacitance of the capacitor unit (1010) increases, the charging time can increase, and it can be understood that this phenomenon is increased due to the approach of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0214] A charging voltage detection unit (1050) may be provided to detect the charging voltage of the capacitor unit (1010) according to the change in capacitance. The charging voltage detection unit (1050) may obtain the charging voltage of the capacitor unit (1010) by measuring the voltage across the capacitor (C). The charging voltage detection unit (1050) may transmit the obtained charging voltage to the charging time change detection unit (1060). According to an embodiment, the charging voltage detection unit (1050) may include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that converts an analog value back into a digital value. In addition, the charging voltage detection unit (1050) may also perform a function of controlling the output of the power supply unit (1020) according to the obtained charging voltage.

[0215] The buffer time change detection unit (1060) can detect a change in the buffer time of the capacitor unit (1010) based on the charging voltage. To this end, the buffer time change detection unit (1060) can include a comparison unit (1061), a timer (1062), and a counter (1063). The timer (1062) and the counter (1063) of FIG. 10 can have the same configuration as the timer (851) and the counter (852) of FIG. 8. The timer (1062) can measure the passage of time. The comparison unit (1061) can compare a preset reference voltage with the charging voltage of the capacitor unit (1010) and output a comparison result. The counter (1063) can count the number of buffering operations of the capacitor unit (1010) based on the comparison result. The first operation unit (121) can detect a change in the buffering time from the number of buffering operations per unit time of the capacitor unit (1010), and determine whether the aerosol generating article (2) is included in the cavity (h1) based on the change in the buffering time.

[0216] Referring to Fig. 11, Fig. 11 illustrates a change in a first charging voltage (1110) due to a first capacitance (Ci), which is an initial capacitance of a capacitor unit (1010). In addition, Fig. 11 also illustrates a change in a second charging voltage (1120) due to a synthetic capacitance, which is a capacitance detected by a charging voltage detection unit (1050), when an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into a cavity (h1). Meanwhile, although the charging voltage is expressed as an analog value in Fig. 11, the first calculation unit (121) can also convert the charging voltage into a digital value to monitor the charging time.

[0217] The timer (1062) can measure the passage of time. The first charging voltage (1110) can be pre-charged to the first capacitance (Ci), which is the initial capacitance. In other words, the first charging voltage (1110) initially has a buffer voltage (Vr), and is gradually discharged and reduced over time. The first charging voltage (1110) decreases to a preset discharge voltage (Vd), and can be increased from the discharge voltage (Vd) back to the buffer voltage (Vr) by the charge / discharge control unit (1040). The first charging voltage (1110) can repeat such charging and discharging over time.

[0218] The second charging voltage (1120) can also increase to the full voltage (Vr) in the charging mode and decrease to the discharge voltage (Vd) in the discharging mode. However, the first charging voltage (1110) and the second charging voltage (1120) show differences in the charging and discharging times.

[0219] The comparison unit (1061) can compare the preset reference voltage with the charging voltage of the capacitor unit (1010). The reference voltage can be set to be lower than or equal to the charging voltage (Vr). Fig. 11 illustrates an example in which the reference voltage is set equal to the charging voltage (Vr), but is not limited thereto. If the charging voltage is higher than the reference voltage, the comparison unit (1061) can determine that the capacitor unit (1010) is fully charged and output charging information.

[0220] The counter (1063) can count the number of times buffer information is output. The meaning of the counter (1063) counting the number of times buffer information is output may be the same as counting the number of times buffering of the capacitor unit (1010).

[0221] The first operation unit (121) can calculate the change in the buffering time of the capacitor unit (1010) based on the number of outputs of buffering information per unit time.

[0222] The number of outputs of buffer information per unit time for the first charging voltage (1110) can be stored in the memory (17). The number of outputs of buffer information per unit time for the first charging voltage (1110) can be preset by experiment or can be calculated by the first calculation unit (121) in a state where the aerosol generating article (2) is not inserted into the cavity (h1).

[0223] The charging voltage detection unit (1050) can obtain the second charging voltage (1120), which is the current charging voltage of the capacitor unit (1010). The first operation unit (121) can receive information on the passage of time from the timer (1062), and obtain the number of outputs of buffer information per unit time for the second charging voltage (1120) from the comparison unit (1061) and the counter (1063). The first operation unit (121) can calculate the change in the buffer time of the capacitor unit (1010) based on the number of outputs of buffer information per unit time for the second charging voltage (1120).

[0224] In Fig. 11, when the unit time is tr and the first pre-charged time point (0) is excluded, it can be seen that the number of charges per unit time of the first charging voltage (1110) is 2, whereas the number of charges per unit time of the second charging voltage (1120) is reduced to 1. That is, as the capacitance of the capacitor unit (1010) increases from the first capacitance (Ci) to the composite capacitance (Ceq), the charging time may also increase. As shown in Fig. 11, in an embodiment where the number of charges per unit time decreases by 0.5 times, the first operation unit (121) can calculate that the buffering time has increased by approximately 2 times. In this way, the first operation unit (121) can determine the change in the buffering time from the change in the number of charges per unit time.

[0225] The first operation unit (121) can set the buffer time change of the capacitor unit (1010) as the second monitoring value. In addition, the first operation unit (121) can determine whether the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the cavity (h1) based on the second monitoring value. If the second monitoring value exceeds a second reference range, the first operation unit (121) can determine that the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the cavity (h1). The second reference range can be selected from a range of 1.1 to 10 times the charging time of the capacitor (C), but is not limited thereto.

[0226] Meanwhile, the first operation unit (121) can determine whether the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted based only on the change in the charging time of the capacitor unit (1010). Alternatively, the first operation unit (121) can determine whether the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted based on both the change in the charging time of the capacitor unit (1010) and the change in the frequency of the inductor unit (810). In an embodiment that utilizes both the change in the charging time of the capacitor unit (1010) and the change in the frequency of the inductor unit (810), the first operation unit (121) can use the change in the charging time of the capacitor unit (1010) to verify whether the article is inserted. In other words, the first operation unit (121) can make a primary determination as to whether the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted based on the change in the frequency of the inductor unit (810), and then verify the primary determination based on the change in the charging time of the capacitor unit (1010).

[0227] Meanwhile, in addition to the embodiment of the method of determining whether an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted based on the change in the number of times the capacitor part (1010) is charged per unit time, as described in FIG. 11, the aerosol generating device (1) may also determine whether an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted using another determination method. Hereinafter, unlike the embodiment of FIG. 11, an embodiment will be described in which the aerosol generating device (1) determines whether an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted based on a digital value counted until the capacitor part (1010) is fully charged (hereinafter also referred to as 'Unit Count').

[0228] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining obtaining a counting value representing the capacitance of a capacitor section according to one embodiment.

[0229] The counter (1063) illustrated in FIG. 12 corresponds to the counter (1063) described in FIG. 10, but may perform operations according to other embodiments. FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a counter (1063) that operates in a different manner from the counter (1063) of FIG. 10, and only the counter (1063) is illustrated. However, for convenience of explanation, the power supply unit (1020), switching unit (1030), charging / discharging control unit (1040), charging voltage detection unit (1050), comparison unit (1061), and timer (1062) of FIG. 10 are deleted, and thus, the description of the above-described configurations described in FIG. 10 may also be applied below.

[0230] Referring to FIG. 12, the counter (1063) may include a Capacitance-to-Digital Converter (1261).

[0231] Information on changes in capacitance of the capacitor unit (1010) can be provided to a Capacitance-to-Digital Converter (1261) and converted into a digital value, a counting value (Unit Counts). Alternatively, since changes in capacitance can correspond to changes in the time required to fully charge the capacitive sensor, the counting value can correspond to the time required to fully charge the capacitive sensor.

[0232] More specifically, according to one embodiment, the Capacitance-to-Digital Converter (1261) may convert the time taken to buffer the capacitor unit (1010) into a counting value and output the counting value by counting the number of clock signals of a predetermined cycle or frequency until the voltage of the capacitor unit (1010) changes from the discharge voltage (Vd) to the buffer voltage (Vr). Here, the value counted by the Capacitance-to-Digital Converter (1261) may be referred to as Unit Counts. The counting value (Unit Counts) may be a value proportional to the time taken to buffer the capacitor unit (1010). In addition, the counting value (Unit Counts) may be a value proportional to the capacitance (i.e., the composite capacitance) of the capacitor unit (1010). The second monitoring value described above may include the counting value output from the counter (1063).

[0233] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the Capacitance-to-Digital Converter (1261) may obtain a converted counting value using the following mathematical expression 4.

[0234]

[0235] Referring to mathematical expression 4, 'V' may mean a voltage corresponding to a buffer voltage (Vr) of a capacitor (C) of a capacitor unit (1010). In a charging cycle of the capacitor (C), the power supply unit (1020) provides a reference current (IDACset) for charging the capacitor (C). 'I' may mean a reference current (IDACset) provided from the power supply unit (1020) to the capacitor unit (1010). 'F' may correspond to a frequency of one cycle in which the capacitor (C) is fully charged and then fully discharged (or one cycle in which it is fully discharged and then fully charged). Accordingly, 'F' may be related to the on / off times of the first switching element (S1) and the second switching element (S2). 'C' may correspond to a composite capacitance (Ceq) of the capacitor unit (1010). Therefore, according to mathematical expression 4, when 'V', 'I', and 'F' are constant, the counting value may be a value that depends on the composite capacitance (Ceq) of the capacitor unit (1010). Here, mathematical expression 4 may correspond to an embodiment for obtaining the counting value when the power supply unit (1020) is equipped with a single current source (IDAC).

[0236] Furthermore, according to another embodiment, the Capacitance-to-Digital Converter (1261) may obtain a converted counting value using the following mathematical expression 5.

[0237]

[0238]

[0239] Referring to mathematical expression 5, 'V' may mean a voltage corresponding to the buffer voltage (Vr) of the capacitor (C) of the capacitor unit (1010). 'Igain' and 'Ioffset' may mean a reference current (IDACset) provided to the capacitor unit (1010) from each current source when the power supply unit (1020) is provided with dual current sources (IDAC 1 and IDAC 2). 'F' may correspond to a frequency of one cycle in which the capacitor (C) is fully charged and then fully discharged (or one cycle in which it is fully discharged and then fully charged). 'C' may correspond to the composite capacitance (Ceq) of the capacitor unit (1010). Therefore, according to mathematical expression 5, when 'V', 'Igain', 'Ioffset', and 'F' are constant, the counting value may be a value dependent on the composite capacitance (Ceq) of the capacitor unit (1010).

[0240] A relatively large counting value (Unit Counts) may indicate that the time required for buffering until the voltage of the capacitor unit (1010) changes from the discharge voltage (Vd) to the buffer voltage (Vr) is relatively long. Conversely, a relatively small counting value (Unit Counts) may indicate that the time required for buffering until the voltage of the capacitor unit (1010) changes from the discharge voltage (Vd) to the buffer voltage (Vr) is relatively short.

[0241] In this way, information on the change in capacitance of the capacitor unit (1010) can be converted into a counting value (Unit Counts), and based on the level of the counting value (Unit Counts), it can be determined whether an aerosol generating article (2) has been inserted.

[0242] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between counting values ​​(Unit Counts) and buffering time according to one embodiment.

[0243] Referring to Fig. 13, since the parasitic capacitor (Cs) does not exist when the aerosol generating article (2) is not inserted, the capacitor unit (1010) has only the first capacitance (Ci), which is the initial capacitance. The counting value (Unit Counts) obtained until the capacitor unit (1010) changes from the discharge voltage (Vd) to the buffer voltage (Vr) when the aerosol generating article (2) is not inserted may be within a range of about 32,000 to 35,000.

[0244] The control unit (12) can obtain a counting value from the counter (1063) each time a charge / discharge cycle of the capacitor unit (1010) is completed. The control unit (12) can preset a range of counting values ​​corresponding to a non-inserted state, and when the counting value output by the counter (1063) falls within this preset range, it can be determined that the aerosol generating article (2) has not yet been inserted.

[0245] However, as a result of monitoring the counting value in a certain charge / discharge cycle, the counting value can be monitored to be approximately 60,000. Since the second capacitance (Cf) due to the parasitic capacitor (Cs) is added to the first capacitance (Ci) when the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted, it may take a longer time for the capacitor unit (1010) to change from the discharge voltage (Vd) to the buffer voltage (Vr). As a result, the counting value (Unit Counts) can increase to a level of approximately 60,000.

[0246] The control unit (12) can preset a range of counting values ​​corresponding to the insertion state, and when the counting value output by the counter (1063) falls within this preset range, it can be determined that the aerosol generating article (2) has been inserted.

[0247] That is, when the control unit (12) wants to determine whether an aerosol generating product (2) is inserted based on a change in the capacitance of the capacitor unit (1010), the control unit (12) can perform the determination using a change in the counting value output from the counter (1063).

[0248] Meanwhile, the numerical values ​​of the counting values ​​described in FIG. 13 are merely exemplary, and the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and the counting values ​​may be expressed in various other numerical values ​​depending on the settings of the counter (1063).

[0249] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining a method of determining whether an aerosol generating article is inserted using a counting value indicating a change in capacitance according to one embodiment.

[0250] Referring to Fig. 14, the graph (1401) represents the voltage change of the capacitor unit (1010) in a state where the aerosol generating article (2) is not inserted (non-inserted state), and the graph (1402) represents the currently monitored voltage change. Here, the voltage change of the capacitor unit (1010) may mean a change from a discharge voltage (Vd) to a buffer voltage (Vr).

[0251] Referring to the graph (1401), the value counted until the voltage of the capacitor unit (1010) changes from the discharge voltage (Vd) to the buffer voltage (Vr) in the non-inserted state is Unitempty_set. Unitempty_set may mean a value proportional to the buffer time (tempty_set) in the state where the aerosol generating article (2) is not inserted. Accordingly, Unitempty_set may be set to correspond to a reference counting value indicating the non-inserted state.

[0252] Referring to graph (1402), the counted value based on the currently monitored voltage change is Unitdetect. Comparing graph (1402) with graph (1401), a larger counting value Unitdetect is output, which may indicate that a longer buffering time (tdetect) was required. In other words, graph (1402) may indicate that a capacitance other than the initial capacitance of the capacitor unit (1010) has been added.

[0253] In order to determine whether the voltage change according to the graph (1402) is due to the insertion of an aerosol generating article (2), a threshold value (Unitth_insertion) may be preset. That is, if the currently output counting value exceeds the threshold value (Unitth_insertion), the control unit (12) may determine that an aerosol generating article (2) has been inserted.

[0254] In Fig. 14, since the current counting value Unitdetect exceeds the threshold value (Unitth_insertion), the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted at the time when the counting value Unitdetect is output.

[0255] Fig. 15 is a flowchart for explaining an operation method of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0256] Referring to FIG. 15, at step S1510, the control unit (12) can obtain a first monitoring value corresponding to a change in inductance.

[0257] The aerosol generating device (1) is a configuration distinct from the control unit (12) and includes an inductor unit (810), and the inductance value of the inductor unit (810) can be varied as the aerosol generating article (2) approaches. As the inductance value of the inductor unit (810) is varied, the frequency of the alternating current flowing in the inductor unit (810) can also be varied. The first operation unit (121) within the control unit (12) can utilize the shared component unit (123) to detect a change in the frequency of the alternating current.

[0258] The current detection unit (840) within the shared component (123) can detect the alternating current flowing in the inductor unit (810). In addition, the current detection unit (840) can transmit information about the alternating current to the frequency change detection unit (850).

[0259] The frequency change detection unit (850) may include a timer (851) and a counter (852). The current detection unit (840) or the frequency change detection unit (850) may include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that converts information about the alternating current into a digital value, and the frequency change detection unit (850) may count the rising edge or falling edge of the alternating current over time.

[0260] The number of rising edges of the AC current per unit time or the number of falling edges of the AC current per unit time is equal to the period of the AC current per unit time, and the first calculation unit (121) can calculate the frequency change of the AC current based on the number of rising edges of the AC current per unit time or the number of falling edges of the AC current per unit time. The memory (17) stores the first frequency of the AC current by the first inductance value (Li), which is the initial inductance value of the inductor unit (810), and the first calculation unit (121) can obtain the second frequency of the AC current by the second inductance value (Lf), which is the current inductance value of the inductor unit (810).

[0261] The first operation unit (121) can obtain the frequency change of the AC current by comparing the first frequency and the second frequency. The frequency change of the AC current can be obtained as the first monitoring value by the first operation unit (121).

[0262] At step S1520, the control unit (12) can obtain a second monitoring value corresponding to a change in capacitance.

[0263] The aerosol generating device (1) includes a capacitor unit (1010) as a configuration distinct from the control unit (12), and the capacitance of the capacitor unit (1010) can be varied as an aerosol generating item approaches. As the capacitance of the capacitor unit (1010) is varied, the buffer time of the capacitor unit (1010) can also be varied. The first operation unit (121) within the control unit (12) can utilize the shared component unit (123) to detect a change in the buffer time of the capacitor unit (1010).

[0264] The charging voltage detection unit (1050) within the shared component (123) can detect the charging voltage of the capacitor unit (1010). In addition, the charging voltage detection unit (1050) can transmit information about the charging voltage to the charging time change detection unit (1060).

[0265] The buffer time change detection unit (1060) may include a comparison unit (1061), a timer (1062), and a counter (1063). Depending on the embodiment, the charging voltage detection unit (1050) or the buffer time change detection unit (1060) may include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that converts an analog value back into a digital value.

[0266] The comparison unit (1061) can compare the preset reference voltage with the charging voltage of the capacitor unit (1010). If the charging voltage is higher than the reference voltage, the comparison unit (1061) can determine that the capacitor unit is fully charged and output charging information. The timer (1062) can measure the passage of time.

[0267] A counter (1063) according to one embodiment can count the number of outputs of buffer information over time. The meaning of the counter (1063) counting the number of outputs of buffer information may be the same as counting the number of buffers of the capacitor unit (1010). The number of buffers per unit time corresponds to a charging time, and the first operation unit (121) can calculate a change in the buffer time of the capacitor unit (1010) based on the number of buffers per unit time. The memory (17) can store the first number of buffers per unit time of the capacitor unit (1010) by the first capacitance, which is the initial capacitance of the capacitor unit (1010). The first operation unit (121) can obtain the second number of buffers per unit time of the capacitor unit (1010) by the second capacitance, which is the current capacitance of the capacitor unit (1010).

[0268] The first operation unit (121) can obtain a change in the buffering time of the capacitor unit (1010) by comparing the first buffering number and the second buffering number. The change in the buffering time can be obtained by the first operation unit (121) as a second monitoring value.

[0269] In another embodiment, the counter (1063) can count the buffering time of the capacitor unit (1010) based on the buffering information. The counter (1063) can convert the time until the voltage of the capacitor unit (1010) changes from the discharge voltage to the buffering voltage into a counting value and output it. The memory (17) can store the first buffering time of the capacitor unit (1010) by the first capacitance, which is the initial capacitance of the capacitor unit (1010). The second operation unit (121) can obtain the second buffering time of the capacitance unit (1010) by the second capacitance, which is the current capacitance.

[0270] The first operation unit (121) can obtain a change in the buffer time of the capacitor unit (1010) by comparing the first buffer time and the second buffer time. The change in the buffer time can be obtained by the first operation unit (121) as a second monitoring value.

[0271] In this way, the counter (1063) can count the number of times of buffering or the buffering time of the capacitor unit (1010) based on the buffering information output by the comparison unit (1061), and the first operation unit (121) can calculate the change in the buffering time of the capacitor unit (1010) corresponding to the second monitoring value based on the number of times of buffering or the buffering time of the capacitor unit (1010). A more specific method by which the counter (1063) obtains the second monitoring value based on the number of times of buffering of the capacitor unit (1010) is as described above in FIGS. 10 to 11. In addition, a more specific method by which the counter (1063) obtains the second monitoring value based on the buffering time of the capacitor unit (1010) is as described above in FIGS. 12 to 14.

[0272] At step S1530, the control unit (12) can determine whether the aerosol generating article (2) is received in the cavity (h1) based on at least one of the first monitoring value and the second monitoring value.

[0273] The function of determining whether the aerosol generating article (2) is received in the cavity (h1) can be performed by the first operation unit (121) within the control unit (12).

[0274] The first calculation unit (121) may determine that the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the cavity (h1) if the first monitoring value exceeds a preset first reference range. For example, if the first reference range is selected as a range of 1.1 to 2 times the first frequency, the first calculation unit (121) may determine that the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the cavity (h1) if the second frequency exceeds 2 times the first frequency.

[0275] The second calculation unit (122) may determine that the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the cavity (h1) when the second monitoring value exceeds a preset second reference range. For example, when the second reference range is set to a range of 1.1 to 2 times the first charging time according to the initial capacitance of the capacitor unit (1010), the first calculation unit (121) may determine that the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the cavity (h1) when the second charging time according to the current capacitance of the capacitor unit (1010) exceeds 2 times the first charging time.

[0276] Meanwhile, in an embodiment in which both the first monitoring value and the second monitoring value are used to determine whether an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted, the second monitoring value may be used to verify the primary judgment. For example, the first calculation unit (121) may first determine whether an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted based on a change in the frequency of the inductor unit (810), and then verify the primary judgment based on a change in the charging time of the capacitor unit (1010).

[0277] At step S1540, the control unit (12) can make a final decision on whether to insert the aerosol generating article (2).

[0278] If the first operation unit (121) determines that the aerosol generating article (2) is not inserted into the cavity (h1), it returns to step S1210 and re-obtains the first monitoring value.

[0279] The first operation unit (121) can output a wake-up signal when it determines that an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the cavity (h1). The wake-up signal can be provided to the second operation unit (122). When the second operation unit (122) receives the wake-up signal, it can switch from a sleep mode state to a wake-up state.

[0280] At step S1550, the control unit (12) can heat the heater (18).

[0281] The heating of the heater (18) can be controlled by the second operation unit (122) within the control unit (12). At least one of the clock speed and the number of interrupts processed of the second operation unit (122) can be higher than those of the first operation unit (121). In one embodiment, the clock frequency of the second operation unit (122) can be set higher than the clock frequency of the first operation unit (121). For example, the second operation unit (122) can be set to a clock frequency of 100 MHz, and the first operation unit (121) can be set to a clock frequency of 48 MHz. Accordingly, the active time of the second operation unit (122) can be set longer than the active time of the first operation unit (121). In this case, the active time can mean the operating time. Therefore, the power consumption of the second operation unit (122) can be higher than that of the first operation unit (121).

[0282] The second operation unit (122) can automatically heat the heater (18) without user input when the aerosol generating article (2) is accommodated in the cavity (h1).

[0283] The aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure determines whether an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted, which is a relatively simple operation, through a first operation unit (121) that is low in performance but consumes little power, and a second operation unit (122) that is high in performance and consumes much power is used to control a heater (18), thereby increasing energy efficiency compared to a conventional aerosol generating device having only one operation unit.

[0284] 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.

[0285] 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.

[0286] 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. A heater for heating aerosol-generating items contained in a common area; An inductor section comprising at least one inductor surrounding at least a portion of the cavity, the inductance of which is variable when the aerosol generating article is received in the cavity; A capacitor section comprising at least one capacitor surrounding the remaining portion of the cavity, the capacitor section having a variable capacitance when the aerosol generating article is received in the cavity; and An aerosol generating device comprising a control unit that obtains a first monitoring value corresponding to a change in the inductance and a second monitoring value corresponding to a change in the capacitance, and determines whether the aerosol generating article is received in the cavity based on at least one of the first monitoring value and the second monitoring value.

2. In paragraph 1, The above control unit A square wave generator that generates square waves; It includes a sine wave generator that generates sine wave AC power based on the sine wave output by the sine wave generator; The above inductor part An aerosol generating device that is electrically connected to the above sine wave generating unit, receives the above AC power, and generates an external magnetic field based on the above AC power.

3. In paragraph 2, The above inductor part An aerosol generating device wherein the inductance varies as the aerosol generating article approaches.

4. In paragraph 3, The above control unit A current detection unit that detects a change in the alternating current flowing in the inductor unit according to a change in the inductance; and An aerosol generating device further comprising a frequency change detection unit that detects a change in the frequency of the AC current based on the AC current detected by the current detection unit.

5. In paragraph 4, The above frequency change detection unit Timer; and An aerosol generating device comprising a counter for counting the rising edge or falling edge of the alternating current.

6. In paragraph 5, The above control unit Further comprising a first operation unit that calculates a frequency change of the AC current based on the number of rising edges of the AC current per unit time or the number of falling edges of the AC current per unit time; The above first operation unit An aerosol generating device that determines whether the aerosol generating article has been inserted into the cavity based on a change in the frequency of the alternating current corresponding to the first monitoring value.

7. In paragraph 1, The above control unit A power supply unit that provides power to the above capacitor unit; a switching unit connected to the power supply unit and including at least one switching element; and An aerosol generating device including a charge / discharge control unit that controls the switching unit to charge and discharge the capacitor unit.

8. In paragraph 7, The above capacitor part An aerosol generating device wherein the capacitance varies as the aerosol generating article approaches.

9. In paragraph 8, The above control unit A charging voltage detection unit that detects the charging voltage of the capacitor unit according to the change in the capacitance; and An aerosol generating device further comprising a charging time change detection unit that detects a change in the charging time of the capacitor unit based on the charging voltage.

10. In paragraph 9, The above buffer time change detection unit A comparison unit that compares the charging voltage of the capacitor unit with a preset reference voltage and, if the charging voltage is higher than the reference voltage, determines that the capacitor unit is fully charged and outputs charging information; Timer; and An aerosol generating device including a counter that counts the number of times the capacitor unit is charged or the time for charging based on the buffer information output by the comparison unit.

11. In paragraph 10, The above control unit Further comprising a first operation unit that calculates a change in the buffering time of the capacitor unit based on the number of buffering times or the buffering time of the capacitor unit; The above first operation unit An aerosol generating device that determines whether the aerosol generating article has been inserted into the cavity based on a change in the buffer time corresponding to the second monitoring value.

12. In paragraph 1, The above control unit An aerosol generating device comprising a first operation unit that determines whether the aerosol generating article is accommodated in the cavity, and a second operation unit that controls the operation of the heater.

13. In paragraph 12, The above first operation unit An aerosol generating device that determines that the aerosol generating article is received in the cavity when the first monitoring value exceeds a preset first reference range and the second monitoring value exceeds a preset second reference range.

14. In paragraph 12, The above first operation unit If it is determined that the above aerosol generating item has been received in the above cavity, a wake-up signal is output, The above second operation unit An aerosol generating device that is woken up by the wake-up signal and heats the heater.

15. In paragraph 12, An aerosol generating device wherein the power consumption of the first operation unit is lower than the power consumption of the second operation unit.

Images