Aerosol-generating device and method for controlling aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment: when a user input signal to pause the operation of an aerosol generating device is received, controls power supply to a heater such that the temperature of the heater reaches a temperature lower than a temperature defined in a temperature profile; when the pause is released, controls power supply to the heater such that the temperature of the heater reaches the temperature defined in the temperature profile; and controls the operation time to extend by the amount of time that was paused.

Description

Aerosol generating device and method for controlling the aerosol generating device

[0001] Various embodiments according to the present disclosure relate to an aerosol generating device and a method for controlling the aerosol generating device.

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

[0003] There are two main methods for controlling the operation of an aerosol generating device: a control method based on the number of puffs by the user and a control method based on the operation time.

[0004] In the case of a control method based on the number of puffs, heating is terminated when the accumulated number of puffs reaches a preset number of puffs, which may provide a smoking time shorter than the user's desired smoking time. On the other hand, in the case of a control method based on the operation time, once heating is initiated, heating is terminated as a preset time elapses even if the user does not perform a puff motion. Therefore, there may be cases where the cigarette must be discarded due to the termination of heating even though the aerosol-generating substances within the cigarette have not been sufficiently exhausted.

[0005] In addition to the method for controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device described above, techniques for pausing or stopping the operation of the aerosol generating device and then resuming the operation of the aerosol generating device are known to enhance user convenience.

[0006] In an aerosol generating device with a pause function, especially one that heats cigarettes at a relatively high temperature rather than a low temperature, there is a problem that the active ingredient contained in the aerosol generating product is vaporized and consumed if the temperature of the heater is not lowered even when paused.

[0007] Therefore, it is necessary to lower the temperature of the heater during a pause to prevent the active ingredient contained in the inserted aerosol generating product from evaporating until the pause is lifted.

[0008] One embodiment according to the present disclosure provides an aerosol generating device and a control method thereof that can ensure the persistence of an effective ingredient in an aerosol generating device even when equipped with a pause function by lowering the heating temperature of a heater during a pause and performing reheating when the pause is released.

[0009] The problems to be solved through the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0010] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment comprises a heater for heating at least a portion of an aerosol generating article including an aerosol generating material, a storage unit storing a temperature profile of the heater and an operating time of the aerosol generating device, an output unit for outputting a notification corresponding to an operating state of the aerosol generating device, and a control unit for controlling the output of the notification during the operating time and controlling power supply of the heater to correspond to the temperature profile.

[0011] The control unit, when receiving a user input signal for pausing the operation of the aerosol generating device, controls power supply to the heater so that the temperature of the heater reaches a temperature lower than the temperature defined in the temperature profile, and when the pause is released, controls power supply to the heater so that the temperature of the heater reaches the temperature defined in the temperature profile, and controls the operation time to be extended by the paused time.

[0012] The above control unit can control the output unit to output a reheating completion notification when the temperature of the heater reaches a temperature defined in the temperature profile.

[0013] The control unit may control the output unit to output a reheating notification when the pause is released and the power supply to the heater is controlled so that the temperature of the heater reaches a temperature defined in the temperature profile.

[0014] A reheating time for controlling power supply to the heater so that the temperature of the heater reaches a temperature defined in the temperature profile is preset,

[0015] The control unit may control the heater to maintain power supply until the preset reheating time when the temperature of the heater reaches the temperature defined in the temperature profile earlier than the preset reheating time, and may control the output unit to output a reheating completion notification when the preset reheating time has ended.

[0016] The control unit can control the output unit to output the reheating completion notification even if the temperature of the heater does not reach the temperature defined in the temperature profile within the preset reheating time.

[0017] The above control unit can control to extend the preset reheating time by a predetermined time when the paused time is longer than the critical time, and can control to shorten the preset reheating time by a predetermined time when the paused time is shorter than the critical time.

[0018] The above control unit can control the output unit to output a notification corresponding to the preset reheating time.

[0019] The above control unit may determine that the pause is released when, after the pause, a user input signal for releasing the pause is received or when a predetermined pause time has elapsed.

[0020] The control unit may determine that the pause is released when movement of the aerosol generating device is detected after the pause.

[0021] The above user input signal may be a signal corresponding to at least one of a user button input, a user touch, a user puff, and a user gesture.

[0022] The control unit can control the power supply to the heater so that the temperature of the heater reaches a temperature higher than the temperature defined in the temperature profile when the pause is released.

[0023] The temperature defined in the above temperature profile may be between 220 degrees and 300 degrees, and the lower temperature may be between 120 degrees and 180 degrees.

[0024] The number of pauses during the operation time of the aerosol generating device is predetermined,

[0025] The above control unit can control the output unit to output a pause-unable notification when a user input signal for a pause exceeding the predetermined number of times is received.

[0026] A method of controlling an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment includes the steps of receiving a user input signal for pausing the operation of the aerosol generating device, controlling power supply to the heater to reach a temperature lower than a temperature defined in a temperature profile of the heater, and when the pause is released, controlling power supply to the heater to reach a temperature defined in the temperature profile, and controlling to extend an operation time of the aerosol generating device by the paused time.

[0027] Another embodiment includes a recording medium recording a program for executing a method for controlling an aerosol generating device on a computer.

[0028] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the persistence of volatilization of an active ingredient can be ensured even in an aerosol generating device including a pause function.

[0029] In addition, in an aerosol generating device that heats an aerosol generating article using a relatively high temperature profile, the problem of the active ingredient of the inserted aerosol generating article volatilizing during the pause period and resulting in a reduced taste when the user inhales after the pause is lifted can be solved.

[0030] Additionally, the user experience and convenience can be improved by easily notifying the user of the process including pausing, unpausing, and reheating of the aerosol generating device.

[0031] However, the effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0033] Figures 2a to 2h illustrate aerosol generating devices according to various embodiments.

[0034] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0035] Figure 4 is a drawing explaining a pause operation according to another embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0037] Figure 6 is a flowchart for explaining a pause operation according to another embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 7 is an example diagram for outputting a user notification for a pause operation according to another embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 8 is an example diagram for outputting a user notification for a pause operation according to another embodiment.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0046] 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 instruction 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 instruction. 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.

[0047] 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).

[0048] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0049] 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).

[0050] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) can detect the status of the aerosol generating device (1) or the status around the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (12). 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).

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] According to 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.

[0055] 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).

[0056] In one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect a user's puff.

[0057] 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).

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0062] According to one embodiment, an insertion detection sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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 disposed adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol-generating article) includes a conductor, a change in a magnetic field may occur around the current-carrying coil when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article including the conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of the alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.). Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article (e.g., the medium portion of the aerosol-generating article) may include a susceptor (SUS). Even in this case, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil based on the insertion or removal of a susceptor or the like within the insertion space, and the control unit (12) may also detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0065] 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 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.

[0066] In one embodiment, the 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 the wrapper surrounding the outside of the aerosol-generating article due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor may 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) may determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] For example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an optical sensor for detecting an identification material (or an 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 an 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor may detect the mounting and / or removal of the 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.

[0074] According to 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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 function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the output unit (14) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1). The output unit (14) may 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) may 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 may 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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).

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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).

[0088] 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).

[0089] 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).

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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).

[0095] 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).

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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).

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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).

[0100] 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).

[0101] 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).

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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).

[0104] 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).

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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 unit 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.

[0115] Figures 2a to 2h illustrate aerosol generating devices according to various embodiments.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 2A, an aerosol generating device (1) according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor (13), and a heater (18). At least one of the power source (11), the control unit (12), the sensor (13), and the heater (18) may be disposed inside a body (10) of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0117] The body (10) may provide a space opened upwardly to allow a stick (S), which is an aerosol generating article (or cigarette), to be inserted. The space opened upwardly may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the interior of the body (10) to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the stick (S) can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of a region of the stick (S) containing the aerosol generating material and / or medium.

[0118] The lower end of the stick (S) is inserted into the inside of the body (10), and the upper end of the stick (S) can protrude outside the body (10). The user can bite the upper end of the stick (S) exposed to the outside and inhale the aerosol from the stick (S).

[0119] The heater (18) can heat the stick (S). The heater (18) can extend upwardly in the space where the stick (S) is inserted. For example, the heater (18) can include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element. The heater (18) can be inserted into the lower part of the stick (S). The heater (18) can include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0120] For example, referring to FIG. 2A, the heater (18) may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater (18) may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater (18) may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heater (18) may be electrically connected to a power source (11). The heater (18) may be directly heated by receiving current from the power source (11).

[0121] For example, the heater (18) may be a multi-heater. The heater (18) may include a first heater and a second heater. The first and second heaters may be arranged side by side along the length direction. The first and second heaters may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

[0122] For example, referring to FIG. 2B, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an induction coil (181) surrounding a heater (18). The induction coil (181) may heat the heater (18). The heater (18) may be a susceptor, and the heater (18) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an alternating current (AC) flowing through the induction coil (181). The magnetic field may penetrate the heater (18) and generate an eddy current within the heater (18). The current may generate heat in the heater (18).

[0123] For example, referring to FIG. 2c, a susceptor (SS) may be included inside the stick (S), and the susceptor (SS) inside the stick (S) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through an induction coil (181). The susceptor (SS) may be disposed inside the stick (S) and may not be electrically connected to the aerosol generating device (1). The susceptor (SS) may be inserted into the insertion space together with the stick (S) and may be removed from the insertion space together with the stick (S). The stick (S) may be heated by the susceptor (SS) inside the stick (S). At this time, the aerosol generating device (1) may not be provided with a separate heater (18).

[0124] The power source (11) can supply power to operate components of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (11) can be referred to as a battery. The power source (11) can supply power to at least one of the control unit (12), the sensor (13), and the heater (18). When the aerosol generating device (1) includes an induction coil (181), the power source (11) can supply power to the induction coil (181).

[0125] The control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit (12) can control the operation of at least one of the power supply (11), the sensor (13), and the heater (18). The control unit (12) can control the operation of the induction coil (181). The control unit (12) can control the operation of the display, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (12) can check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device (1) to determine whether the aerosol generating device (1) is in an operable state.

[0126] The control unit (12) can analyze the results detected by the sensor (13) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) so that the operation of the heater (18) is started or ended based on the results detected by the sensor (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the amount of power supplied to the heater (18) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater (18) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensor (13).

[0127] The sensor (13) may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a cigarette type identification sensor, and an acceleration sensor. For example, the sensor (13) may sense at least one of the temperature of the heater (18), the temperature of the power source (11), and the temperature inside and outside the body (10). For example, the sensor (13) may sense a puff of the user. For example, the sensor (13) may sense whether the stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor implemented as a capacitive sensor or an inductive sensor. For example, the sensor (13) may identify the type of the stick (S) using a cigarette type identification sensor implemented as a capacitive sensor or an inductive sensor. For example, the sensor (13) may sense the movement of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0128] Referring to FIG. 2d, the heater (18) may extend upwardly around the space into which the stick (S) is inserted. For example, the heater (18) may be a tube-shaped film heater having a hollow interior. The heater (18) may be placed around the periphery of the insertion space. The heater (18) may be placed so as to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. Here, the heater (18) may be implemented as an electric resistance heater so as to heat the outside of the stick (S) inserted into the insertion space. However, the heater (18) is not limited thereto, and may also be implemented as an induction heating heater rather than an electric resistance heater.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 2e, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an induction coil (181) surrounding a heater (18). Since the content of the induction coil (181) is the same as described above, a description of the induction coil (181) will be omitted.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 2F, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a cartridge (19). The cartridge (19) may contain an aerosol generating material in any one of 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. For example, the liquid composition may include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a flavor, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The flavoring agent may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavoring ingredients, and the like. The flavoring agent may include an ingredient that can provide a variety of flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the liquid composition may include an aerosol former such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0131] The cartridge (19) may be formed integrally with the body (10) or may be detachably coupled to the body (10). For example, the cartridge (19) may be mounted on the body (10) by being inserted into the body (10). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be fixed so as not to be detached by the user.

[0132] The cartridge may be mounted on the main body while containing an aerosol-generating substance inside. However, this is not limited to the above, and the aerosol-generating substance may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is attached to the main body.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 2g, the cartridge (19) is formed integrally with the body (10) and can communicate with the insertion space through an airflow channel (CN).

[0134] Referring to FIG. 2g, a space is formed on one side of the body (10), and at least a portion of the cartridge (19) is inserted into the space formed on one side of the body (10) so that the cartridge (19) can be mounted on the body (10). The airflow channel (CN) can be defined by a portion of the cartridge and / or a portion of the body (10), and the cartridge (19) can communicate with the insertion space through the airflow channel (CN).

[0135] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 2f is illustrated with components arranged in a row. The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 2g is illustrated with a cartridge (19) and a heater (18) arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (1) is not limited to that illustrated. In other words, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1), the arrangement of the power source (11), the control unit (12), the sensor (13), the heater (18), and the cartridge (19) may be changed.

[0136] The body (10) can be formed in a structure in which outside air can flow into the interior of the body (10) while the cartridge (19) is inserted. At this time, the outside air flowing into the body (10) can pass through the cartridge (19) and flow into the user's oral cavity.

[0137] The cartridge (19) may include a storage portion (C0) containing an aerosol generating material and / or a heater (CH) for heating the aerosol generating material in the storage portion (C0). A liquid delivery means impregnating (containing) the aerosol generating material may be disposed inside the storage portion (C0). Here, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc. The electrically conductive track of the heater (CH) may be formed in a coil-shaped structure that winds the liquid delivery means or a structure that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means. The heater (CH) may be referred to as a cartridge heater (CH).

[0138] The cartridge (19) can perform the function of generating an aerosol by converting the phase of an aerosol generating substance inside the cartridge into a gas phase by operating with an electric signal or wireless signal transmitted from the body (10). In this case, the aerosol may mean a gas in a mixed state of vaporized particles and air generated from the aerosol generating substance.

[0139] An aerosol can be generated by heating the liquid delivery means and the liquid composition absorbed therein by the cartridge heater (CH). At this time, the aerosol can also be generated by heating the stick (S) by the heater (18). Tobacco material can be added to the aerosol while the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (CH) and the heater (18) passes through the stick (S), and the aerosol added with the tobacco material can be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through one end of the stick (S).

[0140] The aerosol generating device (1) may be equipped with only a cartridge heater (CH) and the body (10) may not be equipped with a heater (18). In this case, the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (CH) may pass through the stick (S) and be mixed with tobacco material and inhaled into the user's mouth.

[0141] The aerosol generating device (1) may include a cap (not shown). The cap may be detachably coupled to the body (10) so as to cover at least a portion of a cartridge (19) coupled to the body (10). A stick (S) may be inserted into the body (10) through the cap.

[0142] The power source (11) can supply power to the cartridge (CH) in addition to the aforementioned configuration. The control unit (12) can control the operation of the cartridge (19) in addition to the aforementioned configuration. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the cartridge heater (CH) so that the operation of the cartridge heater (CH) and / or the heater (18) is started or ended based on the result detected by the sensor (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater (CH) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the cartridge heater (CH) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the result detected by the sensor (13).

[0143] In addition to the aforementioned configuration, the sensor (13) may further include at least one of a color sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, and a cap detection sensor. For example, the sensor (13) may sense the temperature of the cartridge heater (CH). For example, the sensor (13) may sense the color of a portion of the wrapper surrounding the outside of the stick (S). For example, the sensor (13) may sense whether the cartridge (19) is mounted. For example, the sensor (13) may sense whether the cap is mounted.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 2h, a space is formed on one side of the body (10), and at least a portion of the cartridge (19) is inserted into the space formed on one side of the body (10) so that the cartridge (19) can be mounted on the body (10). At this time, the aerosol generating device (1) may only be provided with a cartridge heater (CH), and the body (10) may not be provided with a heater (e.g., heater (18) of FIG. 2f). That is, although the stick (S) is inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), direct heating of the stick (S) by the heater (18) does not occur (this means non-heating). However, steam may also be generated in the stick as the hot aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (CH) passes through the stick.

[0145] Tobacco material may be added to the aerosol (primary aerosol) generated by the cartridge heater (CH) while passing through the stick (S), and a secondary aerosol may be generated in the stick (S) by the high-temperature aerosol. The primary aerosol and the secondary aerosol are mixed, and the aerosol to which the tobacco material is added may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through one end of the stick (S). Meanwhile, the embodiment is not limited to omitting the heater (18). In another embodiment, the heater (18) may generate the aerosol by heating the stick (S) at a relatively low temperature (this means low-temperature heating).

[0146] The cartridge (19) can provide an upper-open space (insertion space) for inserting a stick (S). That is, in the present embodiment, the cartridge (19), rather than the body (10), can provide the insertion space, and the stick (S) can be inserted into the interior of the cartridge (19). Since the content regarding the insertion space is the same as described above, a description of the insertion space will be omitted.

[0147] The cartridge (19) may be formed in a structure in which outside air can be introduced into the interior of the cartridge (19) when the cartridge (19) is inserted into the body (10). The outside air introduced into the cartridge (19) can move along the interior of the cartridge (19) and then flow into the user's oral cavity through the stick (S) inserted into the cartridge (19). At this time, an airflow channel (CN) may be defined by the cartridge, and the cartridge (19) may communicate with the insertion space through the airflow channel (CN).

[0148] Although not shown in the drawing, the aerosol generating device (1) may also be configured as a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1). Alternatively, the heater (18) may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generating device (1) are combined.

[0149] The stick (S) may be similar to a typical combustion cigarette. For example, the stick (S) may be divided into a first portion (S1) containing an aerosol generating substance and a second portion (S2) containing a filter or the like.

[0150] The first portion (S1) may be formed as a sheet, a strand, or a tobacco sheet cut into small pieces. Furthermore, the first portion (S1) may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. The first portion (S1) may be referred to as a "medium portion" or a "tobacco rod" hereinafter.

[0151] The second portion (S2) may be a cellulose acetate filter. The second portion (S2) may be composed of at least one segment. For example, the second portion (S2) may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a predetermined component contained within the aerosol. The second portion (S2) may be referred to as a "filter rod" hereinafter.

[0152] Depending on the embodiment, the second portion (S2) of the stick (S) may also contain an aerosol generating substance. For example, an aerosol generating substance in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion (S2).

[0153] The entire first part (S1) may be inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), and the second part (S2) may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part (S1) may be inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), or the entire first part (S1) and a part of the second part (S2) may be inserted. The user may inhale the aerosol while holding the second part (S2) in his / her mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated as the outside air passes through the first part (S1), and the generated aerosol passes through the second part (S2) and is delivered to the user's mouth.

[0154] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0155] Referring to Fig. 3, the aerosol generating device includes a control unit (120), an output unit (140), an input unit (150), a memory (170), and a heater (180). Parts overlapping with those described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2 are omitted, and only parts related to the pause function according to the embodiment are described. The heater (180) illustrated in Fig. 3 may adopt the same configuration as the heater (18) described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2, or other modifications are possible.

[0156] In an embodiment, when the control unit (120) receives a user input signal for pausing the operation of the aerosol generating device (100), the control unit (120) controls the power supply to the heater (180) so that the temperature of the heater (180) reaches a temperature lower than the temperature defined in the temperature profile. Then, when the pause is released, the control unit (120) controls the power supply to the heater (180) so that the temperature of the heater (180) reaches the temperature defined in the temperature profile. In addition, the control unit (120) controls to extend the operation time of the aerosol generating device by the paused time. Here, the temperature defined in the temperature profile may be 220 degrees to 300 degrees, and the temperature lower than the temperature defined in the temperature profile may be 120 degrees to 180 degrees, but is not limited to that temperature range.

[0157] The output unit (140) outputs a notification corresponding to the operating status of the aerosol generating device (100). In an embodiment, the output unit (140) outputs a pause notification, a pause notifiable notification, a pause release notification, a reheating notification, or a reheating completion notification, etc., under the control of the control unit (120), so that the user can easily check the progress of the pause. Here, the output unit (140) may include a visual means, an auditory means, a tactile means, etc.

[0158] The input unit (150) receives a user input signal from a user of the aerosol generating device. Here, the user input signal may be a signal corresponding to a button input, a gesture input, or a puff input. In an embodiment, the user input signal may include a user input for pausing, a user input for releasing the pause, etc.

[0159] The memory (170) stores the temperature profile of the heater (180) and the operating time of the aerosol generating device (100). The temperature profile means that the target temperature is defined according to the operating time of the heater (180). For example, the temperature profile may be a temperature range between 220 degrees and 300 degrees, but is not limited to that range. In addition, the operating time means the time from when the aerosol generating product is inserted until the heating starts and ends. For example, the operating time may be a time of 4 to 6 minutes, but is not limited to that range.

[0160] In an embodiment, the control unit (120) may control the power supply to the heater (180) so that the temperature of the heater (180) reaches the temperature defined in the temperature profile when the pause is released. In this case, the control unit (120) may control the output unit (140) to output a reheating notification. In addition, the control unit (120) may control the output unit (140) to output a reheating completion notification when the pause is released and the temperature of the heater (180) reaches the temperature defined in the temperature profile again. Here, the temperature defined in the temperature profile may be the temperature of the temperature profile at the time of the pause or a temperature higher than the temperature of the temperature profile at the time of the pause.

[0161] In an embodiment, a reheating time for controlling power supply to the heater (180) so that the temperature of the heater (180) reaches a temperature defined in the temperature profile may be preset or fixed. For example, the reheating or reheating time may be within 5 to 10 seconds. The reheating time may be set longer or shorter depending on the length of the pause. For example, when the length of the pause is less than 1 minute, the reheating time may be set to 5 seconds, but when the length of the pause is 1 minute or longer, the reheating time may be set to 10 seconds.

[0162] In an embodiment, the control unit (120) may determine whether the time required to reach the reheating target temperature during reheating is within the reheating time. If the time required to reach the reheating target temperature is earlier than the reheating time, the control unit (120) may control to maintain the target temperature until the set reheating time. This allows sufficient heat transfer to the medium portion of the aerosol generating article to be achieved even if the reheating target temperature is reached too early. In addition, optionally, if the time required to reach the reheating target temperature is earlier than the set reheating time, the control unit (120) may control the output unit (140) to immediately output a reheating completion notification without waiting until the set reheating time. In addition, optionally, if the reheating target temperature is not reached within the reheating time, the control unit (120) may complete the reheating and control the temperature of the heater to follow the temperature profile. In this case, the control unit (120) can control the output unit (140) to output a reheating completion notification.

[0163] In an embodiment, the control unit (120) may determine that the pause is released when a user input signal for releasing the pause is received after the pause, or when a predetermined pause time has elapsed. For example, the pause may be released when a signal corresponding to a button input, a gesture input, or a puff input is received as a user input signal for releasing the pause. In addition, the pause may be determined to be released when a predetermined pause time, for example, 2 minutes, has elapsed after the pause. Here, the 2-minute time is exemplary and is not limited thereto. Therefore, the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment can not only increase user convenience for pausing and releasing the pause, but also reduce battery consumption and consumption of active ingredients included in the aerosol generating product due to excessive pausing.

[0164] In an embodiment, if the control unit (120) detects movement of the aerosol generator after a pause, it may determine that the pause has been released. For example, if it determines that the user holds the aerosol generator before pressing the button to release the pause, or if it determines that the user takes the aerosol generator out of a pocket after a pause to release the pause, it may determine that the pause has been released and reheating may begin. Here, the movement of the aerosol generator may be detected using a motion detection sensor including a gyro sensor. In addition, it may be determined whether the aerosol generator has been released by a touch sensor that can detect holding the aerosol generator. Therefore, even if the user does not explicitly intend to release the pause, it is determined that the pause has been released and then reheating is started, thereby shortening the time required for reheating and reducing the discontinuity felt by the user. In an embodiment, the aforementioned configuration can shorten the reheating or reheating time required to lower the temperature after a pause in an aerosol generating device utilizing a relatively high temperature temperature profile, and then raise the temperature again to a high temperature after the pause is lifted.

[0165] In an embodiment, the number of pauses during a single smoking action or a single smoking series (e.g., 14 puffs or 4 minutes) may be limited to a predetermined number, for example, 1 to 2. In an embodiment, if the control unit (120) receives a user input signal for a number of pauses exceeding the predetermined number, the output unit (140) may control the control unit (120) to output a pause-inability notification. Accordingly, battery consumption due to excessive pauses and a decrease in the taste due to consumption of the active ingredient of the aerosol generating product can be prevented.

[0166] Figure 4 is a drawing explaining a pause operation according to another embodiment.

[0167] Referring to Fig. 4, a temperature profile is illustrated in which a target temperature (T) of the heater is defined according to the operation time (t) of the heater. When the operation of the aerosol generating device is initiated, the temperature of the heater rises to the maximum temperature (T1) and then preheating is completed at the time point (t1) when it reaches the preheating completion temperature (T2). Accordingly, the user can perform an inhalation operation using the aerosol generating device from the preheating completion time point (t1) to the operation end time point (t2). In Fig. 4, the temperature of the heater in the preheating section is illustrated as rising to the maximum temperature (T1), falling to the preheating completion temperature (T2), and then being maintained thereafter in the main heating section, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications are of course possible. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the operation time of the heater is up to t2, for example, 4 minutes, the smoking section is from t1 to t2, and a certain number of puffs, for example, 14 puffs, may be possible within the smoking section.

[0168] When a user input signal corresponding to a pause is received at time point (tp1), the aerosol generating device enters a pause state. At time point (tp1), the temperature of the heater is controlled to decrease to a temperature (T3) lower than the current temperature (T1). When the pause state is released, for example, when a user input signal corresponding to a pause release is received at time point (tp2), the pause is released, and the temperature of the heater is controlled to increase again to the target temperature (T2). Here, the heater may be controlled to increase to the target temperature (T2) or a temperature higher than the target temperature (T2). When the temperature rises to the target temperature (T2) at time point (tp3), a reheating completion notification may be output, and the user may inhale the aerosol through the aerosol generating device again. Here, the reheating time may be preset. For example, it is possible to determine whether the time taken from the pause release time (tp2) to the time (tp3) when the target temperature (T2) is reached is faster than the reheating time, and then output a reheating completion notification after maintaining the target temperature (T2) during the reheating time, or output a reheating completion notification even if the target temperature (T2) is not reached during the reheating time. In addition, optionally, the output unit may output a reheating completion notification immediately when the target temperature (T2) is reached in a time faster than the reheating time.

[0169] As previously explained, the heater's operating time is set to t2, but the operating time is extended during the paused time. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the heater's operating time is extended to time point (t3). Here, the extended time may be tp2-tp1, from the pause (tp1) to the pause release (tp2), or tp3-tp1, from the pause (tp1) to the completion of reheating (tp3).

[0170] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0171] Referring to FIG. 5, in step 500, when the operation of the aerosol generating device is initiated, an aerosol is generated from an aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device by heating the aerosol generating device, and the user can inhale the aerosol by inhalation.

[0172] In step 502, a user input signal for pausing the operation of the aerosol generating device is received. Here, the user input signal may include a button input, a gesture input, a puff input, etc.

[0173] In step 504, the power supply to the heater is controlled so that the temperature of the heater at the pause point reaches a temperature lower than the temperature defined in the temperature profile. Here, the lower temperature may be a temperature in a range where the active ingredient of the aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device is not vaporized.

[0174] In step 506, when the pause is released, the power supply to the heater is controlled so that the temperature of the heater reaches a temperature defined in the temperature profile. Here, the release of the pause may be the same as the user input signal input in step 502. Also, optionally, even before the user input signal is input, if movement of the aerosol generating device is detected, it may be determined that the pause is released. Also, optionally, the pause may be determined to be released when a preset pause time, for example, 2 minutes, has elapsed. Here, the power supply to the heater means that the temperature of the heater, which has been lowered during the pause, is reheated to a temperature defined in the temperature profile, and may be a temperature within a range where the active ingredient of the aerosol generating product is vaporized.

[0175] In step 508, the operation time of the aerosol generating device is controlled to be extended by the paused time. The time until the pause is released after the pause or the time from steps 502 to 506 is added to the preset operation time of the aerosol generating device.

[0176] In step 510, after resuming operation of the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device is terminated when the operating conditions are met.

[0177] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a pause operation according to another embodiment, and FIGS. 7 and 8 are example diagrams for outputting a user notification for the pause operation.

[0178] Referring to FIG. 6, at step 600, the operation of the aerosol generating device is initiated. The operation of the aerosol generating device may be initiated by a user input, for example, pressing a power button or a start button, or by inserting an aerosol generating item. Here, the operation of the aerosol generating device may be set for an operation time or a user puff count. For example, an operation time of 4 minutes or 14 puffs may be set, but the time or number of puffs is not limited thereto.

[0179] In step 601, if the operation termination condition is satisfied, the operation is terminated. If the operation termination condition is not satisfied, in step 602, it is determined whether a pause has been input. If a pause has been input, in step 604, it is determined whether the number of pauses has exceeded a threshold number. If the number of pauses has exceeded the threshold number, a pause-inability notification is provided in step 605. For example, if the threshold number is set to 1, if a second pause is input during 1 smoking action or 1 smoking series, a pause-inability notification is output. As illustrated in FIG. 8, a pause-inability notification is output on a display screen (820), which is an example of an output unit, and the operation mode is returned.

[0180] In step 604, if the number of pauses does not exceed the threshold number, in step 606, the aerosol generating device enters pause mode and is controlled to lower the temperature of the heater. Referring to FIG. 7, when a pause is input on the display screen (710) as an example of an output unit, a pause notification is output on the display screen (720). Here, an icon indicating a pause and the number of puffs currently paused, 10, are shown. Here, while the pause notification is output on the display screen (720), the temperature of the heater is controlled to reach a low temperature, and the temperature of the heater can be maintained within a range in which the active ingredient of the aerosol generating product is not vaporized during the pause time.

[0181] In step 608, if a pause release is input, the temperature of the heater is controlled to increase in step 610. Here, increasing the temperature of the heater means reheating or reheating, and in step 612, when the target temperature is reached, a reheating completion notification is output. In step 608, even if a pause release is not input, and even if the pause time has elapsed in step 609, the temperature of the heater is controlled to increase to the target temperature of the temperature profile or higher in step 610. Referring to FIG. 7, if it is determined that the pause is released in the pause state, an icon corresponding to reheating is output on the display screen (730). Then, when the temperature of the heater reaches the target temperature of the temperature profile again and reheating is completed, a reheating completion notification is output on the display screen (740), and the system returns to the operating mode.

[0182] In step 614, the operation time of the aerosol generating device is extended by the pause time and the process returns to step 600. Then, in step 601, the operation termination condition is changed to the extended operation time to determine whether the operation of the aerosol generating device has been terminated. For example, if the operation time of the aerosol generating device is 4 minutes or 14 puffs and the pause time is 1 minute, the changed operation termination condition is 5 minutes. Therefore, the operation of the aerosol generating device is terminated when it reaches 14 puffs or 5 minutes. However, even if it does not reach 5 minutes, the operation of the aerosol generating device may be terminated when it reaches 14 puffs.

[0183] The aerosol generating device according to the embodiment may be a platform that heats cigarettes at a relatively high temperature, rather than a platform that heats cigarettes at a low temperature. Furthermore, the heater temperature is not lowered even during pauses, thereby resolving the problem of active ingredients being vaporized and consumed.

[0184] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment can lower the temperature of a heater during a pause, thereby preventing an active ingredient contained in an inserted aerosol generating article from evaporating until the pause is released.

[0185] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment can improve user convenience by outputting a notification so that the user can easily check the entire process related to a pause.

[0186] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment can guarantee a sufficient smoking time to a user by preventing the set operating time for a single smoking action or a single smoking series from being reduced due to a pause function inevitably executed by the user.

[0187] The aerosol generating device according to the embodiment may initiate reheating in advance to reduce the time required for reheating after a pause is lifted. For example, if the maximum pause time is 2 minutes, reheating may be initiated 5 seconds in advance. Reheating may also be initiated in advance by predicting user input. For example, reheating may be initiated when the user picks up the device to restart it after a pause, or reheating may be initiated after a set period of time based on the user's smoking pattern.

[0188] This pre-reheating feature reduces the time required to reheat the device to generate sufficient aerosols when the user inevitably pauses the device for any reason or purpose and then resumes operation. This eliminates the sense of discontinuity felt by the user and enhances user convenience.

[0189] 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.

[0190] 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.

[0191] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. In the aerosol generating device, A heater for heating at least a portion of an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating material; A storage unit in which the temperature profile of the heater and the operating time of the aerosol generating device are stored; An output unit that outputs a notification corresponding to the operating status of the aerosol generating device; and During the above operation time, a control unit is included that controls the output of the notification and controls the power supply of the heater to correspond to the temperature profile, The above control unit, Upon receiving a user input signal that pauses the operation of the aerosol generating device, the power supply to the heater is controlled so that the temperature of the heater reaches a temperature lower than the temperature defined in the temperature profile, An aerosol generating device that controls power supply to the heater so that the temperature of the heater reaches a temperature defined in the temperature profile when the above pause is released, and controls the operation time to be extended by the paused time.

2. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that controls the output unit to output a reheating completion notification when the temperature of the heater reaches a temperature defined in the temperature profile.

3. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device, wherein when the above pause is released and the power supply to the heater is controlled so that the temperature of the heater reaches a temperature defined in the temperature profile, the output unit is controlled to output a reheating notification.

4. In paragraph 1, A reheating time for controlling power supply to the heater so that the temperature of the heater reaches a temperature defined in the temperature profile is preset, The above control unit, If the temperature of the heater reaches the temperature defined in the temperature profile in a time faster than the preset reheating time, the power supply to the heater is controlled to be maintained until the preset reheating time, An aerosol generating device that controls the output unit to output a reheating completion notification when the preset reheating time has ended.

5. In paragraph 4, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that controls the output unit to output the reheating completion notification even if the temperature of the heater does not reach the temperature defined in the temperature profile within the preset reheating time.

6. In paragraph 4, The above control unit, If the above paused time is longer than the critical time, the preset reheating time is controlled to be extended by a predetermined time, An aerosol generating device that controls the preset reheating time to be shortened by a predetermined time when the above paused time is shorter than the above critical time.

7. In paragraph 4, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that controls the output unit to output a notification corresponding to the preset reheating time.

8. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that determines that the pause is lifted when a user input signal to lift the pause is received after the above-described pause or when a predetermined pause time has elapsed.

9. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that determines that the pause is lifted when movement of the aerosol generating device is detected after the pause.

10. In paragraph 1, The above user input signal is, An aerosol generating device, wherein the signal corresponds to at least one of a user button input, a user touch, a user puff, and a user gesture.

11. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that controls the power supply to the heater so that the temperature of the heater reaches a temperature higher than the temperature defined in the temperature profile when the above pause is released.

12. In paragraph 1, The temperature defined in the above temperature profile is 220 to 300 degrees, An aerosol generating device, wherein the low temperature is 120 to 180 degrees.

13. In paragraph 1, The number of pauses during the operation time of the aerosol generating device is predetermined, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that controls the output unit to output a pause-unable notification when a user input signal for a pause exceeding the predetermined number of times is received.

14. In a method for controlling an aerosol generating device, A step of receiving a user input signal for pausing the operation of the aerosol generating device; A step of controlling the power supply of the heater so that the temperature of the heater reaches a temperature lower than the temperature defined in the temperature profile; and A method for controlling an aerosol generating device, comprising the step of controlling power supply to the heater so that the temperature of the heater reaches a temperature defined in the temperature profile when the pause is released, and extending the operating time of the aerosol generating device by the paused time.

15. A recording medium recording a program for executing a control method of an aerosol generating device according to Article 14 on a computer.

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