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

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment comprises: a heater for heating at least a portion of an aerosol-forming article including an aerosol-forming substance; a storage unit for storing a temperature profile of the heater and an operation time of the aerosol-generating device; an output unit for outputting a notification corresponding to the operation state of the aerosol-generating device; a puff sensor for detecting a user's puffs during the operation time; and a control unit for controlling the output of the notification on the basis of at least one of the operation time and a preset number of puffs, and controlling power supply to the heater to correspond to the temperature profile, wherein the control unit determines the number of additional puffs to be additionally provided to the preset number of puffs on the basis of the time taken to perform a predetermined number of puffs within the preset number of puffs, and controls the output unit to output a notification corresponding to the determined number of additional puffs.

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] If the heater heats the aerosol generating substrate only for a preset period of time, the user may not be able to continue smoking even though the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substrate may be used to continue smoking.

[0006] In addition, the method of providing additional puffs or controlling the heating time of the heater based on the vaporization amount and residual amount of the aerosol generating substrate does not take into account the amount of the active ingredient of the aerosol generating article to be transferred, so there was a problem that the user's taste sensation was reduced when taking additional puffs.

[0007] In addition, providing additional puffs based on the user's puff strength or inhalation intensity has the problem that not only is there variation in the provision of additional puffs for each user, but it is also difficult for the user to easily confirm the provision of additional puffs.

[0008] One embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device and a control method thereof that can increase user reliability by uniformly providing additional puffs based on the time it takes to reach a predetermined number of puffs without causing a decrease in taste even when additional puffs are taken, taking into account the amount of active ingredient included in the aerosol generating product.

[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 for 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; a puff sensor for detecting a user puff during the operating time; and a control unit for controlling the output of the notification based on at least one of the operating time and a predetermined number of puffs, and controlling power supply of the heater to correspond to the temperature profile.

[0011] The control unit determines the number of additional puffs to be provided in addition to the predetermined number of puffs based on the time taken to reach a predetermined number of puffs within the predetermined number of puffs, and controls the output unit to output a notification corresponding to the determined number of additional puffs.

[0012] The above control unit can determine the number of additional puffs when the time required to reach a predetermined number of puffs within the predetermined number of puffs is shorter than the first threshold time.

[0013] The control unit may calculate an average puff time based on the time taken up to the predetermined number of puffs, and determine the number of additional puffs based on the remaining operation time obtained by subtracting the taken time from the operation time and the predetermined number of puffs and the average puff time.

[0014] The above average puff time may be a cumulative average of the time including the user's inhalation time and the interval between inhalations.

[0015] The above storage unit stores an average puff time calculated in advance based on the accumulated use of the aerosol generating device,

[0016] The above control unit can determine the number of additional puffs based on the average puff time stored in the storage unit.

[0017] The above temperature profiles are multiple, and the control unit can determine the number of additional puffs differently according to each temperature profile.

[0018] The plurality of temperature profiles include a first mode for controlling power supply to the heater according to a first temperature profile having a first average temperature, and a second mode for controlling power supply to the heater according to a second temperature profile having a second average temperature higher than the first average temperature.

[0019] The above control unit may, when determining the number of additional puffs, assign a weight to the first mode over the second mode.

[0020] The above control unit can control the output unit to output the remaining number of puffs according to the predetermined number of puffs.

[0021] The above control unit can control the output unit to output the determined number of additional puffs when the number of additional puffs is determined.

[0022] The above control unit can control the output unit to output a final remaining puff count that is the sum of the remaining puff count and the determined additional puff count.

[0023] The control unit may determine the number of additional puffs based on the minimum amount of the aerosol generating substance transferred according to the user puff during the operation time.

[0024] The control unit can determine the number of additional puffs based on the intensity of the user puff during the operation time.

[0025] The above control unit can determine the number of additional puffs to be the minimum if the time required to reach a predetermined number of puffs within the predetermined number of puffs is shorter than the first threshold time.

[0026] A method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment includes a step of determining a time required to reach a predetermined number of puffs within a predetermined number of puffs, a step of determining a number of additional puffs to be provided in addition to the predetermined number of puffs based on the time required, and a step of controlling to output a notification corresponding to the determined number of additional puffs.

[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 amount of active ingredient included in the aerosol generating article is taken into consideration so that no decrease in taste occurs even when additional puffs are taken, and user confidence can be increased by uniformly providing additional puffs based on the time it takes to reach a predetermined number of puffs.

[0029] Additionally, it can improve user experience and convenience by allowing users to easily confirm the provision of additional puffs.

[0030] 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.

[0031] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0032] Figures 2a to 2h illustrate aerosol generating devices according to various embodiments.

[0033] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0034] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the amount of nicotine transferred according to the number of puffs according to another embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of providing an additional puff according to another embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 7 is an example diagram for outputting a user notification for providing additional puffs according to another embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 8 is an example diagram for outputting a user notification for providing additional puffs according to another embodiment.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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).

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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).

[0047] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0048] 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).

[0049] 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).

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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).

[0055] In one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect a user's puff.

[0056] 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).

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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).

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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).

[0087] 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).

[0088] 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).

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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).

[0094] 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).

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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).

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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).

[0099] 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).

[0100] 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).

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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).

[0103] 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).

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] Figures 2a to 2h illustrate aerosol generating devices according to various embodiments.

[0115] 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).

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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).

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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).

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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).

[0122] 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).

[0123] 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).

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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).

[0126] 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).

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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 therein. 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 forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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).

[0133] 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).

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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).

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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).

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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).

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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).

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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).

[0147] 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.

[0148] The stick (S) may be similar to a typical combustion cigarette. For example, the stick (S) may be divided into a first part (S1) containing an aerosol generating substance and a second part (S2) containing a filter or the like.

[0149] 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.

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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).

[0152] 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.

[0153]

[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), a puff sensor (131), 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 additional puff function according to the embodiment are described. The heater (180) illustrated in Fig. 3 may adopt the configuration of the heater (18) described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2, or other modifications thereof are possible.

[0156] The heater (180) heats at least a portion of an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating material.

[0157] The memory (170) stores the temperature profile of the heater (180) and the operating time of the aerosol generating device.

[0158] The output unit (140) outputs a notification corresponding to the operating status of the aerosol generating device.

[0159] The puff sensor (131) detects the user puff during the operation time of the aerosol generating device.

[0160] The control unit (120) controls the output of the notification based on at least one of the operating time of the aerosol generating device and the predetermined number of puffs. In addition, the control unit (120) controls the power supply to the heater (180).

[0161] In an embodiment, the control unit (120) may determine the number of additional puffs to be provided in addition to the predetermined number of puffs based on the time taken to reach a predetermined number of puffs within the predetermined number of puffs. In this case, the control unit (120) may control the output unit (140) to output a notification corresponding to the determined number of additional puffs. For example, if the operation time of one smoking action or one smoking series is 4 minutes and the predetermined number of puffs is 14, if 11 puffs have been performed, and the time taken to reach 11 puffs is within 2 minutes and 30 seconds, an additional puff may be provided. That is, if 11 puffs are performed in 2 minutes and 30 seconds, the time taken per puff is approximately 15 seconds, and 5 puffs are possible during the remaining operation time of 1 minute and 30 seconds (the operation time ends when 4 minutes is reached), the number of additional puffs may be determined as 2 puffs. Here, the calculation is based on 11 puffs and the previous average puff time is explained, but it is not limited to this and various modifications are of course possible.

[0162] In an embodiment, the control unit (120) may determine the number of additional puffs if the time required to reach a predetermined number of puffs is shorter than a first threshold time within a predetermined number of puffs. For example, if the time required to reach 11 puffs is within 2 minutes and 30 seconds, the number of additional puffs may be determined. However, if the time required to reach 11 puffs exceeds 2 minutes and 30 seconds, no additional puffs may be provided, or only the minimum number of puffs, for example, 1 puff, may be additionally provided.

[0163] In an embodiment, the control unit (120) may calculate an average puff time based on the time taken up to a predetermined number of puffs. Here, the average puff time refers to the cumulative average of the time taken up to the user's inhalation time and the interval between inhalations, i.e., the time taken up to the next inhalation. For example, if the user inhales for 2 seconds and starts inhaling 10 seconds later, the puff time may be 12 seconds, and the average time taken up to 11 puffs may be the average puff time. The control unit (120) may determine the number of additional puffs possible during the remaining operation time by subtracting the time taken from the operation time based on the average puff time. For example, if the operation time is 4 minutes and the time taken up to 11 puffs is 2 minutes and 12 seconds, the remaining operation time is 1 minute and 48 seconds. Therefore, if the average puff time is 12 seconds, approximately 8 puffs are possible, and thus, in addition to the predetermined number of puffs, 14 puffs, 5 puffs may be determined as the additional number of puffs.

[0164] In an embodiment, the above-mentioned average puff time may be pre-calculated based on the accumulated use of the aerosol generating device. The memory (170) may store the pre-calculated average puff time. In an embodiment, the control unit (120) may also determine the number of additional puffs based on the average puff time stored in the memory (170).

[0165] In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device may have multiple temperature profiles and may operate in different operating modes depending on each temperature profile. For example, a first mode may be a mode that supplies power to the heater (180) according to a temperature profile having a low average temperature, and a second mode may be a mode that supplies power to the heater (180) according to a temperature profile having a high average temperature. In addition, each mode may have different operating times as well as different average temperatures. For example, the second mode may have a shorter operating time than the first mode.

[0166] In an embodiment, the control unit (120) may determine the number of additional puffs differently depending on each mode or each temperature profile. For example, in the first mode, if 2 additional puffs are provided, 1 additional puff may be provided in the second mode. Furthermore, when determining the number of additional puffs, the control unit (120) may determine the number of additional puffs by assigning different weights to each mode, or by assigning weights in the case of a low temperature profile.

[0167] In an embodiment, the control unit (120) may control the output unit (140) to output the number of remaining puffs according to a predetermined number. In addition, the control unit (120) may control the output unit (140) to output the number of additional puffs when the number of additional puffs is determined. In addition, the control unit (120) may control the output unit (140) to output the final remaining number of puffs, which is the number of remaining puffs plus the number of additional puffs. For example, when the predetermined number of puffs is 14 puffs, as one smoking action or one smoking series is performed and the user's puffs are performed, the remaining number of puffs, for example, 3 puffs, may be output, and then, if the additional puffs are determined to be 2 puffs, 2 additional puffs may be output. In addition, 5 puffs, which are the sum of 3 puffs and the additional 2 puffs, may be output as the remaining number of puffs. Therefore, the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment can not only ensure that there is no variation among users, but also increase the reliability of the device by allowing the user to easily check information on the number of additional puffs and the number of remaining puffs.

[0168] In an embodiment, the control unit (120) may determine the number of additional puffs based on the minimum amount of aerosol generating material delivered according to the user puff during the operation time of the aerosol generating device.

[0169] In general, nicotine, the main component of the taste that affects the satisfaction of smoking, tends to decrease in proportion to the heater operation time, i.e., the heating time, rather than the user's inhalation amount per puff. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the nicotine transfer amount according to the number of puffs tends to increase with the number of puffs and then gradually decrease. Here, each puff represents the result of an inhalation time of 2 seconds and an inter-puff interval of 16 seconds, and it takes approximately 3 minutes and 55 seconds to reach 14 puffs. In other words, the minimum transfer amount of nicotine, for example, 0.04 (mg), can be satisfied up to 14 puffs in 4 minutes, which is the operating time of the aerosol generating device.

[0170] In the embodiment, in light of the experimental results described above, by determining whether to provide an additional puff and the number of additional puffs based on the heating time of the heater, i.e., the operating time of the aerosol generating device, rather than the puff inhalation intensity or the puff inhalation amount, it is possible to implement such that even if additional puffs are provided, the minimum amount of nicotine transferred is satisfied. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, even if 1 to 3 puffs are additionally provided in addition to 14 puffs within an operating time of 4 minutes, the number of additional puffs can be determined based on a predetermined number of puffs, for example, the time required to reach 11 puffs or the remaining operating time, so that the minimum amount of nicotine transferred can be satisfied within the heating time of the heater or the operating time of the aerosol generating device. Therefore, the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment can provide a sufficient number of smoking times to the user without impairing the user's enjoyment even if it provides puffs in addition to the preset number of puffs. Additionally, the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment can increase the reliability of the device for the user by providing additional puff opportunities that are satisfactory to the user without additional battery consumption by not increasing the operating time.

[0171] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0172] Referring to FIG. 5, in step 500, the operation of the aerosol generating device is initiated and a single smoking operation or a series of smoking operations is performed. Here, the operation of the aerosol generating device may be initiated by a user pressing the operation initiation or power button after inserting an aerosol generating article into the aerosol generating device, or may be initiated immediately after the aerosol generating article is inserted.

[0173] In step 502, the time required to reach a predetermined number of puffs within a predetermined number of puffs is determined. The aerosol generating device sets the operating time and the predetermined number of puffs for one smoking action or one smoking series. For example, the operating time may be limited to 4 minutes and the number of puffs may be limited to 14, but is not limited thereto. The predetermined number of puffs may be arbitrarily set, but may be determined based on the number of puffs in the middle or latter half of the preset number of puffs. For example, the determination may be made based on the time required or remaining time until 11 puffs out of a total of 14 puffs are reached. In addition, the aerosol generating device may notify the user of the remaining number of puffs or that one smoking series is about to end a few puffs before the end. The number of additional puffs may be determined based on this point in time or the puff timing. Here, the predetermined number of puffs has been described as an example, but it is not limited thereto and various modifications are of course possible.

[0174] In step 504, the aerosol generating device determines the number of additional puffs based on the time elapsed. That is, the number of additional puffs that can be provided during the remaining time can be calculated based on the average puff time up to the previous time.

[0175] In step 506, the aerosol generating device outputs a notification corresponding to the determined number of additional puffs. Here, the number of additional puffs calculated in step 504, the number of remaining puffs excluding the number of puffs performed from the number of puffs predetermined in step 502, and the final number of remaining puffs reflecting the number of additional puffs may be output.

[0176] In step 508, the aerosol generating device operates by reflecting the number of added puffs as a new operation termination condition. Then, when the new operation condition, i.e., the number of added puffs, is completed or the operation time elapses, the operation of the aerosol generating device is terminated.

[0177] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of providing an additional puff according to another embodiment.

[0178] Referring to FIG. 6, at step 600, operation of the aerosol generating device is initiated.

[0179] In step 601, the aerosol generating device determines whether an operation termination condition is met. Here, the operation termination condition may include at least one of a predetermined number of puffs and a predetermined operation time.

[0180] In step 602, the aerosol generating device determines whether the predetermined number of puffs has been reached during operation. If the predetermined number of puffs has been reached in step 602, in step 604, it is determined whether additional puffs can be provided during the remaining time based on the time at which the predetermined number of puffs has been reached.

[0181] In step 604, if the aerosol generating device cannot provide an additional puff, the process returns to step 600. Alternatively, if the aerosol generating device cannot provide an additional puff, the process may return to step 600 after adding at least one additional puff, for example, one puff.

[0182] In step 604, if the aerosol generating device can provide additional puffs, in step 606, the number of additional puffs is calculated. The number of additional puffs can be calculated based on the previous average puff time, which is the number of puffs possible within the remaining operation time. In addition, the previous average puff time can be used as the total usage time of the aerosol generating device, i.e., the accumulated average puff time of the user, and stored. In addition to the user's average puff time, the user's puff characteristic data can be reflected and adjusted. For example, the average puff time can be weighted by reflecting the puff intensity or puff amount.

[0183] In step 608, the aerosol generating device changes the operation termination condition including the remaining number of puffs. That is, the operation termination condition can be changed by reflecting the additional number of puffs calculated in step 606 to the preset number of puffs, which is the operation termination condition of step 601.

[0184] In step 610, the aerosol generating device may output a notification corresponding to the number of additional puffs and / or the number of remaining puffs. Figures 7 and 8 are exemplary diagrams for outputting a user notification regarding the provision of additional puffs according to another embodiment. While a display screen is shown as an example of an output unit, user notifications may be provided through visual means, auditory means, tactile means, etc., and it is to be understood that various forms of notifications may be provided.

[0185] Referring to FIG. 7, display screens (710 to 740) in the first mode are illustrated. First, the remaining number of puffs (3) is output on the display screen (710). When 3 puffs remain (i.e., when 11 puffs are reached), the aerosol generating device can perform the additional puff count calculation process of steps 602 to 606. The aerosol generating device outputs the additional puff count (+2) on the display screen (720). Then, the aerosol generating device outputs the final remaining puff count (5) that is the sum of the additional puff count (+2) on the display screen (730). Then, the user puffs, and the remaining number of puffs (3) is output on the display screen (740) to inform the user that 3 puffs remain until the end of the aerosol generating device.

[0186] Referring to FIG. 8, display screens (810 to 840) in a second mode, which is different from the first mode described with reference to FIG. 7, are illustrated. First, the remaining number of puffs (3) is output on the display screen (810). The aerosol generating device can perform the additional puff count calculation process of steps 602 to 606 when 3 puffs remain (i.e., when 11 puffs are reached). The aerosol generating device outputs the additional puff count (+1) on the display screen (820). Here, the aerosol generating device can calculate the additional puff count differently for each mode preset by the user. Then, the aerosol generating device outputs the final remaining puff count (4) that adds up the additional puff count (+1) on the display screen (830). Then, the user's puff is processed, and the number of remaining puffs (3) is output on the display screen (840) to inform the user that there are 3 puffs left until the end of the aerosol generating device.

[0187] As described with reference to step 610 and FIGS. 7 and 8, the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment does not provide additional puffs based on the user's puff strength or inhalation intensity, but determines the provision of additional puffs based on the time required to reach a predetermined number of puffs, and then outputs the number of additional puffs and the final remaining number of puffs, thereby reducing the deviation in the provision of additional puffs for each user and enabling the user to easily confirm the provision of additional puffs.

[0188] Again at step 600, the remaining operation of the aerosol generating device proceeds, and at step 601, if the changed operation termination condition, i.e., the additional number of puffs provided, has been reached, the aerosol generating device terminates the operation.

[0189] Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be combined or used in combination with each other in their respective configurations or functions.

[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; A puff sensor that detects a user puff during the above operation time; and A control unit is included that controls the output of the notification based on at least one of the above operation time and the predetermined number of puffs, and controls the power supply of the heater to correspond to the temperature profile. The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that determines the number of additional puffs to be provided in addition to the predetermined number of puffs based on the time taken to reach a predetermined number of puffs within the predetermined number of puffs, and controls the output unit to output a notification corresponding to the determined number of additional puffs.

2. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that determines the number of additional puffs when the time required to reach a predetermined number of puffs within the above-determined number of puffs is shorter than a first threshold time.

3. In paragraph 2, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that calculates an average puff time based on the time taken up to the predetermined number of puffs, determines the number of additional puffs based on the remaining operation time obtained by subtracting the time taken from the operation time, and the predetermined number of puffs and the average puff time.

4. In paragraph 3, The above average puff time is, An aerosol generating device, which is a cumulative average of the time including the user's inhalation time and the interval between inhalations.

5. In paragraph 3, The above storage unit is, Store the pre-calculated average puff time based on the cumulative use of the above aerosol generating device, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that determines the number of additional puffs based on the average puff time stored in the storage unit.

6. In paragraph 1, The above temperature profiles are multiple, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that determines the number of additional puffs differently depending on each temperature profile.

7. In paragraph 6, The above multiple temperature profiles are, A first mode for controlling power supply to the heater according to a first temperature profile having a first average temperature; and A second mode for controlling the current supply of the heater according to a second temperature profile having a second average temperature higher than the first average temperature, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device, wherein when determining the number of additional puffs, the first mode is given more weight than the second mode.

8. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that controls the output unit to output the remaining number of puffs according to the predetermined number of puffs.

9. In paragraph 8, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device, wherein when the number of additional puffs is determined, the output unit is controlled to output the determined number of additional puffs.

10. In paragraph 9, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that controls the output unit to output a final remaining puff count that is the sum of the determined additional puff count and the remaining puff count.

11. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that determines the number of additional puffs based on the minimum amount of aerosol generating material delivered according to the user puff during the above operation time.

12. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that determines the number of additional puffs based on the intensity of the user puff during the above operation time.

13. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that determines the number of additional puffs to be the minimum when the time required to reach a predetermined number of puffs within the above-determined number of puffs is shorter than the first threshold time.

14. In a method for controlling an aerosol generating device, A step of determining the time required to reach a predetermined number of puffs within a predetermined number of puffs; A step of determining the number of additional puffs to be provided in addition to the predetermined number of puffs based on the time taken; and A method for controlling an aerosol generating device, comprising a step of controlling the output of a notification corresponding to the number of additional puffs determined above.

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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