Aerosol-generating apparatus

Abstract

An aerosol-generating apparatus is disclosed. An aerosol-generating apparatus of the present disclosure may comprise: a heater for heating an aerosol-generating material; a display; a power source for supplying power to the heater and the display; and a charging circuit for connecting the power source and the heater and transmitting, to the heater, power supplied from the power source, wherein the display is connected to the power source so as to receive power from the power source.

Description

Aerosol generator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

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

[0003] In an aerosol generator, a charging circuit is used to control the charging of the battery. Power can be supplied from the battery to each component of the aerosol generator, including the heater, through the charging circuit. During the power supply process to the components through the charging circuit, the voltage at the output terminal of the charging circuit may be lower than the output voltage of the battery due to the internal impedance of the charging circuit.

[0004] Aerosol generators are increasingly equipped with large-screen displays. If the voltage supplied to the display falls below a certain level, the display may experience flickering, a phenomenon that causes the screen to shake or flicker. As displays become larger and consume more power, the likelihood of flickering increases.

[0005] Since aerosol generators include components that carry a large current, such as heaters, the structure in which power is supplied to the heater via a charging circuit presents a problem in that a significant voltage drop occurs due to the charging circuit, and the voltage applied to a display connected to the charging circuit also decreases. Thus, the power supply structure of conventional aerosol generators can cause flickering on the display, which can be uncomfortable for the user.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned and other problems.

[0007] Another purpose may be to provide an aerosol generating device in which the heater is connected to a power source through the charging circuit and the display is connected to a power source separately from the charging circuit.

[0008] Another purpose may be to provide an aerosol generator in which the switch connecting the display to the power supply has a lower internal impedance than the charging circuit.

[0009] Another purpose may be to provide an aerosol generator in which the threshold voltage for cutting off power to the heater is lower than the minimum operating voltage of the display.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described object, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising: a heater for heating an aerosol production material; a display; a power source for supplying power to the heater and the display; and a charging circuit for connecting the power source and the heater and transmitting power supplied from the power source to the heater; wherein the display is connected to the power source and receives power from the power source.

[0011] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heater is connected to a power source through a charging circuit, and the display has a structure that is connected to a power source separately from the charging circuit, so that the voltage supplied to the display can be prevented from being lowered due to a voltage drop caused by the charging circuit, and a flickering phenomenon can be prevented from occurring in the display.

[0012] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a switch connecting a display to a power source has a structure having an internal impedance smaller than that of a charging circuit, so that a voltage drop caused by the switch can be smaller than a voltage drop caused by the charging circuit, thereby preventing a voltage supplied to the display from being lowered.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a structure is provided in which a threshold voltage for cutting off power supply to a heater is lower than a minimum driving voltage of a display, thereby preventing a decrease in the number of puffs that a user can inhale in order to reduce display flickering.

[0014] Further scope of the applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description below. However, since various modifications and variations within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of example only.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 5 is a circuit diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 6 is a circuit diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating power supply control of a heater of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating changes in power output voltage, display applied voltage, and charging circuit output voltage according to the number of puffs in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating power supply control of a heater and a display of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating changes in power output voltage, display applied voltage, and charging circuit output voltage according to the number of puffs in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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).

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0030] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory (17)) readable by a machine (e.g., an aerosol generating device (1)). For example, a processor (e.g., a control unit (12)) of the machine (e.g., an aerosol generating device (1)) may call at least one command among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called command. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0031] 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).

[0032]

[0033] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] 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).

[0035] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) can detect the state of the aerosol generating device (1) or the state around the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (12). For example, the sensor unit (13) may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a reuse detection sensor, an overly moist detection sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor, and / or a movement detection sensor. Meanwhile, the sensor unit (13) may further include various sensors, such as a liquid remaining amount sensor for detecting the liquid remaining amount of the cartridge, and an immersion sensor for detecting immersion of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the power source (11). The temperature sensor can be positioned adjacent to the power source (11). For example, the temperature sensor can be attached to one surface of the power source (11) (e.g., a battery) and / or mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board. For example, the aerosol generating device (1) can include a power protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor can be positioned adjacent to the power source (11) together with the power protection circuit.

[0040] 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).

[0041] In one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect a user's puff.

[0042] 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).

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0047] In one embodiment, an insertion detection sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating item. The insertion detection sensor can be installed around the insertion space. Additionally, the insertion detection sensor can include any combination of the examples described above.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] The insertion detection sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented with various sensors (e.g., proximity sensors, etc.) for detecting the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. Furthermore, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above. In one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may include a switch or the like for detecting pressure by an aerosol-generating article.

[0051] In one embodiment, a reuse detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article has been reused. For example, the reuse detection sensor may be a color sensor for detecting the color of the aerosol-generating article. When the aerosol-generating article is used by a user, a color change may occur in a portion of a wrapper surrounding the exterior of the aerosol-generating article due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor can output a signal corresponding to an optical characteristic (e.g., a wavelength of light) corresponding to the color of the wrapper based on light reflected from the wrapper. If a change in the color of a portion of the wrapper is detected, the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] For example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an optical sensor for detecting an identification material (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., wrapper) of an aerosol-generating article. The optical sensor may irradiate light toward the identification material (or identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article and detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating article based on the reflected light. For example, the identification material may include a material that emits light in a specific wavelength range based on the irradiated light. The control unit (12) may detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating article based on the range of the wavelength.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] In one embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor may detect the mounting and / or removal of a cartridge. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), and / or an optical sensor.

[0059] In one embodiment, the cap detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of the cap. For example, the cap detection sensor can include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), and / or an optical sensor. The cap can include a structure that covers at least a portion of a cartridge mounted or inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), or covers at least a portion of a housing of the aerosol generating device (1). The cap detection sensor can output a signal corresponding to the mounting or removal when the cap is mounted on or removed from the housing, and the control unit (12) can detect the mounting or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the mounting or removal.

[0060] 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.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) may further include, in addition to the aforementioned sensors, at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (Global Positioning System, GPS), or a proximity sensor. Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the output unit (14) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1). The output unit (14) can include, but is not limited to, a display, a haptic unit, and / or an audio output unit. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (1) can include a charging / discharging status of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), a preheating status of the heater (18, 24), an insertion / removal status of an aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge, a mounting and / or removal status of a cap, or a status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article). The display can visually provide information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the display can include a light emitting diode (LED) light emitting element, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display, if it includes a touch pad, can also be used as an input unit (15). The haptic unit can provide tactile information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the haptic unit can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electrical stimulation device, etc. The acoustic output unit can provide audible information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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).

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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).

[0073] 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).

[0074] 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).

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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).

[0080] 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).

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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).

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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).

[0085] 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).

[0086] 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).

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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).

[0089] 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).

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100]

[0101] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a housing (10), a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), and / or a heater (182, 183) (e.g., the heater (18) of FIG. 1). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that the components included in the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, and that some of the components may be omitted or new configurations may be added. The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 2 may be referred to as an 'internal heating type' aerosol generating device that heats the inside of the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 3 may be referred to as an 'external heating type' aerosol generating device that heats the outside of the aerosol generating article (2). In the drawings below, any description overlapping with that of FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) may provide a space that is opened upwardly to allow an aerosol-generating article (2) to be inserted. In the present disclosure, the space that is opened upwardly may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the interior of the housing (10) to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may be longer than the length of a region of the aerosol-generating article (2) containing an aerosol-generating material and / or medium. The lower end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the housing (10), and the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may protrude outside the housing (10). A user may hold the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (2) exposed to the outside in his / her mouth and inhale the aerosol.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the heater (182, 183) can heat the aerosol generating article (2).

[0105] Referring to FIG. 2, the heater (182) may be an internal heating type heater.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the internally heated heater may extend upwardly in a space (i.e., an insertion space) into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the internally heated heater may include a rod-shaped or needle-shaped heating element as illustrated, but may also include various heating elements such as a tubular heating element or a plate-shaped heating element. The internally heated heater may be inserted through the lower portion of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0107] According to one embodiment, the internal heating heater may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater.

[0108] For example, an electric resistance heater may include an electric resistance material on the inside (e.g., an inner hollow portion or inner surface) or the outside (e.g., an outer surface), and may be heated as current flows through the electric resistance material. In this case, the electric resistance heater may be electrically connected to a power source (11), and may directly generate heat by receiving current from the power source (11). In addition, the induction coil (181) may be omitted.

[0109] For example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an induction coil (181) that surrounds at least a portion of the internal heating type heater (e.g., is disposed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator or the like may be further included on the outside of the induction coil (181) to increase the efficiency of induction heating. The induction heating type heater includes a susceptor and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (181). According to one embodiment, the induction heating type heater (e.g., susceptor) (or a heater module including the same) may be arranged to be detachable from the housing (10).

[0110] According to one embodiment, the heater (182) may be a multi-heater. The multi-heater may include a first heater and a second heater, and may be inserted into the aerosol generating article (2). The first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of two or more aerosol generating rods, respectively (respectively). Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of a first portion and a second portion of one aerosol generating rod, respectively. Meanwhile, when the heater (182) is an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be respectively disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may respectively be disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first part and the second part of one heater (182). In addition, three or more heaters and / or induction coils may be included.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the susceptor may be disposed (or included) within the aerosol generating article (2) (e.g., the medium portion), and the susceptor included within the aerosol generating article (2) may be implemented to generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from an induction coil (181).

[0112] Referring to FIG. 3, the heater (183) may be an external heating type heater.

[0113] In one embodiment, the external heating heater may extend upwardly around the space into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). For example, the external heating heater may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. For example, the external heating heater may have a tubular shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) having a hollow space therein. The external heating heater may also have a shape having a hollow space on the inside and surrounding the hollow space. In this case, the external heating heater may be supported by a polyimide film. A heater supported by such a film may be referred to as a film heater. The external heating heater may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The external heating heater may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the hollow space.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the external heating heater may include an electric resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater, and a description overlapping with FIG. 2 will be omitted. Meanwhile, in the case of an induction heating heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an external heating heater implemented as a tubular susceptor, and may include an induction coil (181) surrounding at least a portion of the external heating heater (e.g., disposed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In addition, the induction coil (181) may include a fan coil. Meanwhile, when the external heating heater is an electric resistance heater, a separate induction coil (181) may be omitted since heat generation is possible through current flow on a tubular electric resistance heater (e.g., a film heater). Meanwhile, an insulating material may be disposed on the outside of the external heating heater. Through this, heat radiating from the heater (183) in an outward direction and applied to the outside of the housing (10) may be reduced.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) may be a multiple heater, and the first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction to surround at least a portion of the insertion space, respectively. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. Meanwhile, when the heater (183) is an induction heating heater, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater, respectively. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first portion and the second portion of one heater (183), respectively.

[0116] Unlike as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the heater (182) of FIG. 2 and the heater (183) of FIG. 3 may be included together in the aerosol generating device (1). In this case, the heater (182) may heat the inside of the aerosol generating article (2), and the heater (183) may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0117] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing (10) may include a structure (e.g., a hole) through which air can be introduced from the outside into the housing (10). The air introduced into the housing (10) may be introduced into the aerosol generating article (2) through the lower end (i.e., the upstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generated based on the heating of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the upper end (i.e., the downstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2) together with the introduced air.

[0118]

[0119] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0120] Referring to Fig. 4, the body (10) (e.g., the housing (10) of Figs. 2 and 3) may include elongated side walls (101, 102), a cover (103) forming one end, a base (104) forming the other end, and a door (110) for opening and closing the insertion space (43). The body (10) may have a cylindrical shape elongated in one direction.

[0121] The body (10) may include side walls (101, 102) forming an outer surface. The side walls (101, 102) may include curved surfaces extending along the circumferential direction of the body (10).

[0122] The side walls (101, 102) may include a first side wall (101). The first side wall (101) may extend in the circumferential direction of the body (10). The first side wall (101) may be bent in the circumferential direction of the body (10) and form a space therein. One side of the first side wall (101) may be open. The cross section of the first side wall (101) may have a loop shape with one side open.

[0123] The side walls (101, 102) may include a second side wall (102). The second side wall (102) may extend in the longitudinal direction of the body (10). The second side wall (102) may be joined to the first side wall (101). The second side wall (102) may be positioned between both ends of the first side wall (101) in the circumferential direction and may form a surface continuous with the first side wall (101). The second side wall (102) may cover one side of the first side wall (101) that is opened in the lateral direction.

[0124] The body (10) may include a cover (103) forming one end in the longitudinal direction. The cover (103) may be coupled to one end in the longitudinal direction of the first side wall (101) and one end in the longitudinal direction of the second side wall (102).

[0125] The body (10) may include a door (110). The door (110) may be coupled to a cover (103). The door (110) may open and close the insertion space (43, see FIGS. 2 and 3) in a sliding manner. A rail (105) may be formed on the cover (103). The door (110) may slide along the rail (105).

[0126] The body (10) may include a base (104) forming a longitudinal end. The base (104) may be coupled to the longitudinal end of the first side wall (101) and the longitudinal end of the second side wall (102).

[0127] A button (106) (e.g., input unit (15) of Fig. 1) may be provided on the body (10). The button (106) may be inserted into a hole formed on one side of the second side wall (102).

[0128] A display (141) (e.g., output unit (14) of FIG. 1) may be provided on the body (10). The display (141) may be disposed on the second side wall (102). The display (141) may extend along the longitudinal direction of the body (10). The display (141) may visually provide information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. The display (141) may be an LED light-emitting element, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or the like.

[0129]

[0130] Fig. 5 is a circuit diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 5, the aerosol generating device (1) may include at least one of a power source (11), a control unit (12), a heater (18), a display (141), and a charging circuit (210).

[0132] A heater (18) may be placed in the body (10). The heater (18) may receive power from a power source (11) and heat an insertion space (43) provided in the body (10) and / or a stick (2) (e.g., an aerosol product (2) of FIGS. 2 and 3) inserted into the insertion space (43). The heater (18) may include the features of the heater (18) described above in FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0133] The power source (11) can supply power to the heater (18). The power source (11) can supply power to the heater (18) under the control of the control unit (12).

[0134] The charging circuit (210) can be connected to a heater (18), a power source (11), and a control unit (12). The charging circuit (210) can transmit power supplied from the power source (11) to the heater (18) under the control of the control unit (12). The charging circuit (210) can be referred to as a charger.

[0135] The charging circuit (210) can electrically connect the power source (11) and the heater (18). The power source (11) can be connected to the input terminal (211) of the charging circuit (210), and the heater (18) can be connected to the output terminal (212) of the charging circuit (210).

[0136] The charging circuit (210) can charge the power source (11) or transmit power to the heater (18) under the control of the control unit (12). For example, when an external power source (not shown) is electrically connected to the aerosol generator (1), the charging circuit (210) can supply power supplied from the external power source to the power source (11) or the heater (18). The charging circuit (210) can convert the power supplied from the external power source into power suitable for charging the power source (11). For example, when the external power source is not electrically connected to the aerosol generator (1), the charging circuit (210) can transmit power supplied from the power source (11) to the heater (18).

[0137] The display (141) can be connected to a power source (11). The display (141) can be connected to the power source (11) and receive power from the power source (11).

[0138] The display (141) can be connected to the power source (11) separately from the charging circuit (210). For example, the display (141) can be connected in parallel with the charging circuit (210) to the power source (11). The display (141) can be electrically connected to the power source (11) without going through the charging circuit (210) and can receive power from the power source (11).

[0139] The charging circuit (210) may include switching elements therein. For example, the charging circuit (210) may include power switching elements such as field effect transistors (FETs). When the switching elements within the charging circuit (210) are turned on, power supplied from the power source (11) through the input terminal (211) and the output terminal (212) of the charging circuit (210) may be transmitted to elements connected to the output terminal (212). Due to the power switching elements included in the charging circuit (210), an impedance (Zc) may exist between the input terminal (211) and the output terminal (212) of the charging circuit (210). When power of the power source (11) is transmitted through the charging circuit (210), a voltage drop may occur between the input terminal (211) and the output terminal (212) due to the impedance (Zc) of the charging circuit (210). The voltage (Vsys) of the output terminal (212) of the charging circuit (210) may be lower than the voltage of the input terminal (211) of the charging circuit (210) by the amount of the voltage drop that occurs in the charging circuit (210). For example, the voltage (Vsys) of the output terminal (212) of the charging circuit (210) may be lower than the voltage of the input terminal (211) of the charging circuit (210), i.e., the output voltage (Vbat) of the power source (11).

[0140] The heater (18) is connected to a power source (11) through a charging circuit (210), and the display (141) has a structure that is connected to the power source (11) separately from the charging circuit (210), so that the voltage supplied to the display (141) can be prevented from being lowered due to a voltage drop generated by the charging circuit (210), and a flickering phenomenon can be prevented from occurring in the display (141).

[0141]

[0142] Fig. 6 is a circuit diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0143] Among the configurations illustrated in Fig. 6, detailed descriptions of configurations that overlap with those in Fig. 5 are omitted.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a first switch (260). The display (141) may be connected to a power source (11) through the first switch (260), separately from the charging circuit (210). The first switch (260) may connect the power source (11) and the display (141). The first switch (260) may transmit power supplied from the power source (11) to the display (141).

[0145] The first switch (260) may include switching elements therein. For example, the first switch (260) may include switching elements such as FETs therein. An impedance (Zs) may exist between the input terminal (261) and the output terminal (262) of the first switch (260) due to the switching elements included in the first switch (260). When power from the power source (11) is transmitted through the first switch (260), a voltage drop may occur between the input terminal (261) and the output terminal (262) due to the impedance (Zs) of the first switch (260). The voltage (Vd) of the output terminal (262) of the first switch (260) may be lower than the voltage of the input terminal (261) of the first switch (260) by the amount of the voltage drop that occurs in the first switch (260). For example, the voltage (Vd) of the output terminal (262) of the first switch (260) may be lower than the voltage of the input terminal (211) of the first switch (260), i.e., the output voltage (Vbat) of the power source (11).

[0146] The first switch (260) may be an element having a current capacity through which the current required to drive the display (141) can flow. In contrast, the charging circuit (210) may be connected to a heater (18) that heats an aerosol production material and a control unit (12), and, depending on the embodiment, may further be connected to at least one sensor (e.g., a sensor unit (13) of FIG. 1) and a vibration motor (e.g., an output unit (14) of FIG. 1). Accordingly, the charging circuit (210) may be an element having a current capacity through which the current required to drive the corresponding elements can flow, since it is connected to elements through which a relatively large amount of current flows, such as the heater (18), and various components of other aerosol generating devices. In other words, the magnitude of the maximum allowable current of the first switch (260) may be smaller than the magnitude of the maximum allowable current of the charging circuit (210).

[0147] The impedance (Zs) between the input terminal (261) and the output terminal (262) of the first switch (260) may be smaller than the impedance (Zc) between the input terminal (211) and the output terminal (212) of the charging circuit (210). In other words, even if the same amount of current flows through the first switch (260) and the charging circuit (210), the voltage drop between the input terminal (261) and the output terminal (262) of the first switch (260) may be smaller than the voltage drop between the input terminal (211) and the output terminal (212) of the charging circuit (210).

[0148] The switch (260) that connects the display (141) to the power source (11) has a structure with an internal impedance smaller than that of the charging circuit (210), so that the voltage drop caused by the switch can be smaller than the voltage drop caused by the charging circuit (210), and thus the voltage supplied to the display (141) can be prevented from decreasing.

[0149] The control unit (12) can control the operation of the charging circuit (210) and the first switch (260). For example, the control unit (12) can control the switching of the switching elements of the charging circuit (210). For example, the control unit (12) can control the switching of the switching elements of the first switch (260).

[0150] The control unit (12) can independently control the operation of the charging circuit (210) and the first switch (260). The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) based on the voltage (Vsys) of the output terminal (212) of the charging circuit (210). In addition, the control unit (12) can control the on / off operation of the first switch (260) separately from the control of the power supplied to the heater (18).

[0151] The feature that the control unit (12) independently controls the operation of the charging circuit (210) and the first switch (260) is described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10.

[0152] A first regulator (250) may be further provided between the first switch (260) and the power source (11). The first regulator (250) may connect the power source (11) and the first switch (260). The first regulator (250) may convert the voltage (Vbat) output from the power source (11). For example, the first regulator (250) may be implemented using a low dropout regulator or the like, which converts the voltage (Vbat) output from the power source (11).

[0153] Accordingly, the voltage applied to the first switch (260) and the display (141) can be stabilized.

[0154] A second regulator (270) may be further provided between the control unit (12) and the charging circuit (210). The second regulator (270) may connect the output terminal (212) of the charging circuit (210) and the control unit (12). The second regulator (270) may convert the voltage (Vsys) output from the charging circuit (210). For example, the second regulator (270) may be implemented using a low-loss type linear regulator or the like that converts the voltage (Vsys) output from the charging circuit (210).

[0155] Accordingly, the voltage applied to the control unit (12) can be stabilized.

[0156] A power conversion unit (220) may be further provided between the heater (18) and the charging circuit (210). The power conversion unit (220) may convert the voltage (Vbat) output from the power source (11). For example, the power conversion unit (220) may be implemented through a buck converter, a boost converter, a buck-boost converter, or the like that converts the voltage output from the power source (11). The power conversion unit (220) may be referred to as a booster, a converter, or a transformer. The power conversion unit (220) may convert the voltage (Vbat) output from the power source (11) and output the converted voltage. For example, the magnitude of the voltage output from the power conversion unit (220) may be equal to or greater than the magnitude of the voltage (Vbat) output from the power source (11).

[0157] A second switch (240) may be connected to the heater (18). One end of the second switch (240) may be connected to the heater (18), and the other end may be connected to ground (GND). The second switch (240) may electrically connect the heater (18) to the ground under the control of the control unit (12). By the second switch (240), power output from the power conversion unit (220) may be supplied to the heater (18).

[0158] The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18). The control unit (12) can control the switching of the second switch (240) to supply power to the heater (18) or not to supply power. The heater (18) can generate heat when power is supplied, and can not generate heat when power is not supplied.

[0159] The control unit (12) can control the second switch (240) to supply a pulse having a predetermined frequency and / or duty ratio to the heater (18). The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) by adjusting the frequency and / or duty ratio of the pulse through the second switch (240).

[0160] The control unit (12) can derive the temperature of the heater (18). The control unit (12) can determine the temperature of the heater (18) based on a signal output from a temperature sensor (not shown). The control unit (12) can determine the power supplied to the heater (18) based on the determined temperature of the heater (18). The control unit (12) can supply the determined power to the heater (18) by controlling at least one of the power supply (11), the charging circuit (210), the power conversion unit (220), and the second switch (240).

[0161] Although not shown in FIG. 6, at least one sensor and / or a vibration motor may be further connected to the charging circuit (210). A third regulator (not shown) may be further provided between the charging circuit (210) and the at least one sensor. A fourth regulator (not shown) may be further provided between the charging circuit (210) and the vibration motor. The third regulator and the fourth regulator may each convert the voltage (Vsys) output from the charging circuit (210).

[0162]

[0163] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating power supply control of a heater of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating changes in power output voltage, display applied voltage, and charging circuit output voltage according to the number of puffs in an aerosol generator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0164] Referring to FIG. 7, the control unit (12) can control at least one of the power source (11), the charging circuit (210), the power conversion unit (220), and the second switch (240) to supply power to the heater (18) (S710). The heater (18) can receive power from the power source (11) and generate heat.

[0165] The control unit (12) can compare the voltage (Vsys) of the output terminal (212) of the charging circuit (210) with a first threshold value (Vcutoff) (S720). The control unit (12) can receive a signal corresponding to the voltage of the output terminal (212) from a sensor (not shown) connected to the output terminal (212) of the charging circuit (210) and determine the voltage (Vsys) of the output terminal (212) based on the signal. The first threshold value (Vcutoff) can correspond to a value set as a voltage value at which the heater (18) does not generate heat and a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated, or at which the heater (18) does not generate heat even if it generates heat, and no aerosol is generated.

[0166] The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) to be cut off when the voltage (Vsys) of the output terminal (212) of the charging circuit (210) is less than or equal to the first threshold value (Vcutoff) (“Y” of S730). For example, the control unit (12) can control at least one of the charging circuit (210), the power conversion unit (220), and the second switch (240) to cut off the power supplied to the heater (18). Meanwhile, the control unit (12) can control the state in which power is supplied to the heater (18) to be maintained when the voltage (Vsys) of the output terminal (212) of the charging circuit (210) is greater than the first threshold value (Vcutoff) (“N” of S730), and the process S710 and subsequent processes can be repeatedly performed.

[0167] Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the heater (18) from being heated unnecessarily and wasting power.

[0168]

[0169] Referring to FIG. 8 together with FIG. 7, the first threshold value (Vcutoff) may be lower than the set driving voltage (Vdmin) of the display (141). Here, the set driving voltage (Vdmin) may correspond to the minimum driving voltage at which no flickering phenomenon occurs in the display (141). For example, the set driving voltage (Vdmin) may be 2.6 to 3.0 V. However, the set driving voltage is not limited thereto and may vary depending on the type of the display (141).

[0170] With power supplied to the heater (18), as the number of puffs increases, the output voltage (Vbat) of the power source (11) may gradually decrease. Accordingly, the voltage (Vd) applied to the display (141) and the voltage (Vsys) output from the charging circuit (210) may also decrease in proportion to the output voltage (Vbat) of the power source (11).

[0171] The voltage (Vd) applied to the display (141) may be greater than the voltage (Vsys) output from the charging circuit (210).

[0172] For example, when the display (141) is directly connected to the power source (11), the voltage (Vd) applied to the display (141) may be equal to the output voltage (Vbat) of the power source (11) and greater than the voltage (Vsys) output from the charging circuit (210).

[0173] For example, when the display (141) is connected to the power source (11) through the first switch (260), the voltage (Vd) applied to the display (141) may be smaller than the voltage drop generated in the first switch (260) from the output voltage (Vbat) of the power source (11) and may be larger than the voltage (Vsys) output from the charging circuit (210). In other words, the voltage drop generated in the first switch (260) may be smaller than the voltage drop generated in the charging circuit (210).

[0174] For example, when the display (141) is connected to the power source (11) through the first regulator (250) and the first switch (260), the voltage (Vd) applied to the display (141) may be smaller than the output voltage (Vbat) of the power source (11) by the amount of the voltage drop generated by the first switch (260) and the voltage converted by the first regulator (250), and may be larger than the voltage (Vsys) output from the charging circuit (210). In other words, the sum of the voltage drop generated by the first switch (260) and the voltage converted by the first regulator (250) may be smaller than the voltage drop generated by the charging circuit (210).

[0175] When the voltage (Vsys) output from the charging circuit (210) gradually decreases and reaches the first threshold value (Vcutoff) or at the number of puffs (N1), the control unit (12) can cut off the power supplied to the heater (18). At this time, the voltage (Vd) applied to the display (141) may be higher than the set driving voltage (Vdmin).

[0176] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the display (141) has a structure in which it is connected to a power source (11) separately from a charging circuit (210) and / or the first switch (260) connecting the display (141) to the power source (11) has a structure in which the internal impedance is lower than that of the charging circuit (210), thereby preventing a flickering phenomenon from occurring in the display (141).

[0177] To prevent the occurrence of a flickering phenomenon, if the first threshold value (Vcutoff) is set to a larger value, the number of puffs available to the user until the power supplied to the heater (18) is cut off may be reduced. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a reduction in the number of puffs available to the user can be prevented in order to reduce the flickering phenomenon of the display (141).

[0178]

[0179] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating power supply control of a heater and a display of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating changes in power output voltage, display applied voltage, and charging circuit output voltage according to the number of puffs in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0180] Referring to FIG. 9, the control unit (12) can control at least one of the power supply (11), the charging circuit (210), the power conversion unit (220), and the second switch (240) to supply power to the heater (18) (S910). The heater (18) can receive power from the power supply (11) and generate heat.

[0181] The control unit (12) can compare the voltage (Vsys) of the output terminal (212) of the charging circuit (210) with a first threshold value (Vcutoff) (S920). The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) to be cut off when the voltage (Vsys) of the output terminal (212) of the charging circuit (210) is less than or equal to the first threshold value (Vcutoff) (“Y” of S930) (S940). For example, the control unit (120) can control at least one of the charging circuit (210), the power conversion unit (220), and the second switch (240) to cut off the power supplied to the heater (18).

[0182] The control unit (12) can compare the voltage (Vd) applied to the display (141) with a second threshold value when the voltage (Vsys) of the output terminal (212) of the charging circuit (210) is greater than the first threshold value (Vcutoff) (“N” of S930). Here, the second threshold value may correspond to the set driving voltage (Vdmin). The control unit (12) can receive a signal corresponding to the voltage (Vd) applied to the display (141) from a sensor (not shown) connected to the input terminal of the display (141) and determine the voltage (Vd) applied to the display (141) based thereon.

[0183] The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the display (141) to be cut off when the voltage (Vd) applied to the display (141) is less than or equal to the second threshold value (“Y” in S950) (“S960). For example, the control unit (12) can control the first switch (260) to cut off the power supplied to the display (141). Meanwhile, the control unit (12) can control the state in which power is supplied to the heater (18) and the display (141) to be maintained when the voltage (Vd) applied to the display (141) is greater than the second threshold value (“N” in S950), and the preceding process S910 and subsequent processes can be repeatedly performed.

[0184] Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the heater (18) from being heated unnecessarily and wasting power, and to prevent the flickering phenomenon from occurring in the display (141).

[0185]

[0186] Referring to FIG. 10 together with FIG. 9, as the usage time of the aerosol generator (1) accumulates, the charging circuit (210), the first switch (260), the first regulator (250), etc., may age, causing changes in their characteristics. Alternatively, the characteristics may differ for each aerosol generator (1) due to manufacturing errors in the charging circuit (210), the first switch (260), the first regulator (250), etc. In this case, when the voltage (Vsys) output from the charging circuit (210) gradually decreases and reaches the first threshold value (Vcutoff) or at the number of puffs (N1), the voltage (Vd) applied to the display (141) may be lower than the set driving voltage (Vdmin). In other words, at a point in time before the voltage (Vsys) output from the charging circuit (210) gradually decreases and reaches the first threshold value (Vcutoff) or at a puff count (N3) less than the puff count, the voltage (Vd) applied to the display (141) may become equal to the set driving voltage (Vdmin).

[0187] If the voltage (Vd) applied to the display (141) becomes lower than the set driving voltage (Vdmin) before the voltage (Vsys) output from the charging circuit (210) reaches the first threshold value (Vcutoff), a flickering phenomenon may occur.

[0188] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the display (141) has a structure in which it is connected to a power source (11) separately from a charging circuit (210) and / or the first switch (260) connecting the display (141) to the power source (11) has a structure in which the internal impedance is smaller than that of the charging circuit (210), and further, when the voltage (Vd) applied to the display (141) is equal to or smaller than the set driving voltage (Vdmin), the power supplied to the display (141) is cut off, thereby preventing a flickering phenomenon from occurring in the display (141).

[0189]

[0190] As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the heater is connected to a power source through a charging circuit, and the display has a structure that is connected to a power source separately from the charging circuit, so that the voltage supplied to the display can be prevented from being lowered due to a voltage drop caused by the charging circuit, and a flickering phenomenon can be prevented from occurring in the display.

[0191] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a switch connecting a display to a power source has a structure having an internal impedance smaller than that of a charging circuit, so that a voltage drop caused by the switch can be smaller than a voltage drop caused by the charging circuit, thereby preventing a voltage supplied to the display from being lowered.

[0192] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a structure is provided in which a threshold voltage for cutting off power supply to a heater is lower than a minimum driving voltage of a display, thereby preventing a decrease in the number of puffs that a user can inhale in order to reduce display flickering.

[0193]

[0194] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 10, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a heater (18) for heating an aerosol product; a display (141); a power source (11) for supplying power to the heater (18) and the display (141); and a charging circuit (210) for connecting the power source (11) and the heater (18) and transmitting power supplied from the power source (11) to the heater (18); and the display (141) is connected to the power source (11) and can receive power from the power source (11).

[0195] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the display (141) is connected in parallel with the charging circuit (210) to the power source (11), so that it can receive power from the power source (11) without going through the charging circuit (210).

[0196] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the charging circuit (210) has an input terminal (211) connected to the power source (11), an output terminal (212) connected to the heater (18), and a voltage (Vsys) of the output terminal (212) of the charging circuit (210) may be lower than an output voltage (Vbat) of the power source (11).

[0197] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a switch (260) may be included that connects the power source (11) and the display (141) and transmits power supplied from the power source (11) to the display (141).

[0198] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the impedance (Zs) between the output terminal (262) and the input terminal (261) of the switch (260) may be smaller than the impedance (Zc) between the output terminal (212) and the input terminal (211) of the charging circuit (210).

[0199] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the size of the maximum allowable current of the switch (260) may be smaller than the size of the maximum allowable current of the charging circuit (210).

[0200] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a control unit (12) for controlling the operation of the switch (260) and the charging circuit (210) is included, and the control unit (12) can independently control the operation of the switch (260) and the charging circuit (210).

[0201] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit (12) can compare the voltage (Vsys) of the output terminal (212) of the charging circuit (210) with a first threshold value (Vcutoff), and control the charging circuit (210) so that the power supplied to the heater (18) is cut off based on the voltage (Vsys) of the output terminal (212) of the charging circuit (210) being less than or equal to the first threshold value (Vcutoff).

[0202] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first threshold value (Vcutoff) may be lower than the set driving voltage (Vdmin) of the display (141).

[0203] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the set driving voltage (Vdmin) may correspond to a minimum driving voltage at which flickering does not occur in the display (141).

[0204] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the power source (11) and the switch (260) may be connected, and a first regulator (250) may be included to convert power supplied from the power source (11).

[0205] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the charging circuit (210) may be connected to the output terminal (212) and the control unit (12), and may include a second regulator (270) that converts power supplied from the power source (11).

[0206]

[0207] Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may have their respective components or functions combined or used together.

[0208] 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.

[0209] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A heater for heating the aerosol product; display; A power source that supplies power to the heater and the display; and A charging circuit that connects the power source and the heater and transmits power supplied from the power source to the heater; The above display is, An aerosol generating device connected to the above power source and supplied with power from the above power source.

2. In paragraph 1, The above display is, An aerosol generating device connected in parallel with the charging circuit for the above power source and receiving power from the power source without passing through the charging circuit.

3. In paragraph 1, The above charging circuit, The input terminal is connected to the power source, and the output terminal is connected to the heater. The voltage at the output terminal of the above charging circuit is An aerosol generating device having an output voltage lower than that of the above power source.

4. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device comprising a switch that connects the power source and the display and transmits power supplied from the power source to the display.

5. In paragraph 4, The impedance between the output and input terminals of the above switch is An aerosol generating device having an impedance smaller than the impedance between the output terminal and the input terminal of the above charging circuit.

6. In paragraph 4, The maximum allowable current of the above switch is: An aerosol generating device having a size smaller than the maximum allowable current of the above charging circuit.

7. In paragraph 4, It includes a control unit that controls the operation of the switch and the charging circuit, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that independently controls the operation of the above switch and the above charging circuit.

8. In paragraph 7, The above control unit, Compare the voltage of the output terminal of the above charging circuit with the first threshold value, An aerosol generating device that controls the charging circuit so that power supplied to the heater is cut off based on the voltage of the output terminal of the charging circuit being less than or equal to the first threshold value.

9. In paragraph 8, The above first threshold is, An aerosol generating device having a lower operating voltage than the set operating voltage of the above display.

10. In paragraph 9, The above setting driving voltage is, An aerosol generating device corresponding to a minimum driving voltage at which flickering does not occur in the above display.

11. In paragraph 4, An aerosol generating device comprising a first regulator that connects the power source and the switch and converts power supplied from the power source.

12. In paragraph 7, An aerosol generating device comprising a second regulator that connects the output terminal of the charging circuit and the control unit and converts power supplied from the power source.

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