Aerosol-generating apparatus

Abstract

An aerosol-generating apparatus is disclosed. An aerosol-generating apparatus of the present disclosure may comprise: a body for providing an elongated insertion space; a heater for heating the insertion space; a first sensor for detecting that an object is inserted into or removed from the insertion space; and a control unit for controlling power supplied to the heater, wherein the control unit controls the heater to be turned on and off at a predetermined period, and activates the first sensor while the heater is turned off, and the predetermined period is 1 / 20000 sec or less.

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 capacitor may be used on the input side of the heater to stably supply voltage to the heater. Ceramic capacitors vibrate due to the piezoelectric effect during operation, which may result in audible noise that can be heard by humans. Conventional aerosol generators using ceramic capacitors have the problem of audible noise occurring during the switching process for supplying voltage or power to the heater.

[0004] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned and other problems.

[0005] Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device that controls a heater to turn on and off in predetermined cycles and activates a first sensor that detects insertion or removal of an object while the heater is off.

[0006] Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device that controls the heater to turn on and off in a predetermined cycle while the stick is not removed, activates a first sensor while the heater is off, and controls the heater to turn off while the stick is removed and activates the first sensor.

[0007] Another purpose may be to provide an aerosol generating device that varies the frequency at which the first sensor is activated.

[0008] Another purpose may be to provide an aerosol generating device that sets the activation cycle of the first sensor when a puff is generated differently from the activation cycle of the first sensor when a puff is not generated for a certain period of time.

[0009] Another purpose may be to provide an aerosol generating device that sets the activation cycle of the first sensor differently when the number of puffs generated is greater than a certain number of times and the activation cycle of the first sensor differently when the number of puffs generated is less than a certain number of times.

[0010] Another purpose may be to provide an aerosol generating device that sets the activation cycle of the first sensor differently when the distance between the body and an external object is greater than a certain level and the activation cycle of the first sensor when the distance is less than a certain level.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described object, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising: a body providing an insertion space; a heater for heating the insertion space; a first sensor for detecting that an object is inserted or removed from the insertion space; and a control unit for controlling power supplied to the heater; wherein the control unit controls the heater to be turned on and off at a predetermined cycle, and activates the first sensor while the heater is turned off, and the predetermined cycle is 1 / 20000 sec or less.

[0012] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heater is controlled to turn on and off in a predetermined cycle, and a first sensor that detects insertion or removal of an object while the heater is turned off is activated, thereby preventing audible noise from being generated by the operation of the heater.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heater is turned on and off in a predetermined cycle while the stick is not removed, and the first sensor is activated while the heater is off, and the heater is turned off and the first sensor is activated while the stick is removed, thereby preventing the detection accuracy of the first sensor from being lowered due to the operation of the heater.

[0014] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cycle in which the first sensor is activated can be varied, so that the generation of audible noise can be controlled in response to the inhalation state of the device user.

[0015] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the activation cycle of the first sensor when a puff is generated and the activation cycle of the first sensor when a puff is not generated for a certain period of time are set differently, thereby preventing the occurrence of audible noise while the user of the device is inhaling.

[0016] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the activation cycle of the first sensor when the number of puffs generated is greater than a certain number of times and the activation cycle of the first sensor when the number of puffs generated is less than a certain number of times are set differently, thereby preventing the occurrence of audible noise corresponding to the number of puffs of the device user.

[0017] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the activation cycle of the first sensor when the distance between the body and an external object is greater than a certain level and the activation cycle of the first sensor when the distance is less than the certain level are set differently, thereby preventing the occurrence of audible noise when the user of the device is inhaling.

[0018] 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.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 4 is a circuit diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are flowcharts illustrating the operation control of a heater and a first sensor of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 7 and FIG. 9 are graphs illustrating the operation control of a heater and a first sensor of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIGS. 8, 10, and 11 are flowcharts illustrating detection cycle settings of a first sensor of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] 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.

[0026] The suffixes "module" and "unit" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves. Meanwhile, the suffixes "module" or "unit" may include units implemented with hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A "module" or "unit" may be a component configured integrally, or a minimum unit of the component that performs one or more functions, or a part thereof. For example, a "module" or "unit" may be implemented in the form of an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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).

[0033]

[0034] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] 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).

[0036] 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).

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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).

[0042] In one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect a user's puff.

[0043] 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).

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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).

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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).

[0074] 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).

[0075] 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).

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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).

[0081] 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).

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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).

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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).

[0086] 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).

[0087] 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).

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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).

[0090] 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).

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] The cartridge referred to in the present disclosure may contain an aerosol-generating material having any one of the following states: a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol-generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. Meanwhile, the cartridge may include a storage portion containing the aerosol-generating material and / or a liquid delivery means impregnating (containing) the aerosol-generating material. For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The cartridge heater (24) may be included in the cartridge in the form of a coil-shaped structure surrounding (or winding) the liquid delivery means, or in a structure contacting one side of the liquid delivery means. Alternatively, the cartridge heater (24) may be included in an aerosol-generating device (1) that is separable from the cartridge.

[0101]

[0102] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the heater (182, 183) can heat the aerosol generating article (2).

[0106] Referring to FIG. 2, the heater (182) may be an internal heating type heater.

[0107] 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).

[0108] According to one embodiment, the internal heating heater may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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).

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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).

[0113] Referring to FIG. 3, the heater (183) may be an external heating type heater.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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).

[0118] 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.

[0119]

[0120] Fig. 4 is a circuit diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 4, the aerosol generating device (1) may include at least one of a power source (11), a control unit (12), a heater (18), a sensor unit (13), and a heater driving circuit (200).

[0122] A heater (18) may be placed in the body (10) (e.g., the housing (10) of FIGS. 2 and 3). 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) inserted into the insertion space (43) (e.g., an aerosol product (2) of FIGS. 2 and 3). The heater (18) may include the features of the heater (18) described above in FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0123] 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).

[0124] The heater driving circuit (200) can be electrically connected to the heater (18), the power source (11), and the control unit (12). The heater driving circuit (200) can supply power output from the power source (11) to the heater (18) under the control of the control unit (12).

[0125] The heater driving circuit (200) may include a power conversion unit (210), a switching unit (220), and a capacitor (230). The heater driving circuit (200) may apply voltage (Vh, see FIG. 7) and / or power to the heater (18) through the power conversion unit (210), the switching unit (220), and the capacitor (230).

[0126] The power conversion unit (210) can convert the voltage output from the power source (11). For example, the power conversion unit (210) can be implemented through a buck converter, a boost converter, a buck-boost converter, etc. that convert the voltage output from the power source (11). The power conversion unit (210) can be referred to as a converter or a transformer. The power conversion unit (210) can convert the voltage output from the power source (11) and output the converted voltage. For example, the magnitude of the voltage output from the power conversion unit (210) can be equal to or greater than the magnitude of the voltage output from the power source (11).

[0127] The capacitor (230) may be connected to the power conversion unit (210) and the switching unit (220). The capacitor (230) may be connected to the power source (11) through the power conversion unit (210). The capacitor (230) may be mounted on a printed circuit board. The capacitor (230) may include at least one ceramic type capacitor. For example, the capacitor (230) may include at least one multi-layered ceramic capacitor (MLCC). The multi-layered ceramic capacitor may include a plurality of ceramic dielectric material layers, a plurality of electrodes between the plurality of ceramic dielectric material layers, and two external electrodes connected in parallel to the plurality of electrodes. When a switching operation of the switching unit (220) occurs, the multi-layered ceramic capacitor may vibrate due to the piezoelectric response characteristics inherent to the dielectric material.

[0128] The switching unit (220) may have one end connected to the power conversion unit (210) and the capacitor (230), and the other end connected to the heater (18). The switching unit (220) may electrically connect the capacitor (230) and the heater (18) under the control of the control unit (12). A voltage output from the power conversion unit (210) and / or the capacitor (230) may be applied to one end of the switching unit (220). The voltage output from the power conversion unit (210) and / or the capacitor (230) may be supplied to the heater (18) by the switching unit (220).

[0129] The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18). The control unit (12) can control the switching of the switching unit (220) 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. A state in which power is supplied to the heater (18) can be defined as the heater (18) being turned on, and a state in which power supply to the heater (18) is cut off can be defined as the heater (18) being turned off.

[0130] The control unit (12) can control the switching unit (220) 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 switching unit (220).

[0131] 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 the power source (11) and the heater driving circuit (200).

[0132] The sensor unit (13) may include at least one sensor. For example, the sensor unit (13) may include a first sensor (131) that detects when an object is inserted or removed from the insertion space (43). The first sensor (131) may be referred to as a stick detection sensor or an insertion detection sensor. The first sensor (131) may output a signal in response to the insertion and / or removal of the stick (2). The first sensor (131) may be installed around the insertion space (43). The first sensor (131) may include at least one of a capacitance sensor, an inductive sensor, and a proximity sensor.

[0133] The control unit (12) can determine whether the stick (2) is inserted into and / or removed from the insertion space (43) based on a signal output from the first sensor (131). The control unit (12) can control power to be supplied to the heater (18) or power to be cut off based on whether the stick (2) is inserted into or removed from the insertion space (43). Hereinafter, the operation of the control unit (12) controlling the heater (18) and the first sensor (131) will be described in detail.

[0134]

[0135] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are flowcharts illustrating operation control of a heater (18) and a first sensor (131) of an aerosol generator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating operation control of a heater (18) and a first sensor (131) of an aerosol generator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating each step of FIG. 5 in more detail.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 5, the control unit (12) can control the power supply (11) and the heater driving circuit (200) to supply power output from the power supply (11) to the heater (18) (S510). The control unit (12) can detect, at predetermined intervals, whether the stick (2) is removed from the insertion space (43) through the first sensor (131) (S520). The control unit (12) can activate the first sensor (131) by controlling the voltage (Vs, see FIG. 7) set to be applied to the first sensor (131), and can detect, based on a signal output from the first sensor (131), whether the stick (2) is removed from the insertion space (43). The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) based on whether the stick (2) is removed (S530).

[0137]

[0138] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the control unit (12) can set the detection cycle of the first sensor (131) to detect whether the stick (2) is removed from the insertion space (43) (S521). The detection cycle of the first sensor (131) may correspond to the cycle in which the first sensor (131) is repeatedly activated. The detection cycle of the first sensor (131) may correspond to the cycle in which the heater (18) is repeatedly turned on and off. For example, the control unit (12) may determine the detection cycle of the first sensor (131) to be 1 / 20000 sec or less. The control unit (12) may determine the frequency in which the first sensor (131) is activated to be 20 kHz or more. For example, the control unit (12) may determine the detection cycle of the first sensor (131) to be 1 / 20 sec or more. The control unit (12) can determine the frequency at which the first sensor (131) is activated to be 20 Hz or less.

[0139] The control unit (12) can control the operation of the heater (18) based on the set detection cycle. The control unit (12) can control the heater (18) to turn on and off according to the set detection cycle, and activate the first sensor (131). The control unit (12) can compare the time at which the heater (18) is turned on with the set detection cycle (S522). Based on the fact that the time at which the heater (18) is turned on is equal to or greater than the set detection cycle (“Y” in S522), the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) to be cut off, thereby turning off the heater (18). The control unit (12) can turn off the switching unit (220) to cut off the power supplied to the heater (18). The control unit (12) can activate the first sensor (131) and receive a signal output from the first sensor (131) (S523).

[0140] The control unit (12) can compare the amount of change in the signal output from the activated first sensor (131) with a first threshold value (S524). For example, the first threshold value may correspond to the minimum value of the amount of change in inductance or the minimum value of the amount of change in electrostatic capacity that occurs when the stick (2) is inserted into or removed from the insertion space (43).

[0141] The control unit (12) can determine that the stick (2) has been removed from the insertion space (43) if the output signal is greater than or equal to the first threshold value (“Y” of S524). The control unit (12) can turn off the heater (18) based on the fact that the stick (2) has been removed from the insertion space (43). The control unit (12) can turn off the switching unit (220) to cut off the power supplied to the heater (18) (S531).

[0142] Accordingly, by detecting whether the stick (2) is removed from the insertion space (43) at a predetermined cycle, it is possible to prevent the heater (18) from continuing to heat even when the stick (2) is removed from the insertion space (43), prevent unnecessary waste of power, and prevent the device (1) from breaking down due to unnecessary heating of the heater (18).

[0143] In addition, by activating the first sensor (131) when power is not supplied to the heater (18), it is possible to prevent the insertion and / or removal of the stick (2) from not being accurately detected by the first sensor (131) due to current flowing through the heater (18) or heat generated from the heater (18).

[0144] The control unit (12) can determine whether the stick (2) is inserted into the insertion space (43) by activating the first sensor (131) at a predetermined cycle after cutting off the power supplied to the heater (18) in step S531. If the control unit (12) determines that the stick (2) is inserted into the insertion space (43), it can control the heater (18) to be heated by supplying power to the heater (18) again. That is, if the stick (2) is inserted into the insertion space (43), the control unit (12) can return to step S510 and re-perform the subsequent steps.

[0145] The control unit (12) can determine that the stick (2) is not removed from the insertion space (43) if the output signal is less than the first threshold value (“N” of S524). Based on the fact that the stick (2) is not removed from the insertion space (43), the control unit (12) can turn on the heater (18) again. The control unit (12) can control the switching unit (220) to turn on power so that the heater (18) is supplied (S532). That is, if the stick (2) is not removed from the insertion space (43), the control unit (12) can return to the S521 process and re-perform the subsequent process.

[0146] Meanwhile, in process S522, if the time at which the heater (18) is turned on is less than the set detection period (“N” in S522), the control unit (12) can repeat the process of comparing the time at which the heater (18) is turned on and the detection period.

[0147]

[0148] Referring to FIG. 7, the control unit (12) may determine the detection cycle as a predetermined cycle (P1, P3) in step S521. For example, the control unit (12) may determine the cycle in which the heater (18) is repeatedly turned on and off as the first cycle (P1). The control unit (12) may determine the cycle in which the first sensor (131) is repeatedly activated as the third cycle (P3). The first cycle (P1) in which the heater (18) is repeatedly turned on and off may be the same as the third cycle (P3) in which the first sensor (131) is repeatedly activated. The heater (18) and the first sensor (131) may be repeatedly turned on and off at the same predetermined cycle. Within the predetermined cycle, the time in which the heater (18) is turned on may be the same as or shorter than the time in which the first sensor (131) is turned off or deactivated. Within a given cycle, the time (P11) for which the heater (18) is turned off may be the same as or longer than the time (P31) for which the first sensor (131) is turned on or activated. In other words, the heater (18) and the first sensor (131) may be repeatedly turned on and off in the same given cycle, but the heater (18) may be turned off while the first sensor (131) is turned on or activated.

[0149] The graph illustrated in FIG. 7 illustrates the operation of the first sensor (131) while the heater (18) is repeatedly turned on and off, and when the stick (2) is removed from the insertion space (43), the heater (18) remains in an off state and only the first sensor (131) is repeatedly activated to detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick (2).

[0150] Accordingly, the heater (18) is turned on and off at a predetermined cycle while the stick (2) is not removed, and the first sensor (131) is activated while the heater (18) is off, and the heater (18) is turned off and the first sensor (131) is activated while the stick (2) is removed, so that the detection accuracy of the first sensor (131) can be prevented from being lowered due to the operation of the heater (18).

[0151]

[0152] Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a detection cycle setting of a first sensor (131) of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 9 is a graph illustrating operation control of a heater (18) and a first sensor (131) of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Each process of Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the detection cycle setting process of Fig. 6 in more detail.

[0153] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the control unit (12) can set the detection cycle variably. In step S521 of FIG. 6, the control unit (12) can set the detection cycle. The detection cycle of the first sensor (131) can correspond to the cycle in which the first sensor (131) is repeatedly activated. The detection cycle of the first sensor (131) can correspond to the cycle in which the heater (18) is repeatedly turned on and off.

[0154] The sensor unit (13) may include a puff sensor (132). The puff sensor (132) may detect a user's puff. The puff sensor (132) may output a signal corresponding to the user's puff. The puff sensor (132) may include at least one of a pressure sensor, a capacitance sensor, and a temperature sensor.

[0155] The control unit (12) can receive a signal output from the puff sensor (132) (S810). The control unit (12) can detect the last generated puff or the most recently generated puff based on the signal output from the puff sensor (132). The control unit (12) can determine the time elapsed since the last generated puff or the most recently generated puff. The control unit (12) can determine whether an additional puff is generated after the last generated puff or the most recently generated puff.

[0156] The control unit (12) may compare the elapsed time since the last puff with a second threshold value (S820). The second threshold value may be set to a value greater than the average interval between puffs generated during the user's aerosol inhalation process. For example, the second threshold value may be 1 minute, but is not limited thereto.

[0157] The control unit (12) may determine that no additional puffs are generated by the user for a certain period of time based on whether the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the second threshold value (“Y” in S820). The control unit (12) may determine the detection cycle as the first cycle (P1) based on whether the elapsed time since the last generated puff is equal to or greater than the second threshold value (S830). In other words, if a state in which no puffs are generated continues for a certain period of time, the control unit (12) may determine the detection cycle as the first cycle (P1).

[0158] The control unit (12) may determine that an additional puff has occurred by the user based on the elapsed time being less than the second threshold value (“N” in S820). The control unit (12) may determine the detection cycle as the second cycle (P2) based on the elapsed time since the last puff occurring being less than the second threshold value (S840). In other words, if a puff occurs again before the time corresponding to the second threshold value has elapsed since the last puff occurring, the control unit (12) may determine the detection cycle as the second cycle (P2).

[0159]

[0160] Referring to FIG. 9, the first cycle (P1) may be different from the second cycle (P2). The third cycle (P3) may be different from the fourth cycle (P4). The second cycle (P2) may be shorter than the first cycle (P1). The fourth cycle (P4) may be shorter than the third cycle (P3).

[0161] For example, the second period (P2) and / or the fourth period (P4) may be 1 / 20000 sec or less. When the control unit (12) sets the detection period to the second period (P2), the heater (18) may be turned on and off at a frequency of 20 kHz or more. When the control unit (12) sets the detection period to the fourth period (P4), the first sensor (131) may be activated at a frequency of 20 kHz or more. The control unit (12) may control the switching unit (220) to be turned on and off at a frequency of 20 kHz or more. Accordingly, the ceramic type capacitor included in the capacitor (230) may supply power to the heater (18) at a frequency of 20 kHz or more. As the capacitor (230) supplies power to the heater (18) at a frequency of 20 kHz or higher, even if vibration occurs due to the piezoelectric response characteristics of the dielectric material included in the capacitor (230), the noise caused by the vibration may not be heard by the user because it is outside the audible frequency.

[0162] Accordingly, audible noise can be prevented from occurring due to the operation of the heater (18).

[0163] For example, the second period (P2) and / or the fourth period (P4) may be 1 / 20000 sec or less, and the first period (P1) and / or the third period (P3) may be 1 / 20000 sec or more. When the control unit (12) sets the detection period to the first period (P1), the heater (18) may be turned on and off at a frequency of 20 kHz or less. When the control unit (12) sets the detection period to the third period (P3), the first sensor (131) may be activated at a frequency of 20 kHz or less. The control unit (12) may control the switching unit (220) to be turned on and off at a frequency of 20 kHz or less. Accordingly, the ceramic type capacitor included in the capacitor (230) may supply power to the heater (18) at a frequency of 20 kHz or less. When the capacitor (230) supplies power to the heater (18) at a frequency of 20 kHz or less, and vibration occurs due to the piezoelectric response characteristics of the dielectric material included in the capacitor (230), noise caused by the vibration may be located within the audible frequency.

[0164] As the detection cycle becomes longer, the time (P31, P41) during which the first sensor (131) can be activated within one detection cycle can become longer. Conversely, as the detection cycle becomes shorter, the time (P31, P41) during which the first sensor (131) can be activated within one detection cycle can become shorter. As the first sensor (131) remains activated for a longer period of time, the removal of the stick (2) from the insertion space (43) can be detected more easily and accurately by the first sensor (131).

[0165] If no additional puffs are generated for a certain period of time after the last puff has been generated, this may indicate that the user's inhalation has ended or been temporarily suspended. The likelihood of the user removing the stick (2) may be higher when the user's inhalation has ended or been temporarily suspended than when the user is inhaling. Furthermore, the distance between the user's face and the aerosol generating device (1) may be greater when the user's inhalation has ended or been temporarily suspended than when the user is inhaling.

[0166] In this way, by setting the detection cycle longer while no additional puffs are generated for a certain period of time after the last puff has occurred, the removal of the stick (2) from the insertion space (43) can be detected more easily and accurately.

[0167] In addition, if a puff occurs again before the time corresponding to the second threshold has elapsed since the last puff, the detection cycle can be set shorter, but the frequency corresponding to the detection cycle can be set to be higher than the audible frequency, thereby preventing audible noise from being generated by the operation of the heater (18) and preventing the user from feeling discomfort due to the audible noise.

[0168]

[0169] Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a detection cycle setting of a first sensor (131) of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Each process of Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the detection cycle setting process of Fig. 6 in more detail.

[0170] Referring to FIG. 10 together with FIG. 9, the control unit (12) can set the detection cycle variably. In step S521 of FIG. 6, the control unit (12) can set the detection cycle. The detection cycle of the first sensor (131) can correspond to the cycle in which the first sensor (131) is repeatedly activated. The detection cycle of the first sensor (131) can correspond to the cycle in which the heater (18) is repeatedly turned on and off.

[0171] The sensor unit (13) may include a puff sensor (132). The control unit (12) may receive a signal output from the puff sensor (132) (S1010). The control unit (12) may determine whether a puff is generated based on the signal output from the puff sensor (132). The control unit (12) may count the number of times a puff is generated.

[0172] The control unit (12) can compare the number of puffs generated with a third threshold value (S1020). The third threshold value can be set to a value lower than the maximum number of puffs a user can inhale using a single stick (2). For example, the third threshold value can be 10, but is not limited thereto.

[0173] The control unit (12) may determine that the current number of puffs is close to the maximum number of puffs that the user can inhale using one stick (2) based on the fact that the number of puffs is equal to or greater than the third threshold value (“Y” in S1020). The control unit (12) may determine the detection cycle as the first cycle (P1) based on the fact that the number of puffs is equal to or greater than the third threshold value (S1030). In other words, when the current number of puffs is close to the maximum number of puffs using one stick (2), the control unit (12) may determine the detection cycle as the first cycle (P1).

[0174] The control unit (12) may determine that the current number of puffs is not close to the maximum number of puffs that the user can inhale using one stick (2) based on the fact that the number of puffs is less than a third threshold value (“N” in S1020). The control unit (12) may determine the detection cycle as the second cycle (P2) based on the fact that the number of puffs is less than the third threshold value (S1040). In other words, if the current number of puffs is not close to the maximum number of puffs that the user can inhale using one stick (2), the control unit (12) may determine the detection cycle as the second cycle (P2).

[0175] For example, the second period (P2) and / or the fourth period (P4) may be 1 / 20000 sec or less. When the control unit (12) sets the detection period to the second period (P2), the heater (18) may be turned on and off at a frequency of 20 kHz or more. When the control unit (12) sets the detection period to the fourth period (P4), the first sensor (131) may be activated at a frequency of 20 kHz or more. The control unit (12) may control the switching unit (220) to be turned on and off at a frequency of 20 kHz or more.

[0176] For example, the second period (P2) and / or the fourth period (P4) may be 1 / 20000 sec or less, and the first period (P1) and / or the third period (P3) may be 1 / 20000 sec or more. When the control unit (12) sets the detection period to the first period (P1), the heater (18) may be turned on and off at a frequency of 20 kHz or less. When the control unit (12) sets the detection period to the third period (P3), the first sensor (131) may be activated at a frequency of 20 kHz or less. The control unit (12) may control the switching unit (220) to be turned on and off at a frequency of 20 kHz or less.

[0177] The likelihood of a stick (2) being removed by the user may be higher if the current number of puffs is close to the maximum number of puffs using one stick (2) than if it is not.

[0178] In this way, when the current number of puffs is close to the maximum number of puffs using one stick (2), by setting the detection cycle longer, the removal of the stick (2) from the insertion space (43) can be detected more easily and accurately.

[0179] In addition, if the current number of puffs is not close to the maximum number of puffs using one stick (2), by setting the detection cycle shorter but setting the frequency corresponding to the detection cycle to be higher than the audible frequency, audible noise can be prevented from being generated by the operation of the heater (18), and the user can be prevented from feeling discomfort due to the audible noise.

[0180]

[0181] Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a detection cycle setting of a first sensor (131) of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Each process of Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the detection cycle setting process of Fig. 6 in more detail.

[0182] Referring to FIG. 11 together with FIG. 9, the control unit (12) can set the detection cycle variably. In step S521 of FIG. 6, the control unit (12) can set the detection cycle. The detection cycle of the first sensor (131) can correspond to the cycle in which the first sensor (131) is repeatedly activated. The detection cycle of the first sensor (131) can correspond to the cycle in which the heater (18) is repeatedly turned on and off.

[0183] The sensor unit (13) may include a distance sensor (133). The distance sensor (133) may be arranged to face the outside of the body (10). The distance sensor (133) may output a signal corresponding to the distance between an object located outside the body (10) and the body (10). For example, the distance sensor (133) may emit light to the outside of the body (10) and detect an optical signal reflected from the object and returned. For example, the distance sensor (133) may be implemented as a luminance sensor that measures a distance based on the brightness of an optical signal reflected from an object and returned, or a TOF (Time Of Flight) sensor that measures a distance based on the time it takes for an optical signal or an ultrasonic signal to be reflected from a target object and returned.

[0184] The control unit (12) can receive a signal output from the distance sensor (133) (S1110). Based on the signal output from the distance sensor (133), the control unit (12) can determine the distance between an object outside the body (10) and the body (10). The control unit (12) can determine whether an object outside the body (10) is located adjacent to the body (10).

[0185] The control unit (12) can compare the determined distance with a fourth threshold value (S1120). The fourth threshold value can be set to a value corresponding to the distance between the user's face and / or body and the aerosol generator (1) when the user is not using the aerosol generator (1). For example, the fourth threshold value can be 30 seconds, but is not limited thereto.

[0186] The control unit (12) may determine that an object outside the body (10) is not positioned adjacent to the body (10) based on the determined distance being equal to or greater than the fourth threshold value (“Y” in S1120). The control unit (12) may determine the detection period as the first period (P1) based on the determined distance being equal to or greater than the fourth threshold value (S1130). In other words, if there is no object outside the body (10) positioned adjacent to the body (10) within a certain distance, the control unit (12) may determine the detection period as the first period (P1).

[0187] The control unit (12) may determine that an object outside the body (10) is located adjacent to the body (10) based on the determined distance being less than the fourth threshold value (“N” in S1120). The control unit (12) may determine the detection period as the second period (P2) based on the determined distance being less than the fourth threshold value (S1140). In other words, if there is an object outside the body (10) located adjacent to the body (10) at a predetermined distance or less, the control unit (12) may determine the detection period as the second period (P2).

[0188] For example, the second period (P2) and / or the fourth period (P4) may be 1 / 20000 sec or less. When the control unit (12) sets the detection period to the second period (P2), the heater (18) may be turned on and off at a frequency of 20 kHz or more. When the control unit (12) sets the detection period to the fourth period (P4), the first sensor (131) may be activated at a frequency of 20 kHz or more. The control unit (12) may control the switching unit (220) to be turned on and off at a frequency of 20 kHz or more.

[0189] For example, the second period (P2) and / or the fourth period (P4) may be 1 / 20000 sec or less, and the first period (P1) and / or the third period (P3) may be 1 / 20000 sec or more. When the control unit (12) sets the detection period to the first period (P1), the heater (18) may be turned on and off at a frequency of 20 kHz or less. When the control unit (12) sets the detection period to the third period (P3), the first sensor (131) may be activated at a frequency of 20 kHz or less. The control unit (12) may control the switching unit (220) to be turned on and off at a frequency of 20 kHz or less.

[0190] A state in which there is no object located outside the body (10) adjacent to the body (10) at a certain distance or less may mean a state in which the distance between the user's face and / or body and the aerosol generating device (1) is a certain distance or more, and this may mean a state in which the user does not inhale aerosol through the stick (2).

[0191] The likelihood of the stick (2) being removed by the user may be higher if the user does not inhale the aerosol through the stick (2) than if the user does inhale the aerosol. Furthermore, the distance between the user's face and / or body and the aerosol generating device (1) may be greater if the user does not inhale the aerosol through the stick (2) than if the user does inhale the aerosol.

[0192] In this way, when there is no object located outside the body (10) within a certain distance from the body (10), the removal of the stick (2) from the insertion space (43) can be detected more easily and accurately by setting the detection cycle to be longer.

[0193] In addition, when an object is located outside the body (10) and adjacent to the body (10) at a certain distance or less, by setting the detection cycle to be shorter but setting the frequency corresponding to the detection cycle to be higher than the audible frequency, audible noise can be prevented from being generated by the operation of the heater (18), and the user can be prevented from feeling discomfort due to the audible noise.

[0194]

[0195] As described above, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heater is controlled to turn on and off at a predetermined cycle, and a first sensor that detects insertion or removal of an object while the heater is turned off is activated, thereby preventing audible noise from being generated by the operation of the heater.

[0196] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heater is turned on and off in a predetermined cycle while the stick is not removed, and the first sensor is activated while the heater is off, and the heater is turned off and the first sensor is activated while the stick is removed, thereby preventing the detection accuracy of the first sensor from being lowered due to the operation of the heater.

[0197] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cycle in which the first sensor is activated can be varied, so that the generation of audible noise can be controlled in response to the inhalation state of the device user.

[0198] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the activation cycle of the first sensor when a puff is generated and the activation cycle of the first sensor when a puff is not generated for a certain period of time are set differently, thereby preventing the occurrence of audible noise while the user of the device is inhaling.

[0199] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the activation cycle of the first sensor when the number of puffs generated is greater than a certain number of times and the activation cycle of the first sensor when the number of puffs generated is less than a certain number of times are set differently, thereby preventing the occurrence of audible noise corresponding to the number of puffs of the device user.

[0200] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the activation cycle of the first sensor when the distance between the body and an external object is greater than a certain level and the activation cycle of the first sensor when the distance is less than the certain level are set differently, thereby preventing the occurrence of audible noise when the user of the device is inhaling.

[0201]

[0202] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 11, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a body (10) providing an insertion space (43); a heater (18) heating the insertion space (43); a first sensor (131) detecting that an object is inserted into or removed from the insertion space (43); and a control unit (12) controlling power supplied to the heater (18). The control unit (12) controls the heater (18) to be turned on and off at a predetermined cycle, and activates the first sensor (131) while the heater (18) is turned off. The predetermined cycle may be 1 / 20000 sec or less.

[0203] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit (12) receives a signal output from an activated first sensor (131), determines whether a stick is inserted or removed from the insertion space (43) based on the output signal, controls power supplied to the heater (18) to be cut off based on the stick being removed from the insertion space (43), and activates the first sensor (131) at a predetermined cycle while the heater (18) is turned off.

[0204] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit (12) can control the heater (18) to be turned on and off at the predetermined cycle based on the stick not being removed from the insertion space (43), and activate the first sensor (131) while the heater (18) is turned off.

[0205] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater (18) includes a power source (11) for supplying power to the heater (18); a capacitor (230) connected to the power source (11); and a switching unit (220) connected to the capacitor (230) and the heater (18); and the control unit (12) controls switching of the switching unit (220) to supply power to the heater (18) or control not to supply power.

[0206] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the capacitor (230) may include at least one ceramic capacitor.

[0207] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first sensor (131) is an inductive sensor, and the control unit (12) receives a signal output from the activated first sensor (131), and determines that the object has been removed from the insertion space (43) based on the amount of change in the output signal being greater than or equal to a first threshold value.

[0208] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the predetermined period may be 1 / 20 sec or more.

[0209] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit (12) can be set so that the predetermined cycle is variable.

[0210] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a second sensor (132) for detecting a puff is included, and the control unit (12) determines, based on a signal output from the second sensor (132), whether a puff is generated, and determines whether an additional puff is generated after the puff is generated, and based on the additional puff not being generated until the elapsed time from the time the puff is generated is equal to or greater than a second threshold value, the predetermined cycle may be set to a first cycle (P1), and based on the additional puff being generated before the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the predetermined cycle may be set to a second cycle (P2) different from the first cycle (P1).

[0211] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second period (P2) may be shorter than the first period (P1).

[0212] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second period (P2) may be 1 / 20000 sec or less.

[0213] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first period (P1) may be 1 / 20000 sec or more.

[0214] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit (12) may determine whether a puff is generated based on a signal output from the second sensor (132), count the number of puffs, compare the number of puffs with a third threshold value, and set the predetermined cycle to a first cycle (P1) based on the number of puffs being greater than or equal to the third threshold value, and set the predetermined cycle to a second cycle (P2) different from the first cycle (P1) based on the number of puffs being less than the third threshold value.

[0215] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the third sensor (133) is disposed toward the outside of the body (10); and the control unit (12) determines a distance between the body (10) and an external object based on a signal output from the third sensor (133), compares the determined distance with a fourth threshold value, and sets the predetermined period as a first period (P1) based on the determined distance being greater than or equal to the fourth threshold value, and sets the predetermined period as a second period (P2) different from the first period (P1) based on the determined distance being less than the fourth threshold value.

[0216]

[0217] 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.

[0218] For example, it means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if the combination between the configurations is not directly described, it means that the combination is possible, except in cases where the combination is described as impossible.

[0219] 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 body that provides insertion space; A heater for heating the above insertion space; A first sensor that detects that an object is inserted or removed from the insertion space; and A control unit for controlling power supplied to the heater; The above control unit, Controlling the heater to turn on and off at a predetermined cycle, and activating the first sensor while the heater is off; The above specified period is, An aerosol generating device with a time of 1 / 20000 sec or less.

2. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, Receives a signal output from the activated first sensor, Based on the above output signal, it is determined whether to insert or remove the stick from the insertion space, Based on the removal of the stick from the insertion space, the power supplied to the heater is controlled to be cut off, An aerosol generating device that activates the first sensor at a predetermined cycle while the heater is turned off.

3. In paragraph 2, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that controls the heater to turn on and off at a predetermined cycle based on the stick not being removed from the insertion space, and activates the first sensor while the heater is off.

4. In paragraph 1, A power source that supplies power to the above heater; A capacitor connected to the above power source; and including a switching unit connected to the capacitor and the heater; The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that controls the switching of the above switching unit to supply power to the heater or not supply power.

5. In paragraph 4, The above capacitor, An aerosol generating device comprising at least one ceramic capacitor.

6. In paragraph 1, The above first sensor is an inductive sensor, The above control unit, Receives a signal output from the activated first sensor, An aerosol generating device that determines that the object has been removed from the insertion space based on the change in the output signal being greater than or equal to a first threshold value.

7. In paragraph 1, The above specified period is, An aerosol generating device having a duration of 1 / 20 sec or longer.

8. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that sets the above-mentioned predetermined cycle to be variable.

9. In paragraph 8, a second sensor for detecting a puff; The above control unit, Based on the signal output from the second sensor, it is determined whether a puff is generated, and it is determined whether an additional puff is generated after the puff is generated. Based on the fact that the additional puff does not occur until the time elapsed from the time the puff is generated is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, the predetermined cycle is set as the first cycle, An aerosol generating device that sets the predetermined cycle to a second cycle different from the first cycle based on the occurrence of the additional puff before the elapsed time becomes greater than or equal to the second threshold value.

10. In paragraph 9, The second cycle above is, An aerosol generating device shorter than the first cycle above.

11. In paragraph 10, The second cycle above is, An aerosol generating device with a time of 1 / 20000 sec or less.

12. In paragraph 11, The above first cycle is, An aerosol generating device with a speed of 1 / 20000 sec or more.

13. In paragraph 8, a second sensor for detecting a puff; The above control unit, Based on the signal output from the second sensor, determine whether a puff is generated and count the number of puffs, The number of puffs is compared with a third threshold value, and based on the number of puffs being greater than or equal to the third threshold value, the predetermined cycle is set as a first cycle, An aerosol generating device that sets the predetermined cycle to a second cycle different from the first cycle based on the number of puffs being less than the third threshold value.

14. In paragraph 8, a third sensor disposed toward the outside of the body; The above control unit, Based on the signal output from the third sensor, the distance between the body and an external object is determined, The determined distance is compared with a fourth threshold value, and based on the determined distance being greater than or equal to the fourth threshold value, the predetermined period is set as the first period, An aerosol generating device that sets the predetermined period to a second period different from the first period based on the determined distance being less than the fourth threshold value.

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