Method for determining susceptor change, and aerosol-generating device for performing same method

Abstract

A method for determining whether a susceptor is changed, according to one embodiment, may comprise the operations of: applying a first signal to a coil of a heater so as to generate an alternating magnetic field having a first frequency; determining a first value of an electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by the first signal; applying a second signal to the coil of the heater so as to generate an alternating magnetic field having a second frequency; determining a second value of another electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by the second signal; and determining whether the susceptor is a changed susceptor, on the basis of the first value and the second value.

Description

Method for determining susceptor change and aerosol generating device performing the method

[0001] The following embodiments relate to a technique for controlling an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to a technique for controlling an aerosol generating device that heats an aerosol generating article using an induction heating method.

[0002] Recently, demand for electronic cigarette devices has been steadily increasing. Furthermore, as demand for electronic cigarette devices grows, features related to electronic cigarette devices are continuously being developed. Specifically, features specific to the type and characteristics of electronic cigarette devices are being continuously developed.

[0003] Typically, to heat a cigarette using induction heating, an e-cigarette device may use a coil to generate an alternating magnetic field to generate eddy currents in a susceptor adjacent to the cigarette. The eddy currents generated in the susceptor may increase its temperature.

[0004] One embodiment may provide an aerosol generating device that determines whether a susceptor located within the aerosol generating device is a different susceptor than a previous susceptor.

[0005] One embodiment may provide an aerosol generating device in which a signal applied to a coil of a heater is controlled by obtaining control characteristics of a susceptor located within the aerosol generating device.

[0006] However, technical challenges are not limited to the technical challenges described above, and other technical challenges may exist.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method for determining a susceptor change may include applying a first signal to a coil of a heater so as to generate an alternating magnetic field having a first frequency, determining a first value of an electrical characteristic of a susceptor indicated by the first signal, applying a second signal to the coil of the heater so as to generate an alternating magnetic field having a second frequency, determining a second value of the electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by the second signal, and determining whether the susceptor is a changed susceptor based on the value of the first value and the second value.

[0008] In one embodiment, an aerosol generating device includes a coil that generates an alternating magnetic field, and a control unit that controls the aerosol generating device, wherein the control unit can perform an operation of applying a first signal to the coil so as to generate an alternating magnetic field having a first frequency, an operation of determining a first value of an electrical characteristic of a susceptor indicated by the first signal, an operation of applying a second signal to the coil so as to generate an alternating magnetic field having a second frequency, an operation of determining a second value of an electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by the second signal, and an operation of determining whether the susceptor is a modified susceptor based on the first value and the second value.

[0009] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device can be provided that can obtain electrical characteristics of a susceptor coupled to the aerosol generating device to determine whether the susceptor has been altered.

[0010] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device may be provided in which a signal applied to a coil of a heater is controlled based on a control characteristic of a new susceptor when a susceptor coupled to the aerosol generating device is a new susceptor different from a previous susceptor.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 5 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the upper case and body of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 6 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the upper case, body, and heater holder of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an upper case, a body, and a heater holder of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a heater holder of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method for determining whether a susceptor is a modified susceptor, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 11 illustrates the trajectory of an eddy current in a susceptor as represented by the frequency of a signal, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a method for obtaining control characteristics of a susceptor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a method for determining whether a susceptor is a changed susceptor at a target time point in a first temperature profile according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 14 illustrates a first temperature profile and target time point according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 15 illustrates a signal applied to a coil of a heater based on a first temperature profile according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a signal applied to a coil of a heater according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a signal applied to a coil of a heater according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 18 illustrates the power consumed and the critical power in the coil of the heater according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a method for obtaining control characteristics of a susceptor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 20 illustrates a temperature change of a susceptor when a calibration signal is applied, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] 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 are given the same reference numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0032] The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are given or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing specifications, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0037]

[0038] FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate aerosol generating devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device (1) according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor (13), and a heater (18). At least one of the power source (11), the control unit (12), the sensor (13), and the heater (18) may be disposed inside a body (10) of the aerosol generating device (1). The body (10) may provide a space opened upwardly so that a stick (S), which is an aerosol generating article, may be inserted. The space opened upwardly may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the inside of the body (10) by a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the stick (S) can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of a region of the stick (S) containing an aerosol generating material and / or medium. The lower end of the stick (S) is inserted into the inside of the body (10), and the upper end of the stick (S) can protrude outside the body (10). The user can inhale air by putting the upper end of the stick (S) exposed to the outside in his / her mouth.

[0040] The heater (18) can heat the stick (S). The heater (18) can extend upwardly in the space where the stick (S) is inserted. For example, the heater (18) can include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element. The heater (18) can be inserted into the lower part of the stick (S). The heater (18) can include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0041] For example, referring to FIG. 1, the heater (18) may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater (18) may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater (18) may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heater (18) may be electrically connected to a power source (11). The heater (18) may be directly heated by receiving current from the power source (11).

[0042] For example, the heater (18) may be a multi-heater. The heater (18) may include a first heater (18A) and a second heater (18B). The first and second heaters (18A, 18B) may be arranged side by side along the length direction. The first and second heaters (18A, 18B) may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

[0043] For example, referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an induction coil (181) surrounding a heater (18). The induction coil (181) may heat the heater (18). The heater (18) is a susceptor, and the heater (18) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil (181). The magnetic field may penetrate the heater (18) and generate an eddy current within the heater (18). The current may generate heat in the heater (18).

[0044] For example, referring to FIG. 3, a susceptor (SS) may be included inside the stick (S), and the susceptor (SS) inside the stick (S) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through an induction coil (181). The susceptor (SS) may be disposed inside the stick (S) and may not be electrically connected to the aerosol generating device (1). The susceptor (SS) may be inserted into the insertion space together with the stick (S) and may be removed from the insertion space together with the stick (S). The stick (S) may be heated by the susceptor (SS) inside the stick (S). At this time, the aerosol generating device (1) may not be equipped with a heater (18).

[0045] The power source (11) can supply power to operate components of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (11) can be referred to as a battery. The power source (11) can supply power to at least one of the control unit (12), the sensor (13), and the heater (18). The power source (11) can supply power to the induction coil (181).

[0046] The control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit (12) can control the operation of at least one of the power supply (11), the sensor (13), and the heater (18). The control unit (12) can control the operation of the induction coil (181). The control unit (12) can control the operation of the display, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (12) can check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device (1) to determine whether the aerosol generating device (1) is in an operable state.

[0047] The control unit (12) can analyze the results detected by the sensor (13) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) so that the operation of the heater (18) is started or ended based on the results detected by the sensor (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the amount of power supplied to the heater (18) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater (18) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensor (13).

[0048] The sensor (13) may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, and an acceleration sensor. For example, the sensor (13) may sense at least one of the temperature of the heater (18), the temperature of the power source (11), and the temperature inside and outside the body (10). For example, the sensor (13) may sense the user's puff. For example, the sensor (13) may sense whether the stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space. For example, the sensor (13) may sense the movement of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0049]

[0050] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 4, an upper case (40) of an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 1 to 3) can be detachably coupled to a body (10). The upper case (40) can be coupled to an upper side of the body (10). The upper case (40) can cover an upper periphery of the body (10). The upper case (40) can have an insertion port (44). A stick (S) can be inserted into the insertion port (44). The upper case (40) can include a cap (45) for opening and closing the insertion port (44). The cap (45) can slide laterally to open and close the insertion port (44).

[0052] The upper case (40) may include an upper case wing (42). The upper case wing (42) may extend downward from both sides of the upper case body (41). The upper case wing (42) may be referred to as an upper case grip (42).

[0053] The body (10) may include a body wing (16). The body wing (16) may extend upward from an edge of the upper portion of the body (10). The body wings (16) may be formed as a pair facing each other with the upper portion of the body (10) as the center. The body wings (16) may be formed at a position that is misaligned with the upper case wing (42).

[0054] When the upper case (40) is coupled to the body (10), the upper case (40) can form the upper exterior of the aerosol generating device. When the upper case (40) is coupled to the body (10), the body wing (16) can cover the side portion of the upper case (40) exposed between the upper case wings (42). When the upper case (40) is coupled to the body (10), the upper case wing (42) can cover the outer wall of the body (10).

[0055]

[0056] FIG. 5 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the upper case and body of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 5, an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of a battery (A101), a control unit (A102), and a sensor (A103). At least one of the battery (A101), the control unit (A102), and the sensor (A103) may be disposed inside a body (A10) of the aerosol generating device. The characteristics of the battery (A101), the control unit (A102), and the sensor (A103) may be identically applied to the battery (101), the control unit (102), and the sensor (103) described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0058] The body (A10) may have a pipe (A11, A12) forming a first insertion space (A14). The first insertion space (A14) may be formed at an upper portion of the body (A10). The first insertion space (A14) may be opened upward. The first insertion space (A14) may have a cylindrical shape that extends vertically. A first side wall (A11) of the pipe (A11, A12) may surround a side of the first insertion space (A14). A first flange (A12) of the pipe (A11, A12) may cover a lower portion of the first insertion space (A14).

[0059] The extractor (A20) may have a second insertion space (A24) therein. The second insertion space (A24) may be opened toward the upper side of the extractor (A20). The second insertion space (A24) may have a cylindrical shape that extends vertically. The second side wall (A21) of the extractor (A20) may surround the side of the second insertion space (A24). The second flange (A22) of the extractor (A20) may cover the lower part of the second insertion space (A24). The through hole (A23) may be formed by opening the center of the second flange (A22).

[0060]

[0061] FIG. 6 is an exploded cross-sectional view of an upper case (C40) (e.g., upper case (40)), a body (C10) (e.g., body (10)), and a heater holder (C20) of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 7 is a combined cross-sectional view of an upper case (C40), a body (C10), and a heater holder (C20) of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a heater holder (C20) of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the body (C10) may have a shape that is elongated vertically. The body (C10) may provide a first insertion space (C14) therein. The first insertion space (C14) may be opened upward. The first insertion space (C14) may have a cylindrical shape that is elongated vertically. The first insertion space (C14) may be defined by a body pipe (C11) formed inside the body (C10). The body pipe (C11) may include a lateral wall (C111) that surrounds the periphery of the first insertion space (C14) and a lower wall (C112) that covers the bottom of the first insertion space (C14).

[0063] The heater holder (C20) and the extractor (C30) can be detachably inserted into the first insertion space (C14). The pipe (C20') may include a side wall (C21) that extends vertically and a lower wall (C22) formed at the lower end of the side wall (C21). The lower wall (C22) of the pipe (C20') may be referred to as a bottom or a mount. The lower wall (C22) of the pipe (C20') may form the bottom of the heater holder (C20). The heater (C50) (e.g., heater (18)) may be coupled to or fixed to the heater holder (C20).

[0064] The side wall (C21) of the heater holder (C20) and the side wall (C31) of the extractor (C30) can together define a second insertion space (C24) that is opened upward. Each of the side wall (C21) of the heater holder (C20) and the side wall (C31) of the extractor (C30) can cover at least one side of the second insertion space (C24). The side wall (C21) of the heater holder (C20) and the side wall (C31) of the extractor (C30) can together form a side perimeter of the second insertion space (C24).

[0065] The side wall (C31) of the extractor (C30) may be extended vertically. The side wall (C21) of the heater holder (C20) and the side wall (C31) of the extractor (C30) may each be spaced apart from the center of the second insertion space (C24) by the same distance in the radial direction. The side wall (C21) of the heater holder (C20) and the side wall (C31) of the extractor (C30) may each be positioned on the same peripheral extension line of the second insertion space (C24). The side wall (C21) of the heater holder (C20) and the side wall (C31) of the extractor (C30) may each extend in a curved manner in the circumferential direction along the perimeter of the second insertion space (C24).

[0066] The side walls (C21) of the heater holder (C20) may be arranged in multiple numbers along the circumference of the lower wall (C22) of the heater holder (C20). A first slit (C214) extending vertically may be formed between each of the multiple side walls (C21) of the heater holder (C20). The multiple side walls (C21) and the multiple first slits (C214) of the heater holder (C20) may be arranged alternately in the circumferential direction along the circumference of the second insertion space (C24).

[0067] The side walls (C31) of the extractor (C30) may be arranged in multiple numbers along the periphery of the lower wall (C32) of the extractor (C30). A second slit (C314) extending vertically may be formed between each of the multiple side walls (C31) of the extractor (C30). The multiple side walls (C31) and the multiple second slits (C314) of the extractor (C30) may be arranged alternately in the circumferential direction along the periphery of the second insertion space (C24).

[0068] The extractor (C30) can be inserted into the heater holder (C20). When the extractor (C30) is inserted into the heater holder (C20), the side wall (C21) of the heater holder (C20) can be placed in the second slit (C314), and the side wall (C31) of the extractor (C30) can be placed in the first slit (C214).

[0069] Accordingly, the side wall (C21) of the heater holder (C20) and the side wall (C31) of the extractor (C30) can form a second insertion space (C24). In addition, by reducing the wall thickness between the induction coil (C15) (e.g., induction coil (181)) and the heater (C50), the heat generation efficiency of the heater (C50) can be improved.

[0070]

[0071] The lower end of the stick (S) is inserted into the second insertion space (C24), and the upper end of the stick (S) can protrude outside the aerosol generating device (1). The heater (C50) can heat the first insertion space (C14) and the second insertion space (C24). The heater (C50) can heat the stick (S) inserted into the second insertion space (C24).

[0072] The lower end of the heater (C50) may be fixed to the lower wall (C22) of the pipe (C20'). The heater (C50) may extend long toward the opening of the second insertion space (C24). The heater (C50) may be formed in a cylindrical shape and the upper end may be pointed upward. As another example, the heater (C50) may have a shape extending in the circumferential direction and may be coupled to the side wall (C21) of the heater holder (C20). However, this is merely an example, and the shape of the heater (C50) is not limited to that described above or illustrated, as long as it can heat the stick (S) inserted into the second insertion space (C24) by being coupled to the heater holder (C20). The heater holder (C20) may be formed by insert injection into the heater (C50).

[0073] The through hole (C35) may be formed by opening the lower wall (C32) of the extractor (C30). The through hole (C35) may be opened vertically. When the extractor (C30) is inserted into the heater holder (C20), the heater (C50) may protrude through the through hole (C35) into the second insertion space (C24). When the stick (S) is inserted into the second insertion space (C24), the heater (C50) may be inserted into the lower portion of the stick (S).

[0074] The induction coil (C15) can surround the first insertion space (C14). The induction coil (C15) can be wound around the side wall (C111) of the body pipe (C11). The induction coil (C15) can generate heat from the heater (C50). As another example, the heater (C50) can be directly electrically connected to a power supply source through a terminal formed on the heater holder (C20) to receive power and generate heat.

[0075] Accordingly, the heater (C50) can be easily replaced. The sizes of the insertion spaces (C14, C24) and the heaters (C50) placed in the insertion spaces (C14, C24) are very small, making replacement difficult. However, the user can easily replace the heater (C50) by separating the heater holder (C20) from the aerosol generator (1) and placing a new heater holder (C20) in the aerosol generator (1).

[0076] In addition, the stick (S) can be easily separated from the heater (C50). The user can easily separate the stick (S) from the heater (C50) by separating the extractor (C30) and the heater holder (C20) from each other. The stick (S) inserted into the inside of the extractor (C30) can be more easily separated from the extractor (C30) by separating it from the heater (C50). The stick (S) can be separated even when the extractor (C30) and the heater holder (C20) are not separated from each other.

[0077] In addition, foreign substances generated from the stick (S) can be extracted through the extractor (C30) without remaining around the heater (C50) and the heater holder (C20). Accordingly, cleaning of the aerosol generator (1) around the heater (C50) becomes easier, and convenience of management can be improved. In addition, factors that reduce the performance of the heater (C50) are reduced, and the durability of the heater (C50) is improved, so that the replacement cycle of the heater (C50) can be extended. In addition, factors that spoil the taste of the stick (S) can be reduced.

[0078] The heater holder (C20) may be placed between the body (C10) and the extractor (C30). The side wall (C111) of the body pipe (C11) may surround the side wall (C21) of the heater holder (C20) and the side wall (C31) of the extractor (C30). The lower wall (C112) of the body pipe (C11) may face the lower wall (C22) of the heater holder (C20). The lower wall (C22) of the heater holder (C20) may face the lower wall (C32) of the extractor (C30).

[0079] The lower wall (C32) of the extractor (C30) may be spaced upward from the lower wall (C22) of the heater holder (C20). Air may flow between the extractor (C30) and the heater holder (C20), pass through the through hole (C35), and then be provided to the stick (S) inserted into the second insertion space (C24).

[0080] The upper wall (C12) of the body (C10) may extend outward in a horizontal direction from the upper end of the body pipe (C11). The outer lateral wall (C13) of the body (C10) may extend downward from the outer end of the upper wall (C12) of the body (C10). The induction coil (C15) may be arranged between the body pipe (C11) and the outer lateral wall (C13) of the body (C10).

[0081] The upper case (C40) can be detachably coupled to the body (C10). The upper case (C40) can be coupled to the upper side of the body (C10). The upper case (C40) can cover the periphery of the first insertion space (C14) and the upper periphery of the body (C10). The upper case (C40) can have an insertion opening (C44) (e.g., insertion opening (44)). The stick (S) can be inserted into the insertion opening (C44). The upper case (C40) can include a cap (C45) (e.g., cap (45)) for opening and closing the insertion opening (C44). The cap (C45) can slide laterally to open and close the insertion opening (C44). The heater holder (C20) can be arranged between the body (C10) and the upper case (C40).

[0082] The extractor (C30) can be coupled to the upper case (C40). The upper end of the extractor (C30) is coupled to the upper case (C40), and the lower end of the extractor (C30) can protrude downward from the upper case (C40). The extractor (C30) can be coupled to a position corresponding to the insertion port (C44). The insertion port (C44) can be located above the second insertion space (C24). The insertion port (C44) can connect the second insertion space (C24) to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0083] When the upper case (C40) is combined with the body (C10), the upper case (C40) can form the upper exterior of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0084] Accordingly, the user can more easily separate the extractor (C30) from the body (C10). By holding the outer surface of the upper case (C40) and separating the upper case (C40) from the body (C10), the user can separate the extractor (C30) inserted into the second insertion space (C24) without the inconvenience of gripping it.

[0085] The heater holder (C20) may include an extension portion (C23). The extension portion (C23) may be formed at the upper end of the heater holder (C20). The extension portion (C23) may extend outward in a horizontal direction from the upper end of the pipe (C20'). The extension portion (C23) may be referred to as a heater holder extension portion.

[0086] The heater holder (C20) may include a heater holder wing (C26). The heater holder wing (C26) may extend downward from both ends of the extension portion (C23).

[0087] The extension (C23) may have a shape corresponding to the upper wall (C12) of the body (C10). The heater holder wing (C26) may have a shape corresponding to the outer wall (C13) of the body (C10). When the pipe (C20') is inserted into the first insertion space (C14), the extension (C23) may be supported or seated on the upper wall (C12) of the body (C10), and the heater holder wing (C26) may face or come into contact with the outer wall (C13) of the body (C10).

[0088] The upper wall (C12) of the body (C10) supports the extension (C23), and the extension (C23) can support the pipe (C20'). The pipe (C20') can be hung from the extension (C23) and spaced upward from the bottom (C112) of the body pipe (C11) to form an air gap. The side wall (C21) of the pipe (C20') and the side wall (C31) of the extractor (C30) can be spaced inward from the side wall (C111) of the body pipe (C11) to form an air gap.

[0089] The extension (C23) may have a shape corresponding to the lower surface of the upper case (C40). When the upper case (C40) is coupled to the body (C10) and the extractor (C30) is inserted into the inside of the pipe (C20'), the extension (C23) may come into contact with the lower surface of the upper case (C40).

[0090] The upper case (C40), the extension (C23), and the body (C10) may each be provided with a connecting member. Each connecting member may be provided within the upper case (C40), the extension (C23), and the body (C10) so that the upper case (C40), the extension (C23), and the body (C10) are adjacent to each other when the upper case (C40), the extension (C23), and the body (C10) are connected to each other. The heater holder (C20) may be detachably connected to the upper case (C40) and / or the extractor (C30) by each connecting member. For example, each connecting member may include at least one of a protrusion and a corresponding groove. However, each connecting member is not limited thereto, and may be configured so that the heater holder (C20) can be detachably connected to the upper case (C40) and / or the extractor (C30) by each connecting member.

[0091] Accordingly, the user can selectively couple the heater holder (C20) to either the body (C10) or the extractor (C30) side while separating the upper case (C40) and / or the extractor (C30) from the body (C10). In addition, the upper case (C40) and / or the extractor (C30) can be more easily and stably coupled to the body (C10).

[0092] The side wall (C21) of the pipe (C20') and the side wall (C31) of the extractor (C30) may be spaced inward from the side wall (C111) of the body pipe (C11) to form an air gap. The heater (C50) may be surrounded by the extractor (C30) and the pipe (C20').

[0093] Accordingly, the amount of heat generated from the heater (C50) transferred to the body pipe (C11) through the pipe (C20') and the extractor (C30) is reduced, so that the phenomenon of the aerosol generator (1) overheating can be reduced.

[0094] The upper case (C40) can be separated from the body (C10). The heater holder (C20) can be detachably coupled to the upper case (C40). The heater holder (C20) can be detachably coupled to the upper case (C40) by a method such as a magnetic attraction coupling method, a screw coupling method, or a snap-fit ​​coupling method.

[0095] When the upper case (C40) is separated from the body (C10), the heater holder (C20) can be separated from the body (C10) together with the upper case (C40) while being coupled to the upper case (C40). When the upper case (C40) to which the heater holder (C20) is coupled is separated from the body (C10), the heater holder (C20) can be separated from the upper case (C40).

[0096] As another example, the heater holder (C20) may be detachably coupled to the extractor (C30). When the extractor (C30) is separated from the body, the heater holder (C20) may be separated from the body (C10) together with the extractor (C30) while still coupled thereto. When the extractor (C30) to which the heater holder (C20) is coupled is separated from the body (C10), the heater holder (C20) may be separated from the extractor (C30).

[0097] The heater holder (C20) coupled to the upper case (C40) can protrude downward from the upper case (C40). Accordingly, the heater holder (C20) can be easily separated from the upper case (C40) while being stably coupled to the upper case (C40). In addition, the heater (C50) can be conveniently replaced.

[0098] The heater holder (C20) can be detachably coupled to the body (C10). When the heater holder (C20) is coupled to the body (C10), the upper case (C40) and / or the extractor (C30) can be separated from the body (C10) and the heater holder (C20). When the upper case (C40) and / or the extractor (C30) are separated from the body (C10) and the heater holder (C20), the heater holder (C20) can be separated from the body (C10). The heater holder (C20) can be detachably coupled to the body (C10) by a method of coupling by magnetic attraction, a screw coupling method, a snap-fit ​​coupling method, or the like.

[0099] The extension (C23) coupled to the body (C10) can be exposed upward from the body (C10). The heater holder wing (C26) coupled to the body (C10) can be exposed laterally from the body (C10). Accordingly, the user can easily hold the heater holder (C20).

[0100] Accordingly, the heater holder (C20) can be easily separated from the body (C10) while being stably attached to the body (C10). In addition, the user can conveniently replace the heater (C50).

[0101] In addition, the user can easily separate the stick (S) from the heater (C50). The user can easily separate the stick (S) from the heater (C50) by separating the extractor (C30) and the heater holder (C20) from each other. The stick (S) inserted into the inside of the extractor (C30) can be more easily separated from the extractor (C30) by being separated from the heater (C50). Referring to Fig. 8, the guide portion (C25) can be formed on the upper inner surface of the pipe (C20'). The guide portion (C25) can be arranged between the pipe (C20') and the extension portion (C23). The guide portion (C25) can extend downwardly in an inclined manner.

[0102] Accordingly, the guide part (C25) can contact the lower part of the extractor (C30) and guide the extractor (C30) to be easily inserted into the heater holder (C20).

[0103] The lower end of the heater (C50) can be inserted into and fixed to a mount (lower wall (C22)). The heater (C50) can include a heater rod (C51). The heater rod (C51) can be extended vertically. The heater rod (C51) can have a cylindrical shape. The heater rod (C51) can have a hollow portion (C52) that is opened downward. The hollow portion (C52) can be extended vertically. The hollow portion (C52) inside the heater rod (C51) can be formed in a cylindrical shape. The upper end of the heater rod (C51) can be formed to be pointed upward.

[0104] The heater rod (C51) can be formed of a resistive metal.

[0105] The heater (C50) may include a support (C53). The support (C53) may be arranged on the lower side of the heater rod (C51). The support (C53) may be fixed to the heater rod (C51). The support (C53) may support the lower portion of the heater rod (C51). The support (C53) may fill the lower portion of the hollow portion (C52). The side surface of the support (C53) may be supported by a mount (lower wall (C22)). The support (C53) may have high heat resistance. The support (C53) may not be thermally deformed due to heat generation of the heater rod (C51).

[0106] The lower end of the heater rod (C51) can be inserted into the support (C53). The support (C53) can be formed with an upper-open fitting groove (C531). The fitting groove (C531) extends in the circumferential direction and can have a ring shape. The lower end of the heater rod (C51) can be inserted into and fitted into the fitting groove (C531).

[0107] The heater rod (C51) can be coupled to the support (C53). The protrusion (C511) can protrude outward from the outer surface of the lower end of the heater rod (C51). A plurality of protrusions (C511) can be arranged spaced apart from each other along the outer surface of the lower end of the heater rod (C51). The protrusion groove can be formed on the outer surface of the fitting groove (C531). The protrusion (C511) can be inserted into the protrusion groove.

[0108] A flange (C532) may be formed on the side surface of the support (C53). The flange (C532) may extend outward along the circumference from the side surface of the support (C53). The flange (C532) may be inserted into the mount (lower wall (C22)). The mount (lower wall (C22)) may be integrally connected to the flange (C532) by insert-molding the heater holder (C20) into the heater (C50).

[0109] The inner surface of the mount (lower wall (C22)) may have a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the flange (C532). The inner surface of the mount (lower wall (C22)) and the outer surface of the flange (C532) may be interlocked with each other in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, when the stick (S) is separated from or inserted into the heater (C50), the heater (C50) can be prevented from being separated from the heater holder (C20).

[0110]

[0111] Although not shown in the drawing, an aerosol generating device (1) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may not have a heater holder (C20). The heater (C50) may be fixed to the body (C10). The heater (C50) may be fixed to the lower wall (C112) of the body pipe (C11) and may protrude upwardly from the first insertion space (C14). The upper portion of the heater (C50) may protrude into the second insertion space (C24) by passing through the through hole (C35). A hollow space may be formed inside the heater (C50). An electrically conductive track and / or a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor (13)) may be mounted in the hollow space of the heater (C50). The electrically conductive track may receive current from the power source (11) and generate heat, and the heater (C50) may be heated by the heat generated in the electrically conductive track.

[0112] As another example, the heater (C50) may be fixed to the extractor (C30). The heater (C50) may be fixed to the lower wall (C32) of the extractor (C30) and may protrude upwardly from the second insertion space (C24). The extractor (C30) may be detachably inserted into the first insertion space (C14). When the extractor (C30) is separated from the body (C10), the heater (C50) may be separated from the body (C10) together with the extractor (C30).

[0113]

[0114] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (900) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0115] The aerosol generating device (900) may include a power source (910), a control unit (920), a sensor (930), an output unit (940), an input unit (950), a communication unit (960), a memory (970), and at least one heater (980, 924). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (900) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 9. That is, a person skilled in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that some of the components illustrated in FIG. 9 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (900).

[0116] The sensor (930) can detect the status of the aerosol generating device (900) or the status around the aerosol generating device (900) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (920). Based on the detected information, the control unit (920) can control the aerosol generating device (900) to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980), restricting smoking, determining whether a stick (S) and / or cartridge (19) is inserted, and displaying a notification.

[0117] The sensor (930) may include at least one of a temperature sensor (931), a puff sensor (932), an insertion detection sensor (933), a reuse detection sensor (934), a cartridge detection sensor (935), a cap detection sensor (936), and a motion detection sensor (937).

[0118] The temperature sensor (931) can detect the temperature at which the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980) is heated. The aerosol generating device (900) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980), or the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980) itself may serve as the temperature sensor.

[0119] The temperature sensor (931) can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980). For example, the temperature sensor (931) can include a resistance element whose resistance value changes in response to a change in the temperature of the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980). It can be implemented by a thermistor, which is an element that utilizes the property of changing resistance depending on temperature. At this time, the temperature sensor (931) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980). For example, the temperature sensor (931) can be configured as a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980). At this time, the temperature sensor (931) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater (924) and / or heater (980) as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (924) and / or heater (980).

[0120] A temperature sensor (931) may be placed around the power source (910) to monitor the temperature of the power source (910). The temperature sensor (931) may be placed adjacent to the power source (910). For example, the temperature sensor (931) may be attached to one side of a battery, which is the power source (910). For example, the temperature sensor (931) may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0121] A temperature sensor (931) is placed inside the body (10) and can detect the internal temperature of the body (10).

[0122] The puff sensor (932) can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor (932) can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor (932) can be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor (932) can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (900) can correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor (932) can be arranged in correspondence to the airflow path through which the gas flows in the aerosol generating device (900).

[0123] The insertion detection sensor (933) can detect insertion and / or removal of the stick (S). The insertion detection sensor (933) can detect a signal change according to the insertion and / or removal of the stick (S). The insertion detection sensor (933) can be installed around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor (933) can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick (S) according to a change in the permittivity inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor (933) can be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0124] An inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be positioned adjacent to an insertion space. For example, when a magnetic field changes around a current-flowing coil, the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.

[0125] An inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil. For example, an inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

[0126] A capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the electromagnetic properties of the surroundings, for example, the electrostatic capacitance around the conductor. For example, when a stick (S) including a wrapper made of a metallic material is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic properties around the conductor may be changed by the wrapper of the stick (S).

[0127] A reuse detection sensor (934) can detect whether the stick (S) has been reused. The reuse detection sensor (934) may be a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the color of the stick (S). The color sensor can detect the color of a portion of a wrapper that wraps the outside of the stick (S). The color sensor can detect a value for an optical characteristic corresponding to the color of an object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristic may be a wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as a single component with the proximity sensor, or may be implemented as a separate component distinct from the proximity sensor.

[0128] At least some of the wrappers constituting the stick (S) may change color due to the aerosol. The reuse detection sensor (934) may be positioned corresponding to a position where at least some of the wrappers that change color due to the aerosol are disposed when the stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick (S) is used by a user, the color of at least some of the wrappers may be a first color. At this time, as at least some of the wrappers are wetted by the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device (900) while passing through the stick (S), the color of at least some of the wrappers may change to a second color. Meanwhile, the color of at least some of the wrappers may be maintained at the second color after changing from the first color to the second color.

[0129] The cartridge detection sensor (935) can detect the mounting and / or removal of the cartridge (19). The cartridge detection sensor (935) can be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc.

[0130] The cap detection sensor (936) can detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the body (10), the cartridge (19) and a portion of the body (10) covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor (936) can be implemented by a contact sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0131] The motion detection sensor (937) can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device (900). The motion detection sensor (937) can be implemented with at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0132] In addition to the aforementioned sensors (131 to 137), the sensor (930) may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and 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.

[0133] The output unit (940) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (900) and provide it to the user. The output unit (940) may include at least one of a display (941), a haptic unit (942), and an audio output unit (943), but is not limited thereto. When the display (941) and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit (941) can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0134] The display (941) can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device (900) to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (900) can mean various information such as the charging / discharging status of the power supply (910) of the aerosol generating device (900), the preheating status of the heater (980), the insertion / removal status of the stick (S) and / or cartridge (19), the mounting / removal status of the cap, or the status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (900) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display (941) can output the above information to the outside. For example, the display (941) can be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display (941) can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0135] The haptic unit (942) can provide tactile information about the aerosol generating device (900) to the user by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus. For example, the haptic unit (942) can generate a vibration corresponding to the completion of the initial preheating when initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater (924) and / or heater (980) for a set period of time. The haptic unit (942) can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0136] The acoustic output unit (943) can provide information about the aerosol generating device (900) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit (943) can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0137] The power source (910) can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device (900). The power source (910) can supply power so that the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980) can be heated. In addition, the power source (910) can supply power required for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device (900), such as the sensor (930), the output unit (940), the input unit (950), the communication unit (960), and the memory (970). The power source (910) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (910) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0138] Although not shown in FIG. 9, the aerosol generating device (900) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power source (910) and may include a switching element.

[0139] The power protection circuit can block the power supply (910) according to certain conditions. For example, the power protection circuit can block the power supply (910) when the voltage level of the power supply (910) is higher than a first voltage corresponding to overcharge. For example, the power protection circuit can block the power supply (910) when the voltage level of the power supply (910) is lower than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarge.

[0140] The heater (980) can receive power from the power source (910) to heat the medium or aerosol generating material within the stick (S). Although not illustrated in FIG. 10, the aerosol generating device (900) may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the power source (910) and supplies it to the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980). In addition, when the aerosol generating device (900) generates the aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating device (900) may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the direct current power of the power source (910) into alternating current power.

[0141] The control unit (920), sensor (930), output unit (940), input unit (950), communication unit (960), and memory (970) may receive power from the power source (910) to perform their functions. Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, the device may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the power source (910) and supplies it to each component. In addition, although not illustrated in FIG. 9, a noise filter may be provided between the power source (910) and the heater (980). The noise filter may be a low pass filter. The low pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low pass filter may correspond to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power source (910) to the heater (980). By using a low-pass filter, high-frequency noise components can be prevented from being applied to a sensor (930), such as an insertion detection sensor (933).

[0142] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980) may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, and the like. Furthermore, the heater (980) may be implemented as, but not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate having electrically conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, and the like.

[0143] In another embodiment, the heater (980) may be an induction heater. For example, the heater (980) may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0144] The input unit (950) can receive information input from a user or output information to the user. For example, the input unit (950) can be a touch panel. The touch panel can include at least one touch sensor that detects touch. For example, the touch sensor can include, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc.

[0145] The display (941) and the touch panel may be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted into the display (941) (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel may be added on to the display panel (941).

[0146] Meanwhile, the input unit (950) may include, but is not limited to, buttons, key pads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0147] The memory (970) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (900), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (920). The memory (970) 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. The memory (970) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generating device (900), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

[0148] The communication unit (960) may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit (960) may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0149] The short-range wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0150] The wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0151] Although not shown in FIG. 9, the aerosol generating device (900) further includes a connection interface, such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can transmit and receive information or charge a power source (910) by connecting to another external device through a connection interface, such as a USB interface.

[0152] The control unit (920) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (900). In one embodiment, the control unit (900) can include at least one processor. The processor can be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present embodiment can be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0153] The control unit (920) can control the temperature of the heater (980) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (910) to the heater (980). The control unit (920) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980) based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980) sensed by the temperature sensor (931). The control unit (920) can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980) based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980). For example, the control unit (920) can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980) based on a temperature profile stored in the memory (970).

[0154] The aerosol generating device (900) may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply (910) between the power supply (910) and the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980). The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater (924), the heater (980), or the induction coil (181). The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit (920) may control the power supply circuit.

[0155] The control unit (920) can control power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit may be an inverter that converts direct current power output from the power source (910) into alternating current power. For example, the inverter may be configured as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.

[0156] The control unit (920) can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power source (910) to the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980). The control unit (920) can turn off the switching element so that power is cut off to the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980). The control unit (920) can adjust the current supplied from the power source (910) by adjusting the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0157] The control unit (920) can control the voltage output from the power source (910) by controlling the switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power source (910). For example, the power conversion circuit can include a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the power source (910). For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented using a buck-boost converter, a zener diode, etc.

[0158] The control unit (920) can control the on / off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit to adjust the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit. When the on state of the switching element continues, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the level of the voltage output from the power source (910). The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power source (910) to the voltage output from the power source. As the duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element decreases, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may decrease. The heater (980) can be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0159] The control unit (920) can control power to be supplied to the heater (980) using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0160] For example, the control unit (920) can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater (980) using the PWM method. The control unit (920) can control the power supplied to the heater (980) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

[0161] For example, the control unit (920) can determine a target temperature that is the target of control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (920) can control the power supplied to the heater (980) using a PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference value between the temperature of the heater (980) and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[0162] The control unit (920) can prevent the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980) from overheating. For example, the control unit (920) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980) based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (920) can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980) by a certain percentage based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (920) can determine that the aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge (19) is exhausted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (924) exceeding the limit temperature, and can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (924).

[0163] The control unit (920) can control the charging and discharging of the power supply (910). The control unit (920) can check the temperature of the power supply (910) based on the output signal of the temperature sensor (931).

[0164] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device (900), the control unit (920) can check whether the temperature of the power source (910) is higher than or equal to the first limit temperature, which is a criterion for blocking charging of the power source (910). If the temperature of the power source (910) is lower than the first limit temperature, the control unit (920) can control the power source (910) to be charged based on a preset charging current. If the temperature of the power source (910) is higher than or equal to the first limit temperature, the control unit (920) can block charging of the power source (910).

[0165] When the power of the aerosol generating device (900) is turned on, the control unit (920) can check whether the temperature of the power source (910) is higher than or equal to the second limit temperature, which is a standard for blocking discharge of the power source (910). If the temperature of the power source (910) is lower than the second limit temperature, the control unit (920) can control to use the power stored in the power source (910). If the temperature of the power source (910) is higher than or equal to the second limit temperature, the control unit (920) can stop using the power stored in the power source (910).

[0166] The control unit (920) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source (910). For example, the control unit (920) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power source (910) based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power source (910).

[0167] The control unit (920) can determine whether a stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (933). The control unit (920) can determine that the stick (S) is inserted based on the output signal of the insertion detection sensor (933). If it is determined that the stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space, the control unit (920) can control to supply power to the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980). For example, the control unit (920) can supply power to the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980) based on a temperature profile stored in the memory (970).

[0168] The control unit (920) can determine whether the stick (S) is removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit (920) can determine whether the stick (S) is removed from the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (933). For example, the control unit (920) can determine that the stick (S) is removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater (980) is higher than a limited temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater (980) is higher than a set slope. When it is determined that the stick (S) is removed from the insertion space, the control unit (920) can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980).

[0169] The control unit (920) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater (980) according to the state of the stick (S) detected by the sensor (930). The control unit (920) can check the level range within which the level of the signal of the capacitance sensor is included based on a lookup table. The control unit (920) can determine the moisture content of the stick (S) according to the checked level range.

[0170] When the stick (S) is in an over-humidified state, the control unit (920) can control the power supply time to the heater (980) to increase the preheating time of the stick (S) compared to the normal state.

[0171] The control unit (920) can determine whether the stick (S) inserted into the insertion space has been reused through the reuse detection sensor (934). For example, the control unit (920) can compare the sensing value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range that includes a first color, and if the sensing value is included in the first reference range, it can determine that the stick (S) has not been used. For example, the control unit (920) can compare the sensing value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor with a second reference range that includes a second color, and if the sensing value is included in the second reference range, it can determine that the stick (S) has been used. If it is determined that the stick (S) has been used, the control unit (920) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980).

[0172] The control unit (920) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is coupled and / or removed through the cartridge detection sensor (935). For example, the control unit (920) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is coupled and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cartridge detection sensor.

[0173] The control unit (920) can determine whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted. For example, the control unit (920) can preheat the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980) by applying power, and determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater (924) exceeds a limited temperature during the preheating period. If the temperature of the cartridge heater (924) exceeds the limited temperature, the control unit (920) can determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted. If the control unit (920) determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted, the control unit (920) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980).

[0174] The control unit (920) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is usable. For example, the control unit (920) can determine that the cartridge (19) is unusable if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge (19) based on data stored in the memory (970). For example, the control unit (920) can determine that the cartridge (19) is unusable if the total time that the heater (924) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the heater (924) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power.

[0175] The control unit (920) can make a judgment regarding the user's inhalation through the puff sensor (932). For example, the control unit (920) can determine whether a puff has been generated based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor. For example, the control unit (920) can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor (932). If the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or if no puffs are detected for a preset time or longer, the control unit (920) can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980).

[0176] The control unit (920) can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed through the cap detection sensor (936). For example, the control unit (920) can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cap detection sensor.

[0177] The control unit (920) can control the output unit (940) based on the result detected by the sensor (930). For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor (932) reaches a preset number, the control unit (920) can notify the user that the aerosol generating device (900) will soon be terminated through at least one of the display (941), the haptic unit (942), and the audio output unit (943). For example, the control unit (920) can notify the user through the output unit (940) based on a determination that the stick (S) is not present in the insertion space. For example, the control unit (920) can notify the user through the output unit (940) based on a determination that the cartridge (19) and / or the cap is not mounted. For example, the control unit (920) can transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980) to the user through the output unit (940).

[0178] The control unit (920) may store and update a history of events that have occurred in the memory (970) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. The events may include operations such as detection of insertion of a stick (S), initiation of heating of the stick (S), detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater (924) and / or heater (980), detection of overvoltage application to the cartridge heater (924) and / or heater (980), termination of heating of the stick (S), power on / off of the aerosol generating device (900), initiation of charging of the power source (910), detection of overcharging of the power source (910), termination of charging of the power source (910), etc., performed in the aerosol generating device (900). 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 a stick (S), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor (933), etc. For example, if a given event is detection of overheating of a cartridge heater (924) and / or a heater (980), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980), the voltage applied to the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980), the current flowing through the cartridge heater (924) and / or the heater (980), etc.

[0179] The control unit (920) may control to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving data regarding authentication from the external device through the communication link, the control unit (920) may release restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device (900). Here, the data regarding authentication may include data indicating completion of user authentication for a user corresponding to the external device. The user may perform user authentication through the external device. The external device may determine whether user data is valid based on the user's birthday, a unique number representing the user, etc., and may receive data regarding the use authorization of the aerosol generating device (900) from an external server. The external device may transmit data indicating completion of user authentication to the aerosol generating device (900) based on the data regarding the use authorization. When the user authentication is completed, the control unit (920) may release restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device (900). For example, the control unit (920) may release the restriction on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the heater (980) when user authentication is completed.

[0180] The control unit (920) can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generating device (900) to the external device through a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity, operating status, etc. of the power supply (910) of the aerosol generating device (900) through a display of the external device.

[0181] An external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol generating device (900) based on an input that initiates location search of the aerosol generating device (900). When receiving a location search request from the external device, the control unit (920) may control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, in response to the location search request, the haptic unit (942) may generate vibration. For example, in response to the location search request, the display (941) may output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0182] The control unit (920) can control to perform a firmware update when receiving firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generating device (900) and determine whether a new version of the firmware exists. When an input requesting firmware download is received, the external device can receive a new version of the firmware data and transmit the new version of the firmware data to the aerosol generating device (900). The control unit (920) can control to perform a firmware update of the aerosol generating device (900) upon receiving a new version of the firmware data.

[0183] The control unit (920) can transmit data on the sensing value of at least one sensor (930) to an external server (not shown) through the communication unit (960), and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing value through machine learning such as deep learning from the server. The control unit (920) can perform an operation of determining a user's inhalation pattern, an operation of generating a temperature profile, etc. using the learning model received from the server. The control unit (920) can store, in the memory (970), the sensing value data of at least one sensor (930) and data for learning an artificial neural network (ANN). For example, the memory (970) can store a database for each component provided in the aerosol generating device (900) for learning an artificial neural network (ANN), and weights and biases forming an artificial neural network (ANN) structure. The control unit (920) can learn data on the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor (930), the user's suction pattern, the temperature profile, etc., stored in the memory (970), and generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's suction pattern, generating the temperature profile, etc.

[0184] An aerosol generating device can generate an alternating magnetic field by applying a signal to a coil of a heater. The generated alternating magnetic field causes an eddy current to flow in the susceptor, and the heat generated by the eddy current and the resistance of the susceptor can cause an induction heating phenomenon in which the temperature of the susceptor increases. The aerosol generating device can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article through the heat of the susceptor. The aerosol generating device can heat the aerosol generating article for optimal smoking by controlling the signal applied to the coil of the heater so that the temperature of the susceptor corresponds to a preset temperature profile. When a reference susceptor is coupled to the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device can apply a reference signal to the coil of the heater so that the reference susceptor follows the temperature profile. If a susceptor having electrical characteristics different from those of a reference susceptor is coupled to an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device can determine a signal to be applied to the coil of the heater by varying the frequency, size, duty ratio, etc. of the reference signal based on control characteristics determined in response to the electrical characteristics of the susceptor. In this case, the control characteristics may be parameters that correct the reference signal so that the susceptor follows a temperature profile for a susceptor having electrical characteristics different from those of the reference susceptor.

[0185] In an aerosol generating device, the susceptor is a component that directly contacts the aerosol generating material and transfers heat. Therefore, as the number of cigarettes smoked accumulates, foreign substances can accumulate, and cleaning can be cumbersome. Therefore, the susceptor may be designed to be replaceable. When the susceptor is replaced in an aerosol generating device, the control characteristics of the replaced susceptor must be determined, and the signal applied to the heater coil must be controlled differently. Therefore, for an aerosol generating device coupled with a replaceable susceptor to effectively perform the aerosol generating method, a method for determining susceptor replacement is required.

[0186]

[0187] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method for determining whether a susceptor is a modified susceptor, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0188] The following operations 1010 to 1050 may be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., an aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 1 to 3 or an aerosol generating device (900) of FIG. 9). The aerosol generating device may include a heater (e.g., a heater (18) of FIGS. 1 to 3, a heater (A33) of FIG. 5, a heater (C50) of FIGS. 6 to 8 or a heater (980, 924) of FIG. 9) and a controller (e.g., a controller (12) of FIGS. 1 to 3 or a controller (A102) of FIG. 5 or a controller (920) of FIG. 9). For example, the heater may include a coil for induction heating (e.g., an induction coil (181) of FIGS. 2 to 3, an induction coil (A13) of FIG. 5 or an induction coil (C15) of FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0189] In operation 1010, the control unit of the aerosol generating device can apply a first signal to the coil of the heater so as to generate an alternating magnetic field having a first frequency. The first signal can have a preset current, voltage, and duty ratio as a first test signal.

[0190] According to one embodiment, when an aerosol generating article is inserted into an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device may control a signal applied to a coil of a heater based on a first temperature profile, and when it is determined that the current time corresponds to a first time point of the first temperature profile, operation 1010 may be performed. The first temperature profile may be a temperature profile that controls the temperature of a susceptor to heat the aerosol generating article to an optimal temperature during a smoking process. A first signal may be applied to the coil of the heater at the first time point of the first temperature profile to detect a change in the susceptor during the heating process of the aerosol generating article. A method for determining whether a susceptor has changed while the aerosol generating device is controlled based on the first temperature profile is described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0191] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may include a DC / AC inverter and an amplifier for generating a first signal. For example, the amplifier may include a class D amplifier or a class E amplifier.

[0192] In one embodiment, the first frequency may be a frequency greater than a range of natural frequencies (or matching frequencies) of susceptors disposed within the aerosol generating device. For example, multiple susceptors may have different natural frequencies, but the different natural frequencies may be within a certain range. The natural frequency of a susceptor may be a frequency of a signal that can induce the largest eddy current in the susceptor. For example, if the range of natural frequencies is 230 KHz to 250 KHz, the first frequency may be 270 KHz.

[0193] In one embodiment, the operation of applying the first signal to the coil may be performed for a short period of time (e.g., several milliseconds) so that the temperature of the susceptor does not increase due to eddy currents induced in the susceptor by the first signal.

[0194] In one embodiment, the voltage of the first signal may be set to be lower than a preset voltage so that the temperature of the susceptor does not increase due to eddy currents induced in the susceptor by the first signal. Below, the voltage of the first signal set to be lower than the preset voltage is described in detail with reference to FIG. 15.

[0195] In one embodiment, the susceptor may not be electrically connected to the aerosol generating device. Although no electricity flows from the aerosol generating device to the susceptor, an alternating magnetic field generated by the aerosol generating device and the coil of the aerosol generating device may induce electromagnetic induction in the susceptor, thereby causing eddy currents to flow in the susceptor.

[0196] In one embodiment, the susceptor can be positioned within the interior of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device. For example, the susceptor can be a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element.

[0197] In one embodiment, the susceptor may be incorporated into an aerosol-generating article that is inserted into an aerosol-generating device, such as the susceptor (SS) of FIG. 3. For example, the susceptor may be incorporated into a filter paper of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the susceptor may be incorporated into a tobacco rod of the aerosol-generating article.

[0198] In operation 1020, the control unit of the aerosol generating device can determine a first value of an electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by the first signal. For example, the electrical characteristic can be at least one of a current, a voltage, or a power of a first output signal indicated at an output terminal of a coil of the heater. The operation of determining the first value of the electrical characteristic of the susceptor can include an operation of determining the first value of the electrical characteristic of the susceptor based on at least one of a current, a voltage, or a power of the first output signal indicated at the output terminal of the coil of the heater. As the alternating magnetic field generated by the coil of the heater generates an eddy current in the susceptor, a portion of the electrical energy of the first signal is transferred to the susceptor, and the current, voltage, or power of the first signal can be different from the current, voltage, or power of the first output signal.

[0199] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a detection circuit for determining a first value of an electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by a first signal at an output terminal of the coil of the heater. The detection circuit may not be electrically connected to the susceptor.

[0200] In operation 1030, the control unit of the aerosol generating device may apply a second signal to the coil of the heater so as to generate an alternating magnetic field having a second frequency. The second signal may have a preset current, voltage, and duty ratio as a second test signal.

[0201] According to one embodiment, when an aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device controls a signal applied to a coil of a heater based on a first temperature profile, and when it is determined that the current point in time corresponds to a first point in time of the first temperature profile, operation 1030 can be performed. Operation 1030 can be performed sequentially after operation 1010 is performed or after a preset delay.

[0202] In one embodiment, the second frequency may be a frequency greater than a range of natural frequencies of a susceptor disposed within the aerosol generating device. For example, if the natural frequency range is 230 KHz to 250 KHz, the second frequency may be 280 KHz.

[0203] In one embodiment, the operation of applying the second signal to the coil so that the temperature of the susceptor does not increase due to eddy currents induced in the susceptor by the second signal can be performed for a short time (e.g., several milliseconds).

[0204] In one embodiment, the voltage of the second signal may be less than a preset voltage so that the temperature of the susceptor does not increase due to eddy currents induced in the susceptor by the second signal.

[0205] In operation 1040, the control unit of the aerosol generating device can determine a second value of the electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by the second signal. For example, the electrical characteristic can be at least one of a current, a voltage, or a power of the second output signal indicated at the output terminal of the coil of the heater. The operation of determining the second value of the electrical characteristic of the susceptor can include an operation of determining the second value of the electrical characteristic of the susceptor based on at least one of a current, a voltage, or a power of the second output signal indicated at the output terminal of the coil of the heater.

[0206] In operation 1050, the control unit of the aerosol generating device can determine whether the susceptor is a modified susceptor based on the first value and the second value of the electrical characteristic of the susceptor. For example, if at least one of the first value and the second value is different from the previous first value and the previous second value measured for the previous susceptor, the control unit of the aerosol generating device can determine that the susceptor is a modified susceptor. For example, if the first value and the second value of the susceptor are equal to the previous first value and the previous second value measured for the previous susceptor, the control unit of the aerosol generating device can determine that the susceptor is an unchanged susceptor. For example, if the difference between the first value of the susceptor and the previous first value of the previous susceptor is less than a preset difference, the first value of the susceptor and the previous first value of the previous susceptor can be considered to be equal.

[0207] According to one embodiment, when it is determined that the susceptor has been changed, the control characteristics of the changed susceptor can be acquired based on the first and second values ​​of the susceptor. The signal applied to the coil of the heater can be controlled based on the control characteristics of the changed susceptor. A method for controlling the signal applied to the coil of the heater based on the control characteristics is described in detail below with reference to FIG. 12.

[0208] According to one embodiment, when the susceptor of the aerosol generating device is determined to be a modified susceptor, the aerosol generating device can determine whether the current state is a target state that satisfies a preset condition. For example, the target state may be a state in which no aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device. For example, the target state may be a state in which the body temperature of the aerosol generating device is within a target temperature range. For example, the target state may be a state in which a user performs a user calibration operation. When the current state is determined to be the target state, a calibration signal may be applied to the coil of the heater, and the control characteristics of the modified susceptor may be acquired based on at least one of current, voltage, or power of the calibration output signal appearing at the output terminal of the coil of the heater. For example, the calibration signal may be a signal of a power profile that controls the power applied to the coil of the heater in order for the aerosol generating device to acquire the control characteristics of the susceptor. The signal applied to the coil of the heater may be controlled based on the control characteristics of the modified susceptor.

[0209] In one embodiment, if the susceptor is determined to be unchanged, the control unit of the aerosol generating device can maintain a predetermined control characteristic for the susceptor.

[0210]

[0211] FIG. 11 illustrates the trajectory of an eddy current in a susceptor as represented by the frequency of a signal, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0212] In one embodiment, the first susceptor and the second susceptor may exhibit different electrical characteristics even for the same signal. For example, since the first natural frequency (1112) of the first susceptor and the second natural frequency (1114) of the second susceptor are different from each other, the first eddy current trajectory (1102) of the first susceptor and the second eddy current trajectory (1104) of the second susceptor, which are indicated by the frequency of the provided signal, may be different. For example, even when the same manufacturing process and the same materials are used, the first natural frequency (1112) of the first susceptor and the second natural frequency (1114) of the second susceptor may be different from each other due to tolerances that occur during the manufacturing process of the susceptors. For example, the susceptors may be manufactured to have different electrical characteristics.

[0213] If an aerosol generating device (e.g., an aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 1 to 3 or an aerosol generating device (900) of FIG. 9) can perform a frequency sweep over the entire frequency band, it can generate a first eddy current trajectory (1102) of the first susceptor and a second eddy current trajectory (1104) of the second susceptor. If the first eddy current trajectory (1102) of the first susceptor and the second eddy current trajectory (1104) of the second susceptor are not identical, the aerosol generating device can determine that the first susceptor and the second susceptor are not identical. However, for an aerosol generating device to perform a frequency sweep over the entire frequency band, a large amount of calculation and a large amount of processing time may be required.

[0214] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can determine the first value (c) and the second value (d) of the eddy current appearing in the first susceptor using a first signal having a first frequency (1120) and a second signal having a second frequency (1130) to reduce the required amount of calculation and processing time. The aerosol generating device can pre-store the first value (a) and the second value (b) of the eddy current appearing in the second susceptor using the first signal having the first frequency (1120) and the second signal having the second frequency (1130). For example, the first susceptor can be a replaced susceptor, and the second susceptor can be a susceptor before being replaced.

[0215] The aerosol generating device can determine whether the first value (c) and the second value (d) for the first susceptor and the first value (a) and the second value (b) for the second susceptor are the same, respectively. For example, the aerosol generating device can determine the first susceptor and the second susceptor as the same susceptor if the first value (c) and the second value (d) for the first susceptor and the first value (a) and the second value (b) for the second susceptor are the same, respectively. For example, the aerosol generating device can determine the first susceptor and the second susceptor as non-identical susceptors if at least one of the first value (c) and the second value (d) for the first susceptor is not the same as the first value (a) and the second value (b) for the second susceptor.

[0216] According to one embodiment, the magnitude of the eddy current of the susceptor, which is indicated by the signal frequency, can be indirectly obtained from a detection circuit connected to the output terminal of the coil of the heater. Since at least a portion of the electric energy of the signal applied to the coil of the heater is absorbed by the susceptor to generate an eddy current, the detection circuit can indirectly obtain the magnitude of the eddy current of the susceptor by comparing the current, voltage, or power of the signal applied to the coil of the heater with the current, voltage, or power of the output signal. When the eddy current of the susceptor is indirectly obtained through the detection circuit, the susceptor of the aerosol generating device can be easily replaced since the susceptor is not electrically connected to other components of the aerosol generating device.

[0217]

[0218] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a method for obtaining control characteristics of a susceptor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0219] According to one embodiment, operations 1210 and 1220 below may be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 1 to 3, the aerosol generating device of FIGS. 4 to 8, or the aerosol generating device (900) of FIG. 9). For example, operations 1210 and 1220 may be performed after operation 1050 described above with reference to FIG. 10 is performed. The aerosol generating device may include a control unit including at least one processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the control unit.

[0220] In operation 1210, if the susceptor is a modified susceptor, the aerosol generating device can acquire control characteristics of the modified susceptor based on the first value and the second value of the susceptor. If a reference susceptor is coupled to the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device can apply a reference signal to the coil of the heater so that the reference susceptor follows a temperature profile (e.g., a first temperature profile). For example, the reference susceptor may be a susceptor used to acquire data in an experimental environment, and the reference signal may be a signal applied to the coil of the heater so that the temperature of the reference susceptor follows the first temperature profile. In this case, the control characteristics of the susceptor may be parameters that correct the reference signal so that a susceptor having electrical characteristics different from those of the reference susceptor follows the first temperature profile.

[0221] In operation 1220, a signal applied to the coil of the heater can be controlled based on the control characteristics and temperature profile (e.g., a first temperature profile) of the modified susceptor. By changing the frequency, size, duty ratio, etc. of the reference signal based on the control characteristics determined in response to the electrical characteristics of the modified susceptor, the modified susceptor can be controlled to follow the temperature profile based on the generated signal.

[0222]

[0223] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a method for determining whether a susceptor is a changed susceptor at a target time point in a first temperature profile according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 14 illustrates a first temperature profile and a target time point according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0224] According to one embodiment, operations 1310 and 1320 below may be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 1 to 3, the aerosol generating device of FIGS. 4 to 8, or the aerosol generating device (900) of FIG. 9). For example, operations 1310 and 1320 may be performed before operation 1010 described above with reference to FIG. 10 is performed. The aerosol generating device may include a control unit including at least one processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the control unit.

[0225] In operation 1310, the aerosol generating device may control a signal applied to the coil of the heater based on a first temperature profile when an aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device. The first temperature profile may be a temperature profile that controls the temperature of the susceptor to heat the aerosol generating article to an optimal temperature during the smoking process. For example, the first temperature profile may be a temperature profile (1410) described below with reference to FIG. 14.

[0226] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device determines whether a current point in time corresponds to a target point in time of a first temperature profile, and if the current point in time corresponds to the target point in time, operation 1010 described above with reference to FIG. 10 may be performed. For example, if it is determined that the current point in time corresponds to a first point in time of the first temperature profile, a first signal may be applied to a coil of the heater so as to generate an alternating magnetic field having a first frequency, and a second signal may be applied to the coil of the heater so as to generate an alternating magnetic field having a second frequency. If the susceptor change determination method is performed at the target point in the first temperature profile, overheating or inaccurate control of the aerosol generating device due to the changed susceptor may be prevented by detecting a change in the susceptor during the heating process of the aerosol generating article.

[0227] In operation 1320, the aerosol generating device can change the target time point. In one embodiment, operations 1010 to 1050 described above with reference to FIG. 10 can be performed multiple times at multiple time points while the aerosol generating device is controlled based on the first temperature profile. For example, after the first signal and the second signal are respectively applied to the coil of the heater at the first time point of the first temperature profile, if the aerosol generating device determines that the current time point corresponds to the second time point of the first temperature profile, the aerosol generating device can apply a third signal to the coil of the heater so as to generate an alternating magnetic field having a first frequency, determine a third value of an electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by the third signal, apply a fourth signal to the coil of the heater so as to generate an alternating magnetic field having a second frequency, and determine a fourth value of an electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by the fourth signal. In one embodiment, the first signal and the third signal can be the same signal, and the second signal and the fourth signal can be the same signal. The aerosol generating device can determine whether the susceptor is a modified susceptor based on the third value and the fourth value.

[0228] According to one embodiment, the operations 1010 to 1050 described above with reference to FIG. 10 may be performed at each of a plurality of time points (1401 to 1405) of the first temperature profile (1410) of FIG. 14. For example, the plurality of time points (1401 to 1405) may include any one time point (1401) during a period in which the susceptor is preheated, any one time point (1402) during a period in which the temperature of the susceptor reaches a target temperature for preheating, any one time point (1403) during a period in which the temperature of the susceptor maintains the target temperature, any one time point (1404) during a period in which the temperature of the susceptor maintains a second temperature, and any one time point (1405) during a period in which the temperature of the susceptor maintains a third temperature. Although the plurality of time points (1401 to 1405) have been described as examples of the plurality of time points set as target time points, the section and number of each of the plurality of time points selected may vary depending on the embodiment. The aerosol generating device can accurately control the temperature of the susceptor by continuously checking whether the susceptor has changed while generating the aerosol based on the first temperature profile (1410).

[0229] According to one embodiment, when it is determined that the susceptor has been changed, the aerosol generating device can control the signal applied to the coil of the heater based on the new control characteristics and temperature profile without stopping the heating operation of the aerosol generating article by acquiring the control characteristics of the changed susceptor as described above with reference to FIG. 12.

[0230] In one embodiment, if it is determined that the susceptor has been altered, the aerosol generating device may stop heating the aerosol generating article by stopping the output of a signal applied to the coil of the heater. A method for stopping the output of a signal applied to the coil of the heater is described in detail below with reference to FIG. 16.

[0231] In the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, when an aerosol generating article is inserted, whether the susceptor is a modified susceptor is determined by performing operations 1010 to 1050 described above with reference to FIG. 10 at a target time point of a first temperature profile (1410) for heating the aerosol generating article. In another embodiment, when an aerosol generating article is not inserted, the aerosol generating device can control a signal applied to the coil of the heater based on a second temperature profile in a separate operation mode performed in a target state, and whether the susceptor is a modified susceptor can be determined by performing operations 1010 to 1050 described above with reference to FIG. 10 at a target time point of the second temperature profile. For example, the target state may be a state in which separation of the susceptor from the aerosol generating device is detected, and then mounting of the susceptor is detected. For example, the target state may be a state in which a predetermined amount of time has passed since the operations 1010 to 1050 described above with reference to FIG. 10 have been performed in the aerosol generating device. The second temperature profile may be a temperature profile that controls the temperature of the susceptor to determine whether the susceptor is a changed susceptor in a state in which an aerosol generating article is not inserted. For example, the second temperature profile may be a temperature profile that heats the susceptor to maintain a target temperature, and the target temperature may be a temperature at which the electrical characteristics of each of the susceptors are distinguished while the battery of the aerosol generating device for heating the susceptor is consumed less. For example, the target time point may be a time point in the second temperature profile at which the temperature of the susceptor is maintained at the target temperature.

[0232] According to one embodiment, when it is determined that the susceptor is a modified susceptor by performing the operations 1010 to 1050 described above with reference to FIG. 10 at a target time point of the second temperature profile according to the above embodiment, the aerosol generating device can continuously acquire the control characteristics of the modified susceptor through a separate operation (e.g., user calibration). A signal applied to the coil of the heater can be controlled based on the control characteristics of the modified susceptor. A method of acquiring the control characteristics of the modified susceptor through a separate operation is described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 19 to 20.

[0233]

[0234] FIG. 15 illustrates a signal applied to a coil of a heater based on a first temperature profile according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0235] In order to detect a change in the susceptor or to detect the temperature of the susceptor, a signal may be applied to the coil of the heater as described above with reference to FIG. 10. The greater the voltage of the signal applied to the coil of the heater, the greater the magnitude of the eddy current induced in the susceptor, and the eddy current induced in the susceptor may further increase the temperature of the susceptor. The temperature of the susceptor may be controlled inaccurately due to an unintended increase in the temperature of the susceptor caused by the operation of detecting a change in the susceptor or the operation of detecting the temperature of the susceptor. Accordingly, the voltage of the signal applied to the coil of the heater may be controlled to be below a preset voltage so that the temperature of the susceptor does not increase through the operation of detecting a change in the susceptor or the operation of detecting the temperature of the susceptor.

[0236] In one embodiment, the act of applying a signal to the coil to prevent the temperature of the susceptor from increasing by detecting a change in the susceptor or detecting the temperature of the susceptor may be performed for a short period of time (e.g., several milliseconds).

[0237] Referring to FIG. 15, a signal applied to a coil of a heater in each unit section (e.g., a first section, a second section, a third section) of a first temperature profile is illustrated. The aerosol generating device may perform an operation of detecting a change in a susceptor or an operation of detecting the temperature of the susceptor for each detection section of each unit section of the first temperature profile. For example, the length of each unit section of the first temperature profile may be 0.1 second. Each unit section may include a heating section (e.g., a first heating section, a second heating section, a third heating section) and a detection section. In the heating section, a signal applied to the coil of the heater is controlled so that the temperature of the susceptor follows the temperature of the first temperature profile. For example, in a first section where the temperature of the susceptor is to rise, a signal having a first voltage (1503) may be applied to the coil, in a second section where the temperature of the susceptor is to be maintained, a signal having a second voltage (1502) may be applied to the coil, and in a third section where the temperature of the susceptor is to fall, a signal having a third voltage (1501) may be applied. In a sensing section, a signal having a second voltage (1502) that is lower than a preset voltage may be applied for a short period of time.

[0238] In the operation of detecting the replacement of the susceptor or the operation of detecting the temperature of the susceptor, a signal having a voltage lower than a preset voltage is applied to the coil of the heater for a short time, so that the temperature of the susceptor can be continuously monitored to follow the temperature profile, and additional temperature rise of the susceptor due to the detection operation can be prevented, so that the temperature of the susceptor can be accurately controlled.

[0239]

[0240] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of an aerosol generating method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0241] According to one embodiment, operation 1610 below may be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 1 to 3, the aerosol generating device of FIGS. 4 to 8, or the aerosol generating device (900) of FIG. 9). For example, operation 1610 may be performed after operation 1050 described above with reference to FIG. 10 is performed. The aerosol generating device may include a control unit including at least one processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the control unit.

[0242] In operation 1610, if the susceptor is a modified susceptor, the aerosol generating device may stop outputting a signal applied to the coil of the heater. If a change in the susceptor is detected during the user's smoking process, the aerosol generating device may stop outputting the signal applied to the coil of the heater to prevent inaccurate temperature control before acquiring the control characteristics of the modified susceptor through a separate operation. The separate operation for acquiring the control characteristics of the modified susceptor may be referred to as user calibration hereinafter.

[0243] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may, if the susceptor is determined to be a modified susceptor, provide an error notification to the user and output a message requesting the removal of the aerosol generating item. After the aerosol generating item is removed, the aerosol generating device may perform a separate operation (e.g., user calibration) to acquire the control characteristics of the modified susceptor.

[0244] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can determine whether the current state is a target state that satisfies a preset condition after operation 1610 is performed. For example, the target state may be at least one of a state in which an aerosol generating article is not inserted into the aerosol generating device, a state in which the body temperature of the aerosol generating device is within a target temperature range, or a state in which a user performs a user calibration operation. For example, the target temperature range may be a temperature range corresponding to room temperature. The target temperature range may be set differently depending on the environment in which the aerosol generating device is typically used. For example, the target temperature range may be set differently depending on the region (e.g., country) and time (e.g., season) in which the aerosol generating device is used.

[0245] If the current state is the target state, the aerosol generating device can acquire the control characteristics of the changed susceptor through a separate operation (e.g., user calibration). The signal applied to the heater coil can be controlled based on the control characteristics of the changed susceptor. A method for acquiring the control characteristics of the changed susceptor through a separate operation is described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20.

[0246]

[0247] FIG. 17 is a flowchart of an aerosol generating method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 18 illustrates power consumed in a coil of a heater and critical power according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0248] According to one embodiment, operations 1710 and 1720 below may be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 1 to 3, the aerosol generating device of FIGS. 4 to 8, or the aerosol generating device (900) of FIG. 9). For example, operations 1710 and 1720 may be performed independently and in parallel with operation 1310 described above with reference to FIG. 13. The aerosol generating device may include a control unit including at least one processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the control unit.

[0249] In operation 1710, the aerosol generating device can acquire power consumed by the coil of the heater. Since the power consumed by the coil of the heater includes power that is transmitted to the susceptor to generate inductive heating, the aerosol generating device can indirectly monitor the intensity of inductive heating generated in the susceptor through the power consumed by the coil of the heater.

[0250] In operation 1720, the aerosol generating device may stop outputting a signal applied to the heater coil if the power consumed by the heater coil exceeds a threshold power. If the power consumed by the heater coil is abnormally large, it may be determined that the susceptor is overheating. The aerosol generating device may protect the aerosol generating device by stopping the operation of heating the susceptor if it is determined that the susceptor is overheating.

[0251] In one embodiment, when the power consumed by the coil of the heater exceeds the upper threshold power (1820) or falls below the lower threshold power (1810), the aerosol generating device may determine that the operation of the aerosol generating device is abnormal and stop outputting a signal applied to the coil of the heater. For example, the upper threshold power (1820) may be determined by multiplying the power consumed by the coil of the heater (1800) when the temperature of the reference susceptor follows the first temperature profile when the aerosol generating device is coupled to the reference susceptor by a first multiple (e.g., 120%), and the lower threshold power (1810) may be determined by multiplying the power consumed by the coil of the heater (1800) when the temperature of the reference susceptor follows the first temperature profile when the aerosol generating device is coupled to the reference susceptor by a second multiple (e.g., 80%).

[0252] According to one embodiment, operations 1710 and 1720 may be performed when a change in the susceptor is detected during an operation of the aerosol generating device heating an aerosol generating article and a signal applied to the coil of the heater is controlled based on the new control characteristic. Since an error may occur in the process of the aerosol generating device detecting the change in the susceptor and acquiring the control characteristic of the changed susceptor, resulting in inaccurate control of the temperature of the susceptor, the phenomenon of inaccurate control of the temperature of the susceptor can be prevented by monitoring the power consumed by the coil of the heater.

[0253]

[0254] FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a method for obtaining control characteristics of a susceptor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 20 illustrates a temperature change of a susceptor when a calibration signal is applied according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0255] According to one embodiment, operations 1910 to 1940 below may be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 1 to 3, the aerosol generating device of FIGS. 4 to 8, or the aerosol generating device (900) of FIG. 9). For example, operations 1910 to 1940 may be performed after operation 1050 described above with reference to FIG. 10 is performed. The aerosol generating device may include a control unit including at least one processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the control unit.

[0256] In operation 1910, if the susceptor of the aerosol generating device is determined to be a changed susceptor, the aerosol generating device can determine whether the current state of the aerosol generating device is a target state that satisfies a preset condition. For example, the target state may be a state in which no aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device. For example, the target state may be a state in which the body temperature of the aerosol generating device is within a target temperature range. For example, the target state may be a state in which a user performs a user calibration operation. For example, the target state may be a state in which a change in the susceptor is detected during a heating operation of the aerosol generating article, the heating operation of the aerosol generating article is stopped, and the user removes the aerosol generating article from the aerosol generating device according to a notification from the aerosol generating device, as described with reference to FIG. 16.

[0257] In operation 1920, if the current state is the target state, the aerosol generating device may apply a calibration signal to the coil of the heater. The calibration signal may be a signal of a power profile that controls the power applied to the coil of the heater to obtain the control characteristics of the susceptor by the aerosol generating device. For example, when the calibration signal for obtaining the control characteristics of the susceptor is applied to the coil of the heater, the susceptor of the aerosol generating device may be heated to a peak temperature as shown in the temperature change trajectory (2000) of FIG. 20 and then controlled to maintain a first temperature (2010) below the peak temperature. For example, the first temperature (2010) may be a temperature within a range of 310°C to 370°C. Preferably, the first temperature (2010) may be 335°C or 355°C.

[0258] Even if the natural frequencies of the susceptors are different from each other, if the natural frequencies are included within a preset frequency range, each of the convergence temperatures of the susceptors indicated by the calibration signal can correspond to the first temperature (2010). However, even if each of the convergence temperatures of the susceptors corresponds to the first temperature (2010), the magnitudes of the calibration output signals indicated at the output terminals of the coils of the heater may be different from each other. The control characteristics of the changed susceptor can be determined based on the magnitude of the calibration output signal.

[0259] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a temperature sensor capable of acquiring a body temperature of the aerosol generating device, and when the body temperature of the aerosol generating device does not fall within a target temperature range, the aerosol generating device may not apply a calibration signal to the coil of the heater for acquiring a control characteristic of the susceptor. For example, the target temperature range may be 20 to 25°C. For example, when the body temperature of the aerosol generating device excessively rises or falls due to an external environment, the aerosol generating device may not apply the calibration signal to the coil of the heater and may transmit an error notification to the user. According to the above embodiment, when the body temperature of the aerosol generating device excessively rises or falls, the control characteristic of the susceptor may be acquired inaccurately, and therefore, the operation of the aerosol generating device may be controlled to acquire the changed control characteristic of the susceptor after the body temperature returns to a normal range.

[0260] In operation 1930, the aerosol generating device can obtain the changed control characteristics of the susceptor based on at least one of the current, voltage, or power of the calibration output signal appearing at the output terminal of the coil of the heater. For example, in the temperature change trajectory (2000) of the susceptor by the calibration signal, the changed control characteristics of the susceptor can be obtained based on at least one of the current, voltage, or power of the calibration output signal after a time point (T) at which the temperature of the susceptor is maintained at the first temperature (2010).

[0261] The aerosol generating device can control the signal applied to the heater coil based on the control characteristics of the modified susceptor. By varying the frequency, amplitude, duty ratio, etc. of the reference signal based on the control characteristics of the modified susceptor, the modified susceptor can be controlled to follow a preset temperature profile. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device can accurately perform heating of a subsequently inserted aerosol generating article based on the acquired control characteristics of the susceptor.

[0262]

[0263] The method according to the embodiment may be implemented in the form of program commands that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program commands, data files, data structures, etc., alone or in combination. The program commands recorded on the medium may be those specially designed and configured for the embodiment or may be those known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program commands, such as ROMs, RAMs, and flash memories. Examples of the program commands include not only machine language codes generated by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. The hardware devices described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the embodiment, and vice versa.

[0264] Software may include a computer program, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, which may configure a processing device to perform a desired operation or may, independently or collectively, command the processing device. The software and / or data may be permanently or temporarily embodied in any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual equipment, computer storage medium or device, or transmitted signal wave, for interpretation by the processing device or for providing instructions or data to the processing device. The software may also be distributed over networked computer systems and stored or executed in a distributed manner. The software and data may be stored on one or more computer-readable recording media.

[0265] Although the embodiments described above have been described with limited drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various technical modifications and variations can be applied based on the above. For example, appropriate results can still be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. are combined or combined in a different manner than described, or are replaced or substituted with other components or equivalents.

[0266] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims described below.

Claims

1. A method for determining a susceptor change performed by an aerosol generating device, An operation of applying a first signal to a coil of a heater so as to generate an alternating magnetic field having a first frequency; An operation of determining a first value of an electrical characteristic of a susceptor indicated by the first signal; An operation of applying a second signal to the coil of the heater so as to generate an alternating magnetic field having a second frequency; An operation of determining a second value of an electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by the second signal; and An operation for determining whether the susceptor is a changed susceptor based on the first value and the second value. including, How to decide to change susceptor.

2. In paragraph 1, The operation of determining the first value of the electrical characteristic of the above susceptor is, An operation for determining the first value based on at least one of a current, voltage or power of a first output signal appearing at an output terminal of the coil of the heater, The operation of determining the second value of the electrical characteristic of the above susceptor is, An operation of determining the second value based on at least one of a current, voltage or power of a second output signal appearing at the output terminal of the coil of the heater, How to decide to change susceptor.

3. In paragraph 1, When the susceptor is determined to be a changed susceptor, an operation of obtaining control characteristics of the changed susceptor based on the first value and the second value. Including more, The signal applied to the coil of the heater is controlled based on the above control characteristics. How to decide to change susceptor.

4. In paragraph 1, When an aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device, an operation of controlling a signal applied to the coil of the heater based on a first temperature profile Including more, If the current point in time is determined to correspond to the first point in time of the first temperature profile: The first signal is applied to the coil of the heater so as to generate an alternating magnetic field having the first frequency, The second signal is applied to the coil of the heater so as to generate an alternating magnetic field having the second frequency. How to decide to change susceptor.

5. In paragraph 4, If the current point in time is determined to correspond to the second point in time of the first temperature profile: An operation of applying a third signal to the coil of the heater so as to generate an alternating magnetic field having the first frequency; An operation of determining a third value of an electrical characteristic of a susceptor indicated by the third signal; An operation of applying a fourth signal to the coil of the heater so as to generate an alternating magnetic field having the second frequency; An operation of determining a fourth value of the electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by the fourth signal; and An operation for determining whether the susceptor is a changed susceptor based on the third value and the fourth value. including more, How to decide to change susceptor.

6. In paragraph 4, The voltage of the first signal and the voltage of the second signal are each lower than or equal to a preset voltage. How to decide to change susceptor.

7. In paragraph 4, When the susceptor is determined to be a changed susceptor, an operation of stopping the output of the signal applied to the coil of the heater based on the first temperature profile including more, How to decide to change susceptor.

8. In paragraph 4, When the susceptor is determined to be a changed susceptor, an operation of obtaining control characteristics of the changed susceptor based on the first value and the second value; and An operation of controlling a signal applied to the coil of the heater based on the control characteristics and the first temperature profile. including more, How to decide to change susceptor.

9. In paragraph 4, An operation of obtaining power consumed in the coil of the heater; and An operation of stopping the output of the signal applied to the coil of the heater when the power consumed exceeds the threshold power. including more, How to decide to change susceptor.

10. In paragraph 1, When the susceptor is determined to be a changed susceptor, an operation of determining whether the current state of the aerosol generating device is a target state that satisfies a preset condition; When the current state is the target state, an operation of applying a calibration signal to the coil of the heater; and An operation of obtaining the control characteristics of the changed susceptor based on at least one of the current, voltage, or power of the calibration output signal appearing at the output terminal of the coil of the heater. Including more, The signal applied to the coil of the heater is controlled based on the above control characteristics. How to decide to change susceptor.

11. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for executing the method according to paragraph 1.

12. In the aerosol generating device, a coil generating an alternating magnetic field; and A control unit for controlling the above aerosol generating device Including, The above control unit, An operation of applying a first signal to the coil so as to generate an alternating magnetic field having a first frequency; An operation of determining a first value of an electrical characteristic of a susceptor indicated by the first signal; An operation of applying a second signal to the coil so as to generate an alternating magnetic field having a second frequency; An operation of determining a second value of an electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by the second signal; and An operation for determining whether the susceptor is a changed susceptor based on the value of the first value and the second value. to perform, Aerosol generating device.

13. In paragraph 12, An electrical sensor that obtains at least one of current, voltage or power from the output terminal of the above coil. Including more, The operation of determining the first value of the electrical characteristic of the above susceptor is, An operation for determining the first value based on at least one of a current, voltage or power of a first output signal appearing at an output terminal of the coil of the heater, The operation of determining the second value of the electrical characteristic of the above susceptor is, An operation of determining the second value based on at least one of a current, voltage or power of a second output signal appearing at the output terminal of the coil of the heater, Aerosol generating device.

14. In paragraph 12, The above control unit, When an aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device, an operation of controlling a signal applied to the coil of the heater based on a first temperature profile and perform more, If the current point in time is determined to correspond to the first point in time of the first temperature profile: The first signal is applied to the coil of the heater so as to generate an alternating magnetic field having the first frequency, The second signal is applied to the coil of the heater so as to generate an alternating magnetic field having the second frequency. Aerosol generating device.

15. In paragraph 12, The above control unit, When the susceptor is determined to be a changed susceptor, an operation of determining whether the current state of the aerosol generating device is a target state that satisfies a preset condition; An operation of applying a calibration signal to the coil of the heater when the current state is the target state; An operation of obtaining the control characteristics of the changed susceptor based on at least one of the current, voltage or power of the calibration output signal appearing at the output terminal of the coil of the heater; and An operation of controlling a signal applied to the coil of the heater based on the control characteristics and the temperature profile. to do more, Aerosol generating device.

Images