Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device is disclosed. The aerosol-generating device according to various embodiments of the present invention is an aerosol-generating device including an insertion space into which an aerosol-generating article can be inserted. The aerosol-generating device may comprise: a heater; a sensor unit; a memory in which a plurality of temperature profiles are stored; and at least one processor configured to check the temperature of a specific area adjacent to the heater through the sensor unit when a signal for heating the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space is detected, determine a specific temperature profile among the plurality of temperature profiles on the basis of the checked temperature, and control power supplied to the heater according to the determined specific temperature profile.

Description

Aerosol generating device

[0001] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to an aerosol generating device that more efficiently controls continuous heating of the aerosol generating device.

[0002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, active research is being conducted on aerosol generating devices.

[0003] Existing aerosol generating devices control the temperature of the aerosol generating device the same regardless of the number of times or timing of vaping when the user vape continuously.

[0004] However, when the aerosol generating device is continuously heated by repeated vaping, the temperature control in certain areas adjacent to the heater may deviate from the design value.

[0005] In particular, for internal injection molded parts formed from specific materials such as plastic and rubber, there is a need to control continuous heating of the aerosol generating device because substances harmful to the human body are generated when the temperature exceeds a certain level.

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device that can selectively determine a specific temperature profile among a plurality of temperature profiles based on the temperature of a specific area at a specific point in time.

[0007] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0008] An aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present invention comprises an insertion space into which an aerosol generating article can be inserted, the aerosol generating device comprising: a housing; a heater; a sensor unit; a memory storing a plurality of temperature profiles; and at least one processor configured to, when a signal for heating an aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space is detected, check the temperature of a specific area adjacent to the heater through the sensor unit, determine a specific temperature profile among the plurality of temperature profiles based on the checked temperature, and control power supplied to the heater according to the determined specific temperature profile.

[0009] A temperature control method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a temperature control method of an aerosol generating device including an insertion space into which an aerosol generating article can be inserted and a heater, the method including: detecting a signal for heating an aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space; checking the temperature of a specific area adjacent to the heater through a sensor unit of the aerosol generating device; determining a specific temperature profile among a plurality of temperature profiles based on the checked temperature; and controlling power supplied to the heater according to the determined specific temperature profile.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, heating of an aerosol generating device is controlled by a specific temperature profile based on the temperature of a specific area at a specific point in time, thereby minimizing the generation of harmful substances even when the aerosol generating device is repeatedly heated.

[0011] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0012] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 is a flowchart of an operation for determining a temperature profile according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an operation for selecting a specific temperature profile among two temperature profiles according to various embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an operation for selecting a specific temperature profile among three temperature profiles according to various embodiments.

[0018] Figures 7a to 7e are graphs showing temperature changes in a specific area adjacent to the heater.

[0019] Figure 8 is a flowchart of an operation in which temperature control according to one embodiment is activated under specific conditions.

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components will be assigned the same reference numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar drawing numbers may be used for similar or related components.

[0021] The suffixes "module" and "unit" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves. Meanwhile, the suffixes "module" or "unit" may include units implemented with hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A "module" or "unit" may be a component configured integrally, or a minimum unit of the component that performs one or more functions, or a part thereof. For example, a "module" or "unit" may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0026] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory (17)) readable by a machine (e.g., an aerosol generating device (1)). For example, a processor (e.g., a control unit (12)) of the machine (e.g., an aerosol generating device (1)) may call at least one command among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called command. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0027] In the present disclosure, the direction of the aerosol generating device (1) can be defined based on the orthogonal coordinate system. In the orthogonal coordinate system, the x-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The y-axis direction can be defined as the front-back direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0028] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), a memory (17), and / or a heater (18, 24). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that some of the components illustrated in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0030] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) can detect the state of the aerosol generating device (1) or the state around the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (12). For example, the sensor unit (13) may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a reuse detection sensor, an overly moist detection sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor, and / or a movement detection sensor. Meanwhile, the sensor unit (13) may further include various sensors, such as a liquid remaining amount sensor for detecting the liquid remaining amount of the cartridge, and an immersion sensor for detecting immersion of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0031] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature at which the heater (18, 24) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater (18, 24), or the heater (18, 24) itself may function as a temperature sensor. As an example, the temperature sensor may be used to measure the impedance to the heater (18). The impedance to the heater (18) may be correlated with the temperature of the heater (18). The temperature sensor may measure the current and / or voltage applied to the heater (18) (or the induction coil). Based on the measured current and / or voltage, the impedance to the heater (18) may be calculated. The control unit (12) may estimate the temperature of the heater (18) based on the calculated impedance.

[0032] For example, the temperature sensor may include a resistance element (e.g., a thermistor) whose resistance value changes in response to a temperature change of the heater (18, 24). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element, and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (18, 24) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0033] As another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor that detects the resistance value of the heater (18, 24). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater (18, 24), and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (18, 24) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0034] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the power source (11). The temperature sensor can be positioned adjacent to the power source (11). For example, the temperature sensor can be attached to one surface of the power source (11) (e.g., a battery) and / or mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board. For example, the aerosol generating device (1) can include a power protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor can be positioned adjacent to the power source (11) together with the power protection circuit.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be placed inside the housing (not shown) of the aerosol generating device (1) to detect the temperature inside the housing (not shown).

[0036] In one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect a user's puff.

[0037] For example, the puff sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1), and the control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1) may correspond to the pressure of an airflow path through which gas flows. The puff sensor may be arranged in correspondence to the airflow path through which gas flows in the aerosol generating device (1).

[0038] As another example, the puff sensor may include a temperature sensor. When the user puffs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow path, the space where the aerosol generating product is inserted (hereinafter, referred to as the insertion space), the heater (18, 24), etc. The control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path, etc. output from the temperature sensor.

[0039] As another example, the puff sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor may measure a temperature used to correct the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. As an example, the puff sensor may correct a signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and output the corrected signal. As another example, the puff sensor may output a signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a signal corresponding to the internal pressure measured by the puff sensor. In this case, the control unit (12) may receive the signals and correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

[0040] As another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In the present disclosure, the capacitance sensor may also be referred to as a capacitive sensor or a capacitive sensor. When a user puffs, a temperature change and / or aerosol flow may occur within the insertion space of the aerosol-generating article, and thus, the permittivity within the insertion space may change. The control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the permittivity within the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0041] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0042] In one embodiment, an insertion detection sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating item. The insertion detection sensor can be installed around the insertion space. Additionally, the insertion detection sensor can include any combination of the examples described above.

[0043] For example, the insertion detection sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol-generating article is inserted or removed within the insertion space, the permittivity around the conductor may change. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal corresponding to the permittivity within the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitive sensor.

[0044] As another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and the at least one coil may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol-generating article) includes a conductor, a change in a magnetic field may occur around the current-carrying coil when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article including the conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of the alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.). Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article (e.g., the medium portion of the aerosol-generating article) may include a susceptor (SUS). Even in this case, a change in the magnetic field around the coil may occur based on the insertion or removal of a susceptor or the like within the insertion space, and the control unit (12) may also detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0045] The insertion detection sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented with various sensors (e.g., proximity sensors, etc.) for detecting the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. Furthermore, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above. In one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may include a switch or the like for detecting pressure by an aerosol-generating article.

[0046] In one embodiment, a reuse detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article has been reused. For example, the reuse detection sensor may be a color sensor for detecting the color of the aerosol-generating article. When the aerosol-generating article is used by a user, a color change may occur in a portion of a wrapper surrounding the exterior of the aerosol-generating article due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor can output a signal corresponding to an optical characteristic (e.g., a wavelength of light) corresponding to the color of the wrapper based on light reflected from the wrapper. If a change in the color of a portion of the wrapper is detected, the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the over-humidity detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is over-humidified. For example, the over-humidity detection sensor can include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor can include at least one conductor disposed adjacent to an insertion space. The control unit (12) can detect whether the aerosol-generating article is over-humidified based on the level of a signal corresponding to a permittivity or the like output from the capacitive sensor. For example, the control unit (12) can check a level range within which the level of the signal is included based on a look-up table, and determine the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article based on the checked level range.

[0048] In one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can detect whether an aerosol generating article is genuine and / or detect the type of aerosol generating article.

[0049] For example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an optical sensor for detecting an identification material (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., wrapper) of an aerosol-generating article. The optical sensor may irradiate light toward the identification material (or identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article and detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating article based on the reflected light. For example, the identification material may include a material that emits light in a specific wavelength range based on the irradiated light. The control unit (12) may detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating article based on the range of the wavelength.

[0050] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The dielectric constant within the insertion space may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating product inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating product based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant within the insertion space output from the capacitive sensor.

[0051] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. When a conductor is included in the wrapper and / or the interior (e.g., the medium portion) of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space, the characteristics of the current detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of the alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.) when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion space may differ depending on the type of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect whether the inserted aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or the type of the inserted aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor.

[0052] The cigarette identification sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the authenticity of an aerosol-generating product and / or the type of aerosol-generating product. Furthermore, the cigarette identification sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

[0053] In one embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor may detect the mounting and / or removal of a cartridge. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), and / or an optical sensor.

[0054] In one embodiment, the cap detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of the cap. For example, the cap detection sensor can include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), and / or an optical sensor. The cap can include a structure that covers at least a portion of a cartridge mounted or inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), or covers at least a portion of a housing of the aerosol generating device (1). The cap detection sensor can output a signal corresponding to the mounting or removal when the cap is mounted on or removed from the housing, and the control unit (12) can detect the mounting or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the mounting or removal.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the motion detection sensor can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device (1). The motion detection sensor can be implemented as at least one of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) may further include, in addition to the aforementioned sensors, at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (Global Positioning System, GPS), or a proximity sensor. Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the output unit (14) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1). The output unit (14) can include, but is not limited to, a display, a haptic unit, and / or an audio output unit. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (1) can include a charging / discharging status of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), a preheating status of the heater (18, 24), an insertion / removal status of an aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge, a mounting and / or removal status of a cap, or a status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article). The display can visually provide information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the display can include a light emitting diode (LED) light emitting element, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display, if it includes a touch pad, can also be used as an input unit (15). The haptic unit can provide tactile information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the haptic unit can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electrical stimulation device, etc. The acoustic output unit can provide audible information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the power source (11) can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (11) can include one or more batteries. The power source (11) can supply power so that the heaters (18, 24) can be heated. In addition, the power source (11) can also supply power required for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device (1), such as the control unit (12), the sensor unit (13), the output unit (14), the input unit (15), the communication unit (16), and the memory (17). The power source (11) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (11) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source (11) can also be a replaceable type (detachable) battery (hereinafter, referred to as a removable battery). The removable battery may be mounted in the battery compartment provided within the aerosol generating device (1) or may be removed from the battery compartment. The removable battery may be charged by wire and / or wirelessly.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be powered by the power source (11) to heat the aerosol generating article and / or the medium and / or the aerosol generating material within the cartridge. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a heater (18) for heating the aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge heater (24) for heating the cartridge (i.e., the solid and / or liquid medium).

[0060] In one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the electrically resistive heater may include an electrically resistive material, such as a metal or metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. The electrically resistive heater may be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate having electrically conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0061] In one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be an induction heating heater. For example, the induction heating heater may include a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field. A magnetic field may be generated from the induction coil by an alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The generated magnetic field may penetrate the heater, and an eddy current may be generated in the susceptor. The susceptor may be heated based on the generation of the eddy current. In one embodiment, the susceptor may be included within the aerosol generating article (e.g., the medium portion). In this case, the susceptor included within the aerosol generating article may be heated by the induction coil.

[0062] The heater (18, 24) is not limited to the examples described above, and may include or be replaced with various heating methods, structures, components, etc. for heating the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the input unit (15) can receive information input from a user. For example, the input unit (15) can include a touch panel, a button, a key pad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the memory (17) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (12). For example, the memory (17) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. For example, the memory (17) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generating device (1), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (16) may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device (e.g., a portable electronic device). For example, the communication unit (16) may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (wireless local area network) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (infrared Data Association, IrDA) communication unit, a WFD (Wireless Fidelity Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an ANT (Adaptive Network Topology)+ communication unit, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the control unit (12) can include at least one processor. The control unit (12) can be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose MCU (microcontroller unit) (or microprocessor) and a memory storing a program that can be executed in such an MCU. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment pertains that the control unit (12) can be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (11) to the heater (18, 24). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) based on the temperature of the heater (18, 24) detected using a temperature sensor (e.g., the sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) based on a temperature profile and / or a power profile stored in the memory (17).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to the heater (18, 24) by controlling a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heater (18, 24) and the power source (11). For example, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / DC converter (e.g., a buck converter, a buck-boost converter, a boost converter, a Zener diode, etc.) that converts power to be supplied to the heater (18, 24), and a DC / AC converter (e.g., an inverter) that converts power to be supplied to an induction coil (not shown). The DC / AC converter may be implemented as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements. For example, a power conversion circuit may include at least one switching element, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET).

[0069] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the current and / or voltage supplied to the heater (18, 24) by controlling the frequency and / or duty ratio of a current pulse input to at least one switching element of the power conversion circuit (not shown). The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element can correspond to the ratio of the output voltage of the power conversion circuit to the output voltage of the power source (11).

[0070] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method. For example, the control unit (12) can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater (18, 24) using the PWM method. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse. For example, the control unit (12) can determine a target temperature that is a target of control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by using the PID method, which is a feedback control method using the difference value between the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can determine a target power that is the target of control based on the power profile. The control unit (12) can also control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) to correspond to the preset target power over time.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can detect the user's puff by detecting the power supplied to the heater (18, 24). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) using a PID method. When the user's puff is generated, a temporary temperature drop may occur in a space where an aerosol generating article is inserted (hereinafter, referred to as the insertion space), the heater (18, 24), etc. Accordingly, a change may occur in the power (or current) supplied to the heater (18, 24) during the power control using the PID method. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on the change in the controlled power.

[0073] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can prevent the heater (18, 24) from overheating. For example, the control unit (12) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to reduce the amount of power supplied to the heater (18, 24) or to stop supplying power to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the temperature of the heater (18, 24) exceeds a preset limit temperature.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control charging and discharging of the power source (11). For example, the control unit (12) can check the temperature of the power source (11) using a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than a first limit temperature, the control unit (12) can block charging of the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than a second limit temperature, the control unit (12) can stop using (e.g., discharging) the power stored in the power source (11). The control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source (11). For example, the control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power source (11) based on voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power source (11).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13).

[0076] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article into the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can control to supply power to the heater (18, 24) when it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can also determine that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater (18, 24) is equal to or higher than a limited temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater (18, 24) is equal to or higher than a set slope.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater (18, 24) based on the state of the aerosol generating article. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol generating article is in an over-humidity state by using an over-humidity detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)), the control unit (12) can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) to the heater (18, 24).

[0078] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating article has been reused. For example, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) if it is determined that the aerosol generating article has been used.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the cartridge is coupled and / or removed using a cartridge detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)), the control unit (12) can control to stop the power supply to the heater (18, 24) or prevent power from being supplied to the heater (18, 24).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the temperature of the heater (18, 24) exceeds a limit temperature while preheating the heater (18, 24) (i.e., during the preheating period), the control unit (12) may determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted. If the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the cartridge is available for use. For example, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the current number of puffs is determined to be greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge based on data stored in the memory (17). Alternatively, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total time that the heater (18, 24) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the heater (18, 24) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power. In this case, the control unit (12) may stop the power supply to the heater (18, 24) or control that power is not supplied to the heater (18, 24).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the user's puff. For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether a puff has been generated and / or the intensity of the puff using a puff sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs and / or no puffs are detected for a preset period of time. The control unit (12) can also control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when a puff is detected.

[0083] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is genuine and / or the type thereof. For example, the control unit (12) may detect whether the aerosol generating article is genuine and / or the type thereof using a cigarette identification sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is counterfeit, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24). If the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is genuine, the control unit (12) may control (e.g., start) the power supply to the heater (18, 24). As another example, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) differently depending on the type of the aerosol generating article (or cartridge). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, 24) based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a first aerosol generating article (or a first cartridge), and can control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, 24) based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a second aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to visually, tactilely and / or audibly provide information that the aerosol generating device (1) is about to be terminated when the number of puffs counted using the puff sensor (e.g., the sensor unit (13)) reaches a preset number. For example, the control unit (12) can also control the output unit (14) to visually, tactilely and / or audibly provide information about the temperature of the heater (18, 24).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may store and update a history of events that have occurred in the memory (17) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, the event may include operations such as detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, initiation of heating of the aerosol generating article, detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the heater (18, 24), detection of overvoltage application to the heater (18, 24), termination of heating of the aerosol generating article, power on / off of the aerosol generating device (1), initiation of charging of the power source (11), detection of overcharging of the power source (11), termination of charging of the power source (11), etc., performed in the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the history of events may include the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a given event is detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, log data corresponding to the event may include data on the sensing value of an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if a given event is detection of overheating of a heater (18, 24), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the heater (18, 24), the voltage applied to the heater (18, 24), the current flowing through the heater (18, 24), and the like.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the communication unit (16) to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may release restrictions on the use of at least one function (e.g., heating function) of the aerosol generating device (1) when authentication data is received from an external device via a communication link. For example, the authentication data may include the user's birthday, a unique number identifying the user, whether the user has completed authentication, etc.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to an external device via a communication link (e.g., remaining capacity of the power source (11), operating mode, etc.). The transmitted data can be output through a display of the external device, etc.

[0089] According to one embodiment, when a request for location search of the aerosol generating device (1) is received from an external device via a communication link, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the control unit (12) can control the haptic unit to generate vibration or control the display to output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can perform a firmware update when firmware data is received from an external device via a communication link.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may transmit data on the sensed values ​​of at least one sensor unit (13) to an external server (not shown) via a communication link, and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensed values ​​through machine learning, such as deep learning, from the server. The control unit (12) may perform an operation of determining a user's suction pattern, an operation of generating a temperature profile, etc., using the learning model received from the server.

[0092] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may include at least one switching element and may cut off the power supply (11) in response to overcharge and / or overdischarge of the power supply (11). The aerosol generating device (1) may further include a connection interface, such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may transmit and receive information or charge the power supply (11) by connecting to another external device through the connection interface.

[0093] The aerosol generating article referred to in the present disclosure may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium portion) and at least one filter rod. The heater (18) may be arranged to correspond to the at least one aerosol generating rod, and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement order and / or position of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod may include at least one of nicotine, an aerosol generating material, and an additive. For example, the aerosol generating material may include glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and / or propylene glycol (PG), and may also include various other substances. For example, the additive may include a flavoring agent and / or an organic acid, and may also include various other substances. For example, the aerosol-generating rod may comprise an aerosol-generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a liquid non-tobacco material (e.g., an aerosol-generating material and / or nicotine), and / or may comprise a solid tobacco material (e.g., leaf tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, etc.). The tobacco material may be included in the aerosol-generating rod in various forms, such as cut tobacco, granules, powder, etc. In one embodiment, the additive of the aerosol-generating rod may include an alkaline material. Based on the alkaline material, the nicotine of the tobacco material included in the aerosol-generating rod may have an alkaline pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, freebase nicotine may be released from the aerosol-generating rod even at low temperatures. In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating rod may include two or more aerosol-generating rods, and the two or more aerosol-generating rods may each include a tobacco material and / or a non-tobacco material.Meanwhile, although not shown, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may be individually and / or integrally wrapped by at least one wrapper. In the present disclosure, the aerosol generating article may also be referred to as a stick.

[0094] The cartridge referred to in the present disclosure may contain an aerosol-generating material having any one of the following states: a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol-generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. Meanwhile, the cartridge may include a storage unit containing the aerosol-generating material and / or a liquid delivery means impregnating (containing) the aerosol-generating material. For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The cartridge heater (24) may be included in the cartridge in the form of a coil-shaped structure surrounding (or winding) the liquid delivery means, or in a structure contacting one side of the liquid delivery means. Alternatively, the cartridge heater (24) may be included in an aerosol-generating device (1) that is separable from the cartridge.

[0095] Fig. 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment. Fig. 3 illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a housing (10), a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), and / or a heater (182, 183) (e.g., the heater (18) of FIG. 1). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that the components included in the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, and that some of the components may be omitted or new configurations may be added. The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 2 may be referred to as an 'internal heating type' aerosol generating device that heats the inside of the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 3 may be referred to as an 'external heating type' aerosol generating device that heats the outside of the aerosol generating article (2). In the drawings below, any description overlapping with that of FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) may provide a space that is opened upwardly to allow an aerosol-generating article (2) to be inserted. In the present disclosure, the space that is opened upwardly may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the interior of the housing (10) to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may be longer than the length of a region of the aerosol-generating article (2) containing an aerosol-generating material and / or medium. The lower end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the housing (10), and the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may protrude outside the housing (10). A user may hold the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (2) exposed to the outside in his / her mouth and inhale the aerosol.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the heater (182, 183) can heat the aerosol generating article (2).

[0099] Referring to FIG. 2, the heater (182) may be an internal heating type heater.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the internally heated heater may extend upwardly in a space (i.e., an insertion space) into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the internally heated heater may include a rod-shaped or needle-shaped heating element as illustrated, but may also include various heating elements such as a tubular heating element or a plate-shaped heating element. The internally heated heater may be inserted through the lower portion of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0101] According to one embodiment, the internal heating heater may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater.

[0102] For example, an electric resistance heater may include an electric resistance material on the inside (e.g., an inner hollow portion or inner surface) or the outside (e.g., an outer surface), and may be heated as current flows through the electric resistance material. In this case, the electric resistance heater may be electrically connected to a power source (11), and may directly generate heat by receiving current from the power source (11). In addition, the induction coil (181) may be omitted.

[0103] For example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an induction coil (181) that surrounds at least a portion of the internal heating type heater (e.g., is disposed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator or the like may be further included on the outside of the induction coil (181) to increase the efficiency of induction heating. The induction heating type heater includes a susceptor and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (181). According to one embodiment, the induction heating type heater (e.g., susceptor) (or a heater module including the same) may be arranged to be detachable from the housing (10).

[0104] According to one embodiment, the heater (182) may be a multi-heater. The multi-heater may include a first heater and a second heater, and may be inserted into the aerosol generating article (2). The first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of two or more aerosol generating rods, respectively (respectively). Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of a first portion and a second portion of one aerosol generating rod, respectively. Meanwhile, when the heater (182) is an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be respectively disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may respectively be disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first part and the second part of one heater (182). In addition, three or more heaters and / or induction coils may be included.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the susceptor may be disposed (or included) within the aerosol generating article (2) (e.g., the medium portion), and the susceptor included within the aerosol generating article (2) may be implemented to generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from an induction coil (181).

[0106] Referring to FIG. 3, the heater (183) may be an external heating type heater.

[0107] In one embodiment, the external heating heater may extend upwardly around the space into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). For example, the external heating heater may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. For example, the external heating heater may have a tubular shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) having a hollow space therein. The external heating heater may also have a shape having a hollow space on the inside and surrounding the hollow space. In this case, the external heating heater may be supported by a polyimide film. A heater supported by such a film may be referred to as a film heater. The external heating heater may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The external heating heater may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the hollow space.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the external heating heater may include an electric resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater, and a description overlapping with FIG. 2 will be omitted. Meanwhile, in the case of an induction heating heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an external heating heater implemented as a tubular susceptor, and may include an induction coil (181) surrounding at least a portion of the external heating heater (e.g., disposed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In addition, the induction coil (181) may include a fan coil. Meanwhile, when the external heating heater is an electric resistance heater, a separate induction coil (181) may be omitted since heat generation is possible through current flow on a tubular electric resistance heater (e.g., a film heater). Meanwhile, an insulating material may be disposed on the outside of the external heating heater. Through this, heat radiating from the heater (183) in an outward direction and applied to the outside of the housing (10) may be reduced.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) may be a multiple heater, and the first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction to surround at least a portion of the insertion space, respectively. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. Meanwhile, when the heater (183) is an induction heating heater, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater, respectively. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first portion and the second portion of one heater (183), respectively.

[0110] Unlike as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the heater (182) of FIG. 2 and the heater (183) of FIG. 3 may be included together in the aerosol generating device (1). In this case, the heater (182) may heat the inside of the aerosol generating article (2), and the heater (183) may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0111] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing (10) may include a structure (e.g., a hole) through which air can be introduced from the outside into the housing (10). The air introduced into the housing (10) may be introduced into the aerosol generating article (2) through the lower end (i.e., the upstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generated based on the heating of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the upper end (i.e., the downstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2) together with the introduced air.

[0112] The following drawings will explain how to determine and control the temperature profile in an aerosol generating device (1). At least some of the steps in the flowchart of this document may be omitted or their order may be changed. Furthermore, details according to various embodiments of the present invention may be added to at least some of the steps in the flowchart.

[0113] Figure 4 is a flowchart of an operation for determining a temperature profile according to one embodiment.

[0114] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) can detect a signal for heating the aerosol generating article (S410). For example, the control unit (12) can detect, through the sensor unit (13), that the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the insertion space of the housing (10).

[0115] Next, the aerosol generating device (1) can check the temperature of a specific area adjacent to the heater (18, 24) of the aerosol generating device (10) (S430).

[0116] Specifically, the control unit (12) can check the temperature of a specific area, such as an injection molded product, located in an area adjacent to the heater (18, 24), i.e., within a predetermined distance from the heater (18, 24).

[0117] The injection molded article in the area adjacent to the heater (18, 24) may include, for example, in the case of an internal heating type heater (182) as in FIG. 2, at least a portion of a heater assembly (not shown) configured to include the heater (182), at least a portion of a lower surface of the heater (182) or a flange adjacent thereto, a mount, at least one sensor included in the sensor unit (13) and positioned in the area adjacent to the heater (182), etc. In addition, in the case of an external heating type heater (183) as in FIG. 3, it may include at least a portion of an inner area including a hollow space, an insulating material, and a specific area inside the housing adjacent thereto.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the standard for the area adjacent to the heater (18, 24) may be preset based on temperature-related data of the aerosol generating device (1) among the log data recorded in the memory (17). The temperature-related data may be accumulated and recorded in the memory (17) as information related to heating during the operation of the aerosol generating device (1) through at least one temperature sensor, and information on an area (e.g., an injection molded product) that rises above a predetermined temperature inside the housing (10) through the temperature-related data may be stored in the memory (17).

[0119] Various embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the specific region adjacent to the heater (18, 24) as described above, and may include various regions and configurations that can be heated to a predetermined value or higher by the heater (18, 24) to discharge hazardous substances. Such specific region (e.g., injection-molded article) may be formed of various materials such as, for example, plastic, metal, silicone, coil, ceramic, rubber, or glass parts, but is not limited to a specific material. In addition, the specific region adjacent to the heater (18, 24) may be calculated in various ways by taking into account information such as the type of the aerosol generating device (1), the type of the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device (1), and the distance between the injection-molded article and the heater (18, 24).

[0120] The temperature of a specific area adjacent to the heater (18, 24) can be detected by at least one temperature sensor included in the sensor unit (13). In this case, the at least one temperature sensor can be distinguished from a sensor for checking the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and a sensor for detecting a specific area (e.g., an injection molded product) adjacent to the heater (18, 24).

[0121] Additionally, when an induction heating type heater (e.g., a susceptor) (or a heater module including the same) is arranged to be detachable from the housing (10), the temperature sensor can also check the temperature of a specific area adjacent to the heater (18, 24) through a resistance, current, or voltage measurement method such as a Thevinin equivalent circuit.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the temperature of an area adjacent to the heater (18, 24) may be set in advance to the temperature of at least one injection molding material, according to a temperature profile policy of the aerosol generating device (1) preset in the memory (17). In this case, at least one temperature sensor capable of detecting the temperature of the preset injection molding material may be positioned within a predetermined distance from the injection molding material.

[0123] Next, the aerosol generating device (1) can determine a specific temperature profile among multiple temperature profiles (S450).

[0124] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can determine a specific temperature profile among a plurality of temperature profiles based on the temperature of a specific area adjacent to the heater (18, 24). The temperature of the specific area can be compared with at least one preset threshold value, a detailed description of which will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0125] Next, the aerosol generating device (1) can control the power supplied to the heater according to the determined temperature profile (S470).

[0126] According to one embodiment, a plurality of different temperature profiles can be stored in the memory (17) of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0127] The plurality of temperature profiles may include a first section set to control the heater (18, 24) based on a target temperature, and a second section set to control the heater (18, 24) based on a maintenance temperature. The first section may be, for example, a preheat section for heating the heater (18, 24) to a target temperature. In one embodiment, the target temperature of the preheat section may include two or more target temperatures. In addition, the second section may be, for example, a maintenance section for controlling the heater (18, 24) such that the temperature of the heater (18, 24) is substantially maintained at a specific maintenance temperature for a puff of the aerosol generating article (2). The second section is set after the first section, and the maintenance temperature may be set lower than the target temperature.

[0128] In the following Figures 5 to 7e, a description of multiple temperature profiles and the selection of a specific temperature profile among the multiple temperature profiles will be described.

[0129] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an operation for selecting a specific temperature profile among two temperature profiles according to one embodiment of the present invention. Descriptions of FIG. 5 that overlap with those of FIG. 4 may be omitted. In addition, for the purpose of explanation of FIG. 5, reference will be made to FIGS. 7A to 7C. FIGS. 7A to 7C are graphs showing temperature changes in specific regions adjacent to the heaters (18, 24) as the heaters (18, 24) are heated after the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. The temperature graphs of FIGS. 7A to 7C are graphs showing temperature changes in specific injection moldings adjacent to the heaters (18, 24), not the temperature of the heaters (18, 24) themselves.

[0130] Referring to Fig. 5, the temperature can be confirmed according to the detection of the heating signal (S510).

[0131] For example, when an aerosol generating article (e.g., a stick) is detected to be inserted into an insertion space of an aerosol generating device (1) or a user's input signal (e.g., a button, a touch, etc.) is received, the aerosol generating device (1) can recognize a signal (e.g., a heating signal) for heating the aerosol generating article (2). For example, if the time point at which the heating signal of the aerosol generating article (2) is recognized in FIG. 7A is t0, the control unit (12) can check the temperature state of a specific injection product at t0.

[0132] Next, the aerosol generating device (1) is configured to generate a temperature of a specific injection material adjacent to the heater (18, 24) at a first threshold value (T th1 ) can be checked whether it is abnormal (S520).

[0133] The temperature of a particular injection molding adjacent to the heater (18, 24) is a first threshold value (T th1 ) is less than (S520: No), the aerosol generating device (1) can select the first temperature profile, which is the default temperature profile, among the plurality of temperature profiles (S530). Then, the heating of the heater (18, 24) can be controlled by controlling the power applied to the heater (18, 24) according to the setting of the selected first temperature profile (S550).

[0134] The temperature change of the injection molded article detected by this first temperature profile control is illustrated in Fig. 7a. Fig. 7a is a graph when the temperature of a specific injection molded article adjacent to the heater (18, 24) is within a normal range. That is, the aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted in a state where the existing vaping was terminated relatively long ago. In this case, the temperature of the injection molded article at time t0 when the heating signal of the aerosol generating article (2) is recognized may not be detected or may be detected as a relatively low temperature, as in Fig. 5a. In the present disclosure, 'vaping' may mean a series of heating operations from the time point at which heating of the aerosol generating article (2) is initiated to the time point at which heating is terminated. For example, the aerosol generating device (1) may initiate heating of the aerosol generating article (2) based on the heating signal. Thereafter, when a specified number of puffs are detected for the aerosol generating article (2) and / or heating is performed for a specified period of time, the aerosol generating device (1) may end heating the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generating device (1) may also end heating the aerosol generating article (2) when the aerosol generating article (2) is removed from the insertion space or a user's input signal (e.g., a button, a touch, etc.) is received. In addition, in the present disclosure, 'end of vaping' may mean that heating of the aerosol generating article (2) is ended. In addition, in the present disclosure, 'continuous vaping' (or, repetitive vaping) may mean that after heating of the first vaping is ended, a second vaping is started based on a heating signal, etc.

[0135] A temperature change (PT1) of an injection molded product, such as that shown in Fig. 7a, is detected by controlling the heaters (18, 24) according to a first temperature profile. For example, heating of the heaters (18, 24) is controlled according to a target temperature and a maintenance temperature set in the first temperature profile, and the temperature of a specific injection molded product can be detected as a temperature change (PT1) in the form of a graph, such as that shown in Fig. 7a, according to the heating of the heaters (18, 24).

[0136] More specifically, as the heater (18, 24) is heated by the first temperature profile, the temperature of the object adjacent to the heater (18, 24) is T a can be raised to. Then, until the point (t1) at which the use of the aerosol generating article (2) ends, the heating of the heater (18, 24) can be maintained so that the puff for the aerosol generating article (2) can continue. Accordingly, the temperature of the injection product can also be maintained at an arbitrary temperature (T b ) or converges closely to the corresponding temperature (T b ) can be maintained above. Finally, when the use of the aerosol generating product is terminated at time t1, the temperature of the injection product also increases to T as the heating by the heater (18, 24) is terminated. b It will decrease below.

[0137] Meanwhile, the first temperature profile may include a first section (e.g., preheating section, 601) set based on a target temperature of the first temperature profile, and a second section (e.g., maintenance section, 603) set based on a maintenance temperature of the first temperature profile.

[0138] Referring again to FIG. 5, if the temperature of a specific injection product is higher than a first threshold value (S520: Yes), the aerosol generating device (1) can select a second temperature profile from among a plurality of temperature profiles (S540). Then, the control unit (12) can control the heating of the heater (18, 24) by controlling the power applied to the heater (18, 24) according to the setting of the selected second temperature profile (S550).

[0139] The temperature change of the injection molded product detected by this second temperature profile control is illustrated in Fig. 7b. In Fig. 7b, a graph is additionally illustrated in the case where the temperature of a specific injection molded product deviates from the normal range after the temperature change point of the existing Fig. 7a. That is, the aerosol generating product (2) may be inserted and heated before a predetermined time has elapsed since the point in time (t1) at which the heating of the existing aerosol generating product (2) is terminated. In this case, the temperature (T3) of the injection molded product at the point in time t3 at which the heating signal is recognized again according to continuous vaping is the first threshold value (T th1 ) can be confirmed to be detected as above.

[0140] The temperature of the injection molded product (T3) at the time point (t3) when the second heating signal is recognized is the first threshold value (T th1 ) above, the control unit (12) can select the second temperature profile among the plurality of temperature profiles. The control unit (12) can control the heating of the heaters (18, 24) according to the target temperature and the maintenance temperature set in the second temperature profile, and after the point in time (t3) at which additional heating is recognized according to the heating of the heaters (18, 24), the temperature of a specific injection product can be detected as a temperature change (PT2) in the form of a graph as in FIG. 7b.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the target temperature of the second temperature profile may be set lower than the target temperature of the first temperature profile, and the maintenance temperature of the second temperature profile may be set equal to the maintenance temperature of the first temperature profile. In other words, the first temperature profile and the second temperature profile are temperature profiles that have the same maintenance temperature, but are set so that only the target temperature is different from each other. Therefore, when looking at the temperature change (PT2) of the injection molded product after the time point t3 of FIG. 7b, it rises lower than the temperature change (PT1) controlled by the first temperature profile, and the temperature that converges in the maintenance section is T b You can check the same thing with .

[0142] Meanwhile, in Fig. 7c, the temperature change of the ejection is shown at the point where the second heating starts after a sufficient amount of time has passed since the first heating ended, although consecutive vaping events have occurred.

[0143] In Fig. 7c, the time point (t4) at which the second heating signal is recognized may be a time point later than the time point (t3) at which the second heating signal is recognized in the aforementioned Fig. 7b. After the time point (t1) at which the first heating is completed, the temperature of the injection product gradually decreases. Thereafter, at the time point (t4) at which heating of the second aerosol generating article (2) is recognized, the control unit (12) determines that the temperature (T4) of the injection product is lower than the first threshold value (T th1 ) can be recognized as being less than that. Therefore, in a case such as Fig. 7c, the first temperature profile, not the second temperature profile, is selected, and the heating of the heater (18, 24) can be controlled by the first temperature profile setting. Therefore, the temperature change of the injection molded product after the time point t4 can be detected as following the temperature change (PT1) detected according to the first temperature profile control of Fig. 7a.

[0144] Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for selecting a specific temperature profile among three temperature profiles according to one embodiment of the present invention. Descriptions of the contents of Fig. 6 that overlap with those of Figs. 4 and 5 may be omitted. Furthermore, for the purpose of explaining Fig. 6, reference will be made to Figs. 7d to 7e. The temperature graphs of Figs. 7d to 7e are also temperature graphs of a specific injection molded article adjacent to the heater (18, 24), not the temperature of the heater (18, 24) itself.

[0145] First, based on the detection of a heating signal for the aerosol generating article (2), the temperature of a specific area adjacent to the heater (18, 24) can be confirmed (S610).

[0146] The temperature of a specific area identified is the first threshold (T th1) is less than (S620: No), the first temperature profile is determined (S630), and the heater (18, 24) is controlled according to the determined first temperature profile (S670).

[0147] If the temperature of a specific area identified is less than the first threshold (T th1 ) is above (S620: Yes) and below the second threshold value (S640: No), a second temperature profile is determined (S650), and the heater (18, 24) is controlled according to the determined second temperature profile (S670). Control of the heater (18, 24) according to the first temperature profile and the second temperature profile as described above can be performed in the same manner as in the content of FIG. 5 described above.

[0148] If the temperature of a specific area identified is below the second threshold (T th2 ) or more (S620: Yes), a third temperature profile is determined (S660), and the heater (18, 24) can be controlled according to the determined third temperature profile (S670).

[0149] An example of temperature control according to this third temperature profile is shown in Fig. 7d. Fig. 7d shows a temperature change graph when the temperature of the injection molding is out of the normal range at a time point (t2) when an additional heating signal of the aerosol generating article (2) is recognized after the temperature change of the specific injection molding of Fig. 7a. In this case, the temperature (T2) of the injection molding at a time point (t2) when the heating signal is recognized again according to a consecutive vaping event is higher than the second threshold value (T th2 ) can be confirmed as above.

[0150] According to one embodiment, a second threshold (T th2 ) is the first threshold (T th1) may be a higher temperature than the temperature of the injection molding material. That is, heating of the aerosol generating article (2) is performed within a shorter period of time, so that the temperature of the injection molding material adjacent to the heater (18, 24) is higher than the temperature of FIGS. 7b to 7c at the time point (t2) when the heating signal is detected. In this case, the accumulated amount of harmful substances emitted from the injection molding material may be greater than the situation of FIGS. 7b to 7c. Therefore, the heater (18, 24) may be controlled by a third temperature profile having a lower target temperature or a lower maintenance temperature than the second temperature profile.

[0151] Specifically, in Fig. 7d, the temperature (T2) of the injection molded product at the time point (t2) when the second heating signal is recognized is the second threshold value (T th2 ) above, the control unit (12) can select the third temperature profile among the plurality of temperature profiles. The control unit (12) can control the heating of the heaters (18, 24) according to the target temperature and the maintenance temperature set in the third temperature profile, and the temperature of a specific injection molded product can be detected as a temperature change (PT3) in the form of a graph as in FIG. 7d according to the heating of the heaters (18, 24). As shown in FIG. 7d, it can be confirmed that the temperature change (PT3) of the injection molded product after the time point t2 is detected as a lower temperature overall than the temperature change (PT1) of the injection molded product detected according to the first temperature profile control and the temperature change (PT2) of the injection molded product detected according to the second temperature profile control.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the target temperature of the third temperature profile may be set lower than the target temperatures of the first temperature profile and the second temperature profile, and the maintenance temperature of the third temperature profile may be set equal to the maintenance temperature of the first temperature profile and the maintenance temperature of the second temperature profile. That is, the first temperature profile, the second temperature profile, and the third temperature profile may have the same maintenance temperature, but the target temperatures may be set differently. Accordingly, the temperature change (PT3) detected in the injection molded product after the time point t2 in FIG. 7d is heated lower than the temperature change (PT1) of the injection molded product detected by the first temperature profile control and the temperature change (PT2) of the injection molded product detected by the second temperature profile control, but the temperature (T) that converges in the maintenance section b ) may be the same as the convergence temperature of the injection molded product in FIGS. 7b and 7c.

[0153] Meanwhile, in FIG. 7e, the temperature change of the injection molded product detected through control of a more diverse number of temperature profiles is disclosed.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the plurality of temperature profiles may have at least some different maintenance temperatures for each of the plurality of temperature profiles. The temperature change of the injection molded product illustrated in FIGS. 7A to 7D described above is detected by temperature profile control, which is set so that the maintenance temperatures of each of the plurality of temperature profiles are the same and only the target temperatures are different. However, the maintenance temperatures of the temperature profiles may be different. In this case, the maintenance temperatures of the temperature profiles may be set to a temperature at which a user can puff, i.e., a predetermined temperature or higher at which the medium portion of the aerosol generating article (2) can be sufficiently heated.

[0155] According to one embodiment, when at least some of the target temperatures of each of the plurality of temperature profiles are the same, the times required to reach the same target temperature may be set to be different from each other. Furthermore, when at least some of the maintenance temperatures of each of the plurality of temperature profiles are the same, the times required to reach the same maintenance temperature may be set to be different from each other.

[0156] For example, referring to Fig. 7e, a temperature change (PT4) of an injection molded product adjacent to the heater (18, 24) is detected according to the control of the heater (18, 24) according to the selection of the fourth temperature profile. The fourth temperature profile has the same target temperature and the same maintenance temperature as the first temperature profile, but the points in time at which the target temperature and the reached temperature are reached can be set to be different from each other.

[0157] More specifically, the temperature change (PT1) of the injection molded product detected according to the first temperature profile control in Fig. 7e is t a At this point, the maximum temperature (Ta) is reached. In contrast, the temperature change (PT4) of the injection molded product detected according to the fourth temperature profile control is t a1 The maximum temperature (Ta) is reached at this point. The difference in the temperature change of these injection molded parts is due to the fact that the temperature control over time is set to be different, even though at least some of the multiple temperature profiles are set to have the same target temperature or the same holding temperature.

[0158] According to one embodiment, the fifth temperature profile can be set to have a different target temperature and a different holding temperature from the first temperature profile. Referring to FIG. 7E, a temperature change (PT5) of an injection molded product detected according to the fifth temperature profile control is illustrated. The fifth temperature profile can have a lower target temperature and a lower holding temperature than the first temperature profile and the second temperature profile. The temperature change (PT5) of the injection molded product according to the fifth temperature profile control reaches a lower maximum temperature and a lower temperature (T) compared to the temperature change (PT4) detected according to the fourth temperature profile control. c ) can be confirmed to be maintained.

[0159] Meanwhile, the criteria for selecting the fourth and fifth temperature profiles as described above may be selected based on whether or not the temperature is above a certain temperature threshold value, as described above, but may also be selected based on various criteria such as the type of aerosol generating device and accumulated log data for each user.

[0160] Figure 8 discloses a method for activating temperature control under specific conditions according to one embodiment of the present invention. Any content of Figure 8 that overlaps with the content of Figures 4 to 6 described above may be omitted.

[0161] In the aforementioned Figures 4 to 6, temperature checks were performed for specific areas at specific points in time, regardless of whether continuous vaping occurred. In contrast, Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment in which the occurrence of a continuous vaping event for which temperature control is desired is first determined, and then the temperature of a specific area is checked to select a specific temperature profile.

[0162] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) can confirm the end of the first heating (S810). The end of the first heating may mean, for example, that heating of the first aerosol generating article (2) has ended.

[0163] Next, the aerosol generating device (1) can determine whether a second heating begins within a predetermined time period after the first heating ends (S820). This second heating may, for example, mean that heating of a second aerosol generating article (2) is initiated for the user to vape additionally. In this case, the predetermined time period for determining continuous vaping may be preset and stored in memory (17) or set by the user.

[0164] If the second heating starts after a predetermined time has elapsed (S820: No), the aerosol generating device (1) can select the first temperature profile, which is the default temperature profile (S830), and control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) according to the selected first temperature profile (S860).

[0165] In contrast, if the second heating starts within a predetermined time after the first heating ends (S820: Yes), the aerosol generating device (1) can check the temperature of a specific area adjacent to the heater (18, 24) (S840), select a specific temperature profile from among a plurality of temperature profiles (S850), and control the heater (18, 24) according to the selected specific temperature profile (S860). The contents of steps S840 to S860 can be performed in the same manner as those of the aforementioned FIGS. 5 to 6.

[0166] In the present invention, through the aforementioned embodiments, even when heating of a continuous aerosol generating article (2) is performed, the most efficient temperature profile can be selected to control the heating of the heater (18, 24). As a result, the generation of harmful substances in a specific area (e.g., an injection molded article) adjacent to the heater (18, 24) can be minimized.

[0167] An aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present invention comprises an insertion space into which an aerosol generating article can be inserted, the aerosol generating device comprising: a housing; a heater; a sensor unit; a memory storing a plurality of temperature profiles; and at least one processor configured to, when a signal for heating an aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space is detected, check the temperature of a specific area adjacent to the heater through the sensor unit, determine a specific temperature profile among the plurality of temperature profiles based on the checked temperature, and control power supplied to the heater according to the determined specific temperature profile.

[0168] In some embodiments, the sensor unit includes at least one temperature sensor capable of detecting a temperature of the specific area, wherein the at least one temperature sensor is disposed inside the housing of the aerosol generating device and may be located in an area within a predetermined distance from the heater.

[0169] In some embodiments, the at least one temperature sensor may be configured separately from a temperature sensor for checking the temperature of the heater.

[0170] In some embodiments, the plurality of temperature profiles may include a first section set to control the heater based on a target temperature; and a second section set after the first section and set to control the heater based on a maintenance temperature that is lower than the target temperature.

[0171] In some embodiments, the plurality of temperature profiles include a first temperature profile and a second temperature profile, and the at least one processor is configured to select the first temperature profile when the temperature of the specific region is below a first threshold, and to select the second temperature profile when the temperature of the specific region is above the first threshold, and a target temperature of the second temperature profile may be set to be lower than a target temperature of the first temperature profile, or a maintenance temperature of the second temperature profile may be set to be lower than a maintenance temperature of the first temperature profile.

[0172] In some embodiments, the plurality of temperature profiles further include a third temperature profile, and the at least one processor is configured to select the third temperature profile when the temperature of the specific area is higher than or equal to a second threshold value higher than the first threshold value, and a target temperature of the third temperature profile may be set to be lower than a target temperature of the second temperature profile, or a maintenance temperature of the third temperature profile may be set to be lower than a maintenance temperature of the second temperature profile.

[0173] In some embodiments, the plurality of temperature profiles may be set such that at least some of the target temperatures of each of the plurality of temperature profiles are different from each other, or at least some of the maintenance temperatures of each of the plurality of temperature profiles are different from each other.

[0174] In some embodiments, the plurality of temperature profiles may be set such that the times to reach the same target temperature are different from each other when at least some of the target temperatures of each of the plurality of temperature profiles are the same.

[0175] In some embodiments, the plurality of temperature profiles may be set such that the times to reach the same maintenance temperature are different from each other, when at least some of the maintenance temperatures of each of the plurality of temperature profiles are the same.

[0176] In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to determine the temperature of the specific region and the specific temperature profile when the second heating is started within a predetermined time after the first heating of the aerosol generator is terminated.

[0177] A temperature control method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a temperature control method of an aerosol generating device including an insertion space into which an aerosol generating article can be inserted, the method including: detecting a signal for heating the aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space; checking the temperature of a specific area adjacent to the heater through a sensor unit of the aerosol generating device; determining a specific temperature profile among a plurality of temperature profiles based on the checked temperature; and controlling power supplied to the heater according to the determined specific temperature profile.

[0178] In some embodiments, the plurality of temperature profiles may include a first section set to control the heater based on a target temperature; and a second section set after the first section and set to control the heater based on a maintenance temperature that is lower than the target temperature.

[0179] In some embodiments, the plurality of temperature profiles include a first temperature profile and a second temperature profile, and the step of determining the specific temperature profile among the plurality of temperature profiles includes the step of selecting the first temperature profile when the temperature of the specific area is less than a first threshold; and the step of selecting the second temperature profile when the temperature of the specific area is greater than or equal to the first threshold, wherein a target temperature of the second temperature profile may be set to be lower than a target temperature of the first temperature profile, or a maintenance temperature of the second temperature profile may be set to be lower than a maintenance temperature of the first temperature profile.

[0180] In some embodiments, the plurality of temperature profiles further include a third temperature profile, and the step of determining the specific temperature profile among the plurality of temperature profiles further includes the step of selecting the third temperature profile when the temperature of the specific area is higher than or equal to a second threshold value higher than the first threshold value, and the target temperature of the third temperature profile may be set to be lower than the target temperature of the second temperature profile, or the maintenance temperature of the third temperature profile may be set to be lower than the maintenance temperature of the second temperature profile.

[0181] In some embodiments, the step of checking the temperature of a specific area adjacent to the heater may be performed when second heating of the aerosol generator is started within a predetermined time after the first heating of the aerosol generator is terminated.

[0182] Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may have their respective components or functions combined or used together.

[0183] For example, it means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if the combination between the configurations is not directly described, it means that the combination is possible, except in cases where the combination is described as impossible.

[0184] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device including an insertion space into which an aerosol generating article can be inserted, housing; heater; sensor part; A memory in which multiple temperature profiles are stored; and An aerosol generating device comprising at least one processor configured to check the temperature of a specific area adjacent to the heater through the sensor unit when a signal for heating an aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space is detected, determine a specific temperature profile among the plurality of temperature profiles based on the checked temperature, and control power supplied to the heater according to the determined specific temperature profile.

2. In paragraph 1, The sensor unit includes at least one temperature sensor capable of detecting the temperature of the specific area, An aerosol generating device, wherein at least one temperature sensor is disposed inside the housing of the aerosol generating device and is located in an area within a predetermined distance from the heater.

3. In paragraph 2, An aerosol generating device, wherein the at least one temperature sensor is configured separately from a temperature sensor for checking the temperature of the heater.

4. In paragraph 1, The above multiple temperature profiles are, A first section set to control the heater based on a target temperature; and An aerosol generating device comprising a second section set after the first section and set to control the heater based on a maintenance temperature that is lower than the target temperature.

5. In paragraph 4, The above plurality of temperature profiles include a first temperature profile and a second temperature profile, At least one processor, If the temperature of the above specific area is below the first threshold value, the first temperature profile is selected, It is set to select the second temperature profile when the temperature of the specific area is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, An aerosol generating device, wherein the target temperature of the second temperature profile is set to be lower than the target temperature of the first temperature profile, or the maintenance temperature of the second temperature profile is set to be lower than the maintenance temperature of the first temperature profile.

6. In paragraph 5, The above plurality of temperature profiles further include a third temperature profile, At least one processor, If the temperature of the specific area is higher than a second threshold value that is higher than the first threshold value, the third temperature profile is set to be selected, An aerosol generating device, wherein the target temperature of the third temperature profile is set to be lower than the target temperature of the second temperature profile, or the maintenance temperature of the third temperature profile is set to be lower than the maintenance temperature of the second temperature profile.

7. In paragraph 4, The above multiple temperature profiles are, At least some of the target temperatures of each of the plurality of temperature profiles are different from each other, or An aerosol generating device, wherein at least some of the maintenance temperatures of each of the plurality of temperature profiles are set to be different from each other.

8. In paragraph 4, The above multiple temperature profiles are, An aerosol generating device, wherein the times for reaching the same target temperature are set to be different from each other when at least some of the target temperatures of each of the plurality of temperature profiles are the same.

9. In paragraph 4, The above multiple temperature profiles are, An aerosol generating device, wherein, when at least some of the maintenance temperatures of each of the plurality of temperature profiles are the same, the times for reaching the same maintenance temperature are set to be different from each other.

10. In paragraph 1, At least one processor, An aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to check the temperature of the specific area and determine the specific temperature profile when the second heating is started within a predetermined time after the first heating of the aerosol generating device is completed.

11. A temperature control method for an aerosol generating device including an insertion space into which an aerosol generating article can be inserted and a heater, A step of detecting a signal for heating an aerosol generating article inserted into the above insertion space; A step of checking the temperature of a specific area adjacent to the heater through a sensor unit of the aerosol generating device; A step of determining a specific temperature profile among a plurality of temperature profiles based on the above-mentioned confirmed temperature; and A temperature control method comprising a step of controlling power supplied to the heater according to the determined specific temperature profile.

12. In paragraph 11, The above multiple temperature profiles are, A first section set to control the heater based on a target temperature; and A temperature control method comprising a second section set after the first section and set to control the heater based on a maintenance temperature that is lower than the target temperature.

13. In paragraph 12, The above plurality of temperature profiles include a first temperature profile and a second temperature profile, The step of determining the specific temperature profile among the plurality of temperature profiles comprises: selecting the first temperature profile when the temperature of the specific area is less than a first threshold value; and A step of selecting the second temperature profile when the temperature of the specific area is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, A temperature control method, wherein the target temperature of the second temperature profile is set to be lower than the target temperature of the first temperature profile, or the maintenance temperature of the second temperature profile is set to be lower than the maintenance temperature of the first temperature profile.

14. In paragraph 13, The above plurality of temperature profiles further include a third temperature profile, The step of determining the specific temperature profile among the plurality of temperature profiles comprises: Further comprising the step of selecting the third temperature profile when the temperature of the specific area is higher than a second threshold value higher than the first threshold value, A temperature control method wherein the target temperature of the third temperature profile is set to be lower than the target temperature of the second temperature profile, or the maintenance temperature of the third temperature profile is set to be lower than the maintenance temperature of the second temperature profile.

15. In paragraph 11, The step of checking the temperature of a specific area adjacent to the above heater is: A temperature control method performed when second heating is started within a predetermined time after the first heating of the aerosol generating device is completed.

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