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

Abstract

Provided are an aerosol-generating device and a method for controlling the aerosol-generating device, wherein: a current detector connected between a DC / DC converter and a power converter detects a direct current output from the DC / DC converter; a control unit performs temperature monitoring for estimating the temperature of a susceptor on the basis of the detected direct current and power monitoring for estimating power supplied from the DC / DC converter to the power converter on the basis of the detected direct current; and the control unit performs at least one of temperature-based feedback control and power-based feedback control for the DC / DC converter on the basis of results of the temperature monitoring and the power monitoring.

Description

Aerosol generating device and method for controlling the aerosol generating device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and a method for controlling the aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to a method for controlling heating of a heater by monitoring the temperature of the heater and the power supplied to the heater.

[0002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for alternative methods that overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for methods that generate aerosol by heating aerosol-generating materials, rather than by burning the cigarette itself. Accordingly, research into heated aerosol generators is actively underway.

[0003] However, heated aerosol generators require high power for their heating operation, requiring efficient battery use and stable operation. Furthermore, precise heating temperature control is essential to provide a satisfying smoking experience for users.

[0004] An aerosol generating device can perform feedback control to control the heating of the heater to a preset optimal temperature. During the feedback control process, if unnecessary power is consumed or the target temperature is not accurately reached, the efficiency of the aerosol generating device may decrease and battery stability may be compromised. Therefore, a feedback method capable of performing accurate temperature control while promoting battery efficiency and stability is required. The technical challenges of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described aspects, and other technical challenges can be inferred from the following examples.

[0005] The aerosol generating device according to the present disclosure can perform dual feedback control that simultaneously performs temperature-based feedback control and power-based feedback control, thereby enabling efficient power use and accurate temperature control.

[0006] According to one aspect, an aerosol generating device includes a DC / DC converter connected to a battery and outputting a direct current; a power converter that converts the direct current provided from the DC / DC converter into an alternating current; a heating unit including an induction coil that generates an alternating magnetic field by the converted alternating current, and a susceptor that heats an aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device by being induced by the alternating magnetic field; a current detector that is connected between the DC / DC converter and the power converter and detects the direct current output from the DC / DC converter; and a control unit that performs temperature monitoring for estimating a temperature of the susceptor based on the detected direct current and power monitoring for estimating power supplied from the DC / DC converter to the power converter based on the detected direct current, and performs at least one of temperature-based feedback control and power-based feedback control for the DC / DC converter based on results of the temperature monitoring and the power monitoring.

[0007] According to another aspect, a method for controlling an aerosol generating device includes: detecting the outputted direct current by a current detection unit connected between a DC / DC converter connected to a battery and outputting direct current and a power conversion unit converting the direct current provided from the DC / DC converter into an alternating current; performing, by a control unit, temperature monitoring for estimating a temperature of a susceptor based on the detected direct current and power monitoring for estimating power supplied from the DC / DC converter to the power conversion unit based on the detected direct current; and performing, by the control unit, at least one of temperature-based feedback control and power-based feedback control for the DC / DC converter based on results of the temperature monitoring and the power monitoring.

[0008] According to the above, the aerosol generating device can stably output a desired level of power through power feedback control and simultaneously perform precise temperature control through temperature feedback control, thereby achieving battery stabilization and efficiency, and providing a user with an improved smoking sensation by heating to a temperature optimized for the aerosol generating product.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a method for performing temperature monitoring and power monitoring for a heating unit according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a temperature profile and a power profile according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a method for performing temperature-based feedback control and power-based feedback control according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining feedback weights set for each section of a profile according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating a method of performing temperature-based feedback control and power-based feedback control based on a feedback margin according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0019] According to one aspect, an aerosol generating device includes a DC / DC converter connected to a battery and outputting a direct current; a power converter that converts the direct current provided from the DC / DC converter into an alternating current; a heating unit including an induction coil that generates an alternating magnetic field by the converted alternating current, and a susceptor that heats an aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device by being induced by the alternating magnetic field; a current detector that is connected between the DC / DC converter and the power converter and detects the direct current output from the DC / DC converter; and a control unit that performs temperature monitoring for estimating a temperature of the susceptor based on the detected direct current and power monitoring for estimating power supplied from the DC / DC converter to the power converter based on the detected direct current, and performs at least one of temperature-based feedback control and power-based feedback control for the DC / DC converter based on results of the temperature monitoring and the power monitoring.

[0020] Additionally, the temperature-based feedback control includes adjusting the intensity of the direct current output from the DC / DC converter so that the estimated temperature follows a target temperature on a temperature profile, and the power-based feedback control includes adjusting the intensity of the direct current voltage applied by the DC / DC converter so that the estimated power follows a target power on a power profile.

[0021] Additionally, the control unit performs at least one of the temperature-based feedback control and the power-based feedback control based on the temperature feedback weight set for the temperature-based feedback control and the power feedback weight set for the power-based feedback control.

[0022] Additionally, the temperature feedback weight is set to 0% in the first stage of the preheating section on the temperature profile, and the control unit performs only the power-based feedback control in the first stage of the preheating section.

[0023] In addition, the temperature feedback weight is set to 50% in the second stage of the preheating section on the temperature profile, the power feedback weight is set to 50% in the second stage, and the control unit performs the temperature-based feedback control and the power-based feedback control together in the second stage of the preheating section.

[0024] Additionally, the temperature feedback weight is set to 100% in at least a portion of the smoking section on the temperature profile, and the control unit performs only the temperature-based feedback control in at least a portion of the smoking section.

[0025] In addition, the control unit performs temperature-based feedback control when the estimated temperature deviates from a preset temperature feedback margin even when the temperature feedback weight is 0%, and performs power-based feedback control when the estimated power deviates from a preset power feedback margin even when the power feedback weight is 0%.

[0026] In addition, the device further includes a memory that stores a temperature profile representing target temperatures of the susceptor over time and a power profile representing target powers to be provided to the heating unit over time, and the control unit performs the temperature monitoring and the power monitoring using the temperature profile and the power profile from the start of the operation of the heating unit until the end of the operation.

[0027] In addition, the temperature-based feedback control and the power-based feedback control include PID (Proportional-Integral-Differential) control, and the control unit determines coefficients for performing the PID control based on a temperature feedback weight set for the temperature-based feedback control and a power feedback weight set for the power-based feedback control.

[0028] According to another aspect, a method for controlling an aerosol generating device includes: detecting the outputted direct current by a current detection unit connected between a DC / DC converter connected to a battery and outputting direct current and a power conversion unit converting the direct current provided from the DC / DC converter into an alternating current; performing, by a control unit, temperature monitoring for estimating a temperature of a susceptor based on the detected direct current and power monitoring for estimating power supplied from the DC / DC converter to the power conversion unit based on the detected direct current; and performing, by the control unit, at least one of temperature-based feedback control and power-based feedback control for the DC / DC converter based on results of the temperature monitoring and the power monitoring.

[0029] Additionally, the temperature-based feedback control includes adjusting the intensity of the direct current output from the DC / DC converter so that the estimated temperature follows a target temperature on a temperature profile, and the power-based feedback control includes adjusting the intensity of the direct current voltage applied by the DC / DC converter so that the estimated power follows a target power on a power profile.

[0030] In addition, the step of performing at least one of the temperature-based feedback control and the power-based feedback control performs at least one of the temperature-based feedback control and the power-based feedback control based on a temperature feedback weight set for the temperature-based feedback control and a power feedback weight set for the power-based feedback control.

[0031] Additionally, the temperature feedback weight is set to 0% in the first stage of the preheating section on the temperature profile, the temperature feedback weight is set to 50% in the second stage of the preheating section on the temperature profile, the power feedback weight is set to 50% in the second stage, and the temperature feedback weight is set to 100% in at least a part of the smoking section on the temperature profile.

[0032] Additionally, the temperature monitoring and the power monitoring are performed using the temperature profile and the power profile from the time the heating of the susceptor is initiated until the time it is terminated.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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).

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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).

[0041] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0042] 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). 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).

[0043] 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).

[0044] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature at which the heater (18) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor that directly detects the temperature of the heater (18), or the temperature may be indirectly estimated from a value (e.g., current) measured by the temperature sensor. For example, the temperature sensor may measure the current and / or voltage applied to the heater (18) (or the induction coil). The control unit (12) may calculate the temperature for the heater (18) based on the measured current and / or voltage.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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).

[0047] In one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect a user's puff.

[0048] 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).

[0049] 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), 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] As another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and the at least one coil may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol-generating article) includes a conductor, a change in a magnetic field may occur around the current-carrying coil when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article including the conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of the alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.). Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article (e.g., the medium portion of the aerosol-generating article) may include a susceptor (SUS). Even in this case, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil based on the insertion or removal of a susceptor or the like within the insertion space, and the control unit (12) may also detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the output unit (14) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1). The output unit (14) may include, but is not limited to, a display, a haptic unit, and / or an audio output unit. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (1) may include a charging / discharging status of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), a preheating status of the heater (18), an insertion / removal status of an aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge, a mounting and / or removal status of a cap, or a status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article). The display can visually provide information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the display may include a light emitting diode (LED) light emitting element, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display, if it includes a touch pad, can also be used as an input unit (15). The haptic unit can provide tactile information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the haptic unit can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electrical stimulation device, etc. The acoustic output unit can provide audible information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0069] 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 heater (18) 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.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the heater (18) 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).

[0071] In one embodiment, the heater (18) 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.

[0072] In one embodiment, the heater (18) 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.

[0073] The heater (18) 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (11) to the heater (18). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18) based on the temperature of the heater (18) detected using a temperature sensor (e.g., the sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18) based on a temperature profile and / or a power profile stored in the memory (17).

[0079] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to the heater (18) by controlling a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heater (18) 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), 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).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the current and / or voltage supplied to the heater (18) 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).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) using at least one of the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) method and the 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) using the PWM method. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) 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) using the PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference value between the temperature of the heater (18) and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can determine a target power that serves as a control target based on the power profile. The control unit (12) can also control the power supplied to the heater (18) to correspond to the preset target power over time.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can detect the user's puff by detecting the power supplied to the heater (18). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) 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), etc. Accordingly, a change may occur in the power (or current) supplied to the heater (18) during the power control using the PID method. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on a change in the controlled power.

[0084] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can prevent the heater (18) 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) or to stop supplying power to the heater (18) based on whether the temperature of the heater (18) exceeds a preset limit temperature.

[0085] 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).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13).

[0087] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) 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) 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) 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) is equal to or higher than a limited temperature or when a temperature change slope of the heater (18) is equal to or higher than a set slope.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater (18) 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).

[0089] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) based on whether the aerosol generating article has been reused. For example, the control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18) if it is determined that the aerosol generating article has been used.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) based on whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed. For example, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) to be stopped or not supplied to the heater (18) if it is determined that the cartridge is coupled and / or removed using a cartridge detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)).

[0091] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18) based on whether the aerosol generating substance in the cartridge has been exhausted. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the temperature of the heater (18) exceeds a limit temperature while preheating the heater (18) (i.e., during the preheating period), the control unit (12) may determine that the aerosol generating substance in the cartridge has been exhausted. If the aerosol generating substance in the cartridge has been determined to have been exhausted, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18) 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) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the heater (18) 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) or control that power is not supplied to the heater (18).

[0093] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) based on the user's puff. For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether a puff has occurred 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) when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs and / or when no puffs are detected for a preset period of time. The control unit (12) can also control the power supply to the heater (18) when a puff is detected.

[0094] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18) 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). 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). As another example, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18) 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) 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) 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).

[0095] 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 a puff sensor (e.g., 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).

[0096] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may store and update a history of an event that has 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), detection of overvoltage application to the heater (18), termination of heating of the aerosol generating article, turning the aerosol generating device (1) on / off, etc., initiation of charging of the power source (11), detection of overcharge 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 an event may include the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, when the predetermined event is detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on a sensing value of an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)), etc. For example, if a given event is overheating detection of a heater (18), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the heater (18), the voltage applied to the heater (18), the current flowing through the heater (18), etc.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may include at least one switching element and may cut off the power supply (11) in response to overcharging and / or overdischarging of the power supply (11). The aerosol generating device (1) may further include a connection interface, such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may transmit and receive information or charge the power supply (11) by connecting to another external device through the connection interface.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] Fig. 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. Fig. 3 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the heater (182, 183) can heat the aerosol generating article (2).

[0110] Referring to FIG. 2, the heater (182) may be an internal heating type heater.

[0111] 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).

[0112] According to one embodiment, the internal heating heater may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater.

[0113] 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).

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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).

[0117] Referring to FIG. 3, the heater (183) may be an external heating type heater.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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).

[0122] 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.

[0123] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0124] Referring to FIG. 4, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a power supply unit (101), a control unit (102), a detection unit (104), a memory (103), a power conversion unit (105), and a heating unit (106). The detection unit (104) may include a substrate detection unit (1041) and a current detection unit (1042), and the heating unit (106) may include an induction coil (1061) and a susceptor (1062). The aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 4 is mainly illustrated with components related to embodiments for feedback control to be described below. However, even if the components are not illustrated in the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 4, the components included in the aerosol generating device (1) described in FIGS. 1 to 3 may also be included in the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 4. Meanwhile, the components of the aerosol generating device (1) commonly illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 may be corresponding components.

[0125] The power supply unit (101) supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the power supply unit (101) can supply power to at least one of the control unit (102), the detection unit (104), the memory (103), the power conversion unit (105), and the heating unit (106).

[0126] The power supply unit (101) may include a battery (1011 in FIG. 5) and a DC / DC converter (1012 in FIG. 5).

[0127] The battery (1011) may be configured as a detachable battery that is detachably placed on the aerosol generating device (1). Alternatively, the battery (1011) may be fixed to the aerosol generating device (1). In this case, the battery (1011) may be a rechargeable or disposable battery. For example, the battery (1011) may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0128] A DC / DC converter (1012) is connected to a battery (1011) and outputs direct current. Specifically, the DC / DC converter (1012) includes at least one switching element and can supply power to internal components of the aerosol generating device (1) by boosting or lowering the direct current power provided from the battery (1011). To this end, the DC / DC converter (1012) may include at least one of a buck converter, a boost converter, and a buck-boost converter.

[0129] The power conversion unit (105) can convert the direct current power output by the DC / DC converter (1012) into alternating current power. For this purpose, the power conversion unit (105) can include a DC / AC converter. The DC / AC converter can include at least one switching element and can be configured as an E-class or D-class power converter. In addition, the power conversion unit (105) can include a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit equipped with a plurality of field effect transistors (FETs). The power conversion unit (105) can provide the converted alternating current power to the heating unit (106).

[0130] The heating unit (106) may include an induction coil (1061) and a susceptor (1062). The induction coil (1061) generates an alternating magnetic field according to an alternating current converted by the power converter (105). The susceptor (1062) is induced by the alternating magnetic field to heat an aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device (1). Accordingly, an aerosol may be generated.

[0131] Meanwhile, the susceptor (1062) within the aerosol generating device (1) may be positioned in a fixed manner rather than in a replaceable manner. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the susceptor (1062) may be positioned in a replaceable manner.

[0132] The detection unit (104) can detect various status information of the aerosol generating device (1). The results detected by the detection unit (104) are transmitted to the control unit (102), and the control unit (102) can control the aerosol generating device (1) so that various functions such as controlling the operation of the heating unit (106), restricting smoking, determining insertion of the susceptor (1062), and displaying notifications are performed based on the detection results.

[0133] The detection unit (104) may include a substrate detection unit (1041) and a current detection unit (1042).

[0134] The substrate detection unit (1041) may be implemented in a pattern shape on a single insulating substrate. The substrate detection unit (1041) may include a capacitance sensor or an inductive sensor. Accordingly, the substrate detection unit (1041) may detect a change in capacitance or inductance that changes as an aerosol generating article is inserted and extracted into the cavity. The substrate detection unit (1041) may transmit the capacitance value or inductance value to the control unit (102) in real time or periodically.

[0135] The current detection unit (1042) is connected between the DC / DC converter (1012) and the power conversion unit (105) (see FIG. 5). The current detection unit (1042) can detect the direct current (Idc) output by the DC / DC converter (1012) to the heating unit (106). The current detection unit (1042) can transmit information about the direct current to the control unit (102) in real time or periodically. The detected direct current can be used to determine (estimate) the temperature of the susceptor (1062). In addition, the detected direct current can be used to determine (estimate) the direct current power (Pdc) provided to the heating unit (106).

[0136] The memory (103) can store data related to a temperature profile and data related to a power profile for controlling the heating operation of the heating unit (106). In addition, the memory (103) can also store correlation data for calculating the temperature of the susceptor (1062) from the direct current detected by the current detection unit (1042). That is, the memory (103) can store various data used by the control unit (102) to control the heating operation of the heating unit (106).

[0137] The control unit (102) can control the heating unit (106) to heat the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity. In one embodiment, the control unit (102) can control the direct current power output from the power supply unit (101) and / or the alternating current power supplied to the induction coil (1061) so that the induction coil (1061) generates a variable magnetic field. The susceptor (1062) is heated by the variable magnetic field generated by the induction coil (1061), thereby heating the inserted aerosol-generating article.

[0138] The control unit (102) performs temperature monitoring to estimate the temperature of the susceptor (1062) based on the direct current (Idc) detected by the current detection unit (1042) and power monitoring to estimate the power (Pdc) supplied from the DC / DC converter (1012) to the power conversion unit (105) based on the detected direct current (Idc). Then, the control unit (102) performs at least one of temperature-based feedback control and power-based feedback control for the DC / DC converter (1012) based on the results of the temperature monitoring and power monitoring.

[0139] Specifically, the control unit (102) can control the heating of the aerosol generating article while controlling the operation of the heating unit (106) according to the target temperature and target power based on the temperature profile and power profile stored in the memory (103).

[0140] The control unit (102) can estimate the temperature of the susceptor (1062) using the direct current (Idc) output from the DC / DC converter (1012) without a separate temperature sensor to determine the temperature of the susceptor (1062) that is in direct contact with the aerosol generating article. The direct current output from the DC / DC converter (1012) and the temperature of the susceptor (1062) may have a linear relationship. For example, the direct current output from the DC / DC converter (1012) may decrease as the temperature of the susceptor (1062) increases, and conversely, the direct current output from the DC / DC converter (1012) may increase as the temperature of the susceptor (1062) decreases. The control unit (102) determines the temperature of the susceptor (1062) based on the linear relationship between the direct current and the temperature of the susceptor (1062), and compares the determined temperature with the temperature profile to control the power supplied to the heating unit (106).

[0141] Additionally, the control unit (102) can monitor whether the power (Pdc) provided to the induction coil (1061) to induce a variable magnetic field in the susceptor (1062) follows a target power preset in the power profile, using the direct current (Idc) output from the DC / DC converter (1012) and the voltage (Vdc) applied by the DC / DC converter (1012).

[0142] That is, the control unit (102) according to the present embodiment can simultaneously perform feedback by monitoring the temperature of the heating unit (106) (susceptor (1062)) and feedback by monitoring the power provided to the heating unit (106) (induction coil (1061)) as a feedback method for controlling the heating operation of the heating unit (106). Here, the temperature-based feedback control includes adjusting the intensity of the direct current (Idc) output from the DC / DC converter (1012) so that the estimated temperature follows the temperature profile target temperature, and the power-based feedback control includes adjusting the intensity of the direct current voltage (Vdc) applied by the DC / DC converter (1012) so that the estimated power (Pdc) follows the power profile target power.

[0143] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a method for performing temperature monitoring and power monitoring for a heating unit according to one embodiment.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 5, the power supply unit (101) can output direct current power (Pdc) to the power conversion unit (105). To this end, the power supply unit (101) can include a battery (1011) and a DC / DC converter (1012). The DC / DC converter (1012) can convert (boost or step down) the direct current power provided from the battery (1011) into direct current power of a predetermined level and apply the converted direct current power to the power conversion unit (105). The converted (step up / step down) direct current power can be provided to the power conversion unit (105) as a direct current voltage (Vdc) and a direct current (Idc). The direct current voltage (Vdc) and the direct current (Idc) can be provided to the power conversion unit (105) as direct current power (Pdc). Here, the level of direct current power (Pdc) output by the power supply unit (101) can be controlled by feedback control of the control unit (102).

[0145] The power conversion unit (105) can convert direct current power (Pdc) into alternating current power (Pac). To this end, the power conversion unit (105) can include a DC / AC converter. The DC / AC converter includes at least one switching element (e.g., FET) and can be configured as an E-class or D-class power converter. The power conversion unit (105) converts direct current power (Pdc) into alternating current power (Pac) and outputs it according to the on / off of the switching element.

[0146] The induction coil (1061) of the heating unit (106) receives an AC power source (Pac) to generate an alternating magnetic field, and the susceptor (1062) generates heat by the alternating magnetic field to heat the inserted aerosol generating article.

[0147] The current detection unit (1042) can detect the direct current (Idc) output by the DC / DC converter (1012). To this end, the current detection unit (1042) can be implemented as a current sensor including a shunt resistor. However, the current detection method in the present embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0148] The control unit (102) can perform temperature monitoring (1021) for the heating unit (106) by determining the current temperature of the susceptor (1062) based on the direct current (Idc) detected by the current detection unit (1042).

[0149] The susceptor (1062) can be considered to correspond to a resistance component when viewed from the DC / DC converter (1012), which is an input terminal. Therefore, as the temperature of the susceptor (1062) increases, the magnitude of the resistance component of the susceptor (1062) can be considered to increase, and accordingly, as the temperature of the susceptor (1062) increases, the direct current (Idc) detected by the current detection unit (1042) can be considered to decrease. In other words, a linear relationship can be formed between the temperature of the susceptor (1062) and the direct current (Idc). In this manner, the control unit (102) can perform temperature monitoring (1021) for the susceptor (1062) based on the linear relationship between the temperature of the susceptor (1062) and the direct current (Idc). Meanwhile, information on the correlation between the temperature of the susceptor (1062) and the direct current (Idc) may be stored in advance in the memory (103) as a lookup table or a calculation formula.

[0150] The control unit (102) calculates the current temperature of the susceptor (1062) from the direct current (Idc), and compares the current temperature of the susceptor (1062) with a target temperature on a temperature profile to control the intensity of the direct current (Idc) output by the DC / DC converter (1012). At this time, the control unit (102) can control the level of the direct current (Idc) output by the DC / DC converter (1012) through a control signal (S1) for temperature-based feedback.

[0151] The control unit (102) can calculate the current power (Pdc) being provided to the power conversion unit (105) based on the direct current (Idc) detected by the current detection unit (1042) and the direct current voltage (Vdc) being applied by the DC / DC converter (1012). That is, the control unit (102) can also perform power monitoring (1022) for the heating unit (106).

[0152] The control unit (102) can control the level of the direct current voltage (Vdc) applied by the DC / DC converter (1012) by comparing the current power with the target power on the power profile. Specifically, the control unit (102) can control the level of the direct current voltage (Vdc) applied by the DC / DC converter (1012) through a control signal (S2) for power-based feedback, thereby adjusting the level of the direct current power (Pdc) provided to the power conversion unit (105). However, in this embodiment, the control unit (102) is exemplified by controlling only the level of the DC voltage (Vdc) applied by the DC / DC converter (1012) to control the DC power (Pdc), but is not limited thereto, and the control unit (102) may control only the level of the DC current (Idc) applied by the DC / DC converter (1012) or may control both the levels of the DC voltage (Vdc) and the DC current (Idc) to control the DC power (Pdc).

[0153] In this way, the control unit (102) can perform temperature monitoring (1021) and power monitoring (1022) simultaneously. The control unit (102) can control the direct current power (Pdc) to be output from the DC / DC converter (1012) by transmitting a temperature-based feedback signal (S1) or a power-based feedback signal (S2) based on the monitoring result. The alternating current power (Pac) to be converted by the power conversion unit (105) is controlled to a level corresponding to the level of the direct current power (Pdc), and accordingly, the heating operation (e.g., susceptor temperature) of the heating unit (106) can also be controlled.

[0154] The aerosol generating device (1) may be a high-power device that consumes relatively much power, as it performs a heating operation. Therefore, efficient control and stability of the battery (1011) provided in the aerosol generating device (1) may be important. The maximum power output that can be output from the battery (1011) and the DC / DC converter (1012) provided in the aerosol generating device (1) is limited, and it is difficult to output more than that. Therefore, power feedback control through power monitoring (1022) can stably supply a desired level of output and ensure the stability of the battery (1011). In comparison, since temperature monitoring (1021) directly monitors the heater status, such as the heater (susceptor (1062)) temperature, temperature-based feedback control can enable more accurate heating control. In this way, the aerosol generating device (1) according to the present embodiment can achieve battery stability and battery efficiency by performing temperature monitoring (1021) and power monitoring (1022) together.

[0155] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a temperature profile and a power profile according to one embodiment.

[0156] Referring to FIG. 6, the temperature profile (601) represents target temperatures of the heater (susceptor (1062)) over time in the aerosol generating device (1). In addition, the power profile (602) represents target powers to be provided to the heater (heating unit (106)) over time in the aerosol generating device (1). Specifically, the target powers of the power profile (602) may refer to target powers to be provided to the power conversion unit (105).

[0157] Referring to the temperature profile (601), after the heater (susceptor (1062)) operation is initiated, a preheating section may be performed in which the temperature of the heater (susceptor (1062)) is rapidly increased for a certain period of time. Once the preheating is completed, a smoking section may be performed in which the user can perform a puff. In the smoking section, a section in which the target temperature is maintained at a substantially constant level may be maintained until the end of smoking.

[0158] Referring to the power profile (602), the preheating section may include a section in which the output power is rapidly increased until the target preheating temperature of the heater (susceptor (1062)) is reached within a short period of time. A constant level of power may be supplied near the point where the highest temperature (target preheating temperature) on the temperature profile (601) is reached. In the smoking section, a relatively lower target power level may be maintained compared to the preheating section.

[0159] However, the temperature profile (601) and power profile (602) illustrated in FIG. 6 correspond to arbitrary profiles presented for convenience of explanation, and the profiles available in the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited thereto.

[0160] The control unit (102) compares the current temperature obtained through temperature monitoring (1021) at a certain monitoring point with the target temperature at that monitoring point on the temperature profile (601). If the comparison results determine that there is a difference between the current temperature and the target temperature, the control unit (102) performs temperature-based feedback control so that the current temperature follows the target temperature.

[0161] Similarly, the control unit (102) compares the current power obtained through power monitoring (1022) at a certain monitoring point with the target power at that monitoring point on the power profile (602). If the comparison results in a difference between the current power and the target power, the control unit (102) performs power-based feedback control so that the current power follows the target power.

[0162] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a method for performing temperature-based feedback control and power-based feedback control according to one embodiment.

[0163] Referring to FIG. 7, the control unit (102) performs temperature monitoring (1021) by calculating the current temperature of the heater (susceptor (1062)) based on the direct current (Idc) detected by the current detection unit (1042). At this time, the method of calculating the current temperature from the direct current (Idc) may vary, and for example, an experimentally obtained mathematical formula such as “current temperature (℃) = (Idc * 0.105) - 80.48” may be used. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the current temperature may be calculated from the direct current (Idc) by using a lookup table or mathematical formulas having various other parameters.

[0164] The control unit (102) performs power monitoring (1022) by calculating the current power (Pdc = Vdc * Idc) provided to the power conversion unit (105) based on the direct current (Idc) detected by the current detection unit (1042) and the direct current voltage (Vdc) applied by the DC / DC converter (1012).

[0165] The control unit (102) can perform at least one of temperature-based feedback control and power-based feedback control based on a temperature feedback weight α set for temperature-based feedback control and a power feedback weight β set for power-based feedback control.

[0166] The control unit (102) may directly determine the weight α for the temperature-based feedback control and the weight β for the power-based feedback control, or the control unit (102) may use preset weights α and β. Here, the temperature feedback weight α and the power feedback weight β may be values ​​that satisfy the relationship "α + β = 100%". That is, although the control unit (102) continuously performs temperature monitoring (1021) and power monitoring (1022) throughout the preheating section and the smoking section, the temperature-based feedback control and the power-based feedback control may be performed by reflecting the determined weights (α, β), respectively.

[0167] For example, assume that the temperature feedback weight α is 50% and the power feedback weight β is 50%. According to an example, if the difference between the current temperature and the target temperature is 10°C as a result of temperature monitoring (1021) and the difference between the current power and the target power is 500 mA as a result of power monitoring (1022), the control unit (102) can perform temperature-based feedback control to compensate for 5°C, which is 50% of the temperature difference of 10°C, and power-based feedback control to compensate for 250 mA, which is 50% of the power difference of 500 mA. In another example, the temperature-based feedback control may control the DC current to increase (or decrease) only by 50% of the DC current (Idc) set to compensate for a temperature difference of 10℃, and the power-based feedback control may control the DC voltage to increase (or decrease) only by 50% of the DC voltage (Vdc) set to compensate for a power difference of 500mA. However, these methods are merely examples, and various methods of determining the level of feedback control according to each weight may be applied to this embodiment.

[0168] The control unit (102) can perform PID control (Proportional-Integral-Differential control) for temperature-based feedback control and power-based feedback control. PID control refers to a method of feedback control based on a value calculated by the sum of three terms proportional to an error value, an integral of the error value, and a derivative of the error value. By adjusting the coefficient (Kp) of the term proportional to the error value, control proportional to the size of the error value in the current state can be performed. By adjusting the coefficient (Ki) of the term proportional to the integral of the error value, control can be performed to reduce the error in the steady-state. By adjusting the coefficient (Kd) of the term proportional to the derivative of the error value, control can be performed to reduce abrupt changes in the output value, thereby reducing overshoot and improving stability.

[0169] That is, the control unit (102) can perform feedback control so that the current temperature / power converges to the target temperature / target power by adjusting the coefficients (Kp, Ki, Kd) of the three terms for PID control. Here, the coefficients (Kp, Ki, Kd) of the three terms for PID control can be adjusted under the influence of the weights α and β described above. In other words, the control unit (102) can determine the coefficients (Kp, Ki, Kd) of the PID control based on the temperature feedback weight α and the power feedback weight β.

[0170] Meanwhile, the control unit (102) can determine the temperature feedback weight α and the power feedback weight β according to various criteria.

[0171] In one example, the temperature feedback weight α and the power feedback weight β may be preset for each section of the temperature profile or power profile. This will be described with reference to the example illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0172] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining feedback weights set for each section of a profile according to one embodiment.

[0173] Referring to Fig. 8, in the initial stage (801) (first stage) of the preheating section, which is part of the preheating section, the temperature feedback weight α may be preset to 0% and the power feedback weight β to 100%. When preheating is initiated, the heater (susceptor (1062)) requires a rapid temperature change to the target preheating temperature within a short period of time, so temperature feedback may be difficult. Therefore, it may be desirable to perform only power-based feedback control in the initial stage (801) of the preheating section.

[0174] In another part of the preheating section, the middle stage (802) of the preheating section (the second stage), the temperature feedback weight α may be preset to 50% and the power feedback weight β to 50%. Although rapid temperature changes are still occurring for the heater (susceptor (1062)), temperature monitoring may also be required since it must be monitored whether the target preheating temperature has been reached. Therefore, in the middle stage (802) of the preheating section, it may be desirable to perform both temperature-based feedback control and power-based feedback control together.

[0175] In another part of the preheating section, in the later stage (803) of the preheating section (the third stage), the temperature feedback weight α may be preset to 100% and the power feedback weight β to 0%. When the target preheating temperature on the temperature profile is reached, the heater (susceptor (1062)) is controlled to maintain the target preheating temperature for a certain period of time. Therefore, in the later stage (803) of the preheating section, it may be desirable to place greater emphasis on temperature-based feedback control.

[0176] When the smoking section (804) begins, the heater (susceptor (1062)) is controlled to maintain a relatively constant temperature without abrupt temperature changes. Accordingly, since it may be desirable to place greater emphasis on temperature-based feedback control, the temperature feedback weight α may be preset to 100% and the power feedback weight β to 0%.

[0177] Meanwhile, the weight presets described in FIG. 8 are merely examples, and the present embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, the weight presets may be set differently from FIG. 8 depending on various device conditions, such as temperature profiles, power profiles, or heater types, and this may also be included in the scope of application of the present embodiment.

[0178] Referring again to FIG. 7, the temperature feedback weight α and the power feedback weight β may be preset according to different criteria. Specifically, in sections where rapid temperature changes occur on the temperature profile, the temperature feedback weight α and the power feedback weight β may each be preset to 50%. For example, in the preheating intermediate stage (802) and the descending sections (811, 821), the temperature feedback weight α and the power feedback weight β may each be preset to 50%.

[0179] According to another criterion, the control unit (102) may intervene in the feedback if the result of temperature monitoring (1021) or power monitoring (1022) is monitored to be outside a predetermined feedback margin (Δ). This will be described with reference to the examples illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B.

[0180] FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating a method of performing temperature-based feedback control and power-based feedback control based on a feedback margin according to one embodiment.

[0181] Referring to Fig. 9a, target temperatures are preset on the temperature profile, and actual temperatures can be acquired in real time through temperature monitoring. If the temperature feedback weight α is 0% in a certain section, the control unit (102) may not perform temperature-based feedback control even if it performs temperature monitoring. However, if the current temperature is monitored to be outside the temperature feedback margin (Δt) set based on the target temperature, the control unit (102) may intervene in feedback control even in a section where the temperature feedback weight α is 0%. That is, even if the current section is preset to perform only power-based feedback control, if the current temperature differs excessively from the target temperature through temperature monitoring, temperature-based feedback control may also be additionally performed.

[0182] Similarly, referring to FIG. 9b, target powers are preset on the power profile, and actual powers can be acquired in real time through power monitoring. The control unit (102) does not perform power-based feedback control in a section where the power feedback weight β is 0%. However, if the current power is monitored to be outside the power feedback margin (Δp) set based on the target power, the control unit (102) can perform power-based feedback control even in a section where the power feedback weight β is 0%.

[0183] Referring again to FIG. 7, the control unit (102) continuously performs temperature monitoring (1021) and power monitoring (1022) from the start of operation of the heater (heating unit (106)) until the end of operation. In addition, the control unit (102) can perform temperature-based feedback control or power-based feedback control according to the temperature feedback weight (α) and the power feedback weight (β).

[0184] Here, temperature-based feedback control may mean controlling the temperature of the heater (susceptor (1062)) to follow the target temperature on the temperature profile by controlling the intensity of the direct current (Idc) flowing from the DC / DC converter (1012) to the power conversion unit (105).

[0185] In addition, power-based feedback control may mean controlling the power supplied to the heater (heating unit (106)) to follow the target power on the power profile by controlling the intensity of the direct current voltage (Vdc) applied to the power conversion unit (105) by the DC / DC converter (1012) or the intensity of the direct current (Idc) flowing from the DC / DC converter (1012) to the power conversion unit (105).

[0186] In power-based feedback control, a situation may arise where the desired power (Pdc) cannot be supplied simply by adjusting the intensity (level) of the DC voltage (Vdc). This is because the resistance component of the susceptor (1062) increases as the temperature of the susceptor (1062) increases. Since the larger the resistance, the smaller the power, the higher the power, and therefore, even if the intensity (level) of the DC voltage (Vdc) is increased, the DC / DC converter (1012) may not output the desired power (Pdc). In this case, the control unit (102) additionally adjusts the frequency of the DC voltage (Vdc). That is, the control unit (102) can perform feedback control so that the desired power (Pdc) is output from the DC / DC converter (1012) by adjusting both the intensity (level) of the DC voltage (Vdc) and the frequency of the DC voltage (Vdc).

[0187] Meanwhile, in the previously described embodiments, only the case where the temperature feedback weight α and the power feedback weight β are each set to 50% has been described. However, this is merely for convenience of explanation, and the present embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, the temperature feedback weight α and the power feedback weight β can each be set to various weight values.

[0188] As described above, the aerosol generating device (1) can stably output a desired level of power through power feedback control and simultaneously perform precise temperature control through temperature feedback control, thereby achieving stabilization and efficiency of the battery (1011) and providing a more improved smoking sensation to the user by heating the aerosol generating product to a temperature optimized for the product.

[0189] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0190] Referring to Fig. 10, the control method of the aerosol generating device corresponds to the steps sequentially processed in the aerosol generating device (1) described in the drawings above. Therefore, even if the content is omitted below, the content described in the drawings above can also be applied to the control method of Fig. 10.

[0191] At step 1001, a current detection unit (1042) connected between a DC / DC converter (1012) that is connected to a battery (1011) and outputs a direct current and a power conversion unit (105) that converts the direct current provided from the DC / DC converter (1012) into an alternating current detects the direct current (Idc) output from the DC / DC converter (1012).

[0192] In step 1002, the control unit (102) performs temperature monitoring to estimate the temperature of the susceptor (1062) based on the detected direct current (Idc), and power monitoring to estimate the power (Pdc) supplied from the DC / DC converter (1012) based on the detected direct current (Idc).

[0193] At step 1003, the control unit (102) performs at least one of temperature-based feedback control and power-based feedback control for the DC / DC converter (1012) based on the results of temperature monitoring and power monitoring.

[0194] 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.

[0195] 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.

[0196] 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

In an aerosol generating device, A DC / DC converter that outputs direct current when connected to a battery; A power conversion unit that converts the direct current provided from the DC / DC converter into alternating current; A heating unit including an induction coil that generates an alternating magnetic field by the converted alternating current, and a susceptor that heats an aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device by being induced by the alternating magnetic field; A current detection unit connected between the DC / DC converter and the power conversion unit, detecting the direct current output from the DC / DC converter; and A control unit that performs temperature monitoring for estimating the temperature of the susceptor based on the detected DC current and power monitoring for estimating the power supplied from the DC / DC converter to the power conversion unit based on the detected DC current, and performs at least one of temperature-based feedback control and power-based feedback control for the DC / DC converter based on the results of the temperature monitoring and the power monitoring. Aerosol generating device. In the first paragraph, The above temperature-based feedback control including adjusting the intensity of the direct current output from the DC / DC converter so that the estimated temperature follows the target temperature on the temperature profile; The above power-based feedback control is Including adjusting the strength of the DC voltage applied by the DC / DC converter so that the estimated power follows the target power on the power profile. Aerosol generating device. In the first paragraph, The above control unit At least one of temperature-based feedback control and power-based feedback control is performed based on a temperature feedback weight set for the temperature-based feedback control and a power feedback weight set for the power-based feedback control. Aerosol generating device. In the third paragraph, The above temperature feedback weight is set to 0% in the first stage of the preheating section on the temperature profile, The above control unit performs only the power-based feedback control in the first stage of the above preheating section, Aerosol generating device. In the third paragraph, The above temperature feedback weight is set to 50% in the second stage of the preheating section on the temperature profile, The above power feedback weight is set to 50% in the second step, The above control unit performs the temperature-based feedback control and the power-based feedback control together in the second stage of the above preheating section. Aerosol generating device. In the third paragraph, The above temperature feedback weight is set to 100% in at least part of the smoking section on the temperature profile, The control unit performs only the temperature-based feedback control in at least a part of the smoking section, Aerosol generating device. In the third paragraph, The above control unit Even if the above temperature feedback weight is 0%, if the estimated temperature deviates from the preset temperature feedback margin, temperature-based feedback control is performed. Even when the above power feedback weight is 0%, power-based feedback control is performed when the estimated power exceeds the preset power feedback margin. Aerosol generating device. In the first paragraph, Further comprising a memory storing a temperature profile representing target temperatures of the susceptor over time and a power profile representing target powers to be provided to the heating unit over time, The above control unit From the time the operation of the heating unit starts until it ends, the temperature monitoring and the power monitoring are performed using the temperature profile and the power profile. Aerosol generating device. In the first paragraph, The above temperature-based feedback control and the above power-based feedback control include PID (Proportional-Integral-Differential) control, The above control unit Determining coefficients for performing the PID control based on the temperature feedback weight set for the temperature-based feedback control and the power feedback weight set for the power-based feedback control, Aerosol generating device. In a method for controlling an aerosol generating device, A step of detecting the outputted direct current by a current detection unit connected between a DC / DC converter connected to a battery and outputting direct current and a power conversion unit converting the direct current provided from the DC / DC converter into alternating current; A step of performing temperature monitoring to estimate the temperature of the susceptor based on the detected DC current and power monitoring to estimate the power supplied from the DC / DC converter to the power conversion unit based on the detected DC current by the control unit; and A step of performing at least one of temperature-based feedback control and power-based feedback control for the DC / DC converter based on the results of the temperature monitoring and the power monitoring by the control unit, method. In paragraph 10, The above temperature-based feedback control including adjusting the intensity of the direct current output from the DC / DC converter so that the estimated temperature follows the target temperature on the temperature profile; The above power-based feedback control is Including adjusting the strength of the DC voltage applied by the DC / DC converter so that the estimated power follows the target power on the power profile. method. In paragraph 10, The step of performing at least one of the temperature-based feedback control and the power-based feedback control At least one of the temperature-based feedback control and the power-based feedback control is performed based on the temperature feedback weight set for the temperature-based feedback control and the power feedback weight set for the power-based feedback control. method. In paragraph 12, The above temperature feedback weight is set to 0% in the first stage of the preheating section on the temperature profile, The above temperature feedback weight is set to 50% in the second stage of the preheating section on the temperature profile, The above power feedback weight is set to 50% in the second step, The above temperature feedback weight is set to 100% in at least part of the smoking section on the temperature profile, method. In paragraph 10, The above temperature monitoring and the above power monitoring The heating of the susceptor is performed from the start until the end using the temperature profile and the power profile. method.

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