Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device according to an aspect obtains at least one direct current value from a current detection sensor while sweeping a switching frequency of a power conversion unit within a reference frequency range when a flange temperature detected by a flange temperature sensor is included within a preconfigured reference temperature range, and generates temperature data for estimating a temperature of a susceptor on the basis of the direct current value.

Description

Aerosol generating device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device capable of accurately determining the temperature of a heating portion.

[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 systems that generate aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating substrate using an aerosol-generating device, rather than by burning a cigarette to produce the aerosol.

[0003] These aerosol-generating devices utilize heating methods that differ from the traditional method of heating a cigarette by placing a heater formed of electrical resistance inside or outside the cigarette and supplying power to the heater. For example, active research is underway on heating cigarettes using induction heating.

[0004] Induction heating can measure the temperature of a susceptor by placing a temperature sensor directly in contact with the susceptor's interior or exterior. However, this contact-based temperature sensing method places the temperature sensor in direct contact with the susceptor, which carries the risk of damage due to susceptor heating.

[0005] To address these issues, non-contact methods for detecting the temperature of the susceptor have been proposed. However, adding separate components, such as infrared sensors, increases manufacturing costs. Accordingly, methods for estimating the temperature of the susceptor by comparing the power of a battery or induction coil with temperature data stored in memory have been proposed. However, these conventional methods have the problem that they overlook discrepancies between the actual power of the battery or induction coil and the temperature data as heating cycles accumulate.

[0006] The technical challenge of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device capable of accurately estimating the temperature of a susceptor by calibrating the discrepancy between the actual power and temperature data of a power source or induction coil according to the accumulation of heating cycles.

[0007] The technical problems of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other technical problems can be inferred from the following examples.

[0008] An aerosol generating device according to one aspect includes a power source that outputs direct current power, a power conversion unit that converts the direct current power into alternating current power, an induction coil that receives the alternating current power and generates an alternating magnetic field, a susceptor that generates heat by the alternating magnetic field generated by the induction coil and is inserted into an aerosol generating substrate accommodated in an insertion space to heat the aerosol generating substrate, a flange temperature sensor that is disposed adjacent to a support that supports the susceptor on the outside of the insertion space, a current detection sensor that detects a direct current current output by the power source, and a control unit that acquires at least one direct current value from the current detection sensor while sweeping a switching frequency of the power conversion unit within a reference frequency range when a flange temperature detected by the flange temperature sensor is within a preset reference temperature range, and generates temperature data for estimating a temperature of the susceptor based on the direct current value.

[0009] The aerosol generating device of the present disclosure can accurately estimate the temperature of the susceptor by calibrating the discrepancy between the actual power of the power source or induction coil and the temperature data according to the accumulation of heating cycles.

[0010] Additionally, these corrections can be performed automatically without user input, minimizing user inconvenience.

[0011] Additionally, the aerosol generating device periodically wakes up from standby mode without user input to periodically generate current temperature data for the current heating cycle, thereby allowing accurate susceptor temperature estimation while minimizing user inconvenience.

[0012] Additionally, the aerosol generating device can estimate the temperature of the susceptor more accurately by rechecking the current temperature data before starting heating in heating mode after standby mode.

[0013] Additionally, the aerosol generator prevents the accumulation of inaccurate temperature data by using previous temperature data instead of the current temperature data when it detects certain conditions where temperature data generation would result in inaccurate temperature sensing results. This allows the aerosol generator to accurately estimate the temperature of the susceptor.

[0014] Additionally, the aerosol generator can set specific conditions that lead to inaccurate temperature sensing results to a specific temperature range rather than a specific temperature. Accordingly, the aerosol generator can reduce the time it takes to generate temperature data.

[0015] Additionally, the aerosol generator pre-generates temperature data based on frequency sweep results at room temperature, rather than during heating. Therefore, the time required to generate temperature data can be reduced compared to methods that generate and correct temperature data during heating.

[0016] Additionally, the aerosol generator does not perform any calibration when the upper case is separated from the body, as the user is likely not using the device. This reduces the power consumption of the aerosol generator.

[0017] Additionally, the aerosol generating device can be configured so that the susceptor, which is the heating element, is replaceable. This reduces the inconvenience of cleaning the susceptor while providing the user with an optimal flavor experience.

[0018] Additionally, the aerosol generating device comprises a heating element consisting of an induction coil and a susceptor, thereby eliminating the need for a replaceable susceptor and electrode connection.

[0019] The effects of the invention are not limited to those exemplified above, and more diverse effects are included in this specification.

[0020] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates internal configurations for explaining a temperature data generation method according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 7 illustrates changes in frequency and direct current according to temperature of a susceptor to explain a method for generating temperature data according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 8 illustrates the relationship between direct current and the temperature of a susceptor to explain a method for generating temperature data according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 9 illustrates the relationship between the flange temperature and the actual temperature of the susceptor to illustrate a reference temperature range according to one embodiment.

[0029] Fig. 10 is a drawing for explaining a method for normalizing a direct current value according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating temperature data in standby mode according to one embodiment.

[0031] Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating temperature data in a heating mode according to one embodiment.

[0032] An aerosol generating device according to one aspect includes a power source that outputs direct current power, a power conversion unit that converts the direct current power into alternating current power, an induction coil that receives the alternating current power and generates an alternating magnetic field, a susceptor that generates heat by the alternating magnetic field generated by the induction coil and is inserted into an aerosol generating substrate accommodated in an insertion space to heat the aerosol generating substrate, a flange temperature sensor that is disposed adjacent to a support that supports the susceptor on the outside of the insertion space, a current detection sensor that detects a direct current current output by the power source, and a control unit that acquires at least one direct current value from the current detection sensor while sweeping a switching frequency of the power conversion unit within a reference frequency range when a flange temperature detected by the flange temperature sensor is within a preset reference temperature range, and generates temperature data for estimating a temperature of the susceptor based on the direct current value.

[0033] Additionally, the control unit converts the DC current value based on the reference DC current value detected by the current detection sensor at a first temperature included in the reference temperature range.

[0034] Additionally, the first temperature is selected within the range of 20 to 35 degrees.

[0035] In addition, when generating the temperature data, the control unit obtains a first direct current detected by the current detection sensor at a first frequency included in the reference frequency range, obtains a second direct current detected by the current detection sensor at a second frequency included in the reference frequency range and different from the first frequency, and generates the temperature data such that the temperature of the susceptor linearly increases or decreases in the first direct current to the second direct current section.

[0036] Additionally, the control unit sets the switching frequency of the power converter to the second frequency in a heating mode for heating the aerosol generating substrate.

[0037] Additionally, the control unit generates the temperature data such that the first direct current is equal to the first sensing current detected by the current detection sensor when the temperature of the susceptor reaches a preset target temperature in the heating mode.

[0038] Additionally, the control unit generates the temperature data so that the second direct current is the same as the second sensing current detected by the current detection sensor when the temperature of the susceptor reaches a preset room temperature in the heating mode.

[0039] Additionally, the control unit generates the temperature data regardless of user input in standby mode and heating mode.

[0040] Additionally, the aerosol generating device further includes a memory for storing current temperature data for the current heating cycle or previous temperature data for the previous heating cycle.

[0041] Additionally, the control unit controls the memory so that, when the flange temperature detected by the flange temperature sensor in the previous heating cycle is higher than a preset calibration temperature, the previous temperature data stored in the memory is deleted and the current temperature data is stored.

[0042] In addition, the aerosol generating device further includes a body that accommodates the power source, the power conversion unit, the induction coil, the susceptor, the flange temperature sensor, the current detection sensor, and the control unit, an upper case detachably coupled to the body, and an upper case detection unit accommodated in the body that detects whether the upper case is detached, and the control unit generates the temperature data while the upper case is coupled to the body.

[0043] Additionally, the susceptor is detachably coupled with the support from the insertion space.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The suffixes “module” and “unit” used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves. Meanwhile, the suffixes “module” or “unit” may include units implemented with hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A “module” or “unit” may be a component configured integrally, or a minimum unit of the component that performs one or more functions, or a part thereof. For example, a “module” or “unit” may be implemented in the form of an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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).

[0052] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), a memory (17), and / or a heater (18, 24). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that some of the components illustrated in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0054] 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).

[0055] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature at which the heater (18, 24) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater (18, 24), or the heater (18, 24) itself may function as a temperature sensor. As an example, the temperature sensor may be used to measure the impedance to the heater (18). The impedance to the heater (18) may be correlated with the temperature of the heater (18). The temperature sensor may measure the current and / or voltage applied to the heater (18) (or the induction coil). Based on the measured current and / or voltage, the impedance to the heater (18) may be calculated. The control unit (12) may estimate the temperature of the heater (18) based on the calculated impedance.

[0056] For example, the temperature sensor may include a resistance element (e.g., a thermistor) whose resistance value changes in response to a temperature change of the heater (18, 24). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element, and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (18, 24) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0057] As another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor that detects the resistance value of the heater (18, 24). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater (18, 24), and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (18, 24) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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).

[0060] In one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect a user's puff.

[0061] 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).

[0062] As another example, the puff sensor may include a temperature sensor. When the user puffs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow path, the space where the aerosol generating product is inserted (hereinafter, referred to as the insertion space), the heater (18, 24), etc. The control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path, etc. output from the temperature sensor.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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 positioned adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol-generating article (e.g., a wrapper of an aerosol-generating article) includes a conductor, when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil through which a current flows. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article including a conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc. of the alternating current). Alternatively, a susceptor (SUS) or the like may be included in the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a medium portion of the aerosol-generating article). In this case as well, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil based on the insertion or removal of the susceptor or the like within the insertion space, and the control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the output unit (14) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1). The output unit (14) can include, but is not limited to, a display, a haptic unit, and / or an audio output unit. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (1) can include a charging / discharging status of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), a preheating status of the heater (18, 24), an insertion / removal status of an aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge, a mounting and / or removal status of a cap, or a status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article). The display can visually provide information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the display can include a light emitting diode (LED) light emitting element, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display, if it includes a touch pad, can also be used as an input unit (15). The haptic unit can provide tactile information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the haptic unit can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electrical stimulation device, etc. The acoustic output unit can provide audible information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the power source (11) can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (11) can include one or more batteries. The power source (11) can supply power so that the heaters (18, 24) can be heated. In addition, the power source (11) can also supply power required for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device (1), such as the control unit (12), the sensor unit (13), the output unit (14), the input unit (15), the communication unit (16), and the memory (17). The power source (11) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (11) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source (11) can also be a replaceable type (detachable) battery (hereinafter, referred to as a removable battery). The removable battery may be mounted in the battery compartment provided within the aerosol generating device (1) or may be removed from the battery compartment. The removable battery may be charged by wire and / or wirelessly.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be powered by the power source (11) to heat the aerosol generating article and / or the medium and / or the aerosol generating material within the cartridge. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a heater (18) for heating the aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge heater (24) for heating the cartridge (i.e., the solid and / or liquid medium).

[0084] In one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the electrically resistive heater may include an electrically resistive material, such as a metal or metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. The electrically resistive heater may be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate having electrically conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0085] In one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be an induction heating heater. For example, the induction heating heater may include a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field. A magnetic field may be generated from the induction coil by an alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The generated magnetic field may penetrate the heater, and an eddy current may be generated in the susceptor. The susceptor may be heated based on the generation of the eddy current. In one embodiment, the susceptor may be included within the aerosol generating article (e.g., the medium portion). In this case, the susceptor included within the aerosol generating article may be heated by the induction coil.

[0086] The heater (18, 24) is not limited to the examples described above, and may include or be replaced with various heating methods, structures, components, etc. for heating the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (11) to the heater (18, 24). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) based on the temperature of the heater (18, 24) detected using a temperature sensor (e.g., the sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) based on a temperature profile and / or a power profile stored in the memory (17).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to the heater (18, 24) by controlling a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heater (18, 24) and the power source (11). For example, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / DC converter (e.g., a buck converter, a buck-boost converter, a boost converter, a Zener diode, etc.) that converts power to be supplied to the heater (18, 24), and a DC / AC converter (e.g., an inverter) that converts power to be supplied to an induction coil (not shown). The DC / AC converter may be implemented as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements. For example, a power conversion circuit may include at least one switching element, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET).

[0093] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the current and / or voltage supplied to the heater (18, 24) by controlling the frequency and / or duty ratio of a current pulse input to at least one switching element of the power conversion circuit (not shown). The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element can correspond to the ratio of the output voltage of the power conversion circuit to the output voltage of the power source (11).

[0094] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method. For example, the control unit (12) can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater (18, 24) using the PWM method. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse. For example, the control unit (12) can determine a target temperature that is a target of control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by using the PID method, which is a feedback control method using the difference value between the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can determine a target power that is the target of control based on the power profile. The control unit (12) can also control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) to correspond to the preset target power over time.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can detect the user's puff by detecting the power supplied to the heater (18, 24). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) using a PID method. When the user's puff is generated, a temporary temperature drop may occur in a space where an aerosol generating article is inserted (hereinafter, referred to as the insertion space), the heater (18, 24), etc. Accordingly, a change may occur in the power (or current) supplied to the heater (18, 24) during the power control using the PID method. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on the change in the controlled power.

[0097] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can prevent the heater (18, 24) from overheating. For example, the control unit (12) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to reduce the amount of power supplied to the heater (18, 24) or to stop supplying power to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the temperature of the heater (18, 24) exceeds a preset limit temperature.

[0098] 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).

[0099] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13).

[0100] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article into the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can control to supply power to the heater (18, 24) when it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can also determine that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater (18, 24) is equal to or higher than a limited temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater (18, 24) is equal to or higher than a set slope.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater (18, 24) based on the state of the aerosol generating article. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol generating article is in an over-humidity state by using an over-humidity detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)), the control unit (12) can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) to the heater (18, 24).

[0102] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating article has been reused. For example, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) if it is determined that the aerosol generating article has been used.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the cartridge is coupled and / or removed using a cartridge detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)), the control unit (12) can control to stop the power supply to the heater (18, 24) or prevent power from being supplied to the heater (18, 24).

[0104] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the temperature of the heater (18, 24) exceeds a limit temperature while preheating the heater (18, 24) (i.e., during the preheating period), the control unit (12) may determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted. If the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24).

[0105] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the cartridge is available for use. For example, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the current number of puffs is determined to be greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge based on data stored in the memory (17). Alternatively, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total time that the heater (18, 24) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the heater (18, 24) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power. In this case, the control unit (12) may stop the power supply to the heater (18, 24) or control that power is not supplied to the heater (18, 24).

[0106] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the user's puff. For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether a puff has been generated and / or the intensity of the puff using a puff sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs and / or no puffs are detected for a preset period of time. The control unit (12) can also control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when a puff is detected.

[0107] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is genuine and / or the type thereof. For example, the control unit (12) may detect whether the aerosol generating article is genuine and / or the type thereof using a cigarette identification sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is counterfeit, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24). If the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is genuine, the control unit (12) may control (e.g., start) the power supply to the heater (18, 24). As another example, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) differently depending on the type of the aerosol generating article (or cartridge). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, 24) based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a first aerosol generating article (or a first cartridge), and can control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, 24) based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a second aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge).

[0108] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to visually, tactilely and / or audibly provide information that the aerosol generating device (1) is about to be terminated when the number of puffs counted using the puff sensor (e.g., the sensor unit (13)) reaches a preset number. For example, the control unit (12) can also control the output unit (14) to visually, tactilely and / or audibly provide information about the temperature of the heater (18, 24).

[0109] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may store and update a history of events that have occurred in the memory (17) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, the event may include operations such as detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, initiation of heating of the aerosol generating article, detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of a heater (18, 24), detection of overvoltage application to a heater (18, 24), termination of heating of an aerosol generating article, power on / off of the aerosol generating device (1), initiation of charging of the power source (11), detection of overcharging of the power source (11), termination of charging of the power source (11), etc., performed in the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the history of events may include the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a given event is detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, log data corresponding to the event may include data on the sensing value of an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if a given event is detection of overheating of a heater (18, 24), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the heater (18, 24), the voltage applied to the heater (18, 24), the current flowing through the heater (18, 24), and the like.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] Figure 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 2, 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, those skilled in the art will understand that the components included in the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 2, 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 (S). In the drawings below, any description overlapping with that of FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) may provide a space opened upwardly to allow an aerosol-generating article (S) to be inserted. In the present disclosure, the space 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 (S) can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may be longer than the length of a region of the aerosol-generating article (S) containing an aerosol-generating material and / or medium. The lower end of the aerosol-generating article (S) may be inserted into the interior of the housing (10), and the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (S) may protrude outside the housing (10). A user may hold the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (S) exposed to the outside in his / her mouth and inhale the aerosol.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the heater (182, 183) can heat the aerosol generating article (S).

[0123] The internally heated heater may extend upwardly in a space (i.e., an insertion space) into which the aerosol-generating article (S) 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 (S).

[0124] According to one embodiment, the internal heating heater may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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).

[0127] 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 (S). 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.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the susceptor may be disposed (or included) within (e.g., in the medium portion) of the aerosol generating article (S), and the susceptor included within the aerosol generating article (S) may be implemented to generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from an induction coil (181).

[0129] 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 (S) through the lower end (i.e., the upstream side) of the aerosol generating article (S). The aerosol generated based on the heating of the aerosol generating article (S) may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the upper end (i.e., the downstream side) of the aerosol generating article (S) together with the introduced air.

[0130] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 3, the upper case (40) can be detachably coupled to the body (10). The body (10) may have a configuration corresponding to the housing (10) of FIG. 2 in that it is a configuration that accommodates internal components. The upper case (40) may be coupled to the upper side of the body (10). The upper case (40) may cover the upper periphery of the body (10). The upper case (40) may have an insertion port (44). An aerosol generating substrate (S) may be inserted into the insertion port (44). The aerosol generating substrate (S) may have a configuration corresponding to the aerosol generating article (S) of FIG. 2. The upper case (40) may include a cover (45) that opens and closes the insertion port (44). The cover (45) may slide laterally to open and close the insertion port (44).

[0132] The upper case (40) may include an upper case wing (42). The upper case wing (42) may extend downward from both sides of the upper case body (41). The upper case wing (42) may be referred to as an upper case grip (42).

[0133] The body (10) may include a body wing (19). The body wing (19) may extend upward from an edge of the upper portion of the body (10). The body wings (19) may be formed as a pair facing each other with the upper portion of the body (10) as the center. The body wings (19) may be formed at a position that is misaligned with the upper case wing (42).

[0134] When the upper case (40) is coupled to the body (10), the upper case (40) can form the upper exterior of the aerosol generating device (1). When the upper case (40) is coupled to the body (10), the body wing (19) can cover the side portion of the upper case (40) exposed between the upper case wings (42). When the upper case (40) is coupled to the body (10), the upper case wing (42) can cover the outer wall of the body (10).

[0135] The input unit (15) can be placed on the side of the aerosol generating device (1). The input unit (15) is provided in the form of a push button and can receive user input.

[0136] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 4, the upper case (40) can be detachably coupled to the body (10). The upper case (40) can include an insertion opening (44). A cover (45) is movably installed in the upper case (40) to open or close the insertion opening (44). The body (10) includes an insertion space (420) therein, which can be opened or closed depending on the movement of the cover (45). The insertion space (420) can be opened upward. The insertion space (420) can have a cylindrical shape that extends vertically. The insertion space (420) can be defined by a side wall (101) and a lower wall (102).

[0138] The aerosol generating substrate (S) can be accommodated in the aerosol generating device (1) through the insertion space (420) when the insertion port (44) is open. The susceptor (182) can be fixed to the body (10) or, depending on the embodiment, can be replaceably coupled to the body (10). Fig. 4 illustrates an example in which the susceptor (182) is fixed to the body (10).

[0139] More specifically, the susceptor (182) may be elongated toward the opening of the insertion space (420). The susceptor (182) may have an upper end that is pointed upward. The susceptor (182) may be inserted into the aerosol generating substrate (S) when the aerosol generating substrate (S) is accommodated in the aerosol generating device (1) through the insertion space (420). The susceptor (182) may be inserted into the support (410) and fixed to the lower wall (102) of the insertion space (420). In one embodiment, the support (410) includes a protrusion, and the protrusion may be at least partially inserted into the inner space of the susceptor (182). The susceptor (182) may be inserted into and fitted into the support (410). The support (410) may also be referred to as a flange. The support (410) can be inserted into the lower wall (102) of the insertion space (420). According to an embodiment, the support (410) can be joined to the lower wall (102) of the insertion space (420) by insert injection.

[0140] The flange temperature sensor (133) may be disposed adjacent to the support (410) that supports the susceptor (182) on the outside of the insertion space (420). The susceptor (182) may be disposed on a first surface of the lower wall (102), and the flange temperature sensor (133) may be disposed on a second surface of the lower wall (102). In this case, the first surface may be a surface facing the insertion space (420), and the second surface may mean an opposite surface of the first surface. The flange temperature sensor (133) may be provided to detect the ambient temperature of the support (410). The detection result of the flange temperature sensor (133) may be used to determine that the temperature of the susceptor (182) has been sufficiently reduced.

[0141] An induction coil (181) surrounds the outer surface of the receiving space forming the insertion hole (44) and can generate a variable magnetic field by alternating current. The variable magnetic field is provided to the susceptor (182), and the susceptor (182) can be inductively heated by the variable magnetic field.

[0142] According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a substrate detection sensor (131) and an upper case detection sensor (132). The substrate detection sensor (131) and the upper case detection sensor (132) may be formed as one piece.

[0143] The substrate detection sensor (131) may have a configuration corresponding to the insertion detection sensor of FIG. 1. The substrate detection sensor (131) is disposed between the outer surface of the receiving space and the induction coil (181), and can detect the presence or absence of an aerosol-generating substrate (S) inserted into the receiving space through the insertion port (44). The substrate detection sensor (131) may be manufactured as a thin film so that it can be disposed between the receiving space and the induction coil (181). The substrate detection sensor (131) surrounds at least a portion of the outer surface of the receiving space, and its output value may vary depending on the insertion of the aerosol-generating substrate (S). In addition, the substrate detection sensor (131) may transmit the output value to the control unit (12 of FIG. 6).

[0144] The upper case detection sensor (132) may be formed as an integral part by being connected to the substrate detection sensor (131). The upper case detection sensor (132) is disposed inside the surface of the upper case (40) that comes into contact with the body (10) and may extend in one direction. The one direction may be perpendicular to the insertion direction of the aerosol generating substrate (S). The upper case (40) includes at least one conductor (43) in a portion that comes into contact with the upper case detection sensor (132), and the upper case detection sensor (132) may output an output value that varies depending on the approach and retreat of the at least one conductor (43). The upper case detection sensor (132) may transmit the output value to the control unit (12).

[0145] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0146] The difference from Fig. 4 is that the susceptor (182) is detachably coupled to the body (10). Reference numbers for components performing the same function are maintained below, but descriptions overlapping with Fig. 4 are omitted.

[0147] Referring to FIG. 5, the body (10) may provide a first insertion space (520) therein. The first insertion space (520) may be opened upward. The first insertion space (520) may have a cylindrical shape that extends vertically. The first insertion space (520) may be defined by a side wall (111) and a lower wall (112).

[0148] The heater holder (20) can be detachably inserted into the first insertion space (520). The pipe (200') can include a side wall (210) that extends vertically and a lower wall (220) formed at the lower end of the side wall (210). The pipe (200') can be referred to as a heater holder pipe (200'). The lower wall (220) of the pipe (200') can be referred to as a bottom (220) or a mount (220). The lower wall (220) of the pipe (200') can form the bottom (220) of the heater holder (20). The susceptor (182) can be coupled to or fixed to the heater holder (20). In this case, the bottom (220) or the mount (220) can perform the same function as the support (410) of FIG. 4. In other words, in an embodiment where the susceptor (182) is separated from the body (10), the floor (220) or mount (220) may be referred to as a support (410). The susceptor (182) may be replaced together with the heater holder (20).

[0149] The upper case (40) includes an extractor (30) and can be detachably coupled to the heater holder (20) by a snap-fit ​​coupling method. When the heater holder (20) is coupled to the extractor (30), the heater holder (20) can provide a second insertion space. In one embodiment, when the heater holder (20) is coupled to the extractor (30), the side wall (210) of the heater holder (20) and the side wall (31) of the extractor (30) can define a second insertion space that is opened upward. More specifically, the side walls (210) of the heater holder (20) can be arranged in multiple numbers along the periphery of the lower wall (220) of the heater holder (20). A first slit (214) extending vertically can be formed between each of the multiple side walls (210) of the heater holder (20). The side walls (31) of the extractor (30) may be arranged in multiple numbers along the periphery of the lower wall (32) of the extractor (30). A second slit (314) extending vertically may be formed between each of the multiple side walls (31) of the extractor (30). The extractor (30) may be inserted into the heater holder (20). When the extractor (30) is inserted into the heater holder (20), the side wall (210) of the heater holder (20) may be placed in the second slit (314), and the side wall (31) of the extractor (30) may be placed in the first slit (214). Accordingly, the side wall (210) of the heater holder (20) and the side wall (31) of the extractor (30) may form a second insertion space.

[0150] The susceptor (182) of the heater holder (20) may be extended long toward the opening of the second insertion space. The susceptor (182) may have an upper end that is pointed upward. The through hole (35) may be formed by opening the lower wall (32) of the extractor (30). The through hole (35) may be opened vertically. When the extractor (30) is inserted into the heater holder (20), the susceptor (182) may protrude into the second insertion space by penetrating the through hole (35). When the aerosol generating substrate (S) is inserted into the second insertion space, the susceptor (182) may be inserted into the lower portion of the aerosol generating substrate (S).

[0151] The induction coil (181) can surround the first insertion space (520). The induction coil (181) can be wound around the side wall (111) of the first insertion space (520). The induction coil (181) can surround the susceptor (182). The induction coil (181) can heat the susceptor (182).

[0152] The lower end of the aerosol generating substrate (S) may be inserted into the second insertion space, and the upper end of the aerosol generating substrate (S) may protrude outside the aerosol generating device (1). The susceptor (182) may heat the first insertion space (520) and the second insertion space. In an embodiment in which the susceptor (182) is detachably coupled to the body (10), the insertion space (420) may correspond to the first insertion space (520) and / or the second insertion space.

[0153] The upper case (40) can be detachably coupled to the body (10). The heater holder (20) can be detachably coupled to the upper case (40). When the upper case (40) is separated from the body (10), the heater holder (20) can be separated from the body (10) together with the upper case (40) while being coupled to the upper case (40). When the upper case (40) to which the heater holder (20) is coupled is separated from the body (10), the heater holder (20) can be separated from the upper case (40).

[0154] The heater holder (20) coupled to the upper case (40) can protrude downward from the upper case (40). The heater holder (20) can be placed between a pair of upper case wings (42). The pipe (200') can protrude downward from the upper case body (41) further than the upper case wings (42). Accordingly, the heater holder (20) can be easily held. In addition, the susceptor (182) can be conveniently replaced. The user can easily separate the aerosol generating substrate (S) from the susceptor (182) by separating the extractor (30) and the heater holder (20) from each other. The aerosol generating substrate (S) inserted into the interior of the extractor (30) can be more easily separated from the extractor (30) by being separated from the susceptor (182).

[0155] Meanwhile, even in an embodiment in which the susceptor (182) is detachably coupled from the body (10), the flange temperature sensor (133) may be disposed adjacent to the support (410) that supports the susceptor (182) on the outside of the insertion space. At this time, the insertion space may refer to the first insertion space (520). In other words, the susceptor (182) may be disposed on the first surface (inner surface) of the lower wall (112) of the first insertion space (520), and the flange temperature sensor (133) may be disposed on the second surface (outer surface) of the lower wall (112) which is the opposite surface of the first surface.

[0156] FIG. 6 illustrates internal configurations for explaining a temperature data generation method according to one embodiment.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a power source (11), a power conversion unit (190), a heating unit (180), a sensor unit (13), a control unit (12), and a memory (17). FIG. 6 is a drawing showing only the configurations for explaining the temperature data generating method of the present disclosure among the configurations of FIG. 1, and it goes without saying that the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure may further include the configurations described in FIG. 1.

[0158] The power source (11) may include the battery (1011) described in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the power source (11) may further include the DC / DC converter (1012) described in FIG. 1. The battery (1011) may output direct current (DC) power. The DC / DC converter (1012) may step up or step down the DC power output by the battery (1011). The DC power output by the DC / DC converter (1012) may be used for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0159] The power conversion unit (190) may have a configuration corresponding to the DC / AC converter among the power conversion circuits described in FIG. 1. The power conversion unit (190) may convert the direct current power output by the power source (11) into alternating current power. To this end, the power conversion unit (190) may include at least one switching element.

[0160] The heating unit (180) may have a configuration corresponding to the heater (18, 24) described in FIG. 1. The heating unit (180) may include an induction coil (181) and a susceptor (182). The induction coil (181) may generate an alternating magnetic field when supplied with AC power. The susceptor (182) may generate heat by the alternating magnetic field. In addition, the susceptor (182) may heat an aerosol generating substrate (S) accommodated in the insertion space. Accordingly, an aerosol may be generated.

[0161] The sensor unit (13) may include a substrate detection sensor (131), an upper case detection sensor (132), a flange temperature sensor (133), and a current detection sensor (134).

[0162] The substrate detection sensor (131) and the upper case detection sensor (132) may be implemented in a pattern shape on a single insulating substrate, respectively. The substrate detection sensor (131) may include a capacitance sensor including at least one electrode. Accordingly, the substrate detection sensor (131) may have a variable capacitance as the aerosol generating substrate (S) is inserted into and extracted from the cavity. The substrate detection sensor (131) may transmit the capacitance value to the control unit (12) in real time or periodically.

[0163] The upper case detection sensor (132) may include an inductive sensor. Accordingly, the inductance of the upper case detection sensor (132) may vary as the upper case (40) approaches and retreats from the body (10). The upper case detection sensor (132) may transmit the inductance value to the control unit (12) in real time or periodically.

[0164] The flange temperature sensor (133) may be positioned adjacent to the support (410) that supports the susceptor (182) on the outside of the insertion space. Since the support (410) of the susceptor (182) is in contact with the insertion space, the flange temperature sensor (133) can detect the temperature of the support (410). The flange temperature sensor (133) may transmit the temperature detection result to the control unit (12) in real time or periodically. For example, the flange temperature sensor (133) may be configured with a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient thermistor) and / or an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient thermistor), but is not limited thereto.

[0165] The current detection sensor (134) can detect the direct current output by the power source (11). The current detection sensor (134) can detect the direct current output by the battery (1011) or the direct current output by the DC / DC converter (1012). For this purpose, the current detection sensor (134) can include at least one shunt resistor. The current detection sensor (134) can transmit information about the direct current to the control unit (12) in real time or periodically. The direct current output by the current detection sensor (134) can be used to determine the temperature of the susceptor (182).

[0166] The memory (17) can store the capacitance value output by the substrate detection sensor (131) in real time. Alternatively, the memory (17) can store the monitoring value of the substrate detection sensor (131) acquired by the control unit (12) in real time. The capacitance value and monitoring value stored in the memory (17) can be used to calculate the amount of change for each value before and after a reference point.

[0167] In addition, the memory (17) can store information on temperature data to be described later. The memory (17) can store current temperature data for the current heating cycle and / or previous temperature data for the previous heating cycle. At this time, the heating cycle may mean from the time of heating start to the time of heating end. For example, if the aerosol generating substrate (S) is inserted into the insertion space and is not removed from the insertion space and a preset time has elapsed, the time from the time of heating start to the time of the preset time may be referred to as one heating cycle. Alternatively, if the aerosol generating substrate (S) is inserted into the insertion space but is removed from the insertion space before the preset time has elapsed or a user's request to stop is input, the time from the time of heating start to the time when the heating of the susceptor (182) is stopped due to the removal of the aerosol generating substrate (S) or the user's request to stop may be referred to as one heating cycle.

[0168] The control unit (12) can control the heating unit (180) to heat the aerosol generating substrate (S) when the aerosol generating substrate (S) is inserted into the cavity. In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the direct current power output from the battery (1011) and / or the DC / DC converter (1012) so that the induction coil (181) generates a variable magnetic field. Alternatively, the control unit (12) can control the alternating current power supplied to the induction coil (181) so that the induction coil (181) generates a variable magnetic field. The control unit (12) can control the direct current power output from the power source (11) or the alternating current power supplied to the induction coil (181) while fixing the switching frequency of the power converter in the heating mode. The susceptor (182) can be heated by the variable magnetic field generated from the induction coil (181), and thus an aerosol can be generated. In this way, the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure can automatically heat the aerosol generating substrate (S) if the aerosol generating substrate (S) is inserted into the cavity without user input.

[0169] If the control unit (12) initiates heating of the aerosol generating substrate (S), it can control the power supplied to the heating unit (180) according to the temperature profile stored in the memory (17). The control unit (12) can use the direct current output from the power source (11) without a separate temperature sensor to determine the temperature of the susceptor (182) that is in direct contact with the aerosol generating substrate (S). In one embodiment, the direct current output from the power source (11) can linearly increase or decrease according to an increase in the temperature of the susceptor (182). In other words, the direct current output from the power source (11) and the temperature of the susceptor (182) can have a linear relationship. The control unit (12) can determine the temperature of the susceptor (182) based on the linear relationship between the direct current and the susceptor (182), and compare the determined temperature with the temperature profile, thereby controlling the power supplied to the heating unit (180).

[0170] Meanwhile, during the manufacturing stage, the relationship between the actual temperature of the susceptor (182) and the direct current can be mapped and shipped. However, if the replaced susceptor (182) is heated using the mapping information at the time of manufacturing even though the susceptor (182) has been replaced, accurate temperature control may not be possible. This is because the relationship between the actual temperature and the direct current differs for each susceptor (182) due to manufacturing tolerances, etc. In addition, in the induction heating method, even if the susceptor (182) is not replaced, the relationship between the actual temperature of the susceptor (182) and the direct current may vary depending on the accumulation of heating cycles.

[0171] The present disclosure generates temperature data, which is new mapping information, for each heating cycle to accurately map the relationship between the actual temperature of the susceptor (182) and the direct current. Below, a method for generating temperature data based on the relationship between the actual temperature of the susceptor (182) and the direct current will be described.

[0172] FIG. 7 illustrates changes in frequency and direct current according to the temperature of a susceptor for explaining a temperature data generation method according to one embodiment, and FIG. 8 illustrates a relationship between direct current and the temperature of a susceptor for explaining a temperature data generation method according to one embodiment.

[0173] Referring to Fig. 7, as the temperature of the susceptor (182) increases, the impedance component of the susceptor (182) as viewed from the power source (11) changes, and the DC current value detected by the current detection sensor (134) also changes. In addition, the impedance of the susceptor (182) changes its own resonant frequency. This change in the resonant frequency also changes the maximum DC current value detected by the current detection sensor (134). In other words, even when the power conversion unit (190) operates at the same operating frequency, the DC current value detected by the current detection sensor (134) may also change due to this change in its own resonant frequency.

[0174] FIG. 7 illustrates a graph (710) of a DC current value detected by a current detection sensor (134) according to frequency at a first temperature and a graph (720) of a DC current detected by a current detection sensor (134) according to frequency at a second temperature different from the first temperature. For example, the first temperature may be 25 degrees included in a preset room temperature range, and the second temperature may be 300 degrees, which is one of the temperatures of the susceptor (182) in the heating mode of the aerosol generating device (1). At this time, the room temperature range may be selected from a range of 20 to 30 degrees, but is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, the room temperature is described as 25 degrees for convenience of explanation, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0175] The susceptor (182) is set to a power per cubic millimeter (w / mm) within a preset reference range. 3), it can converge to a predetermined saturation temperature at a preset operating frequency and / or a preset power range. For example, the susceptor (182) can be manufactured to converge to any one selected from the range of 290 degrees to 340 degrees when a DC power of 5 W to 12 W is supplied at a switching frequency of 290 kHz. For example, the convergence temperature may be 335 degrees, but is not limited thereto.

[0176] This can be achieved by performing a heat treatment step, a magnetic field supply step, and a gas (e.g., nitrogen and argon) supply step during the manufacturing of the susceptor (182).

[0177] Experiments have shown that the susceptor (182) has a specific power per cubic millimeter (w / mm) within the reference range. 3 ), when the temperature of the susceptor (182) is the same as room temperature (e.g., 25 degrees), and the power conversion unit (190) operates at a specific frequency, the DC current value detected by the current detection sensor (134) is the same as the DC current value detected by the current detection sensor (134) when the power conversion unit (190) operates at another specific frequency to heat the susceptor (182) and the susceptor (182) reaches a specific temperature. In addition, the temperature of the susceptor (182) linearly increases or decreases in the section between the DC current value detected at the specific operating frequency at the above-described room temperature and the DC current value detected at another specific frequency at the room temperature. The present disclosure estimates the temperature of the susceptor (182) by using the section in which the DC current value and the susceptor temperature are linear.

[0178] More specifically, the flange temperature sensor (133) can detect the temperature of the support (410) to indirectly determine the temperature of the susceptor (182). The control unit (12) can receive temperature information of the support (410) from the flange temperature sensor (133). The control unit (12) can sweep the switching frequency of the power conversion unit (190) within a reference frequency range at room temperature. For example, the reference frequency range can be selected from 100 kHz to 350 kHz, but is not limited thereto.

[0179] The control unit (12) can obtain the first direct current (I1) detected by the current detection sensor (134) at a first frequency (f1) included in the reference frequency range. For example, the first frequency (f1) may be 303 kHz. In addition, the control unit (12) can obtain the second direct current (I2) detected by the current detection sensor (134) at a second frequency (f2) included in the reference frequency range and different from the first frequency. At this time, the second frequency (f2) may be the same as the operating frequency of the power conversion unit (190) in the heating mode. In other words, the control unit (12) can fix the operating frequency of the power conversion unit (190) to the second frequency (f2) in the heating mode. For example, the second frequency (f2) may be lower than the first frequency (f1) and may be 290 kHz.

[0180] As shown in Fig. 7, the first DC current (I1) detected by the current detection sensor (134) at the first frequency (f1) of the first temperature, which is room temperature, is the same as the first DC current (I1) detected by the current detection sensor (134) at the second frequency (f2) of the second temperature, which is the heating temperature. In addition, if the current detection sensor (134) detects the second DC current (I2) at the second frequency (f2), which is the actual operating frequency of the heating mode, it can be known that the temperature of the susceptor (182) has reached the first temperature, which is room temperature.

[0181] As described above, the temperature of the susceptor (182) can linearly increase or decrease in the section between the first DC current (I1) and the second DC current (I2). In other words, the section between the first DC current (I1) and the second DC current (I2) at the second frequency (f2), which is the actual operating frequency, can have a linear relationship between the current value and the susceptor temperature. The control unit (12) generates temperature data for estimating the temperature of the susceptor (182) by using this linear section of the current value and the susceptor temperature.

[0182] Referring to Fig. 8, the control unit (12) can generate temperature data such that the temperature of the susceptor (182) linearly increases or decreases in the first DC current (I1) to the second DC current (I2) section. Fig. 8 shows a graph (810) in which the temperature of the susceptor (182) linearly increases with an increase in the DC current, and a graph (820) in which the temperature of the susceptor (182) linearly decreases with an increase in the DC current. In either case, in the linear section, the DC current and the temperature of the susceptor (182) are in a linear functional relationship.

[0183] The control unit (12) can calculate a linear function between the direct current and the temperature of the susceptor (182) in the first direct current (I1) to second direct current (I2) sections. More specifically, the control unit (12) can calculate the slope and y-intercept by the following mathematical expression 1.

[0184]

[0185] Here, I is a direct current value, and T may be the temperature (including the estimated temperature) of the susceptor (182). In mathematical expression 1, the slope (a) may be calculated by the following mathematical expression.

[0186]

[0187] Using the examples described above, T1 may be 25 degrees and T2 may be 300 degrees. Also, in an embodiment where the temperature of the susceptor (182) linearly decreases as the DC current value increases, I1 may be 1 A and I2 may be 6 A. Accordingly, the control unit (12) may obtain a slope (a) value of -55. The y-intercept (b) of mathematical expression 1 may be derived by substituting the above-described values ​​of T1, T2, I1, and I2 into mathematical expression 1. In the example described above, the y-intercept (b) may be 355. Meanwhile, the first DC current (I1) and the second DC current (I2) are values ​​for deriving the slope (a) of mathematical expression 2, and the temperature of the susceptor (182) may be estimated by mathematical expression 1 throughout the entire operating temperature range. In other words, the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure can derive the entire temperature data for estimating the temperature of the susceptor (182) using only the first direct current (I1) and the second direct current (I2).

[0188] In this way, the control unit (12) generates temperature data using the linear relationship between the DC current value and the susceptor temperature, and in the actual heating section, the temperature of the susceptor (182) can be estimated using this temperature data.

[0189] Meanwhile, since the temperature data of the present disclosure is optimally adjusted by the mathematical formulas described above, the generation of the temperature data may be referred to as a calibration task.

[0190] FIG. 9 illustrates a relationship between a flange temperature and an actual temperature of a susceptor for explaining a reference temperature range according to one embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method for normalizing a direct current value according to one embodiment.

[0191] Referring to FIG. 9, a flange temperature sensor (133) may be provided to estimate the actual temperature of the susceptor (182). The flange temperature sensor (133) may be positioned adjacent to a support (410) that supports the susceptor (182) on the outside of the insertion space, without being in direct contact with the susceptor (182).

[0192] Since the flange temperature sensor (133) does not directly contact the susceptor (182), the actual temperature of the susceptor (182) and the detection result of the flange temperature sensor (133) do not match at certain times. However, since the temperature decrease rate of the susceptor (182) is faster than the temperature decrease rate of the support (410), the actual temperature of the susceptor (182) and the temperature of the support (410) match at other certain times. FIG. 9 shows a graph (910) for the actual temperature of the susceptor (182) and a graph (920) for the detection result of the flange temperature sensor (133).

[0193] As shown in Fig. 9, since the actual temperature of the susceptor (182) and the temperature decrease rate of the support (410) are different, the actual temperature of the susceptor (182) and the detection result of the flange temperature sensor (133) do not match each other in the section exceeding a specific temperature (Tr). However, it can be seen that the actual temperature of the susceptor (182) and the detection result of the flange temperature sensor (133) match each other below the specific temperature (Tr) and gradually decrease in the same manner. According to the experiment, the specific temperature (Tr) can be determined in the range of 45 degrees to 50 degrees, and for example, the specific temperature (Tr) can be set to 45 degrees. In other words, when the detection result of the flange temperature sensor (133) is 45 degrees or less, the detection result of the flange temperature sensor (133) can match the actual temperature of the susceptor (182). A specific temperature (Tr) corresponds to the temperature for initiating temperature data generation, as described below, and thus may be referred to as a start temperature (Tr).

[0194] The control unit (12) can normalize the detection results of the flange temperature sensor (133) to the detection results at a preset room temperature by setting a reference temperature range, without waiting until the detection result of the flange temperature sensor (133) decreases to the room temperature described in FIG. 7. The reference temperature range can be set based on a temperature at which the detection result of the flange temperature sensor (133) matches the actual temperature of the susceptor (182), and for example, the reference temperature range can be selected within a range of 0 to 45 degrees.

[0195] Referring to Fig. 10, the DC current value detected at each temperature within the reference temperature range can be converted to the DC current value detected at room temperature (Trf), which can be determined experimentally. Fig. 10 illustrates an example in which the DC current value linearly decreases as the temperature detected by the flange temperature sensor (133) increases. However, depending on the embodiment, the temperature detected by the flange temperature sensor (133) and the DC current value may have a linear relationship with a positive slope. Alternatively, the temperature detected by the flange temperature sensor (133) and the DC current value may have a nonlinear relationship.

[0196] The memory (17) can store the relationship between the temperature of the flange temperature sensor (133) within this reference temperature range and the direct current in the form of a lookup table.

[0197] The control unit (12) can sweep the operating frequency of the power conversion unit (190) when the detection result of the flange temperature sensor (133) is included in the reference temperature range. When the detection result of the flange temperature sensor (133) is the first starting temperature (Tr1) included in the reference temperature range, the control unit (12) can convert the third direct current (I3) detected by the current detection sensor (134) into the first direct current (I1) detected by the current detection sensor at the room temperature (Trf) described in FIG. 7. Similarly, the control unit (12) can convert the direct current values ​​detected at each of the second to fourth starting temperatures (Tr2, Tr3, Tr4) into the first direct current (I1).

[0198] Meanwhile, this normalization process is because there exists a section where the detection result of the flange temperature sensor (133) and the actual temperature of the susceptor (182) match. In other words, the relationship between the actual temperature of the susceptor (182) and the DC current value can be confirmed in advance through experiments, and since the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure has confirmed the existence of such a matching section, it can normalize the DC current values ​​using such experimental data.

[0199] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating temperature data in standby mode according to one embodiment.

[0200] Referring to FIG. 11, at step S1110, the control unit (12) can enter standby mode.

[0201] The standby mode may mean at least one of the modes other than the heating mode in which the susceptor (182) is heated.

[0202] At step S1120, the control unit (12) can check whether the upper case (40) is detected.

[0203] The upper case detection sensor (132) is placed on the body (10) and can detect whether the upper case (40) is mounted. The upper case detection sensor (132) can transmit the detection result of the upper case (40) to the control unit (12). The control unit (12) wakes up at each standard wake-up time to check whether the upper case (40) is mounted. For example, the standard wake-up time may be 10 seconds.

[0204] The control unit (12) can generate temperature data, which will be described later, based on the detection results of the upper case (40). The control unit (12) generates the temperature data based on the detection results of the upper case (40) because, when the upper case (40) is separated from the body (10), there is a high possibility that the user is not using the device. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure can reduce power consumption.

[0205] If the upper case (40) is not detected, the control unit (12) can return to step S1110 and maintain the standby mode.

[0206] At step S1130, the control unit (12) can obtain information about the flange temperature of the previous heating cycle when the upper case (40) is detected.

[0207] The memory (17) can store not only the current flange temperature information for the current heating cycle, but also the previous flange temperature information for the previous heating cycle. The control unit (12) can obtain the previous flange temperature information from the memory (17).

[0208] At step S1140, the control unit (12) can compare the previous flange temperature and the correction temperature.

[0209] In standby mode, the calibration temperature can be used to determine whether to store current temperature data for the current heating cycle.

[0210] In the induction heating method, the relationship between the actual temperature of the susceptor (182) and the DC current value may vary depending on the accumulation of heating cycles, not only when the susceptor (182) is replaced, but also when it is not replaced. This relationship between the actual temperature of the susceptor (182) and the DC current value is affected not only by the number of heating cycles of the susceptor (182) but also by the heating temperature history. In particular, the relationship may vary depending on the maximum heating temperature of the susceptor (182). In addition, according to experiments, if the susceptor (182) does not reach the predetermined maximum heating temperature and heating is stopped, the temperature data generation result at room temperature described in FIG. 7 results in inaccurate results.

[0211] To prevent inaccuracies in such temperature sensing results, the present disclosure uses the previous temperature data instead of generating new temperature data for the current heating cycle if the temperature of the susceptor (182) did not reach a predetermined maximum heating temperature in the previous heating cycle and heating was stopped. This also has the effect of preventing the accumulation of inaccurate temperature sensing results.

[0212] In the present disclosure, the predetermined maximum heating temperature may be referred to as a calibration temperature. Depending on the experiment, if the susceptor (182) fails to reach a temperature selected from the range of 45 to 50 degrees and heating is stopped, the relationship between the actual temperature of the susceptor (182) and the direct current value may vary. For example, the calibration heating temperature may be set to a temperature higher than the starting temperature, such as 50 degrees.

[0213] At step S1150, the control unit (12) can generate current temperature data for the current heating cycle if the previous flange temperature is greater than or equal to the calibration temperature.

[0214] The control unit (12) can receive information about the flange temperature detected by the flange temperature sensor (133). The control unit (12) can determine whether the flange temperature is within a preset reference temperature range. The reference temperature range can be set based on a temperature at which the detection result of the flange temperature sensor (133) matches the actual temperature of the susceptor (182), and for example, the reference temperature range can be selected within a range of 0 to 45 degrees.

[0215] The control unit (12) can sweep the switching frequency of the power conversion unit (190) within a reference frequency range when the flange temperature is within a preset reference temperature range. For example, the reference frequency range can be selected from 100 kHz to 350 kHz, but is not limited thereto.

[0216] The control unit (12) can acquire at least one DC current value from the current detection sensor (134) while sweeping the switching frequency of the power conversion unit (190) within a reference frequency range. The control unit (12) can acquire a first DC current detected by the current detection sensor (134) at a first frequency included in the reference frequency range. For example, the first frequency (f1) can be set higher than the operating frequency of the power conversion unit (190) in the heating mode and can be 303 kHz. In addition, the control unit (12) can acquire a second DC current detected by the current detection sensor (134) at a second frequency included in the reference frequency range and different from the first frequency. At this time, the second frequency can be set to be the same as the fixed operating frequency of the power conversion unit (190) in the heating mode.

[0217] According to the experiment, the first DC current detected by the current detection sensor (134) at the first frequency of the first temperature, which is room temperature, is the same as the first DC current detected by the current detection sensor (134) at the second frequency of the second temperature, which is the heating target temperature. Therefore, the control unit (12) can generate temperature data so that the first DC current detected at the first temperature, which is room temperature, is the same as the first sensing current detected by the current detection sensor (134) when the temperature of the susceptor (182) reaches the preset target temperature in the heating mode. In addition, according to the experiment, if the current detection sensor (134) detects the second DC current at the second frequency, which is the actual operating frequency of the heating mode, it can be known that the temperature of the susceptor (182) has reached the first temperature, which is room temperature. Accordingly, the control unit (12) can generate temperature data such that the second direct current detected at the first temperature, which is room temperature, is the same as the second sensing current detected by the current detection sensor (134) when the temperature of the susceptor (182) reaches room temperature in the heating mode. The room temperature of the present disclosure can be selected within a range of 20 to 30 degrees, and for example, the room temperature can mean 25 degrees.

[0218] Meanwhile, the control unit (12) may convert the detection result of the current detection sensor (134) into a DC current value corresponding to the room temperature if the detection result of the flange temperature sensor (133) is within the reference temperature range without waiting until the temperature of the susceptor (182) is reduced to room temperature. More specifically, there is a section where the detection result of the flange temperature sensor (133) and the actual temperature of the susceptor (182) match, and this can be confirmed in advance through an experiment. The memory (17) stores normalized values ​​based on such experimental data, and the control unit (12) may convert the DC current values ​​detected at each of the starting temperatures within the reference range into DC current values ​​corresponding to the room temperature based on the normalized values ​​stored in the memory (17). The DC current value corresponding to the room temperature may be referred to as a reference DC current value since it serves as a standard for conversion.

[0219] The control unit (12) can generate temperature data so that the temperature of the susceptor (182) linearly increases or decreases in the first direct current to the second direct current section. The control unit (12) can obtain information on the slope (a) through the above-described mathematical expressions 1 and 2, and generate temperature data for the current heating cycle based on the information.

[0220] At step S1160, the memory (17) can store current temperature data.

[0221] The memory (17) can delete previous temperature data and store current temperature data.

[0222] Meanwhile, at step S1170, the control unit (12) may not generate current temperature data for the current heating cycle if the previous flange temperature is below the correction temperature. Accordingly, the memory (17) may maintain the previously stored previous temperature data.

[0223] In this way, the method of generating temperature data in standby mode can be performed automatically without user input.

[0224] Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating temperature data in a heating mode according to one embodiment.

[0225] Referring to FIG. 12, at step S1210, the control unit (12) can determine whether an aerosol generating substrate (S) is detected.

[0226] The substrate detection sensor (131) can detect whether an aerosol generating substrate (S) is inserted and transmit the detection result to the control unit (12). The control unit (12) can determine whether an aerosol generating substrate (S) is detected based on the detection result of the substrate detection sensor (131).

[0227] At step S1220, the control unit (12) can generate current temperature data for the current heating cycle when an aerosol generating substrate (S) is detected.

[0228] When the aerosol generating substrate (S) is detected, the control unit (12) can generate current temperature data for the current heating cycle without immediately heating the susceptor (182). Since the heating mode of FIG. 12 is performed after the standby mode of FIG. 11, the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure can generate temperature data for estimating the temperature of the susceptor (182) in both the standby mode and the heating mode. In other words, the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure can more accurately estimate the temperature of the susceptor (182) by checking the temperature data once again in the heating mode.

[0229] Meanwhile, the method for generating current temperature data for the current heating cycle is the same as the method for generating temperature data in step S1150 of FIG. 11. In other words, the control unit (12) can generate temperature data for estimating the temperature of the susceptor (182) based on the direct current value detected by the current detection sensor (134), and any duplicate description will be omitted below.

[0230] At step S1230, the control unit (12) can compare the previous flange temperature and the correction temperature.

[0231] The difference between step S1140 and step S1230 lies in the fact that step S1140 requires a comparison of the previous flange temperature with the calibration temperature as a prerequisite for generating current temperature data, whereas step S1230 requires a prerequisite for storing the current temperature data. This configuration reduces the load on the control unit (12), particularly in standby mode, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0232] At step S1240, the memory (17) can store current temperature data.

[0233] The memory (17) can delete previous temperature data and store current temperature data.

[0234] At step S1250, the control unit (12) can initiate heating of the susceptor (182) if temperature data for the current heating cycle has been generated.

[0235] The control unit (12) can heat the susceptor (182) by supplying AC power to the induction coil (181).

[0236] Meanwhile, at step S1260, the control unit (12) may not generate current temperature data for the current heating cycle if the previous flange temperature is lower than the correction temperature. Accordingly, the memory (17) may maintain the previously stored previous temperature data.

[0237] In this way, the temperature data generation method in the heating mode can be automatically performed without additional input, simply by the user inserting the aerosol generating substrate (S) into the insertion space. The aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure can more accurately estimate the temperature of the susceptor (182) through this temperature data generation method.

[0238] 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.

[0239] For example, it means that a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that a combination is possible, except in cases where a combination is described as impossible.

[0240] 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 power source that outputs direct current power; A power conversion unit that converts the above DC power into AC power; An induction coil that receives the above AC power and generates an alternating magnetic field; A susceptor that generates heat by an alternating magnetic field generated by the above induction coil and is inserted into an aerosol generating substrate accommodated in an insertion space to heat the aerosol generating substrate; A flange temperature sensor disposed adjacent to a support supporting the susceptor on the outside of the insertion space; A current detection sensor that detects the direct current output by the above power source; and An aerosol generating device comprising: a control unit that acquires at least one direct current value from the current detection sensor while sweeping the switching frequency of the power conversion unit within the reference frequency range when the flange temperature detected by the flange temperature sensor is within a preset reference temperature range, and generates temperature data for estimating the temperature of the susceptor based on the direct current value. In the first paragraph, The above control unit An aerosol generating device that converts the DC current value based on a reference DC current value detected by the current detection sensor at a first temperature included in the reference temperature range. In the second paragraph, An aerosol generating device wherein the first temperature is selected within a range of 20 to 35 degrees. In the first paragraph, The above control unit When generating the above temperature data, the first direct current detected by the current detection sensor is obtained at a first frequency included in the reference frequency range, Obtaining a second direct current detected by the current detection sensor at a second frequency that is different from the first frequency and is included in the above reference frequency range, An aerosol generating device that generates the temperature data so that the temperature of the susceptor linearly increases or decreases in the first direct current to the second direct current section. In paragraph 4, The above control unit An aerosol generating device that sets the switching frequency of the power converter to the second frequency in a heating mode for heating the aerosol generating substrate. In paragraph 5, The above control unit An aerosol generating device that generates the temperature data so that the first direct current is equal to the first sensing current detected by the current detection sensor when the temperature of the susceptor reaches a preset target temperature in the heating mode. In paragraph 5, The above control unit An aerosol generating device that generates the temperature data so that the second direct current is the same as the second sensing current detected by the current detection sensor when the temperature of the susceptor reaches a preset room temperature in the heating mode. In the first paragraph, The above control unit An aerosol generating device that generates the above temperature data independently of user input in standby mode and heating mode. In the first paragraph, An aerosol generating device further comprising a memory for storing current temperature data for a current heating cycle or previous temperature data for a previous heating cycle. In paragraph 9, The above control unit An aerosol generating device that controls the memory so that the previous temperature data stored in the memory is deleted and the current temperature data is stored when the flange temperature detected by the flange temperature sensor in the previous heating cycle is higher than the preset calibration temperature. In the first paragraph, A body accommodating the power source, the power conversion unit, the induction coil, the susceptor, the flange temperature sensor, the current detection sensor, and the control unit; An upper case detachably connected to the above body; and It further includes an upper case detection unit that is accommodated in the above body and detects whether the upper case is detached; The above control unit An aerosol generating device that generates the temperature data while the upper case is coupled to the body. In the first paragraph, An aerosol generating device in which the susceptor is detachably coupled with the support from the insertion space.

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