Heater control method and aerosol generating device for performing same

Abstract

A method for controlling a heater of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment comprises: applying a first signal having a first frequency to a coil of the heater such that an alternating magnetic field is generated; determining a first value of an electrical characteristic of a susceptor indicated by the first signal; determining a first heating frequency on the basis of the first value; and applying a first heating signal having the first heating frequency to the coil of the heater such that power proportional-integral-differential (PID) control is performed on the basis of a first power profile.

Description

Heater control method and aerosol generating device performing the method

[0001] The following embodiments relate to a technique for controlling an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to a technique for controlling a heater for heating a susceptor in an aerosol generating device.

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

[0003] Typically, an e-cigarette device that heats a cigarette using induction heating can use a coil to generate an alternating magnetic field to generate eddy currents in a susceptor adjacent to the cigarette. The eddy currents generated in the susceptor can increase the temperature of the susceptor. An e-cigarette device that heats a cigarette can perform a preheating operation to heat the susceptor to a target temperature before the user begins smoking.

[0004] One embodiment may provide an aerosol generating device that preheats a susceptor by controlling the power at which the susceptor is heated based on a power profile.

[0005] One embodiment may provide an aerosol generating device that determines the frequency of a signal applied to a coil of a heater for heating a susceptor based on electrical characteristics of the susceptor.

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

[0007] In one embodiment, a method for controlling a heater of an aerosol generating device may include applying a first signal having a first frequency to a coil of a heater so as to generate an alternating magnetic field, determining a first value of an electrical characteristic of a susceptor indicated by the first signal, determining a first heating frequency based on the first value, and applying a first heating signal having the first heating frequency to the coil of the heater so as to perform power PID (Proportional-Integral-Differential) control based on a first power profile.

[0008] In one embodiment, an aerosol generating device includes an induction coil that generates an alternating magnetic field and a control unit that controls the aerosol generating device, wherein the control unit can apply a first signal having a first frequency to a coil of a heater so that an alternating magnetic field is generated, determine a first value of an electrical characteristic of a susceptor indicated by the first signal, determine a first heating frequency based on the first value, and apply a first heating signal having the first heating frequency to the coil of the heater so that power PID (Proportional-Integral-Differential) control is performed based on a first power profile.

[0009] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device can be provided that can preheat a susceptor to a target temperature by controlling power at which the susceptor is heated based on a power profile during some section of a preheating section of the susceptor.

[0010] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device can be provided that can determine the frequency of a signal applied to a coil of a heater for heating a susceptor based on the magnitude of an eddy current of the susceptor indicated by a signal of a specific frequency.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a heater according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for determining whether to perform an operation of determining a heating frequency, according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for determining electrical characteristics of a susceptor according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for determining a heating frequency based on a sensor temperature, according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method for determining a heating frequency so that the electrical characteristics of a susceptor correspond to a reference value, according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates the trajectory of eddy currents in a susceptor as a function of the frequency of a signal, according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method for preheating a susceptor according to one embodiment.

[0022] 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.

[0023] The suffixes "module" and "unit" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves. Meanwhile, the suffixes "module" or "unit" may include units implemented with hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A "module" or "unit" may be a component configured integrally, or a minimum unit of the component that performs one or more functions, or a part thereof. For example, a "module" or "unit" may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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).

[0030]

[0031] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0032] 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).

[0033] 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).

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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).

[0039] In one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect a user's puff.

[0040] 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).

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] As another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and the at least one coil may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol-generating article) includes a conductor, a change in a magnetic field may occur around the current-carrying coil when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article including the conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of the alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.). Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article (e.g., the medium portion of the aerosol-generating article) may include a susceptor (SUS). Even in this case, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil based on the insertion or removal of a susceptor or the like within the insertion space, and the control unit (12) may also detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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).

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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).

[0071] 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).

[0072] 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).

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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).

[0078] 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).

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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).

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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).

[0083] 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).

[0084] 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).

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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).

[0087] 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).

[0088] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may store and update a history of events that have occurred in the memory (17) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, the event may include operations such as detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, initiation of heating of the aerosol generating article, detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the heater (18, 24), detection of overvoltage application to the heater (18, 24), termination of heating of the aerosol generating article, power on / off of the aerosol generating device (1), initiation of charging of the power source (11), detection of overcharging of the power source (11), termination of charging of the power source (11), etc., performed in the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the history of events may include the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a given event is detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, log data corresponding to the event may include data on the sensing value of an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if a given event is detection of overheating of a heater (18, 24), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the heater (18, 24), the voltage applied to the heater (18, 24), the current flowing through the heater (18, 24), and the like.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098]

[0099] FIG. 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 3 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a housing (10), a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), and / or a heater (182, 183) (e.g., the heater (18) of FIG. 1). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that the components included in the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, and that some of the components may be omitted or new configurations may be added. The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 2 may be referred to as an 'internal heating type' aerosol generating device that heats the inside of the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 3 may be referred to as an 'external heating type' aerosol generating device that heats the outside of the aerosol generating article (2). In the drawings below, any description overlapping with that of FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) may provide a space that is opened upwardly to allow an aerosol-generating article (2) to be inserted. In the present disclosure, the space that is opened upwardly may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the interior of the housing (10) to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may be longer than the length of a region of the aerosol-generating article (2) containing an aerosol-generating material and / or medium. The lower end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the housing (10), and the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may protrude outside the housing (10). A user may hold the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (2) exposed to the outside in his / her mouth and inhale the aerosol.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the heater (182, 183) can heat the aerosol generating article (2).

[0103] Referring to FIG. 2, the heater (182) may be an internal heating type heater.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the internally heated heater may extend upwardly in a space (i.e., an insertion space) into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the internally heated heater may include a rod-shaped or needle-shaped heating element as illustrated, but may also include various heating elements such as a tubular heating element or a plate-shaped heating element. The internally heated heater may be inserted through the lower portion of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0105] According to one embodiment, the internal heating heater may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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).

[0108] According to one embodiment, the heater (182) may be a multi-heater. The multi-heater may include a first heater and a second heater, and may be inserted into the aerosol generating article (2). The first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of two or more aerosol generating rods, respectively (respectively). Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of a first portion and a second portion of one aerosol generating rod, respectively. Meanwhile, when the heater (182) is an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be respectively disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may respectively be disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first part and the second part of one heater (182). In addition, three or more heaters and / or induction coils may be included.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the susceptor may be disposed (or included) within the aerosol generating article (2) (e.g., the medium portion), and the susceptor included within the aerosol generating article (2) may be implemented to generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from an induction coil (181).

[0110] Referring to FIG. 3, the heater (183) may be an external heating type heater.

[0111] In one embodiment, the external heating heater may extend upwardly around the space into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). For example, the external heating heater may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. For example, the external heating heater may have a tubular shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) having a hollow space therein. The external heating heater may also have a shape having a hollow space on the inside and surrounding the hollow space. In this case, the external heating heater may be supported by a polyimide film. A heater supported by such a film may be referred to as a film heater. The external heating heater may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The external heating heater may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the hollow space.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the external heating heater may include an electric resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater, and a description overlapping with FIG. 2 will be omitted. Meanwhile, in the case of an induction heating heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an external heating heater implemented as a tubular susceptor, and may include an induction coil (181) surrounding at least a portion of the external heating heater (e.g., disposed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In addition, the induction coil (181) may include a fan coil. Meanwhile, when the external heating heater is an electric resistance heater, a separate induction coil (181) may be omitted since heat generation is possible through current flow on a tubular electric resistance heater (e.g., a film heater). Meanwhile, an insulating material may be disposed on the outside of the external heating heater. Through this, heat radiating from the heater (183) in an outward direction and applied to the outside of the housing (10) may be reduced.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) may be a multiple heater, and the first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction to surround at least a portion of the insertion space, respectively. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. Meanwhile, when the heater (183) is an induction heating heater, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater, respectively. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first portion and the second portion of one heater (183), respectively.

[0114] Unlike as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the heater (182) of FIG. 2 and the heater (183) of FIG. 3 may be included together in the aerosol generating device (1). In this case, the heater (182) may heat the inside of the aerosol generating article (2), and the heater (183) may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0115] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing (10) may include a structure (e.g., a hole) through which air can be introduced from the outside into the housing (10). The air introduced into the housing (10) may be introduced into the aerosol generating article (2) through the lower end (i.e., the upstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generated based on the heating of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the upper end (i.e., the downstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2) together with the introduced air.

[0116]

[0117] Figure 4 illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a temperature sensor (131). The temperature sensor (131) may be disposed within the body of the aerosol generating device (1) to measure temperature. For example, the temperature sensor (131) may be disposed below the heater (182) as illustrated, and may be disposed below a rod-shaped or needle-shaped heating element included in the heater (182). For example, the control unit (12) may obtain information regarding the internal body temperature and the rise or fall of the temperature of the heater (182) due to the external environment or the operation of the aerosol generating device (1) through the temperature sensor (131).

[0119] For example, the temperature sensor (131) may be an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) temperature sensor. The control unit (12) may determine a temperature model of the heater (182) based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor (131).

[0120] According to one embodiment, the heater (182) is an induction heating type heater, and the heater (182) (e.g., a susceptor) (or a heater module including the same) may be arranged to be detachable from the housing (10). For example, the temperature sensor (131) may be arranged to measure the temperature around the heater (182). Even if the heater (182) is detachable from the housing (10), the temperature sensor (131) may not be detachable from the housing (10).

[0121] Unlike as shown in Fig. 4, the heater (182) is an external heating type heater capable of heating the outside of an aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the hollow, and the heater (182) may be arranged to be detachable from the housing (10). For example, a temperature sensor (131) may be arranged to measure the temperature around the heater (182).

[0122]

[0123] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a heater according to one embodiment.

[0124] The following operations 510 to 540 may be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., an aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 1 to 4). The aerosol generating device may include a susceptor (e.g., a heater (18) of FIG. 1, a heater (182) of FIGS. 2 and 4, or a heater (183) of FIG. 3), a sensor unit (e.g., a sensor unit (13) of FIGS. 1 to 4), and a control unit (e.g., a control unit (12) of FIGS. 1 to 4).

[0125] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device controls the temperature of the susceptor and / or the power at which the susceptor is heated based on a power profile (e.g., a first power profile) or a temperature profile (e.g., a first temperature profile), and can adjust at least one of a current, a voltage, or a duty ratio of a signal applied to a coil of the heater to control the temperature of the susceptor and / or the power at which the susceptor is heated. The signal applied to the coil of the heater to heat the susceptor can have a first heating frequency.

[0126] In operation 510, the aerosol generating device may apply a first signal having a first frequency to the coil of the heater so as to generate an alternating magnetic field. The first signal may have a preset current, voltage, and duty ratio. For example, the first frequency may be 290 kHz.

[0127] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may perform operation 510 when an input for heating the susceptor is received. For example, since the state of the susceptor may change each time the susceptor is heated for a user's smoking, an operation for determining the frequency of the heating signal in response to the state of the susceptor may be newly performed.

[0128] In one embodiment, the susceptor of the aerosol generating device is arranged to be detachable, and the aerosol generating device can perform operation 510 when it is determined that the arranged susceptor has been changed. For example, since the changed susceptor may exhibit different electrical characteristics than the existing susceptor, the operation of determining the frequency of the heating signal may be newly performed in response to the replacement of the susceptor.

[0129] In one embodiment, the operation of applying the first signal to the coil may be performed for a short period of time (e.g., several milliseconds) so that the temperature of the susceptor does not increase due to eddy currents induced in the susceptor by the first signal.

[0130] In one embodiment, the voltage of the first signal may be less than a preset voltage so that the temperature of the susceptor does not increase due to eddy currents induced in the susceptor by the first signal.

[0131] In one embodiment, the susceptor may not be electrically connected to the aerosol generating device. Although no electricity flows from the aerosol generating device to the susceptor, an alternating magnetic field generated by the aerosol generating device and the coil of the aerosol generating device may induce electromagnetic induction in the susceptor, thereby causing eddy currents to flow in the susceptor.

[0132] In one embodiment, the susceptor can be positioned within the interior of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device. For example, the susceptor can be a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element.

[0133] In one embodiment, the susceptor may be incorporated into an aerosol-generating article that is inserted into an aerosol-generating device. For example, the susceptor may be incorporated into the filter paper of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the susceptor may be incorporated into the tobacco rod of the aerosol-generating article.

[0134] In operation 520, the aerosol generating device can determine a first value of an electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by the first signal. The operation of determining the first value is described in detail below with reference to FIG. 7.

[0135] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a detection circuit for determining a first value of an electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by a first signal at an output terminal of the coil of the heater. The detection circuit may not be electrically connected to the susceptor.

[0136] In operation 530, the aerosol generating device can determine a first heating frequency based on a first value. For example, the aerosol generating device can determine the first heating frequency such that the electrical characteristics of the susceptor indicated by the second signal having the first heating frequency correspond to a first reference value. A method for determining the first heating frequency based on the first value is described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10 .

[0137] In operation 540, the aerosol generating device may apply a first heating signal having a first heating frequency to the coil of the heater so that power PID control is performed based on the first power profile. For example, the aerosol generating device may perform power PID control until the susceptor achieves the first target temperature, thereby rapidly preheating the susceptor.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may include a DC / DC converter (e.g., a buck-boost converter) that receives an output voltage of a power source (e.g., a battery), regulates the voltage, and applies the regulated voltage to a DC / AC converter (e.g., an inverter). The DC / AC converter may receive the regulated voltage from the DC / DC converter and generate a signal to be applied to a coil of a heater. The voltage of the signal, etc., may be adjusted based on the magnitude of the voltage input to the DC / AC converter.

[0139] For example, the DC / DC converter can receive a voltage of 2 V to 6 V as input, and supply an input voltage of a first voltage to the DC / AC converter as a second voltage. For example, when the state of the susceptor changes and the eddy current induced in the susceptor by the signal generated by the DC / AC converter is too large or too small, a voltage lower than the first voltage, which is a lower limit voltage, or a voltage higher than the second voltage, which is an upper limit voltage, may be required as the input voltage of the DC / AC converter to perform heating with the target power of the power PID control. The aerosol generating device can stably perform power PID control even when a voltage higher or lower than the reference voltage is required as the input voltage of the DC / AC converter by determining the frequency of the heating signal so that the magnitude of the eddy current of the susceptor indicated by the heating signal generated when the input voltage of the DC / AC converter is a preset reference voltage corresponds to a reference value, which is the magnitude of the eddy current indicated in the reference susceptor.

[0140]

[0141] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for determining whether to perform an operation of determining a heating frequency, according to one embodiment.

[0142] The following operations 610 to 630 may be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 1 to 4). The aerosol generating device may include a susceptor (e.g., the heater (18) of FIG. 1, the heater (182) of FIGS. 2 and 4, or the heater (183) of FIG. 3), a sensor unit (e.g., the sensor unit (13) of FIGS. 1 to 4), and a control unit (e.g., the control unit (12) of FIGS. 1 to 4). For example, operations 610 to 620 may be performed before operations 510 or 540 described above with reference to FIG. 5 are performed, and operation 540 may include operation 630.

[0143] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may perform operations for determining the frequency of a heating signal when an input for heating a susceptor is received. For example, if the aerosol generating device determines that a continuous firing is being performed or that the frequency of the heating signal may be inaccurately determined, the device may perform power PID control using a signal having a previously determined first heating frequency without performing operations for determining the frequency of the heating signal.

[0144] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a first temperature sensor (e.g., temperature sensor (131) of FIG. 4) positioned around the susceptor to measure temperature, and can determine whether to perform operations for determining a heating frequency based on the first sensor temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor. For example, the first temperature sensor can be positioned around the susceptor to obtain information regarding a rise or fall in the temperature of the susceptor. For example, the first temperature sensor can be an NTC temperature sensor.

[0145] In operation 610, when the aerosol generating device receives an input for heating a susceptor of the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device may acquire a sensor temperature using a first temperature sensor disposed within the body of the aerosol generating device. For example, the sensor temperature may be measured at the time the input for heating the susceptor is received.

[0146] In operation 620, the aerosol generating device may determine whether the sensor temperature falls within a preset temperature range. For example, the preset reference range for the second sensor temperature may be a range of 0°C or more and 50°C or less. For example, the aerosol generating device may determine that a burst is being performed or that the frequency of the heating signal may be inaccurately determined if the temperature of the susceptor falls outside the preset reference range.

[0147] For example, the aerosol generating device may perform operation 510 to perform operations for determining a frequency of a heating signal when the sensor temperature is a value within a preset temperature range.

[0148] For example, the aerosol generating device may perform power PID control of operation 540 without performing operations to determine the frequency of the heating signal when the sensor temperature is outside a preset temperature range.

[0149] In operation 630, the aerosol generating device may apply a first heating signal having a previously determined first heating frequency to the coil of the heater so that power PID control is performed. If the aerosol generating device determines that a continuous firing is being performed or a situation in which the frequency of the heating signal may be determined inaccurately, the aerosol generating device may perform power PID control by utilizing the previously determined first heating frequency.

[0150]

[0151] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for determining electrical characteristics of a susceptor according to one embodiment.

[0152] The operation 710 below may be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., an aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 1 to 4). The aerosol generating device may include a susceptor (e.g., a heater (18) of FIG. 1, a heater (182) of FIGS. 2 and 4, or a heater (183) of FIG. 3), a sensor unit (e.g., a sensor unit (13) of FIGS. 1 to 4), and a control unit (e.g., a control unit (12) of FIGS. 1 to 4). For example, operation 520 described above with reference to FIG. 5 may include operation 710.

[0153] In operation 710, the aerosol generating device can determine a first value based on at least one of a current, voltage, or power of a first output signal appearing at an output terminal of a coil of the heater. For example, the aerosol generating device can further include a detection circuit for determining a first value of an electrical characteristic of a susceptor appearing by the first signal at the output terminal of the coil of the heater. The detection circuit may not be electrically connected to the susceptor.

[0154] For example, the electrical characteristic may be at least one of a current, voltage, or power of a first output signal appearing at an output terminal of a coil of the heater. For example, the electrical characteristic may be a characteristic determined based on at least one of a current, voltage, or power of a first output signal appearing at an output terminal of a coil of the heater. For example, the electrical characteristic may be an eddy current generated in a susceptor. For example, the electrical characteristic may be an impedance of the susceptor. As the alternating magnetic field generated in the coil of the heater generates an eddy current in the susceptor, a portion of the electrical energy of the first signal is transferred to the susceptor, and the current, voltage, or power of the first signal may be different from the current, voltage, or power of the first output signal.

[0155]

[0156] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for determining a heating frequency based on a sensor temperature, according to one embodiment.

[0157] The following operations 810 to 830 may be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., an aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 1 to 4). The aerosol generating device may include a susceptor (e.g., a heater (18) of FIG. 1, a heater (182) of FIGS. 2 and 4, or a heater (183) of FIG. 3), a sensor unit (e.g., a sensor unit (13) of FIGS. 1 to 4), and a control unit (e.g., a control unit (12) of FIGS. 1 to 4). For example, operation 530 described above with reference to FIG. 5 may include operations 810 to 830.

[0158] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a first temperature sensor (e.g., temperature sensor (131) of FIG. 4) positioned around the susceptor to measure temperature, and the heating frequency can be determined based on the sensor temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor. For example, the first temperature sensor can be positioned around the susceptor to obtain information regarding a rise or fall in the temperature of the susceptor. For example, the first temperature sensor can be an NTC temperature sensor.

[0159] In operation 810, the aerosol generating device can acquire a sensor temperature using a first temperature sensor disposed within the body of the aerosol generating device. For example, the sensor temperature can be measured at the time the first signal is applied.

[0160] In operation 820, the aerosol generating device can compensate for the first value based on the sensor temperature to correspond to the electrical characteristics of the susceptor when the temperature of the susceptor is the first reference temperature. Since the magnitude of the eddy current indicated by the first signal having the first frequency can change in response to the temperature of the susceptor, by compensating the first value based on the first sensor temperature, a change in the magnitude of the eddy current due to external factors (e.g., external temperature, residual heat of the susceptor, etc.) can be compensated for.

[0161] For example, the electrical characteristic of the susceptor may be the magnitude of the eddy current, and the first reference temperature may be 25°C. As the temperature of the susceptor increases, the magnitude of the eddy current corresponding to the first signal having the first frequency decreases. Therefore, when the magnitude of the eddy current indicated by the first signal is 900 when the first sensor temperature is 45°C, the magnitude of the eddy current may be corrected to 950 based on 25°C. When the magnitude of the eddy current indicated by the first signal is 930 when the first sensor temperature is 35°C, the magnitude of the eddy current may be corrected to 950 based on 25°C. When the magnitude of the eddy current indicated by the first signal is 1000 when the first sensor temperature is 0°C, the magnitude of the measured eddy current may be corrected to 950 based on 25°C. The values ​​for the magnitude of the eddy current described above are arbitrarily described to exemplify changes in values, and are not limited to the described values.

[0162] In operation 830, the aerosol generating device can determine the first heating frequency such that a second value of the electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by the second signal having the first heating frequency corresponds to a first reference value. For example, the first reference value can be based on the electrical characteristic of the susceptor when the temperature of the susceptor is the first reference temperature.

[0163] For example, the electrical characteristic of the susceptor is an eddy current, and the size of the eddy current of the susceptor indicated by the signal at a frequency near the first frequency may increase as the frequency decreases and decrease as the frequency increases. For example, when the first value is smaller than the first reference value, a frequency smaller than the first frequency may be determined as the first heating frequency so that the size of the eddy current indicated by the second signal approaches the first reference value. For example, when the first value is larger than the first reference value, a frequency larger than the first frequency may be determined as the first heating frequency so that the size of the eddy current indicated by the second signal approaches the first reference value.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device determines a new frequency by comparing the electrical characteristics of the susceptor indicated by a signal of a specific frequency with a reference value, and then determines the frequency of the signal capable of inducing the electrical characteristics of the susceptor corresponding to the reference value by comparing the electrical characteristics of the susceptor indicated by the signal of the new frequency again with the reference value. The operation of determining the heating frequency so that the electrical characteristics of the susceptor correspond to the reference value is described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0165]

[0166] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method for determining a heating frequency so that the electrical characteristics of a susceptor correspond to a reference value according to one embodiment, and FIG. 10 illustrates a trajectory of an eddy current of a susceptor indicated by the frequency of a signal according to one embodiment.

[0167] The following operations 910 to 930 may be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., an aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 1 to 4). The aerosol generating device may include a susceptor (e.g., a heater (18) of FIG. 1, a heater (182) of FIGS. 2 and 4, or a heater (183) of FIG. 3), a sensor unit (e.g., a sensor unit (13) of FIGS. 1 to 4), and a control unit (e.g., a control unit (12) of FIGS. 1 to 4). For example, operation 830 described above with reference to FIG. 8 may include operations 910 to 930.

[0168] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device determines a new frequency by comparing an electrical characteristic of a susceptor indicated by a signal of a specific frequency with a reference value, and determines a frequency of a signal capable of inducing an electrical characteristic of the susceptor corresponding to the reference value by comparing the electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by the signal of the new frequency again with the reference value.

[0169] In operation 910, the aerosol generating device may apply a third signal having a second frequency (1030) determined based on the first value (a) to the coil of the heater so as to generate an alternating magnetic field. The description of operation 510 described above with reference to FIG. 5 may be similarly modified and applied to operation 910.

[0170] For example, the electrical characteristic of the susceptor is an eddy current, and the size of the eddy current of the susceptor indicated by the signal at a frequency near the first frequency (1020) may increase as the frequency decreases and decrease as the frequency increases. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, when the first value (a) is greater than the first reference value (b), the second frequency (1030) may be determined to be a frequency greater than the first frequency (1020) so that the size of the eddy current indicated by the third signal approaches the first reference value (b). For example, unlike as illustrated in FIG. 10, when the first value (a) is less than the first reference value (b), the second frequency (1030) may be determined to be a frequency less than the first frequency (1020) so that the size of the eddy current indicated by the third signal approaches the first reference value (b).

[0171] In operation 920, the aerosol generating device can determine a third value (c) of the electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by the third signal. For operation 920, the description of operation 520 described above with reference to FIGS. 5 and 7 may be similarly modified and applied.

[0172] In operation 930, the aerosol generating device can determine a first heating frequency based on the third value (c). The aerosol generating device can determine the first heating frequency such that a second value of the electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by the second signal having the first heating frequency corresponds to the first reference value (b).

[0173] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, when the third value (c) is smaller than the first reference value (b), a frequency smaller than the second frequency (1030) may be determined as the first heating frequency so that the magnitude of the eddy current indicated by the second signal approaches the first reference value (b). For example, unlike as illustrated in FIG. 10, when the third value (c) is larger than the first reference value (b), a frequency larger than the second frequency (1030) may be determined as the first heating frequency so that the magnitude of the eddy current indicated by the second signal approaches the first reference value (b).

[0174] Referring to FIG. 10, since the first natural frequency (1012) of the reference susceptor and the second natural frequency (1014) of the susceptor (e.g., the heater (18) of FIG. 1, the heater (182) of FIGS. 2 and 4, or the heater (183) of FIG. 3) arranged in the aerosol generating device are different from each other, the first eddy current trajectory (1002) of the reference susceptor and the second eddy current trajectory (1004) of the susceptor arranged in the aerosol generating device may be different. If the aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 1 to 4) can perform a frequency sweep for the entire frequency band, the first eddy current trajectory (1002) of the reference susceptor and the second eddy current trajectory (1004) of the susceptor arranged in the aerosol generating device can be generated.

[0175] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can determine the first heating frequency such that the magnitude of the eddy current in the susceptor indicated by the signal of the first heating frequency is equal to the magnitude of the eddy current indicated in the reference susceptor by the signal of the first frequency (1020).

[0176] In one embodiment, the reference susceptor and the susceptor positioned in the aerosol generating device may exhibit different electrical characteristics even for the same signal. For example, when a first signal having a first frequency (1020) is applied, the reference susceptor may generate an eddy current of a first reference value (b), while the susceptor positioned in the aerosol generating device may generate an eddy current of a first value (a).

[0177] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the size of the eddy current of the susceptor indicated by the signal at a frequency near the first frequency (1020) may increase as the frequency decreases and decrease as the frequency increases. Since the first value (a) appears to be greater than the first reference value (b), the second frequency (1030) may be determined as a frequency greater than the first frequency (1020). Since the third value (c) appears to be less than the first reference value (b), a frequency less than the second frequency (1030) may be determined as the first heating frequency.

[0178] According to one embodiment, the magnitude of the eddy current of the susceptor, which is indicated by the signal frequency, can be indirectly obtained from a detection circuit connected to the output terminal of the coil of the heater. Since at least a portion of the electric energy of the signal applied to the coil of the heater is absorbed by the susceptor to generate an eddy current, the detection circuit can indirectly obtain the magnitude of the eddy current of the susceptor by comparing the current, voltage, or power of the signal applied to the coil of the heater with the current, voltage, or power of the output signal. When the eddy current of the susceptor is indirectly obtained through the detection circuit, the susceptor of the aerosol generating device can be easily replaced because the susceptor is not electrically connected to other components of the aerosol generating device.

[0179]

[0180] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method for preheating a susceptor according to one embodiment.

[0181] The following operations 1110 and 1120 may be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 1 to 4). The aerosol generating device may include a susceptor (e.g., the heater (18) of FIG. 1, the heater (182) of FIGS. 2 and 4, or the heater (183) of FIG. 3), a sensor unit (e.g., the sensor unit (13) of FIGS. 1 to 4), and a control unit (e.g., the control unit (12) of FIGS. 1 to 4). For example, operations 1110 and 1120 may be performed after operation 540 described above with reference to FIG. 5 is performed.

[0182] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can preheat the susceptor to a target temperature by operating in a preheating mode, and the preheating mode can include a plurality of sections. For example, the aerosol generating device can heat the susceptor to a first target temperature by performing power PID control in a first section of the preheating mode. For example, the aerosol generating device can heat the susceptor to a second target temperature by performing temperature PID control in a second section of the preheating mode. The aerosol generating device can perform power PID control in the first section so that the susceptor is heated quickly and efficiently, and temperature PID control in the second section so that the temperature of the susceptor is accurately controlled.

[0183] In operation 1110, the aerosol generating device may apply a second heating signal to the coil of the heater so that temperature PID control is performed based on the first temperature profile when the temperature of the susceptor reaches the first target temperature by the power PID control. For example, the frequency of the second heating signal may be the first frequency. For example, the frequency of the second heating signal may be the first heating frequency. As the temperature PID control is performed, the temperature of the susceptor can be accurately controlled.

[0184] In operation 1120, the aerosol generating device may output a notification to the user indicating that the aerosol generating article is ready for smoking when the temperature of the susceptor reaches a second target temperature through temperature PID control. When the temperature of the susceptor reaches the second target temperature, and the preheating of the susceptor and the aerosol generating article is completed, the user may smoke. For example, the aerosol generating device may apply a third heating signal to the coil of the heater so that temperature PID control is performed based on the second temperature profile corresponding to the user's smoking.

[0185]

[0186] 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.

[0187] 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.

[0188] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Heater control method of an aerosol generating device, An operation of applying a first signal having a first frequency to a coil of a heater so as to generate an alternating magnetic field; An operation of determining a first value of an electrical characteristic of a susceptor indicated by the first signal; An operation of determining a first heating frequency based on the first value; and An operation of applying a first heating signal having the first heating frequency to the coil of the heater so that power PID (Proportional-Integral-Differential) control is performed based on the first power profile. including, How to control the heater.

2. In paragraph 1, The operation of determining the first heating frequency is: An operation of determining the first heating frequency so that the second value of the electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by the second signal having the first heating frequency corresponds to a first reference value. including, How to control the heater.

3. In paragraph 2, The above first reference value is based on the electrical characteristics of the susceptor when the temperature of the susceptor is the first reference temperature, The operation of determining the first heating frequency based on the first value is: An operation of obtaining a first sensor temperature using a first temperature sensor disposed within the body of the aerosol generating device; and An operation of correcting the first value based on the first sensor temperature to correspond to the electrical characteristics of the susceptor when the temperature of the susceptor is a first reference temperature. including more, How to control the heater.

4. In paragraph 1, The operation of determining the first heating frequency based on the first value is: An operation of applying a third signal having a second frequency determined based on the first value to the coil of the heater so as to generate an alternating magnetic field; An operation of determining a third value of the electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by the third signal; and An operation of determining the first heating frequency based on the third value. including, How to control the heater.

5. In paragraph 1, The operation of determining the first value of the electrical characteristic of the susceptor is, An operation for determining the first value based on at least one of the current, voltage, or power of the first output signal appearing at the output terminal of the coil of the heater including, How to control the heater.

6. In paragraph 5, The electrical characteristics of the above susceptor are eddy currents, How to control the heater.

7. In paragraph 1, An operation of applying a second heating signal to the coil of the heater so that temperature PID control is performed based on a first temperature profile when the temperature of the susceptor reaches a first target temperature by the power PID control. including more, How to control the heater.

8. In paragraph 7, When the temperature of the susceptor reaches the second target temperature by the temperature PID control, an operation of outputting a notification to the user indicating that smoking of the aerosol generating article is ready. including more, How to control the heater.

9. In paragraph 7, The frequency of the second heating signal is the first frequency, How to control the heater.

10. In paragraph 7, The frequency of the second heating signal is the first heating frequency, How to control the heater.

11. In paragraph 1, When receiving an input for heating the susceptor of the aerosol generating device, the first signal having the first frequency is applied to the coil of the heater. How to control the heater.

12. In paragraph 1, An operation of obtaining a second sensor temperature using a first temperature sensor disposed within a body of the aerosol generating device when receiving an input for heating the susceptor of the aerosol generating device. Including more, When the second sensor temperature is a value within a preset temperature range, the first signal having the first frequency is applied to the coil of the heater, When the second sensor temperature is a value outside the preset temperature range, the first heating signal having the previously determined first heating frequency is applied to the coil of the heater so that the power PID control is performed. How to control the heater.

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

14. In the aerosol generating device, an induction coil generating an alternating magnetic field; and A control unit for controlling the above aerosol generating device Including, The above control unit, A first signal having a first frequency is applied to the coil of the heater so as to generate an alternating magnetic field, Determine the first value of the electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by the first signal, Determine the first heating frequency based on the first value, Applying a first heating signal having the first heating frequency to the coil of the heater so that power PID (Proportional-Integral-Differential) control is performed based on the first power profile. Aerosol generating device.

15. In paragraph 14, Further comprising a first temperature sensor disposed within the body of the aerosol generating device, The above control unit determines the first heating frequency, Obtaining the first sensor temperature using the first temperature sensor, Based on the first sensor temperature, the first value is corrected to correspond to the electrical characteristics of the susceptor when the temperature of the susceptor is a first reference temperature, The first heating frequency is determined so that the second value of the electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by the second signal having the first heating frequency corresponds to the first reference value. Aerosol generating device.

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