Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device according to an aspect includes: a power source that provides direct current power; a power converter that converts the direct current power into alternating current power; a coil that generates an induced magnetic field by the alternating current power; a susceptor that is heated by the induced magnetic field; a magnetic field detector that detects the intensity of the induced magnetic field; and a control unit that estimates the temperature of the susceptor on the basis of the intensity of the induced magnetic field.

Description

Aerosol generating device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device capable of accurately estimating the temperature of a heating element in a non-contact manner.

[0002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for alternative methods that overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for systems that generate aerosols by heating an aerosol-generating substrate using an aerosol-generating device, rather than by burning cigarettes to produce aerosol.

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

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

[0005] To solve these problems, a method for detecting the temperature of the susceptor in a non-contact manner has been proposed. However, the conventional non-contact temperature sensing method has the problem of inaccuracy because it detects the temperature of the susceptor based on only one of the direct current output from the battery and the alternating current supplied to the coil.

[0006] The technical problem of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device capable of accurately estimating the temperature of a heating element in a non-contact manner.

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

[0008] An aerosol generating device according to one aspect includes a power source that provides direct current power, a power conversion unit that converts the direct current power into alternating current power, a coil that generates an induced magnetic field by the alternating current power, a susceptor that is heated by the induced magnetic field, a magnetic field detection unit that detects the intensity of the induced magnetic field, and a control unit that estimates the temperature of the susceptor based on the intensity of the induced magnetic field.

[0009] The aerosol generating device of the present disclosure exhibits the effect of significantly reducing the possibility of damage to the temperature sensor compared to contact-type temperature sensing technology.

[0010] In addition, the aerosol generating device does not use the power supplied to the coil as the main means for temperature estimation, but rather estimates the temperature of the susceptor based on the magnetic field actually output from the coil, so accurate temperature estimation is possible.

[0011] Furthermore, the aerosol generator does not use the power supplied to the coil as the primary means of temperature estimation, but rather only as a condition for acquiring magnetic field strength. Therefore, it does not require a highly sensitive current sensor. This reduces manufacturing costs while enabling accurate susceptor temperature estimation.

[0012] In addition, when estimating the temperature of the susceptor using only the magnetic field output from the actual coil, there is a problem that the strength of the magnetic field and the actual temperature of the susceptor do not match in the initial section of the preheating section. The aerosol generating device of the present disclosure does not estimate the temperature using the power conditions supplied to the coil in the initial section of the preheating section, but rather estimates the temperature of the susceptor in the latter section of the preheating section when the temperature of the susceptor is constant, thereby enabling more accurate estimation of the temperature of the susceptor.

[0013] In addition, the aerosol generating device can be preheated in stages without supplying maximum power to the coil at once in the initial section of the preheating section, thereby preventing damage to the device due to overheating of the susceptor in a section where the above-described temperature is not estimated.

[0014] The effects of the invention are not limited to those exemplified above, and more diverse effects are included in this specification.

[0015] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a partial configuration of an aerosol generating device for explaining a temperature estimation method according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates a temperature profile of an aerosol generating device to explain a temperature estimation method according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 7 illustrates the output of the current sensing unit for explaining the temperature estimation method in the preheating section of Figure 6.

[0022] Fig. 8 shows the output of the current detection unit for explaining the temperature estimation method in the smoking section of Fig. 6.

[0023] Figure 9 illustrates a temperature profile of an aerosol generating device to explain a method for estimating the temperature of a preheating section according to another embodiment.

[0024] Fig. 10 illustrates the output of the current sensing unit for explaining the temperature estimation method in the preheating section of Fig. 9.

[0025] Fig. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an operation method of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0026] An aerosol generating device according to one aspect includes a power source that provides direct current power, a power conversion unit that converts the direct current power into alternating current power, a coil that generates an induced magnetic field by the alternating current power, a susceptor that is heated by the induced magnetic field, a magnetic field detection unit that detects the intensity of the induced magnetic field, and a control unit that estimates the temperature of the susceptor based on the intensity of the induced magnetic field.

[0027] In addition, the aerosol generating device further includes a current detection unit that detects a current flowing in the coil, and the control unit obtains information on the strength of the induced magnetic field from the magnetic field detection unit based on the detection result of the current detection unit.

[0028] Additionally, the control unit estimates the temperature of the susceptor based on the strength of the induced magnetic field when the magnitude of the current flowing in the coil is maintained within a preset range.

[0029] In addition, the aerosol generating device further includes a memory in which a correspondence between the strength of the induced magnetic field and the temperature of the susceptor is stored in the form of a lookup table, and the control unit determines the temperature of the susceptor according to the lookup table.

[0030] Additionally, the memory further stores information on the target temperature of each of the preheating section and the smoking section after the preheating section.

[0031] Additionally, the control unit controls the AC power supplied to the coil based on the target temperature of each of the preheating section and the smoking section after the preheating section.

[0032] In addition, the preheating section includes a first section for raising the temperature of the susceptor to a target preheating temperature and a second section for maintaining the target preheating temperature after the first section, and the control unit estimates the temperature of the susceptor based on the strength of the induced magnetic field detected in the second section.

[0033] In addition, the smoking section includes a plurality of sub-smoking sections that stepwise reduce the temperature of the susceptor from the target preheating temperature, and the control unit controls AC power supplied to the coil in each of the plurality of sub-smoking sections according to a target smoking temperature that is lower than the target preheating temperature and is different from each other.

[0034] In addition, each of the plurality of sub-smoking sections includes a third section for lowering the temperature of the susceptor to the target smoking temperature and a fourth section for maintaining the target smoking temperature after the third section, and the control unit estimates the temperature of the susceptor based on the intensity of the induced magnetic field detected in the fourth section.

[0035] In addition, the aerosol generating device includes a blocking member that blocks the induced magnetic field generated in the coil from being emitted to the outside, and the blocking member is configured to surround at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the coil.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The suffixes “module” and “unit” used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves. Meanwhile, the suffixes “module” or “unit” may include units implemented with hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A “module” or “unit” may be a component configured integrally, or a minimum unit of the component that performs one or more functions, or a part thereof. For example, a “module” or “unit” may be implemented in the form of an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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).

[0044] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0045] 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).

[0046] 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).

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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).

[0052] In one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect a user's puff.

[0053] 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).

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] As another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and the at least one coil may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol-generating article (e.g., a wrapper of an aerosol-generating article) includes a conductor, when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil through which a current flows. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article including a conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc. of the alternating current). Alternatively, a susceptor (SUS) or the like may be included in the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a medium portion of the aerosol-generating article). In this case as well, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil based on the insertion or removal of the susceptor or the like within the insertion space, and the control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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).

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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).

[0084] 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).

[0085] 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).

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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).

[0091] 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).

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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).

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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).

[0096] 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).

[0097] 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).

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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).

[0100] 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).

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] Fig. 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment. Fig. 3 illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the heater (182, 183) can heat the aerosol generating article (2).

[0115] Referring to FIG. 2, the heater (182) may be an internal heating type heater.

[0116] 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).

[0117] According to one embodiment, the internal heating heater may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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).

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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).

[0122] Referring to FIG. 3, the heater (183) may be an external heating type heater.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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).

[0127] 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.

[0128] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment.

[0129] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an external heating type heater (18) that heats the outside of an aerosol generating article (2). However, the heater (18) of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and if the aerosol generating device (1) has a cavity (h1) that accommodates the aerosol generating article (2) and heats the aerosol generating article (2) by induction heating, the heater (18) is not limited to the example of FIG. 4. That is, the heater (18) can also be applied to the internal heating method described in FIG. 2.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 4, a heater (18) may be disposed within a housing (10). The heater (18) may be referred to as a heater assembly. The heater (18) may have a tubular or cylindrical shape including a hollow space therein. The heater (18) may surround a cavity (h1). The cavity (h1) may be referred to as an insertion space and may be provided by the heater (18). The cavity (h1) or an aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the cavity (h1) may be heated by the heater (18).

[0131] The heater (18) may include a flange (180), a susceptor (183), a coil (181), and a blocking member (184). Hereinafter, the coil (181) may refer to the induction coil (181) of FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0132] A flange (180) can be coupled to a housing (10). A susceptor (183) can be attached to or press-fitted to the flange (180). The flange (180) can support the susceptor (183). A cavity (h1) can be formed by coupling the flange (180) and the susceptor (183).

[0133] The susceptor (183) may have a configuration corresponding to the heater (183) of FIG. 3. The susceptor (183) may be located at the innermost side of the heater (18). The susceptor (183) may have a cylindrical shape. The susceptor (183) may be coupled to the flange (180) and may extend in the vertical direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The susceptor (183) is disposed on the inner side of the coil (181) and may surround at least a portion of the cavity (h1). At least a portion of the inner surface of the susceptor (183) may be in contact with the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the cavity (h1). The susceptor (183) may include a metal or carbon. The susceptor (183) may include at least one of ferrite, a ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). Additionally, the susceptor (183) may include at least one of a ceramic such as graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, a nickel alloy, a metal film, zirconia, a transition metal such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), or a metalloid such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P).

[0134] The coil (181) may be disposed on the outside of the susceptor (183). The coil (181) may surround at least a portion of the susceptor (183). In an embodiment, an insulator (not shown) may be disposed between the susceptor (183) and the coil (181). The insulator may be formed of a material having flexibility and heat resistance. The insulator may include, but is not limited to, polyimide or polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and may include other materials having elasticity, heat resistance, and electrical insulation. The coil (181) may receive power from the power source (11) to generate an induced magnetic field. The induced magnetic field may be referred to as an alternating magnetic field in that its direction periodically changes.

[0135] When an induced magnetic field is applied to the susceptor (183), energy loss due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss may occur in the susceptor (183), and the lost energy may be released as heat energy from the susceptor (183). The greater the amplitude or frequency of the induced magnetic field applied to the susceptor (183), the more heat energy may be released from the susceptor (183). In this way, the aerosol generating article (2) in contact with the susceptor (183) may be heated by the heat generation of the susceptor (183).

[0136] Meanwhile, the susceptor (183) can be manufactured to converge to a predetermined saturation temperature at a preset induced magnetic field strength. To this end, the susceptor (183) can be manufactured to have a preset power per cubic millimeter (w / mm3). This can be achieved by performing a heat treatment step, a magnetic field supply step, and a gas (e.g., nitrogen, argon, etc.) supply step during the manufacturing of the susceptor (183). In one embodiment, the temperature of the susceptor (183) can converge to any temperature selected from the range of 270 to 280 degrees at any magnetic field strength selected from the range of 4 T to 5 T. In addition, the temperature of the susceptor (183) can converge to any temperature selected from the range of 240 to 250 degrees at any magnetic field strength selected from the range of 3 T to 4 T. In addition, the temperature of the susceptor (183) can converge to any temperature selected from the range of 230 to 240 degrees at any magnetic field strength selected from the range of 2 T to 3 T. In addition, the temperature of the susceptor (183) can converge to any temperature selected from the range of 220 to 230 degrees at any magnetic field strength selected from the range of 1 T to 2 T. By the temperature saturation of the susceptor (183) as described above, it is possible to estimate the temperature of the susceptor (183) according to the strength of the magnetic field.

[0137] Meanwhile, the flange (180) may include an aperture (h2). The aperture (h2) is formed on one side of the flange (180) and may be in communication with the cavity (h1). The aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted into the cavity (h1). External air may be introduced through the aperture (h2) and may be introduced into the heated aerosol generating article (2) via the end of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0138] The blocking member (184) can surround at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the coil (181). The blocking member (184) can block the induced magnetic field generated by the coil (181) from being emitted to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1). Blocking the induced magnetic field from being emitted to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1) can mean that the intensity of the induced magnetic field emitted to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1) is reduced. The blocking member (184) can reflect, scatter, and distort the induced magnetic field to increase the magnetic field density within the blocking member (184) compared to the magnetic field density outside the blocking member (184). For this purpose, the blocking member (184) can include a Cu-based or Fe-based soft magnetic alloy. The blocking member (184) can reduce the extent to which the induced magnetic field propagates beyond the blocking member (184). In this way, the blocking member (184) also functions as a magnetic flux concentrator, so that the heating efficiency of the aerosol generating device (1) can be increased.

[0139] In some embodiments, an insulator (not shown) may be placed between the coil (181) and the blocking member (184). The insulator may be formed of a material having flexibility and heat resistance. The insulator may include, but is not limited to, polyimide or polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and may include other materials having elasticity, heat resistance, and electrical insulation properties.

[0140] The magnetic field detection unit (131) may be arranged adjacent to the coil (181). The magnetic field detection unit (131) may be arranged to be in contact with a portion of the lower side of the coil (181). As the magnetic field detection unit (131) is arranged in the region furthest from the opening of the cavity (h1), the induced magnetic field actually output from the coil (181) may be detected more accurately. In one embodiment, the blocking member (184) may include a groove at a position corresponding to a portion of the lower side of the coil (181). The magnetic field detection unit (131) may be seated in the groove of the blocking member (184), but a portion of the groove may be exposed toward the coil (181). In another embodiment, when the blocking member (184) has high ductility and malleability, the blocking member (184) can compress the magnetic field sensing unit (131) disposed on the lower side of the coil (181) toward the coil (181). Since the blocking member (184) prevents the induced magnetic field generated in the coil (181) from being emitted to the outside, the magnetic field sensing unit (131) can more accurately detect the induced magnetic field actually output from the coil (181).

[0141] The control unit (12) can obtain information on the intensity of the induced magnetic field actually output from the coil (181) from the magnetic field detection unit (131). The control unit (12) can estimate the temperature of the susceptor (183) based on the intensity of the magnetic field. In this way, the aerosol generating device (1) can estimate the temperature of the susceptor (183) in a non-contact manner. In addition, since the aerosol generating device (1) estimates the temperature of the susceptor (183) based on the intensity of the induced magnetic field actually output from the coil (181) rather than an indirect factor such as the impedance of a resonant circuit, more accurate temperature estimation of the susceptor (183) is possible. Hereinafter, a method for estimating the temperature of the susceptor (183) based on the intensity of the induced magnetic field will be described in more detail.

[0142] FIG. 5 illustrates a partial configuration of an aerosol generating device for explaining a temperature estimation method according to one embodiment.

[0143] Only the configurations related to temperature estimation of the susceptor (183) are shown in Fig. 5. However, it goes without saying that the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure may be equipped with other components other than the configurations of Fig. 5.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 5, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a power source (11), a power conversion unit (111), a coil (181), a magnetic field detection unit (131), a current detection unit (132), and a control unit (12).

[0145] The power source (11) can provide direct current power. The power source (11) may be, but is not limited to, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery that provides direct current power. In some embodiments, the power source (11) may be a removable battery.

[0146] The power conversion unit (111) can be electrically connected to a power source (11). The power conversion unit (111) includes at least one switching element and can convert direct current power into alternating current power. For this purpose, the power conversion unit (111) can be configured as a full bridge or half bridge circuit.

[0147] The coil (181) can generate an induced magnetic field whose direction changes periodically by alternating current. The susceptor (183) can be heated by the induced magnetic field.

[0148] The control unit (12) can control the power source (11) or the power conversion unit (111) to control the temperature of the susceptor (183) according to the temperature profile stored in the memory (17). The temperature profile can include information on the target temperature of each of the preheating section and the smoking section after the preheating section. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the coil (181) based on the target temperature of each of the preheating section and the smoking section. The meaning that the control unit (12) controls the power supplied to the coil (181) may be the same as the meaning that the control unit (12) controls the direct current power output from the power source (11) or the alternating current power output from the power conversion unit (111). In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the direct current power output from the power source (11) through the first signal (Si1). Alternatively, the control unit (12) can control the AC power output from the power conversion unit (111) through the second signal (Si2).

[0149] The magnetic field detection unit (131) is adjacent to the coil (181) and can detect the intensity of the induced magnetic field output from the coil (181). For example, the magnetic field detection unit (131) can include at least one Hall sensor. The magnetic field detection unit (131) can transmit information (Md) on the intensity of the induced magnetic field to the control unit (12).

[0150] The memory (17) can store a correspondence between the intensity of the induced magnetic field and the temperature of the susceptor (183). The correspondence between the intensity of the induced magnetic field and the temperature of the susceptor (183) can be stored in the form of a lookup table. In one embodiment, the greater the intensity of the induced magnetic field, the higher the temperature of the susceptor (183).

[0151] The control unit (12) can estimate the temperature of the susceptor (183) according to the lookup table stored in the memory (17). In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can determine that the temperature of the susceptor (183) is higher as the strength of the induced magnetic field increases.

[0152] Meanwhile, the temperature of the susceptor (183) does not converge simultaneously with the output of the induced magnetic field. In other words, if sufficient time is given while a constant induced magnetic field is output, the temperature of the susceptor (183) will converge to a predetermined temperature, but the temperature of the susceptor (183) may increase or decrease until it converges to the predetermined temperature. In this way, even though the temperature of the susceptor (183) has a temperature rising section or a temperature falling section, if the temperature of the susceptor (183) is determined only by the intensity of the induced magnetic field, an inaccurate temperature of the susceptor (183) may be derived. In order to solve this problem, the present disclosure can estimate the temperature convergence section through the current detection unit (132).

[0153] More specifically, the susceptor (183) viewed from the power source (11) or the power conversion unit (111) can be reflected as an impedance component. In addition, the impedance of the susceptor (183) can vary in response to a change in the temperature of the susceptor (183). For example, the impedance of the susceptor (183) can increase in response to an increase in the temperature of the susceptor (183). The change in the impedance of the susceptor (183) can cause a change in the current of the circuit viewed from the output side (e.g., coil) of the power source (11) or the power conversion unit (111). In other words, the change in the impedance of the susceptor (183) can change the AC current flowing in the coil (181). Conversely, when the temperature of the susceptor (183) converges to a predetermined temperature, the impedance of the susceptor (183) can be maintained within a predetermined range. Accordingly, the alternating current flowing in the coil (181) can also be maintained within a predetermined range. Meanwhile, the change in the alternating current flowing in the coil (181) described above can also be explained by the change in the resonant frequency due to the change in impedance.

[0154] A current detection unit (132) may be provided to detect a change in impedance of the susceptor (183). The current detection unit (132) includes at least one shunt resistor and can detect an alternating current flowing in the coil (181). The current detection unit (132) can transmit information (Id) about the alternating current flowing in the coil (181) to the control unit (12).

[0155] The control unit (12) can estimate the temperature of the susceptor (183) further based on the information (Id) on the AC current flowing in the coil (181). The control unit (12) can obtain information (Md) on the intensity of the induced magnetic field from the magnetic field detection unit (131) based on the detection result of the current detection unit (132). In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can request and obtain information (Md) on the intensity of the induced magnetic field from the magnetic field detection unit (131) when the AC current flowing in the coil (181) is maintained within a preset range. Alternatively, the control unit (12) can use the information (Md) on the intensity of the induced magnetic field obtained when the AC current flowing in the coil (181) is maintained within a preset range to estimate the temperature of the susceptor (183).

[0156] The control unit (12) can estimate the temperature of the susceptor (183) based on the strength of the induced magnetic field when the magnitude of the alternating current flowing in the coil (181) is maintained within a preset range. In one embodiment, the magnitude of the alternating current may mean any one of the maximum value, the average value, and the root mean square value of the alternating current. In addition, the preset range may be appropriately set according to the inductance and temperature profile of the coil (181). For example, when the inductance of the coil (181) is 3.2 uH, the first range of the preheating section may be selected from 70 mA to 90 mA, and the second ranges of the smoking section may be selected from 90 mA to 120 mA. Alternatively, the preset range may mean a case where the measured alternating current maintains a selected deviation range in the range of 0 mA to 20 mA.

[0157] Below, a method for estimating the temperature of a specific susceptor (183) according to a temperature profile is examined.

[0158] FIG. 6 illustrates a temperature profile of an aerosol generating device for explaining a temperature estimation method according to one embodiment, FIG. 7 illustrates an output of a current sensing unit for explaining a temperature estimation method in a preheating section of FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 illustrates an output of a current sensing unit for explaining a temperature estimation method in a smoking section of FIG. 6.

[0159] Referring to Fig. 6, the actual temperature of the susceptor (183) according to the target temperature is schematically illustrated. The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the susceptor (183) according to the temperature profile stored in the memory (17). The temperature profile can include information on the target temperature of each of the preheating section and the smoking section.

[0160] The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the coil (181) based on the target preheating temperature (Tp) until the first time (t1), which is the preheating section. The coil (181) can generate an induced magnetic field according to the control of the control unit (12). For example, the coil (181) can output an induced magnetic field of 4.5 T in the preheating section.

[0161] When heating is initiated, the susceptor (183) can be heated by the induced magnetic field output from the coil (181). The temperature of the susceptor (183) can increase until the rising time (ta). The period from the heating start time to the rising time (ta) can be referred to as a first period (S1). The temperature of the susceptor (183) can reach the target preheating temperature (Tp) during the rising time (ta). In addition, the temperature of the susceptor (183) can maintain the target preheating temperature (Tp) until the first time (t1). The period between the rising time (ta) and the first time (t1) can be referred to as a second period (S2). In this way, the intensity of the induced magnetic field output by the coil (181) in the preheating period can be constant in both the first period (S1) and the second period (S2). In contrast, it can be seen that the temperature of the susceptor (183) is not constant in the first section (S1) and gradually increases. Therefore, when the temperature of the susceptor (183) is estimated only by the strength of the induced magnetic field, the actual temperature of the susceptor (183) and the estimated temperature of the susceptor (183) may not match. In order to solve this problem, the present disclosure can utilize the detection result of the current detection unit (132). The control unit (12) can set the detection result of the current detection unit (132) as a prerequisite for estimating the temperature of the susceptor (183).

[0162] Referring to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 illustrates a graph of changes in the AC current of the coil (181) according to changes in the impedance of the susceptor (183) in the preheating section. The rising time (ta) in FIG. 7 corresponds to the rising time (ta) of FIG. 6, and the first time (t1) in FIG. 7 may correspond to the first time (t1) of FIG. 6. As in FIG. 7, the AC current flowing in the coil (181) may gradually decrease until the rising time (ta). This is because the impedance of the circuit increases as the temperature of the susceptor (183) increases. In addition, as in FIG. 7, the AC current flowing in the coil (181) may be maintained from the rising time (ta) to the first time (t1). This is because the impedance of the circuit also remains constant as the temperature of the susceptor (183) remains constant.

[0163] The control unit (12) can estimate the temperature of the susceptor (183) based on the strength of the magnetic field acquired between the rising time (ta) and the first time (t1). In other words, the control unit (12) can estimate the temperature of the susceptor (183) based on the strength of the induced magnetic field in the second section (S2) in which the AC current flowing through the coil (181) is maintained within a preset range. For example, the preset range can be selected from 70 mA to 90 mA. Alternatively, the preset range may mean a case in which the measured AC current maintains a selected deviation range from 0 mA to 20 mA.

[0164] Meanwhile, the temperature of the susceptor (183) can be saturated to a predetermined temperature by the intensity of the preset induced magnetic field. Accordingly, the control unit (12) can estimate the temperature of the susceptor (183) based on the intensity of the induced magnetic field. For example, when the coil (181) outputs an induced magnetic field with an intensity of 4.5 T in the preheating section, the control unit (12) can determine that the temperature of the susceptor (183) is 275 degrees.

[0165] Again in FIG. 6, the control unit (12) can control the temperature of the susceptor (183) in the smoking section after the preheating section. The smoking section can include a plurality of sub-smoking sections that stepwise reduce the temperature of the susceptor (183) from a target preheating temperature (Tp).

[0166] The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the coil (181) based on different target smoking temperatures (Ts1, Ts2, Ts3, hereinafter referred to as Ts when there is no need for distinction) that are lower than the target preheating temperature (Tp) after the first time (t1).

[0167] More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the coil (181) based on the first target smoking temperature (Ts1) from the first time (t1) to the second time (t2), which is the first sub-smoking section. The coil (181) can generate an induced magnetic field under the control of the control unit (12). For example, the coil (181) can output an induced magnetic field with an intensity of 3.5 T in the first sub-smoking section. In addition, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the coil (181) based on the second target smoking temperature (Ts2) from the second time (t2) to the third time (t3), which is the second sub-smoking section. Accordingly, the coil (181) can output an induced magnetic field with an intensity of 2.5 T in the second sub-smoking section. In addition, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the coil (181) based on the third target smoking temperature (Ts3) from the third time (t3), which is the third sub-smoking section, to the end point of heating (not shown). Accordingly, the coil (181) can output an induced magnetic field with a strength of 1.5 T in the third sub-smoking section.

[0168] The susceptor (183) can be heated by an induced magnetic field in each of the sub-smoking sections. The temperature of the susceptor (183) can be reduced from a target preheating temperature (Tp) to each target smoking temperature (Ts). Different from the preheating section, the smoking section has a third section (S3a, S3b, S3c, hereinafter referred to as S3 when no distinction is necessary) in which the temperature of the susceptor (183) decreases, and a fourth section (S4a, S4b, S4c, hereinafter referred to as S4 when no distinction is necessary) in which the temperature of the susceptor (183) is maintained. For example, in the first sub-smoking section in FIG. 6, the third section (S3a) is a section between the first time (t1) and the first falling time (tb) during which the temperature of the susceptor (183) decreases from the target preheating temperature (Tp) to the first target smoking temperature (Ts1), and the fourth section (S4a) is a section between the first falling time (tb) and the second time (t2) during which the temperature of the susceptor (183) maintains the first target smoking temperature (Ts1). In addition, in the second sub-smoking section, the third section (S3b) is a section between the second time (t2) and the second falling time (tc) during which the temperature of the susceptor (183) decreases from the first target smoking temperature (Ts1) to the second target smoking temperature (Ts2), and the fourth section (S4b) is a section between the second falling time (tc) and the third time (t3) during which the temperature of the susceptor (183) maintains the second target smoking temperature (Ts2). In addition, in the third sub-smoking section, the third section (S3c) is a section between the third time (t3) and the third falling time (td) during which the temperature of the susceptor (183) decreases from the second target smoking temperature (Ts2) to the third target smoking temperature (Ts3), and the fourth section (S4c) is a section between the third falling time (td) during which the temperature of the susceptor (183) maintains the third target smoking temperature (Ts3) to the end point of heating.

[0169] In this way, even though the intensity of the induced magnetic field output by the coil (181) in each sub-smoking section is constant in both the third section (S3) and the fourth section (S4), there is a section in which the temperature of the susceptor (183) is not maintained at a predetermined temperature. The difference from the preheating section is that each sub-smoking section has a third section (S3) in which the temperature of the susceptor (183) decreases. Therefore, in the smoking section, when the temperature of the susceptor (183) is estimated only by the intensity of the induced magnetic field, there is a problem that the actual temperature of the susceptor (183) and the estimated temperature of the susceptor (183) do not match. In order to solve this problem, the present disclosure can utilize the detection result of the current detection unit (132) in the smoking section as well. The control unit (12) can set the detection result of the current detection unit (132) as a precondition for estimating the temperature of the susceptor (183).

[0170] Although only a graph of the change in the alternating current of the coil (181) according to the change in the impedance of the susceptor (183) in the first sub-smoking section is shown in Fig. 8, the following description applies to both the second sub-smoking section and the third sub-smoking section.

[0171] Referring to FIG. 8, the first falling time (tb) in FIG. 8 may correspond to the first falling time (tb) of FIG. 6, and the second time (t2) in FIG. 8 may correspond to the second time (t2) of FIG. 6. As in FIG. 8, the AC current flowing in the coil (181) may gradually increase until the first falling time (tb). This is because the impedance of the circuit decreases as the temperature of the susceptor (183) decreases. In addition, as in FIG. 8, the AC current flowing in the coil (181) may be maintained from the first falling time (tb) to the second time (t2). This is because the impedance of the circuit also remains constant as the temperature of the susceptor (183) remains constant.

[0172] The control unit (12) can estimate the temperature of the susceptor (183) based on the intensity of the induced magnetic field obtained between the first falling time (tb) and the second time (t2). In other words, the control unit (12) can estimate the temperature of the susceptor (183) based on the intensity of the induced magnetic field in the fourth section (S4) in which the AC current flowing through the coil (181) is maintained within a preset range. For example, the preset range can be selected from 90 mA to 120 mA. Alternatively, the preset range may mean a case in which the measured AC current maintains a selected deviation range from 0 mA to 20 mA.

[0173] Meanwhile, the temperature of the susceptor (183) can be saturated to a predetermined temperature by the intensity of the preset induced magnetic field. Accordingly, the control unit (12) can estimate the temperature of the susceptor (183) based on the intensity of the induced magnetic field. For example, when the coil (181) outputs an induced magnetic field of 3.5 T in the first sub-smoking section, the control unit (12) can determine that the temperature of the susceptor (183) is 245 degrees.

[0174] FIG. 9 illustrates a temperature profile of an aerosol generating device for explaining a temperature estimation method in a preheating section according to another embodiment, and FIG. 10 illustrates an output of a current sensing unit for explaining a temperature estimation method in a preheating section of FIG. 9.

[0175] The temperature profile of Fig. 9 differs from that of Fig. 6 only in the target temperature in the preheating section. Therefore, the description of the smoking section in Fig. 9 overlaps with that of Fig. 6 and is therefore omitted.

[0176] Referring to FIG. 9, the control unit (12) can stepwise preheat the susceptor (183) in the preheating section. In other words, the preheating section can include a plurality of sub-preheating sections that stepwise increase the temperature of the susceptor (183) to a target preheating temperature (Tp).

[0177] The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the coil (181) based on intermediate target temperatures (Tp1, Tp2, or lower, when there is no need to distinguish between them) that are lower than the target preheating temperature (Tp) after the start of preheating.

[0178] More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the coil (181) according to the first sub-preheating section, the second sub-preheating section, and the third sub-preheating section. The coil (181) can generate an induced magnetic field according to the control of the control unit (12). For example, the coil (181) can output an induced magnetic field with an intensity of 2.5 T in the first sub-preheating section. In addition, the coil (181) can output an induced magnetic field with an intensity of 3.5 T in the second sub-preheating section. In addition, the coil (181) can output an induced magnetic field with an intensity of 4.5 T in the third sub-preheating section.

[0179] The susceptor (183) can be heated by an induced magnetic field in each of the sub-preheating sections. The sub-preheating sections include a first section (S1a, S1b, S1c, hereinafter referred to as S1 when no distinction is necessary) in which the temperature of the susceptor (183) increases, and a second section (S2a, S2b, S2c, hereinafter referred to as S2 when no distinction is necessary) in which the temperature of the susceptor (183) is maintained.

[0180] In this way, although the intensity of the induced magnetic field output by the coil (181) in each sub-preheating section is constant in both the first section (S1) and the second section (S2), there is a section in which the temperature of the susceptor (183) is not maintained at a predetermined temperature. The control unit (12) can set the detection result of the current detection unit (132) as a prerequisite for estimating the temperature of the susceptor (183).

[0181] Referring to FIG. 10, the first sections (S1a, S1b, S1c) and the second sections (S2a, S2b, S2c) in FIG. 10 correspond to the first sections (S1a, S1b, S1c) and the second sections (S2a, S2b, S2c) in FIG. 9. As in FIG. 10, the AC current flowing in the coil (181) may gradually decrease in the first sections (S1a, S1b, S1c). This is because the impedance of the circuit increases as the temperature of the susceptor (183) increases. In addition, in FIG. 10, the AC current flowing in the coil (181) may be maintained in the second sections (S2a, S2b, S2c). This is because the impedance of the circuit also remains constant as the temperature of the susceptor (183) remains constant.

[0182] The control unit (12) can estimate the temperature of the susceptor (183) based on the intensity of the induced magnetic field obtained in each of the second sections (S2a, S2b, S2c). In other words, the control unit (12) can estimate the temperature of the susceptor (183) based on the intensity of the induced magnetic field in each of the second sections (S2a, S2b, S2c) in which the AC current flowing in the coil (181) is maintained within a preset range.

[0183] Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the temperature of the susceptor (183) can be saturated to a predetermined temperature by the intensity of the preset induced magnetic field. Accordingly, the control unit (12) can estimate the temperature of the susceptor (183) based on the intensity of the induced magnetic field.

[0184] Estimating the temperature of the susceptor (183) based on the strength of the induced magnetic field output by the coil (181) in the temperature rising section included in the preheating section is similar to estimating the temperature of the susceptor (183) in the so-called forward control. In other words, since it is impossible to estimate the temperature of the susceptor (183) in the temperature rising section, there is a possibility of device damage due to overheating of the susceptor (183). Therefore, the present disclosure can prevent device damage by heating the susceptor (183) in stages rather than heating the susceptor (183) at maximum power from the start of the preheating section.

[0185] Meanwhile, although examples are shown in FIGS. 6 to 10 in which the current of the coil (181) decreases as the temperature of the susceptor (183) increases, the opposite case is also possible depending on the physical properties or circuit design of the susceptor (183). In any case, the aerosol generating device (1) can estimate the temperature of the susceptor (183) only when the alternating current flowing through the coil (181) is maintained within a preset range.

[0186] Fig. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an operation method of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0187] Referring to FIG. 11, at step S1110, the current detection unit (132) can detect the current flowing in the coil (181).

[0188] The control unit (12) can control at least one of the direct current power output from the power source (11) and the alternating current power output from the power conversion unit (111). The coil (181) can generate an induced magnetic field by the power control of the control unit (12).

[0189] The current detection unit (132) may be a component included in the sensor unit (13). The current detection unit (132) includes at least one shunt resistor and can detect an alternating current flowing in the coil (181). The current detection unit (132) can transmit information about the alternating current flowing in the coil (181) to the control unit (12).

[0190] At step S1120, the control unit (12) can determine whether the size of the current flowing in the coil (181) is within a preset range.

[0191] In one embodiment, the magnitude of the alternating current may refer to any one of the maximum value, average value, and root mean square value of the alternating current. In addition, the preset range may be appropriately set according to the inductance and temperature profile of the coil (181). For example, when the inductance of the coil (181) is 3.2 uH, the first range of the preheating section may be selected from 70 mA to 90 mA, and the second ranges of the smoking section may be selected from 90 mA to 120 mA. Alternatively, the preset range may refer to a case where the measured alternating current maintains a selected deviation range from 0 mA to 20 mA.

[0192] The susceptor (183) can be heated by an induced magnetic field. The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the susceptor (183) based on a target temperature according to a temperature profile. The temperature of the susceptor (183) can be increased or decreased to reach the target temperature. In other words, the temperature of the susceptor (183) can have an increasing section or a decreasing section to reach the target temperature.

[0193] Meanwhile, if the temperature of the susceptor (183) does not maintain a predetermined temperature and gradually increases or decreases, the impedance of the susceptor (183) as viewed from the input terminal may also vary. On the other hand, if the temperature of the susceptor (183) maintains a predetermined temperature, the impedance of the susceptor (183) as viewed from the input terminal may also be maintained. Step S1120 may be provided to detect such temperature change of the susceptor (183) rather than the actual temperature of the susceptor (183).

[0194] If the size of the current flowing in the coil (181) is not within a preset range, the control unit (12) determines that the temperature of the susceptor (183) is not maintaining a predetermined temperature and is increasing or decreasing, and can continuously obtain the size of the current flowing in the coil (181).

[0195] At step S1130, the magnetic field detection unit (131) can detect the strength of the induced magnetic field output from the coil (181).

[0196] The magnetic field detection unit (131) may be a component included in the sensor unit (13). The magnetic field detection unit (131) is arranged adjacent to the coil (181) and may include at least one Hall sensor. In order to prevent the induced magnetic field output from the coil (181) from being emitted to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1) and at the same time concentrate the induced magnetic field to the magnetic field detection unit (131), a blocking member (184) may surround the coil (181) and the magnetic field detection unit (131).

[0197] The magnetic field detection unit (131) can transmit information about the strength of the induced magnetic field to the control unit (12).

[0198] At step S1140, the control unit (12) can estimate the temperature of the susceptor (183) based on the strength of the induced magnetic field.

[0199] The temperature of the susceptor (183) can be saturated to a predetermined temperature by the strength of the preset induced magnetic field. Accordingly, the control unit (12) can estimate the temperature of the susceptor (183) based on the strength of the induced magnetic field.

[0200] The memory (17) can store the correspondence between the strength of the induced magnetic field and the temperature of the susceptor (183) in the form of a lookup table.

[0201] The control unit (12) can estimate the temperature of the susceptor (183) according to the lookup table stored in the memory (17). In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can determine that the temperature of the susceptor (183) is higher as the strength of the induced magnetic field increases.

[0202] Meanwhile, the susceptor (183) can be heated according to a temperature profile stored in the memory (17). Each step of Fig. 11 can be performed over the entire range of this temperature profile.

[0203] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control at least one of the power source (11) and the power conversion unit (111) so that the first power is supplied to the coil (181) in the preheating section. According to an embodiment, the control unit (12) may control at least one of the power source (11) and the power conversion unit (111) so that the power that gradually increases in the preheating section is supplied to the coil (181).

[0204] The susceptor (183) can be heated by the induced magnetic field output from the coil (181). The temperature of the susceptor (183) can gradually increase in the first section, and the temperature can be maintained in the second section after the first section. The control unit (12) can estimate the temperature of the susceptor (183) based on the strength of the induced magnetic field detected in the second section.

[0205] The control unit (12) can control at least one of the power supply (11) and the power conversion unit (111) so that the temperature of the susceptor (183) gradually decreases in multiple smoking sections after the preheating section.

[0206] The smoking section may include a plurality of sub-smoking sections. The control unit (12) may control at least one of the power source (11) and the power conversion unit (111) so that a second power, which is smaller than the first power, is supplied to the coil (181) in the first sub-smoking section. In addition, the control unit (12) may control at least one of the power source (11) and the power conversion unit (111) so that a third power, which is smaller than the second power, is supplied to the coil (181) in the second sub-smoking section after the first sub-smoking section. In addition, the control unit (12) may control at least one of the power source (11) and the power conversion unit (111) so that a fourth power, which is smaller than the third power, is supplied to the coil (181) in the third sub-smoking section after the second sub-smoking section. Accordingly, the temperature of the susceptor (183) may be reduced in stages.

[0207] Each of the sub-smoking sections may have a different target smoking temperature. The temperature of the susceptor (183) may follow these target smoking temperatures in each of the sub-smoking sections. Accordingly, each of the sub-smoking sections may include a third section in which the temperature of the susceptor (183) decreases, and a fourth section in which the temperature of the susceptor (183) is maintained after the third section.

[0208] The control unit (12) can estimate the temperature of the susceptor (183) based on the strength of the induced magnetic field detected in the fourth section. In this way, the aerosol generating device (1) can also estimate the temperature of the susceptor (183) with the output of the coil (181). In addition, the aerosol generating device (1) can use a current sensor, but this is not provided for estimating the actual temperature of the susceptor (183), but for the purpose of establishing the starting conditions for determining the temperature of the susceptor (183). Therefore, a current sensor with high sensitivity or resolution is unnecessary, and the manufacturing cost is significantly reduced.

[0209] 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.

[0210] 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.

[0211] 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. A power source that provides direct current power; A power conversion unit that converts the above DC power into AC power; A coil that generates an induced magnetic field by the above AC power; A susceptor heated by the above induced magnetic field; A magnetic field detection unit that detects the strength of the above-mentioned induced magnetic field; and An aerosol generating device comprising a control unit for estimating the temperature of the susceptor based on the strength of the induced magnetic field.

2. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a current detection unit for detecting the current flowing in the coil; The above control unit An aerosol generating device that obtains information on the strength of the induced magnetic field from the magnetic field detecting unit based on the detection result of the current detecting unit.

3. In paragraph 2, The above control unit An aerosol generating device that estimates the temperature of the susceptor based on the strength of the induced magnetic field when the magnitude of the current flowing in the coil is maintained within a preset range.

4. In paragraph 3, further comprising a memory in which a correspondence between the strength of the induced magnetic field and the temperature of the susceptor is stored in the form of a lookup table; The above control unit An aerosol generating device that determines the temperature of the susceptor according to the above lookup table.

5. In paragraph 4, The above memory is An aerosol generating device further storing information on the target temperature of each of the preheating section and the smoking section after the preheating section.

6. In paragraph 1, The above control unit An aerosol generating device that controls the AC power supplied to the coil based on the target temperature of each of the preheating section and the smoking section after the preheating section.

7. In paragraph 6, The above preheating section includes a first section for raising the temperature of the susceptor to a target preheating temperature and a second section for maintaining the target preheating temperature after the first section, The above control unit An aerosol generating device that estimates the temperature of the susceptor based on the strength of the induced magnetic field detected in the second section.

8. In paragraph 7, The above smoking section includes a plurality of sub-smoking sections that stepwise reduce the temperature of the susceptor from the target preheating temperature, The above control unit An aerosol generating device that controls the AC power supplied to the coil according to different target smoking temperatures, which are lower than the target preheating temperature, in each of the plurality of sub-smoking sections.

9. In paragraph 8, Each of the plurality of sub-smoking sections includes a third section for lowering the temperature of the susceptor to the target smoking temperature and a fourth section for maintaining the target smoking temperature after the third section, The above control unit An aerosol generating device that estimates the temperature of the susceptor based on the strength of the induced magnetic field detected in the fourth section.

10. In paragraph 1, A blocking member that blocks the induced magnetic field generated in the coil from being emitted to the outside; The above blocking member An aerosol generating device that surrounds at least a portion of the outer surface of the coil.

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