Aerosol-generating device and method for controlling same

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device, according to an embodiment, comprises: a heater assembly comprising a heater disposed around at least a portion of a cigarette inserted into the aerosol-generating device; a heating circuit connected to the heater; and a processor that controls a signal supplied to the heater through the heating circuit, wherein the processor may generate a first signal having a first frequency by using the heating circuit and supply the first signal to the heater, determine the current state of the aerosol-generating device, and, if the current state corresponds to a target state, generate a second signal having a second frequency by using the heating circuit and supply the second signal to the heater.

Description

Aerosol generating device and method for controlling the same

[0001] The following embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device and a method for controlling the same, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device that controls a signal supplied to a heater that heats a cigarette inserted into the aerosol generating device and a method for controlling the same.

[0002] Demand for electronic cigarette devices has been steadily increasing in recent years. This growing demand has led to the continuous development of new features related to electronic cigarette devices. Specifically, features specific to the type and characteristics of electronic cigarette devices, as well as features designed to enhance their efficiency, are being developed.

[0003] In the case of heaters in electronic cigarette devices, as temperature increases, resistance also increases, degrading heater performance. To address this issue, methods are used to increase the current by increasing the voltage supplied to the heater, or to minimize the initial resistance. However, even in these cases, circuit complexity can increase or problems such as increased initial inrush current can arise. There is a need for a control method for electronic cigarette devices that minimizes voltage drop while simplifying the circuit.

[0004] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned and other problems.

[0005] One embodiment may provide an aerosol generating device and a method for controlling the same, which changes the operating frequency of a signal provided to a heater.

[0006] One embodiment may provide an aerosol generating device and a method for controlling the same, which controls a heater based on different frequencies.

[0007] However, technical challenges are not limited to the technical challenges described above, and other technical challenges may exist.

[0008] In one embodiment, an aerosol generating device comprises a heater assembly including a heater disposed around at least a portion of a cigarette inserted into the aerosol generating device, a heating circuit connected to the heater, and a processor controlling a signal supplied to the heater through the heating circuit, wherein the processor is configured to generate a first signal having a first frequency using the heating circuit, supply the first signal to the heater, determine a current state of the aerosol generating device, and, if the current state corresponds to a target state, generate a second signal having a second frequency using the heating circuit, and supply the second signal to the heater.

[0009] In one embodiment, a method for controlling an aerosol generating device, performed by an aerosol generating device, comprises: a heater assembly including a heater disposed around at least a portion of a cigarette inserted into the aerosol generating device; a heating circuit connected to the heater; and a processor controlling a signal supplied to the heater through the heating circuit, wherein the method may include: generating a first signal having a first frequency using the heating circuit; supplying the first signal to the heater; determining a current state of the aerosol generating device; generating a second signal having a second frequency using the heating circuit when the current state corresponds to a target state; and supplying the second signal to the heater.

[0010] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the operating frequency of a signal provided to the heater can be changed.

[0011] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device and a method of controlling the same can be provided that minimize voltage drop while simplifying the circuit by changing the operating frequency of a signal provided to a heater.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIGS. 4A and 4B are exploded cross-sectional views of a detachable heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIGS. 5A and 5B are exploded cross-sectional views of an integrated heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an aerosol generating device based on the current temperature of a heater according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

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

[0022] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0023] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0024] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

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

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

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

[0028] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

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

[0031] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature at which the heater (18) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater (18), or the heater (18) itself may function as a temperature sensor. For example, the temperature sensor may be used to measure the impedance of the heater (18). The impedance of 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 of the heater (18) may be calculated. The control unit (12) may estimate the temperature of the heater (18) based on the calculated impedance.

[0032] For example, the temperature sensor may include a resistance element (e.g., a thermistor) whose resistance value changes in response to a temperature change of the heater (18). 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) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0040] As another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In the present disclosure, the capacitance sensor may also be referred to as a capacitive sensor or a capacitive sensor. When a user puffs, a temperature change and / or aerosol flow may occur within the insertion space of the aerosol-generating article, and thus, the permittivity within the insertion space may change. The control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the permittivity within the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor. The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented as various sensors for detecting the user's puff.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] As another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and the at least one coil may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol-generating article) includes a conductor, a change in a magnetic field may occur around the current-carrying coil when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article including the conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of the alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.). Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article (e.g., the medium portion of the aerosol-generating article) may include a susceptor (SUS). Even in this case, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil based on the insertion or removal of a susceptor or the like within the insertion space, and the control unit (12) may also detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0044] 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 item. Furthermore, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

[0045] In one embodiment, the heater (18) may be part of an insertion detection sensor. If the heater (18) has a pattern, it may have the function of detecting a specific electrical change. For example, the heater (18) having a pattern may be used to measure capacitance or a change in capacitance. For example, the heater (18) having a pattern such as a coil may be used to measure inductance or a change in inductance. Based on the measured capacitance or inductance, the state of the aerosol generating device (1) may be determined. For example, the state of the aerosol generating device (1) may include a state indicating whether a cigarette has been inserted. The control unit (12) may control the aerosol generating device (1) based on the determined state of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0046] In one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may include a switch or the like for detecting compression by an aerosol generating article.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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. The over-humidity detection sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and can be implemented as various sensors for determining the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article.

[0049] In one embodiment, the heater (18) may be part of a moisture detection sensor. If the heater (18) has a pattern, it may have the function of detecting a specific electrical change. For example, the patterned heater (18) may be used to measure a change in capacitance or capacitance. Based on the measured change in capacitance or capacitance, the moisture content of the aerosol generating article may be determined.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] In one embodiment, the heater (18) may be part of a cigarette identification sensor. If the heater (18) has a pattern, it may have a function of detecting a specific electrical change. For example, the patterned heater (18) may be used to measure inductance or a change in inductance. Based on the measured inductance or change in inductance, the type of aerosol generating article may be determined. The control unit (12) may control the aerosol generating device (1) based on the determined type of aerosol generating article.

[0056] In one embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor may detect the mounting and / or removal of a cartridge. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), and / or an optical sensor.

[0057] In one embodiment, the cap detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of the cap. For example, the cap detection sensor can include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), and / or an optical sensor. The cap can include a structure that covers at least a portion of a cartridge mounted or inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), or covers at least a portion of a housing of the aerosol generating device (1). The cap detection sensor can output a signal corresponding to the mounting or removal when the cap is mounted on or removed from the housing, and the control unit (12) can detect the mounting or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the mounting or removal.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the motion detection sensor can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device (1). The motion detection sensor can be implemented as at least one of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) may further include, in addition to the aforementioned sensors, at least one of a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (Global Positioning System, GPS), or a proximity sensor. According to one embodiment, the heater (18) itself may be an element forming part of the sensor unit (13).

[0060] Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description may be omitted.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the output unit (14) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1). The output unit (14) may include, but is not limited to, a display, a haptic unit, and / or an audio output unit. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (1) may include a charging / discharging status of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), a preheating status of the heater (18), an insertion / removal status of an aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge, a mounting and / or removal status of a cap, or a status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article). The display can visually provide information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the display may include a light emitting diode (LED) light emitting element, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display, if it includes a touch pad, can also be used as an input unit (15). The haptic unit can provide tactile information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the haptic unit can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electrical stimulation device, etc. The acoustic output unit can provide audible information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the power source (11) can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (11) can include one or more batteries. The power source (11) can supply power so that the heater (18) can be heated. In addition, the power source (11) can also supply power required for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device (1), such as the control unit (12), the sensor unit (13), the output unit (14), the input unit (15), the communication unit (16), and the memory (17). The power source (11) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (11) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source (11) can also be a replaceable type (detachable) battery (hereinafter, referred to as a removable battery). The removable battery may be mounted in the battery compartment provided within the aerosol generating device (1) or may be removed from the battery compartment. The removable battery may be charged by wire and / or wirelessly.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the heater (18) may be powered by the power source (11) to heat the aerosol generating article and / or the medium and / or the aerosol generating material within the cartridge. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a heater (18) for heating the aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge heater for heating the cartridge (i.e., the solid and / or liquid medium).

[0064] In one embodiment, the heater (18) may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the electrically resistive heater may include an electrically resistive material, such as a metal or metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. The electrically resistive heater may be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate having electrically conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0065] In one embodiment, the heater (18) may be an induction heating heater. For example, the induction heating heater may include a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field. A magnetic field may be generated from the induction coil by an alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The generated magnetic field may penetrate the heater, and an eddy current may be generated in the susceptor. The susceptor may be heated based on the generation of the eddy current. In one embodiment, the susceptor may be included within the aerosol generating article (e.g., the medium portion). In this case, the susceptor included within the aerosol generating article may be heated by the induction coil.

[0066] In one embodiment, the heater (18) may have a heater pattern. Depending on the shape of the heater pattern, the path of the current flowing through the heater (18) and the overall resistance may vary. In one example, the heater pattern may act as a coil and may act as a factor that changes reactance. A heater pattern that acts as an inductance will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 6.

[0067] The heater (18) is not limited to the examples described above, and may include or be replaced with various heating methods, structures, components, etc. for heating the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (11) to the heater (18). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18) based on the temperature of the heater (18) detected using a temperature sensor (e.g., the sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18) based on a temperature profile and / or a power profile stored in the memory (17).

[0073] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to the heater (18) by controlling a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heater (18) and the power source (11). For example, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / DC converter (e.g., a buck converter, a buck-boost converter, a boost converter, a Zener diode, etc.) that converts power to be supplied to the heater (18), and a DC / AC converter (e.g., an inverter) that converts power to be supplied to an induction coil (not shown). The DC / AC converter may be implemented as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements. For example, a power conversion circuit may include at least one switching element, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET).

[0074] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the current and / or voltage supplied to the heater (18) by controlling the frequency and / or duty ratio of a current pulse input to at least one switching element of the power conversion circuit (not shown). The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element can correspond to the ratio of the output voltage of the power conversion circuit to the output voltage of the power source (11).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) using at least one of the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) method and the Proportional-Integral-Differential (PID) method. For example, the control unit (12) can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater (18) using the PWM method. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse. For example, the control unit (12) can determine a target temperature that is a target of control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) using the PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference value between the temperature of the heater (18) and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[0076] 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) to correspond to the preset target power over time.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can detect the user's puff by detecting the power supplied to the heater (18). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) using a PID method. When the user's puff is generated, a temporary temperature drop may occur in a space where an aerosol generating article is inserted (hereinafter, referred to as the insertion space), the heater (18), etc. Accordingly, a change may occur in the power (or current) supplied to the heater (18) during the power control using the PID method. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on a change in the controlled power.

[0078] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can prevent the heater (18) from overheating. For example, the control unit (12) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to reduce the amount of power supplied to the heater (18) or to stop supplying power to the heater (18) based on whether the temperature of the heater (18) exceeds a preset limit temperature.

[0079] 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).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) based on the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article into the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can control to supply power to the heater (18) when it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18) when it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can also determine that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater (18) is equal to or higher than a limited temperature or when a temperature change slope of the heater (18) is equal to or higher than a set slope.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater (18) based on the state of the aerosol generating article. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol generating article is in an over-humidity state by using an over-humidity detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)), the control unit (12) can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) to the heater (18).

[0083] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18) 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) if it is determined that the aerosol generating article has been used.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) based on whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed. For example, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) to be stopped or not supplied to the heater (18) if it is determined that the cartridge is coupled and / or removed using a cartridge detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18) based on whether the aerosol generating substance in the cartridge has been exhausted. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the temperature of the heater (18) exceeds a limit temperature while preheating the heater (18) (i.e., during the preheating period), the control unit (12) may determine that the aerosol generating substance in the cartridge has been exhausted. If the aerosol generating substance in the cartridge has been determined to have been exhausted, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18) based on whether the cartridge is available for use. For example, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the current number of puffs is determined to be greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge based on data stored in the memory (17). Alternatively, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total time that the heater (18) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the heater (18) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power. In this case, the control unit (12) may stop the power supply to the heater (18) or control that power is not supplied to the heater (18).

[0087] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) based on the user's puff. For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether a puff has occurred and / or the intensity of the puff using a puff sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18) when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs and / or when no puffs are detected for a preset period of time. The control unit (12) can also control the power supply to the heater (18) when a puff is detected.

[0088] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18) based on whether the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is genuine and / or the type thereof. For example, the control unit (12) may detect whether the aerosol generating article is genuine and / or the type thereof using a cigarette identification sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is counterfeit, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18). If the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is genuine, the control unit (12) may control (e.g., start) the power supply to the heater (18). As another example, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18) differently depending on the type of the aerosol generating article (or cartridge). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18) based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a first aerosol generating article (or a first cartridge), and can control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18) based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a second aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control a signal supplied to the heater (18) based on the state of the aerosol generating device (1) or the state of the heater (18). Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8 below, a method for the control unit (12) to control a signal supplied to the heater (18) based on the state of the aerosol generating device (1) or the state of the heater (18) will be described in detail.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to visually, tactilely and / or audibly provide information that the aerosol generating device (1) is about to be terminated when the number of puffs counted using a puff sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)) reaches a preset number. For example, the control unit (12) can also control the output unit (14) to visually, tactilely and / or audibly provide information about the temperature of the heater (18).

[0091] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may store and update a history of an event that has occurred in the memory (17) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, the event may include operations such as detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, initiation of heating of the aerosol generating article, detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the heater (18), detection of overvoltage application to the heater (18), termination of heating of the aerosol generating article, on / off of the aerosol generating device (1), initiation of charging of the power source (11), detection of overcharge of the power source (11), termination of charging of the power source (11), etc., performed in the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the history of an event may include the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, when the predetermined event is detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on a sensing value of an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)), etc. For example, if a given event is overheating detection of a heater (18), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the heater (18), the voltage applied to the heater (18), the current flowing through the heater (18), etc.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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 portion 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 may be included in the cartridge as a coil-shaped structure surrounding (or winding) the liquid delivery means, or a structure in contact with one side of the liquid delivery means. Alternatively, the cartridge heater may be included in an aerosol-generating device (1) that is separable from the cartridge.

[0101] FIG. 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] 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 (e.g., a sensor unit (13) of FIG. 1), an output unit (14), a heating circuit (26) and / or a heater assembly (3). 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, and that some of the components may be omitted or new configurations may be added.

[0103] The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in Fig. 2 may be referred to as an 'external heating type' aerosol generating device that heats the outside of an aerosol generating article (e.g., a cigarette) (2). In the drawings below, any description overlapping with Fig. 1 will be omitted.

[0104] 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.

[0105] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing (10) and the heater assembly (3) are depicted as being separate from each other, but depending on the embodiment, the housing (10) may include the heater assembly (3) inside.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the heater assembly (3) can secure an aerosol-generating article (2) and heat the secured aerosol-generating article (2). The heater assembly (3) can extend upwardly around a space (i.e., an insertion space) into which the aerosol-generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the heater assembly (3) can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. For example, the heater assembly (3) can have a tubular shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) having a hollow portion therein. The heater assembly (3) can also have a shape that includes a hollow portion on the inside and surrounds the hollow portion. The heater assembly (3) can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater assembly (3) can heat the outside of the aerosol-generating article (2) inserted into the hollow portion.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the heater assembly (3) may include a heater (18), a support member (22), and a vacuum member (24). The vacuum member (24) may be omitted.

[0108] A heater (18) may be placed around at least a portion of an aerosol generating article (2) inserted into an aerosol generating device (1).

[0109] According to one embodiment, the heater (18) may include an electrically resistive heater. For example, the electrically resistive heater may include an electrically resistive 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 electrically resistive material. In this case, the electrically resistive 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 may be omitted. When the heater (18) is an electrically resistive heater, heat can be generated through the flow of current on a tubular electrically resistive heater (e.g., a film heater), and thus a separate induction coil may be omitted.

[0110] In one embodiment, the heater (18) may include an induction heating type heater. For example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an externally heated heater implemented as a tubular susceptor, and an induction coil surrounding at least a portion of the externally heated heater (e.g., disposed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). Furthermore, the induction coil may include a fan coil.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the heater (18) 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 (18) 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 (18), respectively.

[0112] Although not shown in FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an internal heating heater that heats the inside of the aerosol generating article (2). In this case, the internal heating heater may heat the inside of the aerosol generating article (2), and the heater (18) may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0113] 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, 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).

[0114] According to one embodiment, the internal heating heater may include an electric resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater, and a redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0115] For example, in the case of an internally heated heater of an induction heating type, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an induction coil that surrounds at least a portion of the internally heated heater (e.g., is arranged externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the internally heated heater). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator or the like may be further included on the outside of the induction coil to increase the efficiency of induction heating. The internally heated heater of an induction heating type includes a susceptor and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil. According to one embodiment, the internally heated heater of an induction heating type (e.g., a susceptor) (or an internally heated heater module including the same) may be arranged to be detachable from the housing (10).

[0116] In one embodiment, the internally heated heater 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 internal heating heater 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 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 internal heating heater. In addition, three or more heaters and / or induction coils may be included.

[0117] 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.

[0118] The support member (22) may be detachable or integral. When the heater (18) has a cylindrical shape, the detachable support member (22) may include a first support member (222) coupled to the upper portion of the cylindrical shape and a second support member (224) coupled to the lower portion of the cylindrical shape. The integral support member may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The heater (18) may be arranged inside the hollow cylindrical shape.

[0119] In one embodiment, a vacuum member (24) may be disposed outside the heater (18). For example, when the support member (22) is detachable, the vacuum member (24) may connect the first support member (222) and the second support member (224) of the support member (22) so as to surround at least a portion of the heater (18). For example, when the support member (22) is integral, the vacuum member (24) may surround at least a portion of the integral support member (22). Through the vacuum member (24), heat radially outwardly radially radiated from the heater (18) and applied to the outside of the housing (10) may be reduced.

[0120] The heating circuit (26) may be connected to the heater (18). For example, the heating circuit (26) may be a circuit for controlling a signal supplied to the heater (28). For example, the signal supplied to the heater (28) may be a current pulse signal controlled based on a PWM method. That is, different signals supplied to the heater (18) may be generated based on the heating circuit (26).

[0121] The control unit (12) can control a signal supplied to the heater (18) through the heating circuit (26). Referring to FIG. 6 below, the heating circuit (26) of the aerosol generating device (1) is described in more detail.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing (10) may include a structure (e.g., a hole) through which air can be introduced from the outside into the housing (10). The air introduced into the housing (10) may be introduced into the aerosol generating article (2) through the lower end (i.e., the upstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generated based on the heating of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the upper end (i.e., the downstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2) together with the introduced air.

[0123] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the heater assembly (3) may include a heater (18) and a support member (22). In the drawings below, any description overlapping with that of FIG. 2 will be omitted.

[0125] A heater (18) may be disposed on at least a portion of an aerosol generating article (e.g., an aerosol generating article (2) of FIG. 2) inserted into an aerosol generating device (e.g., an aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 1 and 2). The heater (18) may be composed of an electrically resistive material and may be heated as a current flows through the electrically resistive material.

[0126] The heater (18) may include a conductive portion (182), an insulating portion (184), a first electrode (186), and a second electrode (188).

[0127] The conductive portion (182) is made of an electrically resistive material and allows current to flow. The insulating portion (184) does not allow current to flow. For example, the insulating portion (184) may be formed by laser cutting an electrically resistive material, and there is no limitation on the method of forming the conductive portion (182). Based on the pattern shape (e.g., heater pattern) of the conductive portion (182) and the insulating portion (184), the path of the current flowing in the electrically resistive material constituting the heater (18) and the overall resistance may vary. For example, as the pattern shape becomes more complex, the path of the current flowing in the heater (18) becomes longer, and the overall resistance of the heater (18) may increase. For example, as the pattern shape becomes simpler, the path of the current flowing in the heater (18) becomes shorter, and the overall resistance may decrease. In one example, the pattern shape of the heater (18) may be a serpentine shape.

[0128] For example, when the temperature of the heater (18) increases, the resistance within the heater (18) may increase due to the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR). When the resistance within the heater (18) increases, the performance of the heater (18) may deteriorate. In order to prevent the performance deterioration of the heater (18), if the magnitude of the voltage supplied to the heater (18) is increased, the circuit configuration may become complicated. In order to prevent the performance deterioration of the heater (18), if the heater (18) is designed using a material with a small TCR, an initial inrush current problem of the circuit may occur.

[0129] In one example, the heater (18) may have a pattern, and depending on the pattern shape and pattern length of the heater (18), it may act as a coil in a circuit constituting the heater (18). The inductance generated by the heater (18) may act as a factor that changes the reactance of the current flowing in the circuit constituting the heater (18). The inductance generated by the heater (18) may act as a factor that changes the impedance of the circuit including the heater (18).

[0130] By controlling the signal supplied to the heater (18) through the heating circuit, the overall reactance and impedance values ​​for the circuit constituting the heater (18) can be changed. For example, the signal supplied to the heater (28) may be a current pulse signal controlled based on a PWM method. A method for controlling the signal supplied to the heater (18) through the heating circuit will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 7.

[0131] The heater (18) may be a cylindrical shape including a hollow space inside, or a shape including a hollow space inside and surrounding the hollow space. The heater (18) can heat and fix an aerosol generating article (e.g., the aerosol generating article (2) of FIG. 2) inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0132] In one example, the first electrode (186) and the second electrode (188) are arranged in parallel and are completely insulated by the insulation (184). Different voltages can be applied to the first electrode (186) and the second electrode (188) so that current flows to the heater (18).

[0133] The support member (22) may include a first support member (222) and a second support member (224). The first support member (222) and the second support member (224) may be fixed so that the heater (18) has a cylindrical shape.

[0134] FIGS. 4A and 4B are exploded cross-sectional views of a detachable heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the heater assembly (3) may include a heater (18) and a detachable support member (22). The detachable support member (22) may include a first support member (222) and a second support member (224). The heater assembly (3) may further include a vacuum member (24). The vacuum member (24) may connect the first support member (222) and the second support member (224) so ​​as to surround at least a portion of the heater (18). Through the vacuum member (24), heat radiating outward from the heater (18) and applied to the outside may be reduced. In the drawings below, any description overlapping with FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 will be omitted.

[0136] FIGS. 5A and 5B are exploded cross-sectional views of an integrated heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the heater assembly (3) may include a heater (18) and an integral support member (22). The integral support member (22) may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The heater (18) may be disposed inside the hollow cylindrical shape. The support member (22) may fix the heater (18) disposed therein. The heater assembly (3) may further include a vacuum member (24). The vacuum member (24) may surround at least a portion of the support member (22). In the drawings below, any description overlapping with FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 will be omitted.

[0138] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0139] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 1 and 2) may include a heater (18), a heating circuit (26), a power source (11), and a control unit (12).

[0140] The heater (18) may include a conductive portion (182), an insulating portion (184), a first electrode (186), and a second electrode (188). A heater pattern may be formed by the conductive portion (182) and the insulating portion (184). Although the heater (18) of FIG. 6 is illustrated as having a serpentine shape, the heater pattern is not limited to the illustrated embodiment.

[0141] A heating circuit (26) can be connected to a heater (18). A power source (11) can supply power for the operation of the heater (18) and the heating circuit (26). A control unit (12) can control a signal supplied to the heater (18) through the heating circuit (26).

[0142] The heater (18) may have a cylindrical shape including a hollow space inside, or a shape including a hollow space inside and surrounding the hollow space. Based on the heater pattern formed on the heater (18), the heater (18) may act as a coil in a circuit (e.g., a heating circuit (26)) constituting the heater (18). The inductance generated by the heater pattern may act as a factor that changes the reactance of the current flowing in the circuit. The inductance generated by the heater pattern may act as a factor that changes the impedance of the circuit.

[0143] For example, as the inductance value generated by the heater (18) increases, the overall impedance of the circuit including the heater (18) may increase. For example, as the inductance value generated by the heater (18) decreases, the overall impedance of the circuit may decrease. For example, the circuit including the heater (18) may include an additional base resistance. For example, the base resistance may have a value of 0.5Ω to 1.5Ω, and is not limited to the embodiments to be described.

[0144] In one embodiment, the heating circuit (26) may be a circuit for controlling a signal supplied to the heater (18). The control unit (12) may generate a first signal having a first frequency using the heating circuit (26). In one example, the first frequency may be 100 KHz or higher.

[0145] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may supply a first signal to the heater (18). In one example, the total impedance of the circuit including the heater (18) may be based on the inductive reactance exhibited by the heater (18). The inductive reactance exhibited by the heater (18) is can be determined by. The total impedance value of the circuit can be expressed as the sum of the inductive reactance and the resistance value of the circuit. When the frequency of the AC signal supplied to the heater (18) changes, the total impedance value of the circuit can change based on the inductive reactance.

[0146] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can determine the current state of the aerosol generating device. In one example, the current state of the aerosol generating device can be determined based on the time at which power was supplied to the heater (18) from the power source (11), the time at which the first signal was supplied, the temperature of the heater (18), the magnitude of the resistance of the heater (18), and the magnitude of the total impedance of the circuit including the heater (18). Examples of the current state of the aerosol generating device and the method for determining the current state are not limited to the described embodiments.

[0147] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may generate a second signal having a second frequency using the heating circuit (26) when the current state corresponds to a target state. The target state may be a preset state.

[0148] In one embodiment, the target state may be a state in which a timer associated with a first signal has expired. For example, the timer associated with the first signal may be started at the same time that the first signal having a first frequency is first generated (or supplied). As the first signal is supplied to the heater (18), the temperature of the heater (18) may gradually increase. When the temperature of the heater (18) increases, the resistance within the heater (18) may increase due to the TCR, and based on this, the overall impedance value of the circuit may increase. For example, an arbitrary impedance threshold may be set to prevent performance degradation of the heater (18). Based on the arbitrary impedance threshold, an arbitrary heater (18) temperature threshold may be set. For example, the time at which the timer associated with the first signal expires may be the time until the temperature of the heater (18) reaches an arbitrary heater (18) temperature threshold. The control unit (12) can determine that the state in which the timer associated with the first signal has expired is the target state, and if the current state corresponds to the target state, can generate a second signal having a second frequency using the heating circuit (26).

[0149] In one embodiment, the target state may be a state in which the current temperature of the heater (18) corresponds to the target temperature. For example, the target temperature may be an arbitrary heater (18) temperature threshold value set based on an arbitrary impedance threshold value. The control unit (12) may determine a state in which the temperature of the heater (18) corresponds to the target temperature as the target state, and if the current state corresponds to the target state, the control unit (12) may generate a second signal having a second frequency using the heating circuit (26). For example, if the target state is determined based on the current temperature of the heater (18), the control unit (12) may determine the current temperature of the heater (18) as the current state while the first signal is supplied to the heater (18). The control unit (12) may determine whether the current temperature of the heater (18) corresponds to the target temperature. If the current temperature of the heater (18) corresponds to the target temperature, the control unit (12) may generate a second signal having a second frequency using the heating circuit (26).

[0150] Examples of target states and methods for determining target states are not limited to the described embodiments.

[0151] In one embodiment, the second frequency may have a value lower than the first frequency. When the frequency of the AC signal supplied to the circuit is lowered, the overall impedance value of the circuit may be lowered as the reactance value exhibited by the heater (18) is reduced.

[0152] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can supply a second signal to the heater (18). When a second signal having a second frequency is supplied to the heater (18), the overall impedance of the circuit constituting the heater (18) can be determined as the second impedance value.

[0153] In one embodiment, when the target state is determined based on the current temperature of the heater (18), the control unit (12) can determine the current temperature of the heater (18) as the current state while the first signal is supplied to the heater (18). The control unit (12) can determine whether the current temperature of the heater (18) corresponds to the target temperature. When the current temperature of the heater (18) corresponds to the target temperature, the control unit (12) can generate a second signal having a second frequency using the heating circuit (26).

[0154] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0155] The following operations 710 to 750 may be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., an aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 1 and 2) or a control unit of the aerosol generating device (e.g., a control unit (12) of FIGS. 1 to 2 and 6). The aerosol generating device may include a heater assembly (e.g., a heater assembly (3) of FIGS. 2 to 5b), a heating circuit (e.g., a heating circuit (26) of FIG. 2 or 6), and a control unit.

[0156] In operation 710, the control unit of the aerosol generating device can generate a first signal having a first frequency using a heating circuit. For example, the first frequency can be 100 KHz or higher.

[0157] In operation 720, the control unit of the aerosol generating device can supply a first signal to the heater.

[0158] In operation 730, the control unit of the aerosol generating device can determine the current state of the aerosol generating device.

[0159] In operation 740, the control unit of the aerosol generating device may generate a second signal having a second frequency using the heating circuit if the current state corresponds to the target state. For example, the second frequency may be lower than the first frequency.

[0160] At operation 750, the control unit of the aerosol generating device can supply a second signal to the heater.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the operation of controlling the temperature of the heater (18) based on the heating profile may include operations 710 to 750. For example, the control unit of the aerosol generating device may control the temperature of the heater (18) based on the heating profile, and operations 710 to 750 may be performed while controlling the temperature of the heater (18).

[0162] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an aerosol generating device based on the current temperature of a heater according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0163] The following operations 810 to 830 may be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 1 and 2) or a control unit of the aerosol generating device (e.g., the control unit (12) of FIGS. 1 to 2 and 6). The aerosol generating device may include a heater assembly (e.g., the heater assembly (3) of FIGS. 2 to 5B), a heating circuit (e.g., the heating circuit (26) of FIG. 2 or 6), and a control unit. For example, operation 810 may be performed after operation 720 described above with reference to FIG. 7 is performed. For example, operation 750 described above with reference to FIG. 7 may be performed after operation 830 is performed.

[0164] In one embodiment, operation 730 described above in FIG. 7 may include operation 810. In operation 810, the control unit of the aerosol generating device may determine the current temperature of the heater as the current state while the first signal is supplied to the heater.

[0165] In one embodiment, operation 740 described above in FIG. 7 may include operations 820 to 830. In operation 820, the control unit of the aerosol generating device may determine whether the current temperature corresponds to a target temperature.

[0166] In operation 830, the control unit of the aerosol generating device can generate a second signal having a second frequency using the heating circuit when the current temperature corresponds to the target temperature.

[0167] In one embodiment, an aerosol generating device comprises a heater assembly comprising a heater disposed around at least a portion of a cigarette inserted into the aerosol generating device, a heating circuit connected to the heater, and a processor controlling a signal supplied to the heater via the heating circuit, wherein the processor is configured to generate a first signal having a first frequency using the heating circuit, supply the first signal to the heater, determine a current state of the aerosol generating device, and, if the current state corresponds to a target state, generate a second signal having a second frequency using the heating circuit, and supply the second signal to the heater.

[0168] In one embodiment, the first frequency may be greater than or equal to 100 KHz.

[0169] In one embodiment, the second frequency may be less than or equal to the first frequency.

[0170] In one embodiment, the target state may be a state in which a timer associated with the first signal has expired.

[0171] According to one embodiment, the target state may be a state in which the current temperature of the heater corresponds to the target temperature.

[0172] In one embodiment, the processor may determine a current temperature of the heater as a current state while a first signal is supplied to the heater, determine whether the current temperature corresponds to a target temperature, and if the current temperature corresponds to the target temperature, generate a second signal having a second frequency using the heating circuit.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the heater assembly may further include a first support member coupled to an upper portion of the cylindrical shape when the heater has a cylindrical shape, and a second support member coupled to a lower portion of the cylindrical shape.

[0174] According to one embodiment, the heater assembly may further include a vacuum member connecting the first support member and the second support member to surround at least a portion of the heater.

[0175] According to one embodiment, the heater assembly further includes a support member having a hollow cylindrical shape, and the heater can be disposed inside the hollow.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the heater assembly may further include a vacuum member surrounding at least a portion of the support member.

[0177] According to one embodiment, the heater may have a serpentine shape.

[0178] In one embodiment, a method of controlling an aerosol generating device, performed by an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a heater assembly including a heater disposed around at least a portion of a cigarette inserted into the aerosol generating device, a heating circuit connected to the heater, and a processor controlling a signal supplied to the heater through the heating circuit, the method comprising: generating a first signal having a first frequency using the heating circuit; supplying the first signal to the heater; determining a current state of the aerosol generating device; generating a second signal having a second frequency using the heating circuit when the current state corresponds to a target state; and supplying the second signal to the heater.

[0179] In one embodiment, the operation of determining the current state of the aerosol generating device may include an operation of determining the current temperature of the heater as the current state while a first signal is supplied to the heater, and if the current state corresponds to a target state, the operation of generating a second signal having a second frequency using the heating circuit may include an operation of determining whether the current temperature corresponds to the target temperature, and if the current temperature corresponds to the target temperature, an operation of generating a second signal having a second frequency using the heating circuit.

[0180] In one embodiment, the first frequency may be greater than or equal to 100 KHz, and the second frequency may be less than or equal to the first frequency.

[0181] 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.

[0182] 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.

[0183] 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. Aerosol generating device, A heater assembly comprising a heater disposed around at least a portion of a cigarette inserted into the aerosol generating device; a heating circuit connected to the above heater; and A processor that controls a signal supplied to the heater through the heating circuit Including, The above processor, Generating a first signal having a first frequency using the above heating circuit, Supplying the above first signal to the heater, Determine the current state of the aerosol generating device, If the current state corresponds to the target state, a second signal having a second frequency is generated using the heating circuit, Supplying the second signal to the heater, Aerosol generating device.

2. In paragraph 1, The above first frequency is 100KHz or more, Aerosol generating device.

3. In paragraph 1, The second frequency is lower than or equal to the first frequency, Aerosol generating device.

4. In paragraph 1, The above target state is a state in which the timer associated with the first signal has expired. Aerosol generating device.

5. In paragraph 1, The above target state is a state in which the current temperature of the heater corresponds to the target temperature. Aerosol generating device 6. In paragraph 1, The above processor, While the first signal is supplied to the heater, the current temperature of the heater is determined as the current state, Determine whether the current temperature corresponds to the target temperature, If the current temperature corresponds to the target temperature, the second signal having the second frequency is generated using the heating circuit. Aerosol generating device.

7. In paragraph 1, The above heater assembly, When the heater has a cylindrical shape, a first support member coupled to the upper portion of the cylindrical shape; and A second support member coupled to the lower part of the above cylindrical shape including more, Aerosol generating device.

8. In paragraph 7, The above heater assembly, A vacuum member connecting the first support member and the second support member so as to surround at least a portion of the heater. including more, Aerosol generating device.

9. In paragraph 1, The above heater assembly, Support member having a hollow cylinder shape Including more, The above heater is placed inside the hollow, Aerosol generating device.

10. In paragraph 9, The above heater assembly, A vacuum member surrounding at least a portion of the above support member including more, Aerosol generating device.

11. In paragraph 1, The above heater, Having a serpentine shape, Aerosol generating device.

12. In a method for controlling an aerosol generating device, performed by an aerosol generating device, The above aerosol generating device, A heater assembly comprising a heater disposed around at least a portion of a cigarette inserted into the aerosol generating device; a heating circuit connected to the above heater; and A processor that controls a signal supplied to the heater through the heating circuit Including, An operation of generating a first signal having a first frequency using the above heating circuit; An operation of supplying the first signal to the heater; An operation for determining the current state of the aerosol generating device; If the current state corresponds to the target state, an operation of generating a second signal having a second frequency using the heating circuit; and An operation of supplying the second signal to the heater including, Method for controlling an aerosol generating device.

13. In paragraph 12, The operation of determining the current state of the above aerosol generating device is: An operation for determining the current temperature of the heater as the current state while the first signal is supplied to the heater. Including, If the current state corresponds to the target state, the operation of generating a second signal having a second frequency using the heating circuit is as follows: An operation for determining whether the current temperature corresponds to the target temperature; and An operation of generating the second signal having the second frequency using the heating circuit when the current temperature corresponds to the target temperature. including, Method for controlling an aerosol generating device.

14. In paragraph 12, The above first frequency is 100KHz or more, The second frequency is lower than or equal to the first frequency, Method for controlling an aerosol generating device.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method of claim 12.

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