Aerosol-generating device and method for controlling operation thereof

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment comprises: a housing including an accommodation space for accommodating at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article; a circuit board located inside the housing and configured to generate an RF signal; a radiation unit located inside the housing and configured to heat the aerosol-generating article by radiating the RF signal in the form of electromagnetic waves toward the aerosol-generating article accommodated in the accommodation space; and a control unit for detecting a resonance frequency of the accommodation space, and controlling power supplied from a power source to the circuit board on the basis of the detected resonance frequency.

Description

Aerosol generating device and method for controlling its operation

[0001] The embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device and a method for controlling the operation thereof, and more specifically, to an aerosol generating device that heats an aerosol generating article using a dielectric heating method and a method for controlling the operation thereof.

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for systems that generate aerosols by heating a cigarette (or 'aerosol generating article') using an aerosol generating device, rather than by burning a cigarette to generate an aerosol.

[0003] Previously, aerosol generation devices that heat aerosol-generating materials using resistance heating or induction heating methods were generally used, but recently, dielectric heating aerosol generation devices that heat aerosol-generating materials using electromagnetic waves are also being proposed.

[0004] Dielectric heating aerosol generation devices use a method of vibrating the dielectric within the aerosol generating material through electromagnetic waves and heating the aerosol generating material using the frictional heat generated in this process. Dielectric heating aerosol generating devices are attracting attention because they can improve the uniformity of temperature distribution throughout the aerosol generating material, thereby improving aerosol generation efficiency and reducing thermal damage compared to conventional heating methods.

[0005] Dielectric heating aerosol generators are based on technology that precisely heats aerosol-generating materials by radiating electromagnetic waves, thereby enabling the production of aerosols of desired quality. However, for the aerosol generator to operate properly, the aerosol-generating materials must be accurately positioned in an optimized state within the receiving space.

[0006] In particular, if foreign substances are introduced into the containment space or if an aerosol-generating item is inserted in an incorrect position or direction, the radiated electromagnetic waves may be unnecessarily absorbed by items other than the aerosol-generating item, which may result in excessive heat being generated within the aerosol-generating device.

[0007] The problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the present specification and the attached drawings.

[0008] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include a housing having a receiving space for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol generating article, a circuit board located inside the housing for generating an RF signal, a radiating unit located inside the housing for heating an aerosol generating article by radiating the RF signal in the form of an electromagnetic wave toward the aerosol generating article received in the receiving space, and a control unit for detecting the resonance frequency of the receiving space and controlling power supplied from a power source to the circuit board based on the detected resonance frequency.

[0009] A method for controlling the operation of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include the step of detecting the resonant frequency of a receiving space for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol generating article, and the step of controlling power supplied from a power source to a circuit board based on the detected resonant frequency.

[0010] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can detect the resonance frequency of the receiving space to accurately detect the state of the aerosol generating article, whether it is received, and whether foreign substances have entered, and by actively controlling the radiation of electromagnetic waves, prevent malfunction or damage to the aerosol generating device.

[0011] Through this, various embodiments of the present disclosure can reliably implement aerosols of desired quality and further improve user convenience and safety.

[0012] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 is a drawing illustrating the case where a normal aerosol-generating article is accommodated in the receiving space of Figure 2.

[0016] Figure 4 is a drawing illustrating a case where foreign matter is contained in the receiving space of Figure 2.

[0017] Figure 5 is a drawing illustrating a case where an aerosol-generating article is received in an incorrect location within the receiving space of Figure 2.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for controlling the operation of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0019] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include a housing having a receiving space for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol generating article, a circuit board located inside the housing for generating an RF signal, a radiating unit located inside the housing for heating an aerosol generating article by radiating the RF signal in the form of an electromagnetic wave toward the aerosol generating article received in the receiving space, and a control unit for detecting the resonance frequency of the receiving space and controlling power supplied from a power source to the circuit board based on the detected resonance frequency.

[0020] A method for controlling the operation of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include the step of detecting the resonant frequency of a receiving space for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol generating article, and the step of controlling power supplied from a power source to a circuit board based on the detected resonant frequency.

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components are assigned the same reference numeral regardless of the drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar drawing symbols may be used for similar or related components.

[0022] The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the sake of ease of drafting the specification, and do not inherently possess distinct meanings or roles. Meanwhile, the suffixes "module" or "unit" may include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. "Module" or "unit" may be a component formed as a whole, or the smallest unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, "module" or "unit" may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0023] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art may obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description is omitted. Furthermore, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings; it should be understood that the drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the concept and technical scope of this disclosure.

[0024] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0025] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0026] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0027] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory (17)) readable by a machine (e.g., aerosol generating device (1)). For example, a processor (e.g., control unit (12)) of the machine (e.g., aerosol generating device (1)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in 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 instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0029] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device (1) may include a control unit (10), a source unit (20), and a radiating unit (30). The control unit (10) may refer to a circuit for controlling the basic operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The source unit (20) may refer to a circuit for generating an RF (Radio Frequency) signal under the control of the control unit (10). The radiating unit (30) may be a device for radiating the RF signal generated by the source unit (20) in the form of an electromagnetic wave into a space (hereinafter, insertion space) into which an aerosol generating article is inserted. The charges or ions of a dielectric (e.g., glycerin) contained in the aerosol generating article may vibrate or rotate due to the radiated electromagnetic wave (e.g., RF signal), and the aerosol generating article may be heated as the dielectric heats up due to the frictional heat generated during the process of the charges or ions vibrating or rotating. In other words, the aerosol generating device (1) may be a device that generates aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article using a dielectric heating method.

[0030] In one example, the control unit (10) may include a power connector (11), a charging circuit (12), a power source (13), a first power converter (14), a second power converter (15), a third power converter (16) and / or a processor (17). Additionally, the source unit (20) may include an RF signal generation circuit (21), a drive amplifier (22), a power amplifier (23), a directional coupler (24) and / or a temperature sensing circuit (25). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to this embodiment that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1), some of the components shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0031] The power connector (11) may refer to a physical connection device used to transmit and receive power by being electrically connected to an electronic device or system (e.g., an external power source) outside the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the power connector (11) may receive power from an external power source and transmit the received power to a component that requires charging (e.g., a power source (13)). The power connector (11) may also provide a path for data transmission. The aerosol generating device (1) may transmit and receive data with an external electronic device or system (e.g., a smartphone, a computer, etc.) through the power connector (11). The power connector (11) may include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) power connector, a DC (Direct Current) power connector, etc. In one example, the power connector (11) may be a USB-C type connector capable of supplying a 9V DC voltage at a current of 1A, but is not necessarily limited thereto. The power connector (11) may also include an interface for transmitting and receiving power wirelessly.

[0032] The charging circuit (12) may refer to a circuit for charging the power source (13). The charging circuit (12) may charge the power source (13) using power delivered from the power connector (11). In one example, the charging circuit (12) may be implemented as a charger IC, which is an integrated circuit (IC) that performs functions for efficiently and safely charging the power source (13). The charging circuit (12) may monitor the charging status of the power source (13) or optimize the charging process by monitoring the voltage, current, and / or temperature of the power source (13). For example, the charging circuit (12) may detect the state of the power source (13) and prevent overcharging or over-discharging by providing an appropriate charging voltage and current.

[0033] The power source (13) can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (13) may include one or more rechargeable batteries. The power source (13) can supply power to the radiating unit (30) so that the radiating unit (30) can heat the aerosol generating article by radiating electromagnetic waves (e.g., RF signals) into the insertion space. Here, power supply to the radiating unit (30) may have the same meaning as power supply to the source unit (20). Additionally, the power source (13) can supply power required for the operation of the processor (17), RF signal generating circuit (21), driving amplifier (22), power amplifier (23), temperature sensing circuit (25), etc. In one example, the power source (13) may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source (13) may be a replaceable type (detachable) battery (hereinafter referred to as a removable battery). The removable battery may be mounted in a battery housing provided within the aerosol generating device (1) or removed from the battery housing. The removable battery may also be charged via wired and / or wireless connections.

[0034] The aerosol generating device (1) may include a power conversion circuit for converting power supplied from a power source (13) into power (e.g., voltage and / or current) suitable for other components. The power conversion circuit may include at least one of a buck converter, a buck-boost converter, a boost converter, a Zener diode, and a low-dropout regulator. Additionally, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / AC converter (e.g., an inverter) as needed.

[0035] In one example, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a first power converter (14), a second power converter (15), and a third power converter (16). The first power converter (14) is an LDO regulator for supplying power (e.g., DC 3.3V) suitable for a processor (17), the second power converter (15) is a buck-boost converter for supplying power (e.g., DC 5V) suitable for a temperature sensing circuit (25), an RF signal generating circuit (21), and a driving amplifier (22), and the third power converter (16) may be a boost converter for supplying power (e.g., DC 12V / 25W) suitable for a power amplifier (23).

[0036] However, the first power converter (14), the second power converter (15), and the third power converter (16) are not limited to the examples described above and may include other types of power converter circuits. Additionally, although FIG. 1 is illustrated as having three power converters, the aerosol generating device (1) may include more than three power converters or fewer power converters. In one example, at least some of the first power converter (14), the second power converter (15), and the third power converter (16) may be integrated into a single power converter.

[0037] The processor (17) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the processor (17) can directly or indirectly control the charging and discharging of the power source (13) using the charging circuit (12). Additionally, the processor (17) can control the voltage and / or current output by the power conversion circuit by adjusting the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulse input to at least one switching element of the power conversion circuit. In addition to the components described above, the processor (17) can control the overall operation of other components to be described later.

[0038] The processor (17) may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose MCU (micro controller unit) (or microprocessor) and memory storing a program that can be executed on such MCU. Additionally, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment belongs that the processor (17) may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0039] The RF signal generation circuit (21) can generate an RF signal based on power delivered from the power source (13) or the second power converter (15). The RF signal may mean a signal having a frequency within the range of 300 MHz to 300 GHz. In one example, the RF signal may have a frequency of 1 GHz to 100 GHz. Additionally, the RF signal may have a frequency in the Industrial Scientific and Medical Equipment (ISM) band, for example, 915 MHz, 2.45 GHz, and / or 5.8 GHz.

[0040] The RF signal generation circuit (21) may include a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) that generates an RF signal having a different frequency depending on the input voltage. The RF signal generation circuit (21) may receive a control signal (e.g., a DC signal) from the processor (17) and generate an RF signal having a frequency corresponding to the received control signal. The processor (17) may store the control signal corresponding to the desired frequency in the form of a look-up table, or calculate the control signal corresponding to the desired frequency in real time through at least one operation.

[0041] In one example, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a digital-to-analog converter for converting a digital control signal output from a processor (17) into an analog control signal. An RF signal generating circuit (21) may receive an analog control signal and generate an RF signal having a frequency corresponding to the received analog control signal.

[0042] The driving amplifier (22) can amplify the RF signal generated by the RF signal generation circuit (21). For example, the driving amplifier (22) can provide an input signal suitable for the next stage component (e.g., power amplifier (23)) by amplifying the signal level (e.g., amplitude) of the RF signal. The driving amplifier (22) can minimize signal distortion by maintaining high linearity. However, since the driving amplifier (22) is an amplifier focused on raising the signal level, it can provide relatively low output power.

[0043] The power amplifier (23) can amplify the power of the RF signal received from the driving amplifier (22). The power amplifier (23) may be an amplifier focused on providing sufficient power to the final output device (e.g., the radiator (30)). For example, the power amplifier (23) may provide a high-power RF signal to the radiator (30) so that the radiator (30) can radiate electromagnetic waves into the insertion space to heat the aerosol generating article. The power amplifier (23) may perform the amplification operation using power received through a third power converter (16) that provides higher power and / or voltage than the second power converter (15).

[0044] The driving amplifier (22) and the power amplifier (23) may include transistors such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET), or vacuum tubes. In one example, the driving amplifier (22) and the power amplifier (23) may be GaN (Gallium Nitride) transistors capable of handling high efficiency, high speed, and high voltage, but are not necessarily limited thereto. The driving amplifier (22) and the power amplifier (23) may also include an operational amplifier.

[0045] Meanwhile, in FIG. 1, the driving amplifier (22) and the power amplifier (23) are shown as separate amplifiers, but the driving amplifier (22) and the power amplifier (23) can be integrated into a single amplifier. Additionally, the driving amplifier (22) and / or the power amplifier (23) may be configured as a series connection, a parallel connection, and / or a combination thereof of a plurality of amplifiers.

[0046] The radiating member (30) may include at least one antenna for radiating electromagnetic waves into space. The at least one antenna may have a size and shape suitable for the size and shape of the aerosol generating article. For example, if the aerosol generating article is cylindrical, the at least one antenna may be tubular, surrounding the cylindrical aerosol generating article. Here, the fact that the shape of the antenna is tubular may mean that the overall shape of the antenna is tubular. In other words, if the antenna is formed from a metal (e.g., SUS) track, it may mean that the overall shape of the entire track is tubular. The shape of the at least one antenna is not limited to the examples described above and may include various shapes such as a flat plate shape, a curved plate shape, etc.

[0047] The radiating unit (30) can heat an aerosol generating article by radiating electromagnetic waves (e.g., amplified RF signal or transmitted RF signal) into the insertion space. In order for the heating efficiency of the aerosol generating article to be maximized, resonance of the electromagnetic waves must occur within the insertion space. The resonance condition of the insertion space (e.g., resonance frequency) may vary depending on the amount of dielectric material contained in the inserted aerosol generating article, etc. The processor (17) can control the frequency of the RF signal generated by the RF signal generating circuit (21) so that it corresponds to or approaches the resonance condition of the insertion space by adjusting the control signal input to the RF signal generating circuit (21). The processor (17) may use a directional coupler (24) to obtain information about the resonance condition of the insertion space.

[0048] The directional coupler (24) may refer to a passive element having a waveguide structure capable of separating incident waves and reflected waves. The directional coupler (24) can receive an RF signal transmitted from the power amplifier (23) toward the radiating unit (30) and an electromagnetic wave reflected from the insertion space after being radiated by the radiating unit (30), respectively. The directional coupler (24) can separate the transmitted RF signal and the reflected electromagnetic wave and transmit them to the processor (17).

[0049] In one example, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an analog-to-digital converter for converting the analog output of the directional coupler (24) into a digital output. The A / D converter may be built into the processor (17) or may exist as a separate configuration outside the processor (17). By monitoring the output of the directional coupler (24), the processor (17) can analyze the characteristics of the transmitted RF signal (e.g., current, voltage, power, phase and / or frequency) and the characteristics of the reflected electromagnetic wave (e.g., current, voltage, power, phase and / or frequency).

[0050] The processor (17) can determine whether the operation of the source unit (20) is being performed as intended based on the characteristics of the transmitted RF signal. Additionally, the characteristics of the transmitted RF signal, along with the characteristics of the reflected electromagnetic waves, can be used to determine the heating efficiency of the source unit (20) or the radiating unit (30). The processor (17) can control the source unit (20) so that the heating efficiency of the source unit (20) or the radiating unit (30) is maximized. For example, the processor (17) can adjust the frequency of the RF signal generated by the RF signal generation circuit (21) so that the power of the reflected electromagnetic waves is minimized. Minimizing the power of the reflected electromagnetic waves may mean that the frequency of the RF signal approaches the resonance condition of the insertion space. The characteristics of the transmitted RF signal can provide a criterion for whether the power of the reflected electromagnetic waves is minimized.

[0051] Since electromagnetic resonance may occur in the insertion space depending on the frequency of the RF signal, the insertion space may be referred to as a resonant section. At least a portion of the insertion space may be surrounded by at least one shielding member to prevent electromagnetic waves from leaking outside the aerosol generating device (1). According to one embodiment, the insertion space may further include a physical structure to ensure that the resonance condition is contained within a controllable range by the processor (17). The physical structure may include at least one conductor, and the resonance condition of the insertion space may vary depending on the arrangement, thickness, length, etc. of the conductor. Additionally, the physical structure may include a space for accommodating a dielectric with low electromagnetic wave absorption, separate from the dielectric included in the aerosol generating article. A dielectric with low electromagnetic wave absorption can change the resonance frequency of the entire resonant section without absorbing the energy that must be transferred to the heated body. Accordingly, even if the resonant section is miniaturized, the resonance condition can be determined within a controllable range by the processor (17).

[0052] A temperature sensing circuit (25) may be placed in contact with or adjacent to components included in the source section (20) to measure the temperature of the source section (20). For example, the temperature sensing circuit (25) may be placed in contact with or adjacent to at least one of the RF signal generation circuit (21), the driving amplifier (22), and the power amplifier (23). Heat may be generated due to limited efficiency during the generation and / or amplification of the RF signal, and if excessive heat is generated, it may have a negative effect on the components included in the source section (20) or other components included in the aerosol generating device (1). The temperature measured by the temperature sensing circuit (25) may be used to prevent overheating of the source section (20).

[0053] The processor (17) receives the temperature (or a value corresponding to the temperature) measured by the temperature sensing circuit (25) and can stop the operation of the source unit (20) if it is determined that the source unit (20) has overheated. For example, the processor (17) can stop the operation of the source unit (20) by stopping the power supply to the source unit (20) or by transmitting a control signal. In the following, the term "power supply to the source unit (20)" is used to mean controlling whether the source unit (20) operates.

[0054] The temperature sensing circuit (25) may include at least one temperature sensor among a thermocouple, an RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector), a thermistor, a semiconductor temperature sensor, and an optical temperature sensor. In one example, the temperature sensing circuit (25) may be implemented as a chip-type sensor (e.g., an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) sensor) to minimize the area occupied, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0055] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device (1) may include additional components in addition to the components shown in FIG. 1. For example, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a sensor unit, an output unit, an input unit, a communication unit, and a memory. Additionally, if the aerosol generating device (1) is a hybrid type device that uses both an aerosol generating article and a cartridge, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a cartridge heater. The cartridge heater can heat the medium and / or aerosol generating material within the cartridge by receiving power from the power source (13).

[0056] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit may detect the state of the aerosol generating device (1) or the state of the surroundings of the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the processor (17). For example, the sensor unit 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 motion detection sensor. Meanwhile, the sensor unit may further include various sensors, such as a liquid residue sensor for detecting the liquid residue in the cartridge and a water immersion sensor for detecting the immersion of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0057] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the temperature of an insertion space or an aerosol-generating article. The temperature sensor may be positioned in contact with or adjacent to the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article to directly measure the temperature of the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article. Additionally, the temperature sensor may be positioned spaced apart from the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article to indirectly (e.g., non-contact) measure the temperature of the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article. In one example, the temperature sensor may include an optical temperature sensor (e.g., an infrared temperature sensor).

[0058] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the power source (13). The temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to the power source (13). For example, the temperature sensor may be attached to one side of the power source (13) (e.g., battery) and / or mounted on one side of a printed circuit board. For example, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to the power source (13) together with the protection circuit module.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be placed inside the housing (not shown) of the aerosol generating device (1) to detect the temperature inside the housing (not shown).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect the user's puff.

[0061] For example, the puff sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1), and the processor (17) 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 the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor may be positioned in the aerosol generating device (1) in correspondence with the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0062] As another example, the puff sensor may include a temperature sensor. When a user's puff occurs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow path, insertion space, aerosol generating item, etc. The processor (17) can detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path, etc. output from the temperature sensor.

[0063] As another example, the puff sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor may measure the 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 processor (17) may receive the signals and correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

[0064] As another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In the present disclosure, the capacitance sensor may be referred to as a cap sensor or a capacitive sensor. When a user's puff occurs, a temperature change and / or aerosol flow may occur within the insertion space, and accordingly, the dielectric constant inside the insertion space may change. The processor (17) can detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

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

[0066] According to one embodiment, an insertion detection sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. The insertion detection sensor may be installed around the insertion space.

[0067] For example, the insertion detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, the dielectric constant around the conductor may change. The processor (17) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0068] As another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and said at least one coil may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol generating article) includes a conductor, when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the insertion space or removed from the insertion space, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil through which the current flows. The processor (17) 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 alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.). Alternatively, a susceptor (SUS), etc., may be included in the aerosol generating article (e.g., the medium part of the aerosol generating article). In this case as well, a change in the magnetic field around the coil may occur based on the insertion or removal of a susceptor, etc., within the insertion space, and the processor (17) may detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0069] The insertion detection sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented as various sensors (e.g., proximity sensors, etc.) for detecting the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. Additionally, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above. According to one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may include a switch, etc., for detecting pressure caused by an aerosol-generating article.

[0070] According to one embodiment, a reuse detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is 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 change in color may occur in a part of the wrapper covering the outside of the aerosol-generating article due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor may output a signal corresponding to an optical characteristic (e.g., wavelength of light) corresponding to the color of the wrapper based on light reflected from the wrapper. When the processor (17) detects a change in color in a part of the wrapper, it may determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the over-humidity detection sensor can detect whether the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state. For example, the over-humidity detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor disposed adjacent to an insertion space. The processor (17) can detect whether the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state based on the level of a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., output from the capacitance sensor. For example, the processor (17) can determine the level range in which the level of the signal is included based on a look-up table, and determine the amount of moisture for the aerosol generating article based on the confirmed level range.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is genuine or / or detect the type of aerosol-generating article.

[0073] For example, a cigarette identification sensor may include a light sensor for detecting an identification material (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., wrapper) of an aerosol-generating article. The light sensor may irradiate light toward the identification material (or identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article and detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or of a specific type based on the reflected light. For example, the identification material may include a material that emits light of a specific band of wavelengths based on the irradiated light. The processor (17) may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or of a specific type based on the range of the wavelengths.

[0074] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The dielectric constant inside the insertion space may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating item inserted into the insertion space. The processor (17) can detect whether the aerosol-generating item is genuine and / or of the type based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitive sensor.

[0075] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. If a conductor is included in the wrapper and / or interior (e.g., the medium) of the aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space, the characteristics of the current detected by the inductive sensor when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the insertion space (e.g., frequency of alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.) may differ depending on the type of aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space. The processor (17) can detect whether the inserted aerosol generating article is genuine and / or of the type based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor.

[0076] The cigarette identification sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented as various sensors for detecting whether an aerosol-generating article is genuine or / or for detecting the type of an aerosol-generating article. Additionally, the cigarette identification sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of a cartridge. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), and / or an optical sensor.

[0078] According to one embodiment, a cap detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of a cap. For example, the cap detection sensor may 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 may 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 the housing of the aerosol generating device (1). The cap detection sensor may output a signal corresponding to the mounting or removal when the cap is mounted on the housing or removed from the housing, and the processor (17) may detect the mounting or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the mounting or removal.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the motion detection sensor can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device (1). The motion detection sensor may be implemented as at least one of an accelerometer or a gyro sensor.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a position sensor (Global Positioning System, GPS), or a proximity sensor in addition to the aforementioned sensors. Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description may be omitted.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the output unit may output information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device (1). The output unit may include a display, a haptic unit, and / or an acoustic output unit, but is not limited thereto. For example, information regarding the aerosol generating device (1) may include the charging / discharging state of the power supply (13) of the aerosol generating device (1), the operating state of the source unit (20) or the radiation unit (30), the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge, the mounting and / or removal state of the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article). The display may visually provide information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the display may include an LED (light emitting diode) light-emitting element, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED), etc. If the display includes a touch pad, it may also be used as an input unit. The haptic unit can provide tactile information about the state of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the haptic unit may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electric stimulation device, etc. The acoustic output unit can provide auditory 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 externally.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the input unit can receive information input by a user. For example, the input unit may include a touch panel, a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the memory is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed by the processor (17) and data to be processed. For example, the memory 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.), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. For example, the memory may store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device (1), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the communication unit may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device (e.g., a portable electronic device). For example, the communication unit may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wireless Fidelity Direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Adaptive Network Topology (ANT)+ communication unit, a cellular network communication unit, an internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) can control the temperature of the insertion space or aerosol generating article by controlling the amplification rate of the source unit (20) (e.g., power amplifier (23)). The processor (17) can control the amplification rate of the source unit (20) (e.g., power amplifier (23)) based on the temperature of the insertion space or aerosol generating article detected using a temperature sensor. The processor (17) can control the amplification rate of the source unit (20) (e.g., power amplifier (23)) based on a temperature profile and / or power profile stored in memory.

[0086] Additionally, the processor (17) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater by controlling the supply of power from the power supply (13) to the cartridge heater. The processor (17) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or the power supplied to the cartridge heater based on the temperature of the cartridge heater detected using a temperature sensor. The processor (17) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or the power supplied to the cartridge heater based on a temperature profile and / or power profile stored in memory.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) can prevent the insertion space, the aerosol generating article, and / or the cartridge heater from overheating. For example, the processor (17) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to reduce the amount of power supplied to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater, or to stop the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater, based on the fact that the temperature of the insertion space, the aerosol generating article, and / or the cartridge heater exceeds a preset limit temperature.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on the result detected by the sensor unit.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) may control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article into the insertion space. For example, the processor (17) may control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater when it is determined that an aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor. The processor (17) may cut off the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater when it is determined that an aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor. The processor (17) may also determine that an aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article is above a limit temperature or if the temperature change slope of the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article is above a set slope.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount for the source unit (20) or cartridge heater based on the state of the aerosol generating article. For example, the processor (17) can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) for the source unit (20) or cartridge heater if it is determined that the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state using an over-humidity detection sensor.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the aerosol generating article is reused. For example, if the processor (17) determines that the aerosol generating article has been used, it can cut off the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed. For example, the processor (17) can use a cartridge detection sensor to determine that the cartridge is separated, and if it is determined that the cartridge is separated, it can stop the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater or control the power supply so that power is not supplied to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted. For example, the processor (17) may determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted if it determines that the temperature of the cartridge heater exceeds a limit temperature while preheating the cartridge heater (i.e., during the preheating period). If it determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted, the processor (17) may cut off the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) may control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the cartridge is usable. For example, the processor (17) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if, based on data stored in memory, the current number of puffs is determined to be greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge. Alternatively, the processor (17) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total time the cartridge heater is heated is greater than or equal to a preset maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater is greater than or equal to a preset maximum amount of power. In this case, the processor (17) may stop the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater, or control the supply so that power is not supplied to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on the user's puff. For example, the processor (17) can determine whether a puff has occurred and / or the intensity of the puff using a puff sensor. The processor (17) can cut off the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or / or when no puff is detected for a preset time or longer. The processor (17) may also control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater when a puff is detected.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is genuine and / or of a type. For example, the processor (17) can detect whether the aerosol generating item is genuine and / or of a type using a cigarette identification sensor. For example, if the processor (17) detects that the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is counterfeit, the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater can be cut off. If the processor (17) detects that the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is genuine, the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater can be controlled (e.g., initiated). For another example, the processor (17) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater differently depending on the type of the aerosol generating item (or cartridge). More specifically, the processor (17) can control the amplification rate of the source unit (20) or the temperature and / or power of the cartridge heater based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile) when it is detected that the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is the first aerosol generating item (or a first cartridge), and control the amplification rate of the source unit (20) or the temperature and / or power of the cartridge heater based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile) when it is detected that the aerosol generating item (or a second cartridge) is the second aerosol generating item (or a second cartridge).

[0097] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) may control the output unit based on the result detected by the sensor unit. For example, the processor (17) may control the output unit to provide visual, tactile, and / or auditory information that the aerosol generating device (1) will soon be terminated when the number of puffs counted using the puff sensor reaches a preset number. For example, the processor (17) may also control the output unit to provide visual, tactile, and / or auditory information regarding the temperature of the insertion space, the aerosol generating article, or the cartridge heater.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) may store and update a history of the event that occurred in memory based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, the event may include operations performed by the aerosol generating device (1), such as detection of insertion of an aerosol generating item, initiation of heating of the aerosol generating item, puff detection, puff termination, overheating detection, detection of overvoltage application to a cartridge heater, termination of heating of the aerosol generating item, power on / off of the aerosol generating device (1), initiation of charging of the power source (13), detection of overcharging of the power source (13), termination of charging of the power source (13), etc. For example, the history of the event may include the time and date when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if the predetermined event is detection of insertion of an aerosol generating item, the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of overheating of the cartridge heater, the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the temperature of the cartridge heater, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater, the current flowing through the cartridge heater, etc.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) can control the communication unit to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal.

[0100] According to one embodiment, when the processor (17) receives authentication data from an external device via a communication link, it may release the restriction on the use of at least one function (e.g., heating function) of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the authentication data may include the user's birthday, a unique number representing the user, whether the user's authentication is complete, etc.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) can transmit data regarding the status of the aerosol generating device (1) (e.g., remaining capacity of power (13), operating mode, etc.) to an external device via a communication link. The transmitted data can be output through a display of the external device, etc.

[0102] According to one embodiment, when a processor (17) receives a request to search for the location of an aerosol generating device (1) from an external device via a communication link, the processor (17) may control an output unit to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the processor (17) may control a haptic unit to generate vibrations or control a display to output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) can perform a firmware update when firmware data is received from an external device through a communication link.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) can transmit data regarding the sensing value of at least one sensor unit to an external server (not shown) via a communication link, and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing value through machine learning, such as deep learning, from the server. The processor (17) can use the learning model received from the server to perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile.

[0105] Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit includes at least one switching element and can cut off the circuit to the power source (13) in response to overcharging and / or overdischarging of the power source (13).

[0106] The aerosol generating article mentioned in the present disclosure may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium part) and at least one filter rod. The spinning part (30) may be positioned to correspond to 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 include various other materials. For example, the additive may include flavoring agents and / or organic acids, and may include various other materials. 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 whole tobacco, granules, or powder. According to one embodiment, the additive of the aerosol generating rod may comprise a basic material. Based on the basic material, the nicotine in the tobacco material included in the aerosol generating rod may have a basic 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. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating rod comprises two or more aerosol generating rods, and said two or more aerosol generating rods may each comprise a tobacco material and / or a non-tobacco material.Meanwhile, although not illustrated, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may each and / or integrally be wrapped by at least one wrapper. In the present disclosure, the aerosol generating article may be referred to as a stick.

[0107] The cartridge mentioned in the present disclosure may contain an aerosol generating material having any one of the states, such as 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 containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or 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 impregnated (containing) the aerosol generating material. For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as a cotton fiber, a ceramic fiber, a glass fiber, or a porous ceramic. A cartridge heater may be included in the cartridge in a coil-shaped structure that surrounds (or winds) the liquid delivery means or in a structure that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means. Alternatively, the cartridge heater may be included in an aerosol generating device (1) that is detachable from the cartridge.

[0108] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 2, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 1) may include a housing (111), a circuit board (113), a radiation unit (30), a power source (130) (e.g., the power source (130) of FIG. 1), and a control unit (e.g., the control unit (10) of FIG. 1). However, FIG. 2 only shows components necessary to explain the present embodiment, and the components of the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited thereto. Depending on the embodiment, some of the illustrated components may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0110] The housing (111) may include a receiving space (or insertion space) (112) for receiving or inserting at least a portion of an aerosol generating article and may form the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device (1). Components of the aerosol generating device (1) may be placed in the internal space of the housing (111).

[0111] For example, a circuit board (113), a radiation unit (30), a power supply (130), and a control unit (10) may be disposed in the internal space of the housing (111). However, the components of the aerosol generating device (1) disposed in the internal space of the housing (111) are not limited thereto. As another example, a memory (not shown) may be further disposed in the internal space of the housing (111).

[0112] The circuit board (113) may be a circuit board for generating an RF (Radio Frequency) signal. For example, the circuit board (113) may include an RF signal generating circuit (e.g., the RF signal generating circuit (210) of FIG. 1). Accordingly, the circuit board (113) can generate an RF signal as power is supplied. However, the circuit included in the circuit board (113) is not limited thereto.

[0113] The circuit board (113) may further include a driving amplifier (e.g., the driving amplifier (220) of FIG. 1), a power amplifier (e.g., the power amplifier (230) of FIG. 1), a directional coupler (e.g., the directional coupler (240) of FIG. 1) and / or a temperature sensing circuit (e.g., the temperature sensing circuit (250) of FIG. 1). In this case, the circuit board (113) may receive power to generate an RF signal and amplify the generated RF signal. For example, the circuit board (113) may amplify the signal level (e.g., amplitude) and / or power of the generated RF signal.

[0114] The radiating unit (30) can radiate an RF signal generated from the circuit board (113) in the form of electromagnetic waves toward an aerosol generating article contained in the receiving space (112). The radiating unit (30) is electrically or operatively connected to the circuit board (113) and can radiate electromagnetic waves (e.g., microwaves) toward the receiving space (112) in response to the RF signal supplied from the circuit board (113). For example, the radiating unit (30) can be positioned to surround the outer surface (e.g., circumference) of the receiving space (112) and can radiate electromagnetic waves toward an aerosol generating article contained in the receiving space (112).

[0115] The charges or ions of the dielectric (e.g., glycerin) contained in the aerosol generating article may vibrate or rotate due to the radiated electromagnetic waves, thereby generating frictional heat from the dielectric, and the aerosol generating article may be heated by the frictional heat to generate an aerosol. For example, as the aerosol generating article is heated, the generated steam may be mixed with external air flowing into the receiving space (112) through the space (gap) or airflow passage (not shown) between the receiving space (112) and the aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol.

[0116] The power source (130) can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the power source (130) can be electrically or operatively connected to the circuit board (113) and the radiating unit (30) to supply the necessary power. As power is supplied from the power source (130), the circuit board (113) can generate an RF signal or amplify the generated RF signal, and the radiating unit (30) can radiate electromagnetic waves into the receiving space (112) to heat the aerosol generating article.

[0117] Additionally, the power supply (130) may be electrically or operatively connected to the control unit (10) to supply power necessary to control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). At this time, the control unit (10) may be implemented as a circuit element mounted on the circuit board (113), but according to the embodiment, it may be arranged as an independent configuration separated from the circuit board (113).

[0118] The control unit (10) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the control unit (10) may be implemented as an array of logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose MCU (micro controller unit) (or microprocessor) and memory storing a program that can be executed on such MCU. Additionally, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0119] The control unit (10) can call and execute at least one of one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory) that can be read by the aerosol generating device (1). This enables the aerosol generating device (1) to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium that can be read by the aerosol generating device (1) 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 a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently in the storage medium and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0120] In one example, the control unit (10) can detect the resonant frequency of the receiving space (112). For example, the control unit (10) can detect the resonant frequency of the receiving space (112) by detecting a frequency that minimizes the power of the reflected electromagnetic wave while gradually changing (e.g., sweeping) the frequency of the RF signal generated by the circuit board (113).

[0121] The control unit (10) can use a directional coupler (e.g., the directional coupler (240) of FIG. 1) to receive the RF signal transmitted from the circuit board (113) through the radiating unit (30) and the electromagnetic wave reflected from the receiving space (112) separately. By monitoring the output of the directional coupler, the control unit (10) can analyze the characteristics of the transmitted RF signal (e.g., current, voltage, power, phase and / or frequency) and the characteristics of the reflected electromagnetic wave (e.g., current, voltage, power, phase and / or frequency).

[0122] The control unit (10) can adjust the frequency of the RF signal generated on the circuit board (113) to detect the frequency at which the power of the reflected electromagnetic wave is minimized. Minimizing the power of the reflected electromagnetic wave may mean that the receiving space (112) has reached a resonance state. Therefore, when the power of the reflected electromagnetic wave is minimized, the frequency of the RF signal may be a value that matches or is very close to the resonance frequency of the receiving space (112).

[0123] That is, the control unit (10) can detect the resonance frequency of the receiving space (112) in the process of detecting the frequency at which the power of the reflected electromagnetic wave is minimized by changing the frequency of the RF signal generated by the circuit board (113).

[0124] The control unit (10) can detect the resonant frequency of the receiving space (112) when a signal to start the operation of the aerosol generating device (1) is received. For example, the signal to start the operation of the aerosol generating device (1) may be a signal input to the aerosol generating device (1) by a user who intends to start smoking. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an insertion detection sensor (not shown) for detecting whether an aerosol generating item has been inserted into the receiving space (112), and in this case, the signal output from the insertion detection sensor may mean a signal to start the operation of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0125] The control unit (10) can detect the resonance frequency of the receiving space (112) even while the aerosol generating article is being heated. For example, the control unit (10) can detect the resonance frequency of the receiving space (112) at preset intervals during the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). In the present disclosure, the preset interval may refer to a constant time interval defined according to the operating conditions of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the preset interval may be determined according to preset criteria to maintain the performance of the aerosol generating device (1) and accurately detect its state.

[0126] The control unit (10) can detect the state of the receiving space (112) based on the detected resonance frequency of the receiving space (112) and control the power supplied to the components of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the control unit (10) can detect the state of the aerosol generating item received in the receiving space (112) and / or the inflow of foreign substances into the receiving space (112) based on the detected resonance frequency of the receiving space (112), and can control the power supplied to the circuit board (113) according to the state of the receiving space (112).

[0127] In one example, the control unit (10) can determine that a normal aerosol generating article (2) is contained in the receiving space (112) if the resonance frequency of the detected receiving space (112) is 2.40 GHz or higher and less than 2.50 GHz.

[0128] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a case where a normal aerosol generating article (2) is received in the receiving space (112) of FIG. 2. In the present disclosure, the normal aerosol generating article (2) may refer to an aerosol generating article optimized for the aerosol generating device (1) to maximize the performance of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the normal aerosol generating article (2) may refer to a genuine aerosol generating article designed to form a resonance state in the receiving space (112) of the aerosol generating device (1) to produce an aerosol of desired quality.

[0129] When the control unit (10) determines that a normal aerosol generating article (2) is received in the receiving space (112), it can supply power to the circuit board (113) according to a preset power profile. In the present disclosure, the preset power profile may refer to a change in power supplied to the circuit board (113) to achieve a desired quality aerosol. For example, if power is supplied to the circuit board (113) according to the preset power profile and the normal aerosol generating article (2) is heated by an RF signal generated accordingly, an aerosol of the desired quality can be generated from the normal aerosol generating article (2).

[0130] The aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure can accurately detect whether a normal aerosol generating article (2) is received in a receiving space (112), and when it is determined that a normal aerosol generating article (2) is received in the receiving space (112), it can stably produce an aerosol of desired quality by supplying power to a circuit board (113) according to a preset power profile.

[0131] In another example, the control unit (10) may determine that foreign substances are contained in the receiving space (112) or that the aerosol generating article is contained in the wrong location if the resonance frequency of the detected receiving space (112) is 2.50 GHz or higher and less than 2.55 GHz.

[0132] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a case where foreign matter (3) is contained in the receiving space (112) of FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a case where an aerosol generating article (4) is contained in the wrong location in the receiving space (112) of FIG. 2.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 4, it can be seen that foreign substances (3) are contained in the receiving space (112). In the present disclosure, foreign substances (3) may refer to substances other than normal aerosol generating articles (2). For example, foreign substances (3) may include substances that can adversely affect the performance of the aerosol generating device (1), such as dust, counterfeit aerosol generating articles, metal materials, etc.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 5, it can be seen that as the aerosol generating article (4) is inserted into the receiving space (112) in the wrong position or direction, the shape of the aerosol generating article (4) is deformed and is received in the wrong position within the receiving space (112).

[0135] Electromagnetic waves radiated into the receiving space (112) may be absorbed or reflected by the aerosol generating article depending on the condition of the receiving space (112). When a normal aerosol generating article (2) is received in the receiving space (112) in a normal position or direction, most of the electromagnetic waves may be absorbed by the normal aerosol generating article (2) and cause sufficient heating.

[0136] On the other hand, if foreign matter (3) is contained within the receiving space (112) or if an aerosol-generating item (4) is contained within the receiving space (112) in an incorrect position or direction, some of the electromagnetic waves may not interact with the contained aerosol-generating item and may be reflected or dispersed. Accordingly, some of the electromagnetic waves may be absorbed by areas such as the walls of the receiving space (112) or foreign matter (3) rather than the aerosol-generating item, thereby generating unnecessary heat.

[0137] In particular, if the foreign substance (3) contains a metal with high electrical conductivity, excessive heat may be generated by electromagnetic waves, and accordingly, the components within the aerosol generating device (1) may malfunction or be damaged.

[0138] If the control unit (10) determines that foreign matter (3) is contained in the receiving space (112) or that an aerosol generating item (4) is contained in an incorrect location, it may supply power to the circuit board (113) at a level lower than a preset power profile. Alternatively, if the control unit (10) determines that foreign matter (3) is contained in the receiving space (112) or that an aerosol generating item (4) is contained in an incorrect location, it may cut off the power supplied to the circuit board (113) for a preset time. At this time, the preset time may refer to the minimum time required to cool the excessive heat generated in the aerosol generating device (1).

[0139] By supplying only power lower than a preset power profile to the circuit board (113) or by cutting off power for a preset time, heat unnecessarily generated by foreign matter (3) and / or aerosol generating article (4) received in an incorrect position can be cooled. Accordingly, even if foreign matter (3) enters the receiving space (112) or aerosol generating article (4) is received in an incorrect position, it is possible to prevent the components within the aerosol generating device (1) from malfunctioning or being damaged by unnecessary heat.

[0140] The aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure can prevent components within the aerosol generating device (1) from malfunctioning or being damaged by unnecessary heat generated when it is determined that foreign matter (3) has entered the receiving space (112) or that an aerosol generating article (4) has been received in an incorrect location, by supplying power lower than a preset power profile to the circuit board (113) or by cutting off the power supply for a preset time.

[0141] Although not illustrated, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an output unit for outputting a notification. The output unit may be configured to convey information regarding the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user in a visual, auditory, and / or tactile manner. For example, the output unit may include a display, a haptic unit, and / or an audio output unit, but is not limited thereto.

[0142] The display can visually provide information to the user about the status of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the display may include an LED (light emitting diode) light-emitting element, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED), etc.

[0143] The haptic unit can provide tactile information to the user regarding the state of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the haptic unit may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electric stimulation device, etc.

[0144] The acoustic output unit can provide information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it externally.

[0145] If the control unit (10) determines that foreign matter (3) is contained in the receiving space (112) or that an aerosol generating item (4) is contained in an incorrect location, it can output a notification regarding the state of the receiving space (112) through the output unit. For example, if the resonance frequency of the detected receiving space (112) is 2.50 GHz or higher and less than 2.55 GHz, the control unit (10) can output a message through the display saying that there is a problem with the receiving space (112) and to check it.

[0146] The aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure can provide a notification to the user regarding the state of the receiving space (112) through an output unit when it is determined that foreign matter (3) has entered the receiving space (112) or that an aerosol generating item (4) has been received in an incorrect location, thereby enabling the user to recognize the problem situation in the receiving space (112) and solve the problem.

[0147] In another example, the control unit (10) may cut off power supplied to the circuit board (113) when the detected resonant frequency is greater than or equal to the threshold frequency. In the present disclosure, the threshold frequency may refer to the minimum frequency of the receiving space (112) for the components of the aerosol generating device (1) to operate normally. For example, the threshold frequency may be 2.55 GHz. The aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure may prevent malfunction or damage to the components within the aerosol generating device (1) by cutting off power supplied to the circuit board (113) when the resonant frequency of the receiving space (112) is greater than or equal to 2.55 GHz.

[0148] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for controlling the operation of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 6, the method for controlling the operation of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment consists of steps processed in the aerosol generating device (1) described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 5. Accordingly, the above description regarding the aerosol generating device (1) described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 5 may also be applied to the method of FIG. 6.

[0149] In S610, the aerosol generating device (1) may receive a signal to initiate the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the aerosol generating device (1) may receive a signal input to the aerosol generating device (1) by a user who intends to initiate smoking. As another example, the aerosol generating device (1) may receive a signal output from an insertion detection sensor to detect whether an aerosol generating item has been inserted into the receiving space (112).

[0150] In S620, the aerosol generating device (1) can detect the resonant frequency of the receiving space (112). The aerosol generating device (1) can detect the resonant frequency of the receiving space (112) by detecting the frequency that minimizes the power of the reflected electromagnetic wave while gradually changing (e.g., sweeping) the frequency of the RF signal generated by the circuit board (113).

[0151] In S630, the aerosol generating device (1) can determine whether the resonant frequency of the detected receiving space (112) is less than 2.40 GHz. If the resonant frequency of the detected receiving space (112) is 2.40 GHz or higher, the aerosol generating device (1) can determine, following S640, whether the resonant frequency of the detected receiving space (112) is 2.40 GHz or higher and less than 2.50 GHz.

[0152] In S640, if the aerosol generating device (1) determines that the resonant frequency of the detected receiving space (112) is 2.40 GHz or higher and less than 2.50 GHz, then in S650, the aerosol generating device (1) determines that a normal aerosol generating item (2) is received in the receiving space (112) and can supply power to the circuit board (113) according to a preset power profile.

[0153] A method for controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure includes accurately detecting whether a normal aerosol generating article (2) is received in a receiving space (112), and when it is determined that a normal aerosol generating article (2) is received in the receiving space (112), supplying power to a circuit board (113) according to a preset power profile, thereby enabling stable realization of an aerosol of desired quality.

[0154] On the other hand, in S640, if the aerosol generating device (1) determines that the resonant frequency of the detected receiving space (112) is 2.50 GHz or higher, then, following S660, the aerosol generating device (1) can determine whether the resonant frequency of the detected receiving space (112) is 2.50 GHz or higher and less than 2.55 GHz.

[0155] In S670, if the aerosol generating device (1) determines that the resonant frequency of the detected receiving space (112) is 2.50 GHz or higher and less than 2.55 GHz, it determines that foreign matter is received in the receiving space (112) or that the aerosol generating item is received in an incorrect location, and can supply power lower than the preset power profile to the circuit board (113).

[0156] Although not illustrated, if the aerosol generating device (1) determines that the resonant frequency of the detected receiving space (112) is 2.50 GHz or higher and less than 2.55 GHz, it may cut off the power supplied to the circuit board (113) for a preset time.

[0157] A method for controlling the operation of an aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure includes accurately detecting whether foreign matter is contained in a receiving space (112) or whether the aerosol generating article is contained in an incorrect location, and if it is determined that foreign matter is contained in the receiving space (112) or the aerosol generating article is contained in an incorrect location, supplying only power lower than a preset power profile to a circuit board (113) or cutting off power for a preset time, thereby preventing components within the aerosol generating device (1) from malfunctioning or being damaged by unnecessary heat.

[0158] Additionally, although not shown, if the aerosol generating device (1) determines that the resonant frequency of the detected receiving space (112) is 2.50 GHz or higher and less than 2.55 GHz, the aerosol generating device (1) can output a notification to the user regarding the state of the receiving space (112) through an output unit for outputting a notification.

[0159] A method for controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure includes providing a notification to the user regarding the state of the receiving space (112) through an output unit when it is determined that foreign matter is received in the receiving space (112) or that the aerosol generating item is received in an incorrect location, thereby enabling the user to recognize the problem situation in the receiving space (112) and to resolve the problem.

[0160] On the other hand, in S660, if the aerosol generating device (1) determines that the resonant frequency of the detected receiving space (112) is 2.55 GHz or higher, the aerosol generating device (1) can cut off the power supplied to the circuit board (113) according to S680.

[0161] A method for controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure includes cutting off power supplied to the circuit board (113) when the detected resonant frequency is greater than or equal to the threshold frequency, thereby preventing malfunction or damage to the components within the aerosol generating device (1).

[0162] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include a housing having a receiving space for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol generating article, a circuit board located inside the housing for generating an RF signal, a radiating unit located inside the housing for heating an aerosol generating article by radiating the RF signal in the form of an electromagnetic wave toward the aerosol generating article received in the receiving space, and a control unit for detecting the resonance frequency of the receiving space and controlling power supplied from a power source to the circuit board based on the detected resonance frequency.

[0163] In one example, the control unit can detect the resonance frequency of the receiving space when a signal to start the operation of the aerosol generating device is received.

[0164] In another example, the control unit can detect the resonance frequency of the receiving space at preset intervals.

[0165] For example, the control unit may determine that a normal aerosol-generating article is contained in the receiving space if the detected resonant frequency is 2.40 GHz or higher and less than 2.50 GHz.

[0166] When the control unit determines that a normal aerosol-generating item is contained in the receiving space, it can supply power to the circuit board according to a preset power profile.

[0167] As another example, if the detected resonant frequency is 2.50 GHz or higher and less than 2.55 GHz, the control unit may determine that foreign substances are contained in the receiving space or that aerosol-generating articles are contained in the wrong location.

[0168] If the control unit determines that foreign matter is contained in the receiving space or that an aerosol-generating item is contained in an incorrect location, it can supply power lower than a preset power profile to the circuit board.

[0169] If the control unit determines that foreign matter is contained in the receiving space or that an aerosol-generating item is contained in an incorrect location, it can cut off the power supplied to the circuit board for a preset time.

[0170] The aerosol generating device further includes an output unit for outputting a notification, and the control unit can output a notification regarding the state of the receiving space through the output unit.

[0171] As another example, the control unit can cut off the power supplied to the circuit board if the detected resonant frequency is 2.55 GHz or higher.

[0172] A method for controlling the operation of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include the step of detecting the resonant frequency of a receiving space for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol generating article, and the step of controlling power supplied from a power source to a circuit board based on the detected resonant frequency.

[0173] When the detected resonant frequency is 2.40 GHz or higher and less than 2.50 GHz, the step of controlling the power supplied from the power source to the circuit board based on the detected resonant frequency may include the step of determining that a normal aerosol generating article is received in the receiving space and the step of supplying power to the circuit board according to a preset power profile.

[0174] When the detected resonant frequency is 2.50 GHz or higher and less than 2.55 GHz, the step of controlling the power supplied from the power source to the circuit board based on the detected resonant frequency may include the step of determining that a foreign substance has been inserted into the receiving space or that an aerosol-generating article has been received in an incorrect location, and the step of supplying power lower than a preset power profile to the circuit board.

[0175] When the detected resonant frequency is 2.55 GHz or higher, the step of controlling the power supplied from the power source to the circuit board based on the detected resonant frequency may include the step of cutting off the power supplied to the circuit board.

[0176] Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not exclusive or distinct from one another. Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be used in combination or combined for their respective configurations or functions.

[0177] For example, this means that configuration A described in a specific embodiment and / or drawing and configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing can be combined. That is, it means that even if the combination between configurations is not directly described, combination is possible except in cases where it is described that combination is impossible.

[0178] The foregoing detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in all respects and should be considered exemplary. The scope of the invention shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A housing comprising a receiving space for accommodating at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article; A circuit board located inside the above housing and for generating an RF (Radio Frequency) signal; A radiating part located inside the above housing and heating the aerosol-generating article by radiating the RF signal in the form of electromagnetic waves toward the aerosol-generating article contained in the receiving space; and An aerosol generating device comprising a control unit that detects the resonance frequency of the above-mentioned receiving space and controls the power supplied from the power source to the circuit board based on the detected resonance frequency.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit detects the resonance frequency of the receiving space when a signal to start the operation of the aerosol generating device is received.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit detects the resonance frequency of the receiving space at preset intervals, an aerosol generating device.

4. In Paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein the control unit determines that a normal aerosol generating article is contained in the receiving space when the detected resonant frequency is 2.40 GHz or higher and less than 2.50 GHz.

5. In Paragraph 4, An aerosol generating device, wherein the control unit supplies power to the circuit board according to a preset power profile when it determines that a normal aerosol generating article is received in the receiving space.

6. In Paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein the control unit determines that foreign matter is contained in the receiving space or that the aerosol generating article is contained in an incorrect location when the detected resonant frequency is 2.50 GHz or higher and less than 2.55 GHz.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above control unit supplies power lower than a preset power profile to the circuit board when it is determined that a foreign substance is contained in the receiving space or that the aerosol generating article is contained in an incorrect location.

8. In Paragraph 6, The above-described control unit cuts off power supplied to the circuit board for a preset time when it is determined that a foreign substance is contained in the receiving space or that the aerosol generating article is contained in an incorrect location.

9. In Paragraph 7 or 8, It further includes an output unit for outputting a notification, and An aerosol generating device in which the control unit outputs a notification regarding the state of the receiving space through the output unit.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is an aerosol generating device that cuts off power supplied to the circuit board when the detected resonant frequency is 2.55 GHz or higher.

11. A method for controlling the operation of an aerosol generating device, A step of detecting the resonance frequency of a receiving space for accommodating at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article; and A method comprising the step of controlling power supplied from a power source to a circuit board based on the detected resonant frequency.

12. In Paragraph 11, When the detected resonant frequency is 2.40 GHz or higher and less than 2.50 GHz, the step of controlling the power supplied from the power source to the circuit board based on the detected resonant frequency is: A step of determining that a normal aerosol generating article is contained in the above-mentioned receiving space; and A method comprising the step of supplying power to the circuit board according to a preset power profile.

13. In Paragraph 11, When the detected resonant frequency is 2.50 GHz or higher and less than 2.55 GHz, the step of controlling the power supplied from the power source to the circuit board based on the detected resonant frequency is: A step of determining that a foreign substance has been inserted into the above receiving space or that the above aerosol generating article has been received in an incorrect location; and A method comprising the step of supplying power lower than a preset power profile to the circuit board.

14. In Paragraph 11, When the detected resonant frequency is 2.55 GHz or higher, the step of controlling the power supplied from the power source to the circuit board based on the detected resonant frequency is: A method comprising the step of cutting off power supplied to the circuit board.

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