Aerosol generating apparatus

Abstract

An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment comprises: an insertion space into which an aerosol generating article is inserted; an electrically resistive heater disposed adjacent to the insertion space; a power source; and a control unit that controls power supplied to the heater from the power source, wherein the control unit calculates an initial resistance R0 of a resistance-temperature relationship in a first operation mode, and estimates a temperature of the heater on the basis of the resistance-temperature relationship in a second operation mode.

Description

Aerosol generating device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for methods in which aerosols are generated as an aerosol-generating substance is heated, rather than methods that generate aerosols by burning a cigarette. Accordingly, research on heated cigarettes or heated aerosol-generating devices is actively underway.

[0003] One of the key components of an aerosol forming device is the heater that heats the aerosol generating material, and precisely controlling the heater's temperature is crucial for producing aerosols of consistent quality.

[0004] Generally, resistive heaters are manufactured from metals or metal alloys with a specific Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (TCR), and their temperature can be calculated using a resistance-temperature relationship. According to this relationship, the electrical resistance (R) of a resistive heater changes with temperature (T), and the initial resistance value R0 at a reference temperature T0 is determined not only by the heater's material but also by its physical shape and structure. For example, the longer the heater, the higher the resistance, and consequently, the higher the initial resistance value R0.

[0005] Meanwhile, aerosol generating items can have various lengths, and manufacturers of aerosol generating devices need to design the heater lengths of the aerosol generating devices to be optimized for each aerosol generating item. Since the initial resistance value R0 changes when the heater length changes even if the heater material is the same, manufacturers need to calculate the initial resistance value R0 for each aerosol generating device model with various heater lengths. In addition, as the initial resistance value R0 may change due to the heater deteriorating when the aerosol generating device is used for a long period, it is necessary to continuously recalculate and adjust the initial resistance value R0 even while the aerosol generating device is in use.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a method for resolving the uncertainty of the initial resistance value R0 that may occur during the temperature control process of a heater using the resistance temperature coefficient (TCR) in an aerosol generating device.

[0007] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment comprises: an insertion space into which an aerosol generating article is inserted; an electric resistive heater disposed adjacent to the insertion space; a power source; and a control unit for controlling power supplied from the power source to the heater. The control unit calculates an initial resistance R0 of a resistance-temperature relationship equation in a first operating mode and estimates the temperature of the heater based on the resistance-temperature relationship equation in a second operating mode.

[0008] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment comprises: an insertion space into which an aerosol generating article is inserted; an electric resistive heater disposed adjacent to the insertion space; a power source; and a control unit that estimates the temperature of the heater based on a resistance-temperature relationship and controls the power supplied to the heater from the power source; wherein the control unit monitors the magnitude of the current flowing through the heater, and if the magnitude of the current flowing through the heater deviates from a preset tolerance for the magnitude of the current corresponding to the estimated temperature of the heater, the initial resistance R0 of the resistance-temperature relationship is updated.

[0009] The aerosol generating device according to the embodiment can accurately measure the initial resistance value R0 of the heater and can correct the initial resistance value R0 due to heater degradation caused by the operation of the aerosol generating device.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 is a drawing of a heater implemented in the form of an external heater that heats the outside of an aerosol-generating article.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a heating sheet according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 shows a graph of the change in resistance according to the change in temperature.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a flowchart relating to a method for calculating an initial resistance value R0 according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a flowchart relating to a method for monitoring an initial resistance value R0 in a second operation mode according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a flowchart regarding a method for updating an initial resistance value R0 in a second operation mode according to an embodiment.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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).

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

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

[0026] 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.

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

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

[0029] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a power supply (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), a memory (17), and / or a heater (18, 24). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to 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.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) can detect the state of the aerosol generating device (1) or the state around the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (12). For example, the sensor unit (13) may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a reuse detection sensor, an overly moist detection sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor, and / or a motion detection sensor. Meanwhile, the sensor unit (13) 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 water immersion of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0031] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the temperature at which the heater (18, 24) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater (18, 24), or the heater (18, 24) itself may perform the role of a temperature sensor. For example, the temperature sensor may be used to measure the impedance of the heater (18). The impedance of the heater (18) may be correlated with the temperature of the heater (18). The temperature sensor may measure the current and / or voltage applied to the heater (18) (or induction coil). Based on the measured current and / or voltage, the impedance of the heater (18) may be calculated. The control unit (12) may estimate the temperature of the heater (18) based on the calculated impedance.

[0032] For example, the temperature sensor may include a resistive element (e.g., a thermistor) whose resistance value changes in response to a temperature change of the heater (18, 24). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element, and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (18, 24) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0033] As another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor that detects the resistance value of the heater (18, 24). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater (18, 24), and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (18, 24) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0034] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the temperature of a power source (11). The temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to the power source (11). For example, the temperature sensor may be attached to one side of the power source (11) (e.g., a 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 (11) together with the protection circuit module.

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

[0036] According to one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect the user's puff.

[0037] For example, the puff sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1), and the control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1) may correspond to the pressure of 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.

[0038] 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, the space where the aerosol generating article is inserted (hereinafter, the insertion space), the heater (18, 24), etc. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path, etc. output from the temperature sensor.

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

[0040] As another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In the present disclosure, the capacitance sensor may be referred to as a cap sensor or a capacitive sensor. When a user's puff occurs, a temperature change and / or a flow of aerosol may occur within the insertion space of the aerosol generating article, and accordingly, the dielectric constant inside the insertion space may change. The control unit (12) 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.

[0041] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and can be implemented as various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the 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. Additionally, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

[0043] 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 control unit (12) 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.

[0044] 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 control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article including the conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of 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 control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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 control unit (12) 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.

[0047] 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 control unit (12) 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 control unit (12) 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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 wavelength band based on the irradiated light. The control unit (12) may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or of a specific type based on the range of the wavelengths.

[0050] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The dielectric constant inside the insertion space may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating item inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) 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 capacitance sensor.

[0051] 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 control unit (12) 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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 control unit (12) may detect the mounting or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the mounting or removal.

[0055] 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.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) 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.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the output unit (14) may output information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device (1). The output unit (14) 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 (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), the preheating state of the heater (18, 24), 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. The display can also be used as an input unit (15) if it includes a touch pad. The haptic unit can provide information about the state of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user tactilely. For example, the haptic unit may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electric stimulation device, etc. 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.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the power source (11) can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (11) may include one or more batteries. The power source (11) can supply power so that the heater (18, 24) can be heated. Additionally, the power source (11) may supply power required for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device (1), such as the control unit (12), sensor unit (13), output unit (14), input unit (15), communication unit (16), memory (17), etc. The power source (11) may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (11) may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source (11) 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.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) can heat the aerosol generating article and / or the medium and / or aerosol generating material within the cartridge by receiving power from the power source (11). The aerosol generating device (1) may include a heater (18) for heating the aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge heater (24) for heating the cartridge (i.e., solid and / or liquid medium).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be an electric resistive heater. For example, the electric resistive heater may include an electric resistive material such as a metal or metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. The electric resistive heater may be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate with an electric conductive track, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the induction heating type heater may include a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field. A magnetic field may be generated from the induction coil by an alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The generated magnetic field penetrates the heater, and eddy currents may be generated in the susceptor. The susceptor may be heated based on the generation of eddy currents. According to one embodiment, the susceptor may be contained within an aerosol-generating article (e.g., a medium). In this case as well, the susceptor contained within the aerosol-generating article may be heated by the induction coil.

[0062] The heater (18, 24) is not limited to the examples described above and may include or be replaced with various heating methods, structures, components, etc. for heating an aerosol generating article and / or cartridge.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the input unit (15) can receive information input from a user. For example, the input unit (15) may include a touch panel, a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the memory (17) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed by the control unit (12) and data to be processed. For example, the memory (17) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), 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 (17) can 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.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (16) may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device (e.g., portable electronic device). For example, the communication unit (16) may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (wireless local area network) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (infrared Data Association, IrDA) communication unit, a WFD (Wireless Fidelity Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant (Adaptive Network Topology)+ communication unit, a cellular network communication unit, an internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the control unit (12) may include at least one processor. The control unit (12) may be implemented as an array of logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose MCU (micro controller unit) (or microprocessor) and a memory storing a program that can be executed on such MCU. Furthermore, 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.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (11) to the heater (18, 24). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) based on the temperature of the heater (18, 24) detected using a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) based on a temperature profile and / or power profile stored in the memory (17).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to the heater (18, 24) by controlling a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heater (18, 24) and the power source (11). For example, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / DC converter (e.g., buck converter, buck-boost converter, boost converter, Zener diode, etc.) that converts power to be supplied to the heater (18, 24), and a DC / AC converter (e.g., inverter) that converts power to be supplied to an induction coil (not shown). The DC / AC converter may be implemented as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements. For example, the power conversion circuit may include at least one switching element, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET).

[0069] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can adjust the frequency and / or duty ratio of a current pulse input to at least one switching element of a power conversion circuit (not shown) to adjust the current and / or voltage supplied to the heater (18, 24). The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond to the ratio of the output voltage of the power conversion circuit to the output voltage of the power supply (11).

[0070] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by using at least one of a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) method and a Proportional-Integral-Differential (PID) method. For example, the control unit (12) can control the supply of a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to the heater (18, 24) by using the PWM method. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse. For example, the control unit (12) can determine a target temperature that is the target of the control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by using a PID method, which is a feedback control method using the difference value between the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can determine a target power that is the target of control based on a power profile. The control unit (12) may also control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) to correspond to a preset target power over time.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can detect the user's puff by detecting the power supplied to the heater (18, 24). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) using a PID method. When the user's puff occurs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the space where the aerosol generating item is inserted (hereinafter, insertion space), the heater (18, 24), etc. Accordingly, a change may occur in the power (or current) supplied to the heater (18, 24) during the power control of the PID method. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on the change in the controlled power.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can prevent the heater (18, 24) from overheating. For example, the control unit (12) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to reduce the amount of power supplied to the heater (18, 24) or stop the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the fact that the temperature of the heater (18, 24) exceeds a preset limit temperature.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the charging and discharging of the power source (11). For example, the control unit (12) can check the temperature of the power source (11) using a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the charging of the power source (11) if the temperature of the power source (11) is above a first limit temperature. The control unit (12) can stop the use (e.g., discharge) of the power stored in the power source (11) if the temperature of the power source (11) is above a second limit temperature. The control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source (11). For example, the control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power source (11) based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power source (11).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13).

[0076] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article into the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when it is determined that an aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when it is determined that an aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) may also determine that an aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the heater (18, 24) is above a limit temperature or the temperature change slope of the heater (18, 24) is above a set slope.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount for the heater (18, 24) based on the state of the aerosol generating article. For example, the control unit (12) can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) for the heater (18, 24) if it is determined that the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state using an over-humidity detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol-generating article is reused. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol-generating article has been used, it can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24).

[0079] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed. For example, the control unit (12) can use a cartridge detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)) to determine that the cartridge is separated, and if it is determined that the cartridge is separated, the power supply to the heater (18, 24) is stopped or the power is not supplied to the heater (18, 24).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted. For example, the control unit (12) may determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted if it determines that the temperature of the heater (18, 24) exceeds a limit temperature while preheating the heater (18, 24) (i.e., during the preheating period). If it is determined that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the cartridge is usable. For example, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if, based on data stored in the memory (17), the current number of puffs is determined to be greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set in the cartridge. Alternatively, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total time the heater (18, 24) is heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the heater (18, 24) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power. In this case, the control unit (12) may stop the power supply to the heater (18, 24) or control that power is not supplied to the heater (18, 24).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the user's puff. For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether a puff has occurred and / or the intensity of the puff using a puff sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or / or when no puff is detected for more than a preset time. The control unit (12) may also control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when a puff is detected.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is genuine and / or of a specific type. For example, the control unit (12) can detect whether the aerosol generating item is genuine and / or of a specific type using a cigarette identification sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is counterfeit, it can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24). If the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is genuine, it can control (e.g., start) the power supply to the heater (18, 24). For another example, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) differently depending on the specific type of the aerosol generating item (or cartridge). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, 24) based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected to be a first aerosol generating article (or a first cartridge), and control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, 24) based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge) is detected to be a second aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to 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 (e.g., sensor unit (13)) reaches a preset number. For example, the control unit (12) can also control the output unit (14) to provide visual, tactile, and / or auditory information regarding the temperature of the heater (18, 24).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may store and update a history of the event that occurred in the memory (17) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, the event may include operations performed in the aerosol generating device (1), such as detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, initiation of heating of the aerosol generating article, puff detection, puff termination, detection of overheating of the heater (18, 24), detection of overvoltage application to the heater (18, 24), termination of heating of the aerosol generating article, power on / off of the aerosol generating device (1), initiation of charging of the power source (11), detection of overcharging of the power source (11), termination of charging of the power source (11), etc. 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 a predetermined event is the detection of insertion of an aerosol-generating article, the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the sensing value of an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of overheating of a heater (18, 24), the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the temperature of the heater (18, 24), the voltage applied to the heater (18, 24), the current flowing through the heater (18, 24), etc.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the communication unit (16) to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal.

[0087] According to one embodiment, when the control unit (12) 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.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can transmit data regarding the status of the aerosol generating device (1) (e.g., remaining capacity of the power supply (11), 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.

[0089] According to one embodiment, when a control unit (12) receives a location search request for an aerosol generating device (1) from an external device via a communication link, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the control unit (12) can control the haptic unit to generate vibrations or control the display to output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can perform a firmware update when firmware data is received from an external device through a communication link.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) transmits data regarding the sensing value of at least one sensor unit (13) to an external server (not shown) via a communication link, and receives and stores a learning model generated by learning the sensing value through machine learning, such as deep learning, from the server. The control unit (12) 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.

[0092] Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may include at least one switching element and may cut off the power supply (11) in response to overcharging and / or over-discharging of the power supply (11). The aerosol generating device (1) may further include a connection interface, such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may transmit and receive information or charge the power supply (11) by connecting to another external device through the connection interface.

[0093] 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. A heater (18) 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.

[0094] 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. The cartridge heater (24) 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 (24) may be included in an aerosol generating device (1) that is detachable from the cartridge.

[0095] FIG. 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a housing (10), a power supply (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), and / or a heater (182, 183) (e.g., the heater (18) of FIG. 1). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to this embodiment that the components included in the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited to those shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, and that some of the components may be omitted or new configurations may be added. The aerosol generating device (1) shown in FIG. 2 may be referred to as an 'internal heating type' aerosol generating device that heats the inside of an aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generating device (1) shown in FIG. 3 may be referred to as an 'external heating type' aerosol generating device that heats the outside of an aerosol generating article (2). In the following drawings, descriptions that overlap with FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) may provide a space that is open upward to allow an aerosol generating article (2) to be inserted. In the present disclosure, the space that is open upward may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed to a predetermined depth toward the interior of the housing (10) so that at least a portion of the aerosol generating article (2) can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may be greater than the length of the area containing the aerosol generating material and / or medium in the aerosol generating article (2). The lower end of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the housing (10), and the upper end of the aerosol generating article (2) may protrude outside the housing (10). A user may take the upper end of the aerosol generating article (2) exposed to the outside into their mouth and inhale the aerosol.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the heater (182, 183) can heat the aerosol generating article (2).

[0099] Referring to FIG. 2, the heater (182) may be an internal heating type heater.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the internal heating element may extend upward in a space (i.e., an insertion space) into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the internal heating element may include a rod-shaped or needle-shaped heating element as illustrated, but may also include various heating elements such as a tubular heating element or a plate-shaped heating element. The internal heating element may be inserted through the lower part of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0101] According to one embodiment, the internal heating type heater may include an electric resistance heater and / or an induction heating type heater.

[0102] For example, an electric resistive heater may contain an electric resistive material on the inside (e.g., inner hollow or inner surface) or on the outside (e.g., outer surface) and may be heated as current flows through the electric resistive material. In this case, the electric resistive heater may be electrically connected to a power source (11) and may be directly heated by receiving current from the power source (11). Additionally, the induction coil (181) may be omitted.

[0103] For example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an induction coil (181) that surrounds at least a portion of an internal heating type heater (e.g., is placed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator, etc., may be further included outside the induction coil (181) to increase the efficiency of induction heating. The induction heating type heater may include a susceptor and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (181). According to one embodiment, the induction heating type heater (e.g., susceptor) (or a heater module including the same) may be disposed so as to be detachable from the housing (10).

[0104] According to one embodiment, the heater (182) may be a multiple heater. The multiple heater may include a first heater and a second heater and may be inserted into an aerosol generating article (2). The first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction. The first heater and the second heater may operate as electric resistive heaters and / or induction heating heaters, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first heater and the second heater may be respectively placed at positions corresponding to longitudinal positions of two or more aerosol generating rods. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be respectively placed at positions corresponding to longitudinal positions of a first part and a second part of a single aerosol generating rod. Meanwhile, if the heater (182) is an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be respectively placed at positions corresponding to longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be respectively placed at positions corresponding to longitudinal positions of a first part and a second part of a single heater (182). In addition, the heater and / or induction coil may include three or more.

[0105] According to one embodiment, a susceptor may be placed (or included) inside an aerosol generating article (2) (e.g., a medium part), and the susceptor included inside the aerosol generating article (2) may be implemented to generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from an induction coil (181).

[0106] Referring to FIG. 3, the heater (183) may be an external heating type heater.

[0107] According to one embodiment, an external heating type heater may extend upwardly around a space (i.e., an insertion space) into which an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the external heating type heater may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. As an example, the external heating type heater may include a tube shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) containing a hollow inside. The external heating type heater may also include a shape containing a hollow inside and surrounding said hollow. In this case, the external heating type heater may be supported by a polyimide film. A heater supported by such a film may be referred to as a film heater. The external heating type heater may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The external heating type heater may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into said hollow.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the external heating type heater may include an electric resistive heater and / or an induction heating type heater, and a description redundant with FIG. 2 is omitted. Meanwhile, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an external heating type heater implemented as a tube-shaped susceptor and may include an induction coil (181) that surrounds at least a portion of the external heating type heater (e.g., placed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). Additionally, the induction coil (181) may include a fan coil. Meanwhile, if the external heating type heater is an electric resistive heater, a separate induction coil (181) may be omitted because heat generation is possible through the flow of current on the tube-shaped electric resistive heater (e.g., film heater). Meanwhile, an insulating material may be placed on the outside of the external heating type heater. This reduces the heat radiating outward from the heater (183) and applied to the outside of the housing (10).

[0109] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) may be a multiple heater, and the first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction to each surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electric resistive heater and / or an induction heating type heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. Meanwhile, if the heater (183) is an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be respectively arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be respectively arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first portion and the second portion of a single heater (183).

[0110] Unlike as depicted in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the heater (182) of FIG. 2 and the heater (183) of FIG. 3 may be included together in the aerosol generating device (1). In this case, the heater (182) may heat the inside of the aerosol generating article (2), and the heater (183) may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0111] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing (10) may include a structure (e.g., a hole) through which air from the outside can be introduced into the housing (10). The air introduced into the housing (10) may be introduced into the aerosol generating article (2) through the bottom (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generated based on the heating of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inhaled into the user's mouth through the top (i.e., downstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2) together with the introduced air.

[0112] FIG. 4 illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a housing (10), a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), and / or a heater (183, 24) (e.g., the heater (18, 24) of FIG. 1). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to this embodiment that the components included in the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited to those shown in FIG. 4, and some of the components may be omitted or new components may be added. In the following drawings, descriptions that overlap with FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) may provide a space (hereinafter, insertion space) that is open upward so that an aerosol generating article (2) can be inserted. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed to a predetermined depth toward the interior of the housing (10) so that at least a portion of the aerosol generating article (2) can be inserted. The lower end of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the housing (10), and the upper end of the aerosol generating article (2) may protrude to the exterior of the housing (10).

[0115] Unlike what is described, the cartridge (19) may provide an insertion space for receiving an aerosol generating article (2). In this case, the insertion space may be formed by being recessed to a certain depth toward the interior of the cartridge (19) so that at least a portion of the aerosol generating article (2) can be inserted. The bottom of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the cartridge (19), and the top of the aerosol generating article (2) may protrude outside the cartridge (19). Also, in this case, the aerosol generating device (1) may not include a heater (183).

[0116] According to one embodiment, the depth of the insertion space may be greater than the length of the area containing the aerosol generating material and / or medium in the aerosol generating article (2). A user may put the top of the aerosol generating article (2) exposed to the outside into their mouth and inhale air.

[0117] According to one embodiment, a heater (183) can heat an aerosol generating article (2). The heater (183) may extend upward around a space (i.e., an insertion space) into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the heater (183) may be in the form of a tube (e.g., a cylinder) containing a hollow inside. The heater (183) may include a form that contains a hollow inside and surrounds said hollow. In this case, the heater (183) may be supported by a polyimide film. A heater supported by such a film may be referred to as a film heater. The heater (183) may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater (183) may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into said hollow. In the present disclosure, the heater (183) may be referred to as an external heating type heater that heats the outside of the aerosol generating article (2). Meanwhile, an insulating material may be placed on the outside of the heater (183). Through this, heat radiating outward from the heater (183) and applied to the outside of the housing (10) can be reduced.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) may include an electric resistive heater and / or an induction heating type heater.

[0119] For example, an electric resistive heater may include an electric resistive material and may be heated as current flows through the electric resistive material. In this case, the electric resistive heater may be electrically connected to a power source (11) and may be directly heated by receiving current from the power source (11).

[0120] For example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an induction coil (not shown) that surrounds at least a portion of the heater (183) (e.g., placed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater (183)). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator, etc., may be further included outside the induction coil (not shown) to increase the efficiency of induction heating. The induction heating type heater may include a susceptor and generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (not shown).

[0121] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) may be a multiple heater. The multiple heater may include a first heater and a second heater and may be inserted into an aerosol generating article (2). The first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electric resistive heater and / or an induction heating type heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first heater and the second heater may be respectively placed at positions corresponding to longitudinal positions of two or more aerosol generating rods. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be respectively placed at positions corresponding to longitudinal positions of a first part and a second part of a single aerosol generating rod. Meanwhile, if the heater (183) is an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be respectively placed at positions corresponding to longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be respectively placed at positions corresponding to longitudinal positions of a first part and a second part of a single heater (183). In addition, the heater and / or induction coil may include three or more.

[0122] Unlike what is described, the aerosol generating device (1) may not include a heater (183). The aerosol generating article (2) may be heated directly or indirectly by the cartridge heater (24), or may not be heated substantially. Indirect heating may mean that the aerosol generating article (2) is heated by receiving heat contained in the aerosol as the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (24) passes through the aerosol generating article (2). In this case, the aerosol generating device (1) may be referred to as a non-heating (or indirectly heated) aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating rod of the aerosol generating article (2) may contain additives such as basic substances. Based on these basic substances, the nicotine contained in the aerosol generating rod may have a basic pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). This basic nicotine can flow into the user's mouth along with the aerosol flowing from the cartridge (19) described later into the aerosol generating article (2).

[0123] Unlike what is described, the heater (183) may include an internal heating type heater. For example, the internal heating type heater may include various heating elements such as a rod type, a tubular type heating element, a plate type heating element, or a needle type heating element. The internal heating type heater may be inserted through the bottom of the aerosol generating article (2) and may be set to heat the inside of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0124] According to one embodiment, the cartridge (19) may be detachably coupled to the housing (10). For example, a space may be formed on one side of the housing (10), and at least a portion of the cartridge (19) may be inserted into the space formed on one side of the housing (10) so that the cartridge (19) may be mounted on the housing (10). Alternatively, the cartridge (19) may be integrally formed with the housing (10).

[0125] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) and / or cartridge (19) may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing (10) may include a structure that allows air from the outside to flow into the interior of the housing (10) when the cartridge (19) is inserted. The incoming air may pass through the cartridge (19) and flow into the insertion space through the airflow channel (CN) and into the user's oral cavity. The airflow channel (CN) may include various structures to reduce residual droplets or to facilitate airflow.

[0126] In FIG. 4, the cartridge (19) is shown positioned on the side of the aerosol generating article (2) and the airflow channel (CN) is shown formed from the side of the aerosol generating article (2) to the bottom (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2), but the positions of the cartridge (19) and the airflow channel (CN) are not limited thereto. For example, the cartridge (19) may be positioned adjacent to the bottom (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2), in which case the airflow channel (CN) may be formed in a substantially straight shape to connect the cartridge (19) and the bottom (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0127] According to one embodiment, the cartridge (19) may include a storage portion (C0) containing an aerosol generating material, a cartridge heater (24), and / or a liquid delivery means impregnating (containing) the aerosol generating material. The liquid delivery means may impregnate the aerosol generating material supplied from the chamber (C0). For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the cartridge heater (24) can heat an aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge (19). For example, the cartridge heater (24) may include an electric resistive heater and / or an induction heating heater.

[0129] For example, an electric resistive heater may include an electric resistive material and may be heated as current flows through the electric resistive material. For another example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an induction coil (not shown) around the induction heating type heater. The induction heating type heater may include a susceptor and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (not shown). The cartridge heater (24) may be formed in a coil shape that surrounds (or wraps around) the liquid delivery means and / or in a shape that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means (e.g., a pattern shape).

[0130] Unlike what is described, the cartridge heater (24) may be included in the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the cartridge heater (24) may be included inside the housing (10). In this case, the cartridge (19) and the cartridge heater (24) may be separated by removing the cartridge (19).

[0131] According to one embodiment, an aerosol may be generated based on the heat generated by the cartridge heater (24). For example, as the aerosol generating material impregnated in the liquid delivery means is heated by the cartridge heater (24), vapor may be generated from the aerosol generating material, and as the generated vapor is mixed with the outside air introduced into the cartridge (19), an aerosol may be generated. The aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (24) may be introduced into the aerosol generating article (2) through the airflow channel (CN). While the aerosol passes through the aerosol generating article (2), tobacco or flavoring material may be added to the aerosol, and the aerosol with added tobacco or flavoring material may be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0132] FIG. 5 is a drawing of a heater implemented in the form of an external heater that heats the outside of an aerosol-generating article. FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a heating sheet according to one embodiment.

[0133] The heater (18) may be manufactured based on a heating sheet (180) of a flat structure for manufacturing an internal heater or an external heater. For example, the heater (183) of FIG. 3 or FIG. 4 may be manufactured such that the heating sheet (180) of FIG. 6 is rolled into a hollow cylindrical or tubular shape to accommodate an aerosol generating article (2) in the internal space and heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2). The heater (18) implemented in the form of an external heater may be implemented using at least one heating sheet (180).

[0134] The heater (18) may include a heating sheet (180) implemented using an electrically resistive material. For example, the heater (18) may be made from a planar structure of a heating sheet (180) equipped with an electrically resistive plane heating element (1802), such as an electrically conductive track. The heating sheet (180) of the heater (18) may be heated as current flows through the electrically resistive plane heating element (1802) when power is supplied from a power source (11 in FIGS. 1 to 4).

[0135] For example, for stable use of the heater (18), power according to specifications of 3.2 V, 2.4 A, and 8 W may be supplied to the planar heating element (1802) of the heating sheet (180), but is not limited thereto. For example, when power is supplied to the heating sheet (180) of the heater (18), the surface temperature of the heater (18) may rise to 400°C or higher. Before 15 seconds have passed since power began to be supplied to the heater (18), the surface temperature of the heater (18) may rise to approximately 350°C. However, the temperature range to be raised may vary.

[0136] Referring to the planar structure of the heating sheet (180) of the heater (18), the heating sheet (180) includes a flexible substrate (1801) formed of an insulating material (electrical insulating material or thermal insulating material) and a planar heating element (1802) formed on one side of the flexible substrate (1801) and heated by power supplied from a power source (11) for aerosol generation.

[0137] The flexible substrate (1801) may correspond to a green sheet composed of a ceramic composite material. Alternatively, the flexible substrate (1801) may be made of paper, glass, ceramic, anodized metal, coated metal, or polyimide. That is, the flexible substrate (1801) may be an insulating substrate having flexible properties made of various suitable materials.

[0138] The planar heating element (1802) is connected in series between the first electrode (1804) and the second electrode (1805) and includes an electrically conductive track pattern (1803) formed along a zigzag-shaped path. Similar to the flexible substrate (1801), the planar heating element (1802) may also have flexible properties.

[0139] The electrically conductive track pattern (1803) is made of an electrically resistive material, so that the heating temperature can be determined according to the power consumption of the resistance, and the resistance value of the electrically conductive track pattern (1803) can be set based on the power consumption of the resistance of the electrically conductive track pattern (1803).

[0140] For example, the resistance value of the electrically conductive track pattern (1803) may be between 0.5Ω and 2.0Ω, preferably between 0.7Ω and 0.85Ω, at room temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, but the range of the resistance value is not limited thereto and may vary. The resistance value of the electrically conductive track pattern (1803) may be set in various ways depending on the constituent material, length, width, thickness, or pattern of the electrically resistive material.

[0141] The electrically conductive track pattern (1803) can be made of tungsten, gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel, palladium, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the electrically conductive track pattern (1803) can be doped with a suitable doping material and may include an alloy.

[0142] According to the resistance temperature coefficient characteristics of the electrically conductive track pattern (1803), the magnitude of the internal resistance may increase as the temperature rises. For example, in a predetermined temperature range, the magnitude of the resistance of the electrically conductive track pattern (1803) may be proportional to the temperature.

[0143] Specifically, the resistance-temperature relationship can be expressed as shown in the following mathematical equation 1.

[0144]

[0145] Here, R(T) is the resistance value at temperature T, R0 is the initial resistance value at reference temperature T0, α is the resistance temperature coefficient (TCR), and T0 can be 0°C as the reference temperature.

[0146] According to the resistance-temperature relationship, the electrical resistance (R) of the electrically conductive track pattern (1803) changes with temperature (T), and the initial resistance value R0 at the reference temperature T0 is determined not only by the material of the electrically conductive track pattern (1803) but also by its physical shape and structure. For example, the longer the length of the electrically conductive track pattern (1803), the greater the resistance, and thus the initial resistance value R0 increases.

[0147] Meanwhile, aerosol generating articles may have various lengths, and the manufacturer of the aerosol generating device needs to design the lengths of the heater (18) or the electrically conductive track pattern (1803) of the aerosol generating device to be optimized for each aerosol generating article. Even if the material of the electrically conductive track pattern (1803) is the same, if the length of the heater (18) or the electrically conductive track pattern (1803) is different, the initial resistance value R0 will change; therefore, the manufacturer needs to calculate the initial resistance value R0 for each aerosol generating device model having various heater lengths. In addition, if the aerosol generating device is used for a long period of time, the initial resistance value R0 may change as the heater deteriorates.

[0148] Figure 7 shows a graph of the change in resistance according to the change in temperature.

[0149] In Fig. 7, graph 701 represents the initial resistance value R 01 Graph 702 shows the initial resistance value R 02 Graph 703 shows the initial resistance value R 03 It has. If the initial resistance value changes, the slope of the resistance change with respect to temperature change also changes (see Equation 1). Therefore, in precise temperature control of a heater based on the resistance-temperature relationship, it is very important to accurately calculate the initial resistance value R0. In other words, if the initial resistance value R0 is not accurately calculated, the temperature estimate using the resistance-temperature relationship may become inaccurate, which can lead to a decrease in the heating performance of the aerosol generating device and a deterioration in the user experience.

[0150] Therefore, a method is required to more accurately measure the initial resistance value R0 of a heater even in environments where resistors of various lengths can be used, and to correct the initial resistance value R0 due to heater degradation.

[0151] Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 4, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment can calculate the initial resistance value R0 of a resistive heater in a simple way. In addition, the aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment can determine whether the initial resistance value R0 has changed during use of the aerosol generating device (1), and if the initial resistance value R0 has changed, it can update the initial resistance value R0.

[0152] An aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may operate in a first operating mode and / or a second operating mode.

[0153] The user can operate the aerosol generating device (1) in a first operating mode and / or a second operating mode through the input unit (15). The control unit (12) can determine the operating mode of the aerosol generating device (1) based on the signal received from the input unit (15).

[0154] The second operation mode is a heating operation mode and may include an operation of preheating the heater (18) in a preheating section after the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), and an operation of heating the heater (18) in a smoking section after the preheating section.

[0155] The first operation mode may be a test operation mode. The test operation mode of the aerosol generating device (1) may be performed during the product inspection stage of the manufacturing stage of the aerosol generating device (1). During the product inspection stage, the product inspector may operate the aerosol generating device (1) in the first operation mode to test the aerosol generating device (1).

[0156] The control unit (12) can calculate the initial resistance R0 of the resistance-temperature relationship in the first operating mode. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) so that the minimum power required to calculate the initial resistance R0 in the first operating mode is supplied to the heater (18). That is, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) so that the first power is supplied to the heater (18) in the first operating mode, and the second power, which is greater than the first power, is supplied in the second operating mode.

[0157] In another embodiment, the first operation mode may be a cleaning operation mode in which the heater (18) is heated to a higher temperature than the second operation mode to vaporize and remove residual material remaining inside the insertion space. The control unit (12) can calculate the initial resistance R0 of the resistance-temperature relationship in the cleaning operation mode. The control unit (12) can heat the heater (18) to a higher temperature than the second operation mode to operate the aerosol generating device (1) in the cleaning operation mode. That is, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) so that a second power is supplied to the heater (18) in the second operation mode, and a first power greater than the second power is supplied in the first operation mode.

[0158] In another embodiment, the control unit (12) may calculate the initial resistance R0 of the resistance-temperature relationship while supplying relatively high power to the heater (18) to remove residual material remaining inside the insertion space in the second operation mode.

[0159] Meanwhile, since the first operating mode is a test mode for calculating the initial resistance R0 and / or a cleaning operating mode for calculating the initial resistance R0 and removing residual material remaining inside the insertion space, it is preferable to operate with the aerosol generating item (2) removed from the insertion space. The control unit (12) can control the aerosol generating device (1) so that it does not operate in the first operating mode when a signal corresponding to the first operating mode is transmitted through the input unit (15) while the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol generating item (2) has been inserted into the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor. That is, the control unit (12) can operate the aerosol generating device (1) in the first operating mode only when it determines that the aerosol generating item (2) has been removed from the insertion space. When the control unit (12) determines through the insertion detection sensor that an aerosol generating item (2) has been inserted into the insertion space and a signal corresponding to the first operation mode is transmitted through the input unit (15), it can provide a notification to the user to remove the aerosol generating item (2) through the output unit (14).

[0160] Below, a method for calculating the initial resistance value R0 will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 8.

[0161] FIG. 8 is a flowchart relating to a method for calculating an initial resistance value R0 according to one embodiment.

[0162] Referring to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 8, the control unit (12) controls power to be supplied to the heater (18) from a first time point to a second time point, and can measure a first resistance value, which is the resistance value of the heater (18) at the first time point, a second resistance value, which is the resistance value of the heater (18) at the second time point, and the amount of power supplied to the heater (18) from the first time point to the second time point.

[0163] Using the aforementioned mathematical formula 1, the amount of temperature change of the heater (18) from the first time point to the second time point can be calculated as the mathematical formula 2 below.

[0164]

[0165] Here, T1 is the temperature of the heater (18) at the first time point, and T2 is the temperature of the heater (18) at the second time point. And R t1 is the first resistance value, and R t2 is the second resistance value, R0 is the initial resistance value at reference temperature T0, and α is the resistance temperature coefficient (TCR).

[0166] Meanwhile, the temperature change amount ΔT of the heater (18) from the first time point to the second time point is proportional to the time between the first time point and the second time point and the energy supplied to the heater (18), and can be expressed by the following mathematical formula 3.

[0167]

[0168] Here, c is the specific heat of the heater (18) (more specifically, the electrically conductive track pattern (1803) of FIG. 6), and the unit may be J / kg·°C. m is the mass of the heater (18) (more specifically, the electrically conductive track pattern (1803) of FIG. 6), and the unit may be kg. P is the power supplied to the heater (18) from the first time point to the second time point, t1 is the first time point, and t2 is the second time point.

[0169] Mathematical formulas 2 to 3 for the initial resistance value R o When summarized, it can be organized as shown in mathematical equation 4 below.

[0170]

[0171] c, representing the specific heat of the heater (18), and m, representing the mass of the heater (18), can be pre-calculated and stored in memory through data obtained from multiple experiments, and the control unit (12) can determine the first resistance value R, which is the resistance value of the heater (18), at a first point in time. t1 Measure (step 810), and the second resistance value R, which is the resistance value of the heater (18) at the second point in time. t2Measure (step 820), and measure the amount of power P supplied to the heater (18) from the first time point to the second time point (step 830) to obtain an initial resistance value R o It can produce (step 840).

[0172] Meanwhile, the steps of the flowchart regarding the method for calculating the initial resistance value R0 shown in FIG. 8 do not necessarily have to be performed in the illustrated order, and the amount of power P supplied to the heater (18) from the first time point to the second time point is measured, and thereafter or simultaneously, the second resistance value R, which is the resistance value of the heater (18) at the second time point. t2 It may be measured.

[0173] FIG. 9 is a flowchart relating to a method for monitoring an initial resistance value R0 in a second operation mode according to one embodiment.

[0174] Referring to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 9, the control unit (12) monitors the magnitude of the current flowing through the heater (18) in the second operation mode (step 910) and can determine whether the initial resistance value R0 has changed due to deterioration of the heater (18) (step 920). In other words, the control unit (12) monitors the initial resistance value R0 in the second operation mode and can determine whether the temperature value of the heater (18) estimated based on the initial resistance value R0 is incorrect.

[0175] When the control unit (12) determines that the initial resistance value R0 of the heater (18) has changed, it can cut off the power supplied to the heater (18) to stop the heating operation mode of the aerosol generating device (1) (step 930). If the initial resistance value R0 is not calculated accurately, the temperature estimation value using the resistance-temperature relationship formula may become inaccurate, which may lead to a decrease in the heating performance and user experience of the aerosol generating device (1), so it may be desirable to stop the heating operation mode of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0176] Additionally, if the control unit (12) determines that the initial resistance value R0 of the heater (18) has changed, it may provide a notification to the user through the output unit (14) to operate the aerosol generating device (1) in the first operation mode (step 940). The user may operate the aerosol generating device (1) in the first operation mode through the input unit (15), and the control unit (12) may recalculate the initial resistance value R0 in the first operation mode and update the initial resistance value with the calculated initial resistance value. After the initial resistance value is updated, in the second operation mode, the control unit (12) may replace the previous initial resistance value R0_OLD with the newly calculated initial resistance value R0_NEW and estimate the temperature of the heater (18) based on the replaced initial resistance value R0_NEW. Since the process of calculating the initial resistance value R0 in the first operation mode overlaps with that described in FIG. 8, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0177] The specific method by which the control unit (12) determines that the initial resistance value R0 of the heater (18) has changed is as follows. The control unit (12) may determine that the initial resistance value R0 of the heater (18) has changed if, in the second operation mode, the magnitude of the current flowing through the heater (18) deviates from a preset tolerance for the magnitude of the current corresponding to the temperature of the heater (18) estimated based on the resistance-temperature relationship based on the initial resistance value R0. Since the current flowing through the heater (18) is inversely proportional to the resistance of the heater (18) and the resistance of the heater (18) is in proportional to the temperature of the heater (18), the current flowing through the heater (18) can be considered to be inversely proportional to the temperature of the heater (18). Correlation data between the current flowing through the heater (18) and the temperature of the heater (18) can be stored in memory in advance. Alternatively, values ​​regarding the temperature of the heater (18) and the current flowing through the heater (18) corresponding to the temperature of the heater (18) can be collected through experiments and stored in memory in the form of a lookup table. The control unit (12) can use the data stored in memory to determine that there is an error in the temperature estimation of the heater (18) if the magnitude of the current flowing through the heater (18) deviates from a preset tolerance for the magnitude of the current corresponding to the temperature of the heater (18) estimated based on the resistance-temperature relationship equation based on the initial resistance value R0, and can determine that the initial resistance value R0, which is the basis for the temperature estimation of the heater (18), has been changed.

[0178] The tolerance E can be calculated as a relative error and can be expressed as shown in Equation 5 below.

[0179]

[0180] Here I e is a measured value of the current flowing through the heater (18), and I m is a value stored in memory as the magnitude of the current corresponding to the estimated temperature of the heater (18).

[0181] FIG. 10 is a flowchart regarding a method for updating an initial resistance value R0 in a second operation mode according to an embodiment.

[0182] The control unit (12) monitors the magnitude of the current flowing through the heater (18) in the second operation mode (step 1010), determines whether the initial resistance value R0 has changed due to deterioration of the heater (18) (step 1020), and if it is determined that the initial resistance value R0 has changed, calculates the initial resistance value R0 and updates the initial resistance value with the calculated initial resistance value (step 1030). That is, in the second operation mode, the control unit (12) replaces the previous initial resistance value R0_OLD with the newly calculated initial resistance value R0_NEW, and can estimate the temperature of the heater (18) based on the replaced initial resistance value R0_NEW.

[0183] In the second operation mode, the control unit (12) can calculate an initial resistance value R0 based on the magnitude of the current flowing through the monitored heater (18). Specifically, in the second operation mode, the control unit (12) can calculate a first resistance value R, which is the resistance value of the heater (18) at a first point in time, based on the magnitude of the current flowing through the monitored heater (18). t1 , the second resistance value R, which is the resistance value of the heater (18) at the second point in time. t2 , and the amount of power P supplied to the heater (18) from the first time point to the second time point can be calculated. The control unit (12) has a first resistance value R t1 , second resistance value R t2 The process of calculating the initial resistance value R0 through the amount of power P supplied to the heater (18) is redundant with that described in FIG. 8, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0184] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 10, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment comprises: an insertion space into which an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted; an electric resistive heater (18) disposed adjacent to the insertion space; a power source (11); and a control unit (12) that controls power supplied from the power source (11) to the heater (18). The control unit (12) calculates an initial resistance R0 of a resistance temperature relationship in a first operating mode and estimates the temperature of the heater (18) based on the resistance temperature relationship in a second operating mode.

[0185] The control unit (12) calculates an initial resistance R0 based on a first resistance value of the heater (18) measured at a first time point in a first operation mode, a second resistance value of the heater (18) measured at a second time point after the first time point, and the amount of power supplied to the heater (18) from the first time point to the second time point.

[0186] The control unit (12) calculates an initial resistance R0 based on the value obtained by subtracting the first resistance value from the second resistance value and dividing it by the amount of power.

[0187] The control unit (12) monitors the magnitude of the current flowing to the heater (18) in the second operation mode, and if the magnitude of the current flowing to the heater (18) deviates from a preset tolerance for the magnitude of the current corresponding to the estimated temperature of the heater (18), it cuts off the power supplied to the heater (18).

[0188] The control unit (12) controls the power supplied to the heater (18) such that a first power is supplied to the heater (18) in a first operation mode, and a second power greater than the first power is supplied in a second operation mode.

[0189] The control unit (12) controls the power supplied to the heater (18) such that in the second operation mode, second power is supplied to the heater (18), and in the first operation mode, first power greater than the second power is supplied.

[0190] The aerosol generating device (1) further includes an input unit (15) that receives information input from a user; and the control unit (12) determines the operating mode of the aerosol generating device (1) based on the signal received from the input unit (15).

[0191] The aerosol generating device (1) further includes an output unit (14) that outputs information about the state of the aerosol generating device (1), and the control unit (12) provides a notification to perform a first operation mode through the output unit (14).

[0192] The aerosol generating device (1) further includes an output unit (14) that outputs information about the state of the aerosol generating device (1); and an insertion detection sensor that detects the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol generating article (2); and when the control unit (12) determines through the insertion detection sensor that an aerosol generating article (2) has been inserted into the insertion space, if a signal corresponding to a first operation mode is transmitted through the input unit (15), it provides a notification to remove the aerosol generating article (2) through the output unit (14).

[0193] The control unit (12) operates the aerosol generating device (1) in a first operating mode only when it determines that the aerosol generating item (2) has been removed.

[0194] An aerosol generating device (1) according to an embodiment comprises: an insertion space into which an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted; an electric resistive heater (18) disposed adjacent to the insertion space; a power source (11); and a control unit (12) that estimates the temperature of the heater (18) based on a resistance temperature relationship and controls the power supplied to the heater (18) from the power source (11). The control unit (12) monitors the magnitude of the current flowing through the heater (18), and if the magnitude of the current flowing through the heater (18) deviates from a preset tolerance for the magnitude of the current corresponding to the estimated temperature of the heater (18), it updates the initial resistance R0 of the resistance temperature relationship.

[0195] The control unit (12) updates the initial resistance R0 based on the first resistance value of the heater (18) measured at the first time point, the second resistance value of the heater (18) measured at the second time point after the first time point, and the amount of power supplied to the heater (18) from the first time point to the second time point.

[0196] The control unit (12) updates the initial resistance R0 based on the value obtained by subtracting the first resistance value from the second resistance value and dividing it by the power amount.

[0197] The control unit (12) controls the power supplied to the heater (18) based on the estimated temperature of the heater (18).

[0198] The heater (18) is implemented in the form of an external heater (18) for heating the outside of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the insertion space.

[0199] As described above, the aerosol generating device (1) according to the embodiment can accurately measure the initial resistance value R0 of the heater (18) and can correct the initial resistance value R0 due to the deterioration of the heater (18) caused by the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). As a result, the temperature of the heater (18) based on the resistance-temperature relationship can be estimated more accurately, thereby ensuring stable aerosol generation. In addition, by including a function to update the initial resistance value R0 in real time, errors in temperature estimation due to long-term use can be minimized. Consequently, the performance of the aerosol generating device (1) can be maintained over the long term, and the user experience can be improved.

[0200] 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.

[0201] 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.

[0202] 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. Insertion space into which an aerosol-generating article is inserted; An electric resistance heater positioned adjacent to the above insertion space; Power; and A control unit that controls the power supplied to the heater from the above power source; is included, The above control unit Calculate the initial resistance R0 of the resistance-temperature relationship in the first operating mode, and Estimating the temperature of the heater based on the resistance-temperature relationship in the second operating mode, Aerosol generating device.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit In the above first operation mode The first resistance value of the heater measured at the first point in time, The second resistance value of the heater measured at the second time point after the first time point, and Calculating the initial resistance R0 based on the amount of power supplied to the heater from the first time point to the second time point, Aerosol generating device.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above control unit is, Calculating the initial resistance R0 based on the value obtained by subtracting the first resistance value from the second resistance value and dividing it by the power amount. Aerosol generating device.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit In the above second operation mode Monitor the magnitude of the current flowing through the above heater, and If the magnitude of the current flowing through the heater deviates from a preset tolerance for the magnitude of the current corresponding to the estimated heater temperature, Cutting off the power supplied to the above heater, Aerosol generating device.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit Controlling the power supplied to the heater such that a first power is supplied to the heater in the first operating mode, and a second power greater than the first power is supplied in the second operating mode. Aerosol generating device.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit Controlling the power supplied to the heater such that in the second operation mode, a second power is supplied to the heater, and in the first operation mode, a first power greater than the second power is supplied. Aerosol generating device.

7. In Paragraph 1, It further includes an input unit that receives information entered by a user, and The above control unit Determining the operating mode of the aerosol generating device based on the signal received from the input unit, Aerosol generating device.

8. In Paragraph 4, It further includes an output unit that outputs information about the state of the aerosol generating device, and The above control unit provides a notification to perform the first operation mode through the output unit, Aerosol generating device.

9. In Paragraph 7, An output unit that outputs information about the state of the above-mentioned aerosol generating device; and Further comprising an insertion detection sensor that detects the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article; The above control unit When it is determined through the insertion detection sensor that the aerosol-generating item has been inserted into the insertion space, if a signal corresponding to the first operation mode is transmitted through the input unit, a notification to remove the aerosol-generating item is provided through the output unit. Aerosol generating device.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above control unit operates the aerosol generating device in the first operating mode only when it determines that the aerosol generating article has been removed. Aerosol generating device.

11. Insertion space into which an aerosol-generating article is inserted; An electric resistance heater positioned adjacent to the above insertion space; Power; and A control unit that estimates the temperature of the heater based on a resistance-temperature relationship and controls the power supplied to the heater from the power source; The above control unit Monitor the magnitude of the current flowing through the above heater, and If the magnitude of the current flowing through the heater exceeds a preset tolerance for the magnitude of the current corresponding to the estimated heater temperature, the initial resistance R0 of the resistance-temperature relationship is updated. Aerosol generating device.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above control unit The first resistance value of the heater measured at the first point in time, The second resistance value of the heater measured at the second time point after the first time point, and Updating the initial resistance R0 based on the amount of power supplied to the heater from the first time point to the second time point, Aerosol generating device.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above control unit is, Updating the initial resistance R0 based on the value obtained by subtracting the first resistance value from the second resistance value and dividing it by the power amount, Aerosol generating device.

14. In Paragraph 1 or 11, The above control unit Controlling the power supplied to the heater based on the estimated temperature of the heater, Aerosol generating device.

15. In Paragraph 1 or Paragraph 11, The above heater Implemented in the form of an external heater for heating the exterior of an aerosol-generating article inserted into the above insertion space, Aerosol generating device.

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