Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment includes: an insertion space into which at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article is inserted; a source unit for generating a radio frequency (RF) signal; a power converter for generating various levels of DC current; a heater for heating the aerosol-generating article; and a processor, wherein the processor controls the power converter and the source unit to supply the RF signal or the DC current to the heater so that the heater operates in a dielectric heating mode in which electromagnetic waves are radiated into the insertion space or in a resistance heating mode in which thermal energy is transferred to the insertion space.

Description

Aerosol generating device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device, and in particular to an aerosol generating device that heats an aerosol generating article by radiating a Radio Frequency (RF) signal in the form of electromagnetic waves to the aerosol generating article.

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

[0003] Aerosol generation devices are attracting attention for methods that heat materials through electrical resistance or dielectric heating methods that heat aerosol-generating materials non-contactually using RF signals.

[0004] Dielectric heating, which generates heat uniformly within the dielectric material, has the advantage of being able to heat aerosol-generating items uniformly compared to methods that heat aerosol-generating items from the outside through electric resistance.

[0005] Meanwhile, the dielectric heating method may consume a large amount of power during the process of generating RF signals, and overheating due to heat generation in the source part that generates RF signals may be a problem.

[0006] Therefore, in order to reduce unnecessary power consumption of the aerosol generating device and prevent overheating of the source section or the circuit board on which the source section is mounted, it is necessary to operate the heater by switching it to a resistance heating method or a dielectric heating method as needed.

[0007] The embodiments of the present disclosure are optionally for operating the heater of an aerosol generating device in a dielectric heating mode or a resistance heating mode.

[0008] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment comprises: an insertion space into which at least a portion of an aerosol generating article is inserted; a source unit that generates an RF (Radio Frequency) signal; a power converter that generates a DC current of various levels; a heater that heats the aerosol generating article; and a processor; wherein the processor controls the power converter and the source unit so that the RF signal or the DC current is supplied to the heater, so that the heater operates in a dielectric heating mode in which electromagnetic waves are radiated into the insertion space, or in a resistance heating mode in which thermal energy is transferred to the insertion space.

[0009] The embodiments of the present disclosure may optionally operate the heater of the aerosol generating device in a dielectric heating mode or a resistance heating mode.

[0010] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the attached drawings.

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

[0012] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a heater according to one embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the heater of FIG. 3 unfolded into a flat shape.

[0014] FIGS. 5 to 6 are block diagrams of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control operation of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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. A “module” or “unit” may be a component formed as a whole, or a minimum unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, a “module” or “unit” may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory) that is readable by a machine (e.g., aerosol generating device (1)). For example, a processor (e.g., processor (170)) 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 be operated 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.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0024] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device (1) may include a control unit (10), a source unit (20), and a radiating unit (30). The control unit (10) may refer to a circuit for controlling the basic operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The source unit (20) may refer to a circuit for generating an RF (Radio Frequency) signal under the control of the control unit (10). The radiating unit (30) may be a device for radiating the RF signal generated by the source unit (20) in the form of an electromagnetic wave into a space (hereinafter, insertion space) into which an aerosol generating article is inserted. The charges or ions of a dielectric (e.g., glycerin) contained in the aerosol generating article may vibrate or rotate due to the radiated electromagnetic wave (e.g., RF signal), and the aerosol generating article may be heated as the dielectric heats up due to the frictional heat generated during the process of the charges or ions vibrating or rotating. In other words, the aerosol generating device (1) may be a device that generates aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article using a dielectric heating method.

[0025] In one example, the control unit (10) may include a power connector (110), a charging circuit (120), a power source (130), a first power converter (140), a second power converter (150), a third power converter (160) and / or a processor (170). Additionally, the source unit (20) may include an RF signal generation circuit (210), a drive amplifier (220), a power amplifier (230), a directional coupler (240) and / or a temperature sensing circuit (250). 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.

[0026] The power connector (110) may refer to a physical connection device used to transmit and receive power by being electrically connected to an electronic device or system (e.g., an external power source) outside the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the power connector (110) may receive power from an external power source and transmit the received power to a component that requires charging (e.g., a power source (130)). The power connector (110) may also provide a path for data transmission. The aerosol generating device (1) may transmit and receive data with an external electronic device or system (e.g., a smartphone, a computer, etc.) through the power connector (110). The power connector (110) may include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) power connector, a DC (Direct Current) power connector, etc. In one example, the power connector (110) may be a USB-C type connector capable of supplying a 9V DC voltage at a current of 1A, but is not necessarily limited thereto. The power connector (110) may include an interface for wirelessly transmitting and receiving power.

[0027] The charging circuit (120) may refer to a circuit for charging the power source (130). The charging circuit (120) may charge the power source (130) using power delivered from the power connector (110). In one example, the charging circuit (120) may be implemented as a charger IC, which is an integrated circuit (IC) that performs functions for efficiently and safely charging the power source (130). The charging circuit (120) may monitor the charging status of the power source (130) or optimize the charging process by monitoring the voltage, current, and / or temperature of the power source (130). For example, the charging circuit (120) may detect the state of the power source (130) and prevent overcharging or over-discharging by providing an appropriate charging voltage and current.

[0028] The power source (130) can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (130) may include one or more rechargeable batteries. The power source (130) can supply power to the radiating unit (30) so that the radiating unit (30) can radiate electromagnetic waves (e.g., RF signals) into the insertion space to heat the aerosol generating article. Here, power supply to the radiating unit (30) may have the same meaning as power supply to the source unit (20). Additionally, the power source (130) can supply power required for the operation of the processor (170), RF signal generating circuit (210), driving amplifier (220), power amplifier (230), temperature sensing circuit (250), etc. In one example, the power source (130) may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source (130) may be a replaceable type (detachable) battery (hereinafter, 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 be charged via wired and / or wireless connections.

[0029] The aerosol generating device (1) may include a power conversion circuit for converting power supplied from a power source (130) into power (e.g., voltage and / or current) suitable for other components. The power conversion circuit may include at least one of a buck converter, a buck-boost converter, a boost converter, a Zener diode, and a low-dropout regulator. Additionally, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / AC converter (e.g., an inverter) as needed.

[0030] In one example, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a first power converter (140), a second power converter (150), and a third power converter (160). The first power converter (140) is an LDO regulator for supplying power (e.g., DC 3.3V) suitable for a processor (170), the second power converter (150) is a buck-boost converter for supplying power (e.g., DC 5V) suitable for a temperature sensing circuit (250), an RF signal generating circuit (210), and a driving amplifier (220), and the third power converter (160) may be a boost converter for supplying power (e.g., DC 12V / 25W) suitable for a power amplifier (230).

[0031] However, the first power converter (140), the second power converter (150), and the third power converter (160) are not limited to the examples described above and may include other types of power converter circuits. Additionally, although FIG. 1 is illustrated as having three power converters, the aerosol generating device (1) may include more than three power converters or fewer power converters. In one example, at least some of the first power converter (140), the second power converter (150), and the third power converter (160) may be integrated into a single power converter.

[0032] The processor (170) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the processor (170) can directly or indirectly control the charging and discharging of the power supply (130) using the charging circuit (120). Additionally, the processor (170) can control the voltage and / or current output by the power conversion circuit by adjusting the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulse input to at least one switching element of the power conversion circuit. In addition to the components described above, the processor (170) can control the overall operation of other components to be described later.

[0033] The processor (170) may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose MCU (micro controller unit) (or microprocessor) and memory storing a program that can be executed on such MCU. Additionally, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment belongs that the processor (170) may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0034] The RF signal generation circuit (210) can generate an RF signal based on power delivered from the power supply (130) or the second power converter (150). The RF signal may mean a signal having a frequency within the range of 300 MHz to 300 GHz. In one example, the RF signal may have a frequency of 1 GHz to 100 GHz. Additionally, the RF signal may have a frequency in the Industrial Scientific and Medical Equipment (ISM) band, for example, 915 MHz, 2.45 GHz, and / or 5.8 GHz.

[0035] The RF signal generation circuit (210) may include a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) that generates an RF signal having a different frequency depending on the input voltage. The RF signal generation circuit (210) may receive a control signal (e.g., a DC signal) from the processor (170) and generate an RF signal having a frequency corresponding to the received control signal. The processor (170) may store the control signal corresponding to the desired frequency in the form of a look-up table, or calculate the control signal corresponding to the desired frequency in real time through at least one operation.

[0036] In one example, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a digital-to-analog converter for converting a digital control signal output from a processor (170) into an analog control signal. An RF signal generating circuit (210) may receive an analog control signal and generate an RF signal having a frequency corresponding to the received analog control signal.

[0037] The driving amplifier (220) can amplify the RF signal generated by the RF signal generation circuit (210). For example, the driving amplifier (220) can provide an input signal suitable for the next stage component (e.g., power amplifier (230)) by amplifying the signal level (e.g., amplitude) of the RF signal. The driving amplifier (220) can minimize signal distortion by maintaining high linearity. However, since the driving amplifier (220) is an amplifier focused on raising the signal level, it can provide relatively low output power.

[0038] The power amplifier (230) can amplify the power of the RF signal received from the driving amplifier (220). The power amplifier (230) may be an amplifier focused on providing sufficient power to the final output device (e.g., the radiator (30)). For example, the power amplifier (230) may provide a high-power RF signal to the radiator (30) so that the radiator (30) can radiate electromagnetic waves into the insertion space to heat the aerosol generating article. The power amplifier (230) may perform the amplification operation using power received through a third power converter (160) that provides higher power and / or voltage than the second power converter (150).

[0039] The driving amplifier (220) and the power amplifier (230) may include transistors such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET), or vacuum tubes. In one example, the driving amplifier (220) and the power amplifier (230) may be GaN (Gallium Nitride) transistors capable of handling high efficiency, high speed, and high voltage, but are not necessarily limited thereto. The driving amplifier (220) and the power amplifier (230) may also include an operational amplifier.

[0040] Meanwhile, in FIG. 1, the driving amplifier (220) and the power amplifier (230) are shown as separate amplifiers, but the driving amplifier (220) and the power amplifier (230) can be integrated into a single amplifier. Additionally, the driving amplifier (220) and / or the power amplifier (230) may be configured as a series connection, a parallel connection, and / or a combination thereof of a plurality of amplifiers.

[0041] The radiating member (30) may include at least one antenna for radiating electromagnetic waves into space. The at least one antenna may have a size and shape suitable for the size and shape of the aerosol generating article. For example, if the aerosol generating article is cylindrical, the at least one antenna may be tubular, surrounding the cylindrical aerosol generating article. Here, the fact that the shape of the antenna is tubular may mean that the overall shape of the antenna is tubular. In other words, if the antenna is formed from a metal (e.g., SUS) track, it may mean that the overall shape of the entire track is tubular. The shape of the at least one antenna is not limited to the examples described above and may include various shapes such as a flat plate shape, a curved plate shape, etc.

[0042] The radiating unit (30) can heat an aerosol generating article by radiating electromagnetic waves (e.g., amplified RF signal or transmitted RF signal) into the insertion space. In order for the heating efficiency of the aerosol generating article to be maximized, resonance of the electromagnetic waves must occur within the insertion space. The resonance condition of the insertion space (e.g., resonance frequency) may vary depending on the amount of dielectric material contained in the inserted aerosol generating article, etc. The processor (170) can control the frequency of the RF signal generated by the RF signal generating circuit (210) so that it corresponds to or approaches the resonance condition of the insertion space by adjusting the control signal input to the RF signal generating circuit (210). The processor (170) may use a directional coupler (240) to obtain information about the resonance condition of the insertion space.

[0043] The directional coupler (240) may refer to a passive element having a waveguide structure capable of separating incident waves and reflected waves. The directional coupler (240) can receive an RF signal transmitted from the power amplifier (230) toward the radiating unit (30) and an electromagnetic wave reflected from the insertion space after being radiated by the radiating unit (30), respectively. The directional coupler (240) can separate the transmitted RF signal and the reflected electromagnetic wave and transmit them to the processor (170).

[0044] In one example, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an analog-to-digital converter for converting the analog output of a directional coupler (240) into a digital output. The A / D converter may be built into the processor (170) or may exist as a separate configuration outside the processor (170). By monitoring the output of the directional coupler (240), the processor (170) can analyze the characteristics of the transmitted RF signal (e.g., current, voltage, power, phase and / or frequency) and the characteristics of the reflected electromagnetic wave (e.g., current, voltage, power, phase and / or frequency).

[0045] The processor (170) can determine whether the operation of the source unit (20) is being performed as intended based on the characteristics of the transmitted RF signal. Additionally, the characteristics of the transmitted RF signal, along with the characteristics of the reflected electromagnetic waves, can be used to determine the heating efficiency of the source unit (20) or the radiating unit (30). The processor (170) can control the source unit (20) so that the heating efficiency of the source unit (20) or the radiating unit (30) is maximized. For example, the processor (170) can adjust the frequency of the RF signal generated by the RF signal generation circuit (210) so that the power of the reflected electromagnetic waves is minimized. Minimizing the power of the reflected electromagnetic waves may mean that the frequency of the RF signal approaches the resonance condition of the insertion space. The characteristics of the transmitted RF signal can provide a criterion for whether the power of the reflected electromagnetic waves is minimized.

[0046] Since electromagnetic resonance may occur in the insertion space depending on the frequency of the RF signal, the insertion space may be referred to as a resonant section. At least a portion of the insertion space may be surrounded by at least one shielding member to prevent electromagnetic waves from leaking outside the aerosol generating device (1). According to one embodiment, the insertion space may further include a physical structure to ensure that the resonance condition is contained within a controllable range by the processor (170). The physical structure may include at least one conductor, and the resonance condition of the insertion space may vary depending on the arrangement, thickness, length, etc. of the conductor. Additionally, the physical structure may include a space for accommodating a dielectric with low electromagnetic wave absorption, separate from the dielectric included in the aerosol generating article. A dielectric with low electromagnetic wave absorption can change the resonance frequency of the entire resonant section without absorbing the energy that must be transferred to the heated body. Accordingly, even if the resonant section is miniaturized, the resonance condition can be determined within a controllable range by the processor (170).

[0047] A temperature sensing circuit (250) may be placed in contact with or adjacent to components included in the source section (20) to measure the temperature of the source section (20). For example, the temperature sensing circuit (250) may be placed in contact with or adjacent to at least one of the RF signal generation circuit (210), the driving amplifier (220), and the power amplifier (230). Heat may be generated due to limited efficiency during the generation and / or amplification of the RF signal, and if excessive heat is generated, it may have a negative effect on the components included in the source section (20) or other components included in the aerosol generating device (1). The temperature measured by the temperature sensing circuit (250) may be used to prevent overheating of the source section (20).

[0048] The processor (170) receives the temperature (or a value corresponding to the temperature) measured by the temperature sensing circuit (250) and can stop the operation of the source unit (20) if it is determined that the source unit (20) has overheated. For example, the processor (170) can stop the operation of the source unit (20) by stopping the power supply to the source unit (20) or by transmitting a control signal. In the following, the term "power supply to the source unit (20)" is used to mean controlling whether the source unit (20) operates.

[0049] The temperature sensing circuit (250) may include at least one temperature sensor among a thermocouple, an RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector), a thermistor, a semiconductor temperature sensor, and an optical temperature sensor. In one example, the temperature sensing circuit (250) may be implemented as a chip-type sensor (e.g., an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) sensor) to minimize the area occupied, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0050] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device (1) may include additional components in addition to the components shown in FIG. 1. For example, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a sensor unit, an output unit, an input unit, a communication unit, and a memory. Additionally, if the aerosol generating device (1) is a hybrid type device that uses both an aerosol generating article and a cartridge, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a cartridge heater. The cartridge heater can heat the medium and / or aerosol generating material within the cartridge by receiving power from the power source (130).

[0051] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit may detect the state of the aerosol generating device (1) or the state of the surroundings of the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the processor (170). For example, the sensor unit may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a reuse detection sensor, an overly moist detection sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor, and / or a motion detection sensor. Meanwhile, the sensor unit may further include various sensors, such as a liquid residue sensor for detecting the liquid residue in the cartridge and a water immersion sensor for detecting the water immersion of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0052] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the temperature of an insertion space or an aerosol-generating article. The temperature sensor may be positioned in contact with or adjacent to the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article to directly measure the temperature of the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article. Additionally, the temperature sensor may be positioned spaced apart from the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article to indirectly (e.g., non-contact) measure the temperature of the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article. In one example, the temperature sensor may include an optical temperature sensor (e.g., an infrared temperature sensor).

[0053] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the temperature of a power source (130). The temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to the power source (130). For example, the temperature sensor may be attached to one side of the power source (130) (e.g., a battery) or / 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 (130) together with the protection circuit module.

[0054] 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).

[0055] According to one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect the user's puff.

[0056] For example, the puff sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1), and the processor (170) 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.

[0057] As another example, the puff sensor may include a temperature sensor. When a user's puff occurs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow path, insertion space, aerosol generating item, etc. The processor (170) can detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path, etc. output from the temperature sensor.

[0058] As another example, the puff sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor may measure the temperature used to correct the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. As an example, the puff sensor may correct a signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and output the corrected signal. As another example, the puff sensor may output a signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a signal corresponding to the internal pressure measured by the puff sensor. In this case, the processor (170) may receive the signals and correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

[0059] As another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In the present disclosure, the capacitance sensor may be referred to as a cap sensor or a capacitive sensor. When a user's puff occurs, a temperature change and / or aerosol flow may occur within the insertion space, and accordingly, the dielectric constant inside the insertion space may change. The processor (170) may detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0060] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and can be implemented as various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0061] According to one embodiment, an insertion detection sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. The insertion detection sensor may be installed around the insertion space.

[0062] For example, the insertion detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, the dielectric constant around the conductor may change. The processor (170) 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.

[0063] As another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and said at least one coil may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol generating article) includes a conductor, when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the insertion space or removed from the insertion space, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil through which the current flows. The processor (170) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article including the conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.). Alternatively, a susceptor (SUS), etc., may be included in the aerosol generating article (e.g., the medium part of the aerosol generating article). In this case as well, a change in the magnetic field around the coil may occur based on the insertion or removal of a susceptor, etc., within the insertion space, and the processor (170) may detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0064] 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.

[0065] According to one embodiment, a reuse detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is reused. For example, the reuse detection sensor may be a color sensor for detecting the color of the aerosol-generating article. When the aerosol-generating article is used by a user, a change in color may occur in a part of the wrapper covering the outside of the aerosol-generating article due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor may output a signal corresponding to an optical characteristic (e.g., wavelength of light) corresponding to the color of the wrapper based on light reflected from the wrapper. When the processor (170) 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.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the over-humidity detection sensor can detect whether the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state. For example, the over-humidity detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor disposed adjacent to an insertion space. The processor (170) can detect whether the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state based on the level of a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., output from the capacitance sensor. For example, the processor (170) 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] For example, a cigarette identification sensor may include a light sensor for detecting an identification material (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., wrapper) of an aerosol-generating article. The light sensor may irradiate light toward the identification material (or identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article and detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or of a specific type based on the reflected light. For example, the identification material may include a material that emits light of a specific band of wavelengths based on the irradiated light. The processor (170) may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or of a specific type based on the range of the wavelengths.

[0069] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The dielectric constant inside the insertion space may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating item inserted into the insertion space. The processor (170) can detect whether the aerosol-generating item is genuine and / or of the type based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitive sensor.

[0070] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. If a conductor is included in the wrapper and / or interior (e.g., the medium) of the aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space, the characteristics of the current detected by the inductive sensor when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the insertion space (e.g., frequency of alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.) may differ depending on the type of aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space. The processor (170) 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] According to one embodiment, a cap detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of a cap. For example, the cap detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), and / or an optical sensor. The cap may include a structure that covers at least a portion of a cartridge mounted or inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), or covers at least a portion of the housing of the aerosol generating device (1). The cap detection sensor may output a signal corresponding to the mounting or removal when the cap is mounted on the housing or removed from the housing, and the processor (170) may detect the mounting or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the mounting or removal.

[0074] 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.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a position sensor (Global Positioning System, GPS), or a proximity sensor in addition to the aforementioned sensors. Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description may be omitted.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the output unit may output information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device (1). The output unit may include a display, a haptic unit and / or an acoustic output unit, but is not limited thereto. For example, information regarding the aerosol generating device (1) may include the charging / discharging state of the power supply (130) of the aerosol generating device (1), the operating state of the source unit (20) or the radiation unit (30), the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge, the mounting and / or removal state of the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article). The display may visually provide information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the display may include an LED (light emitting diode) light-emitting element, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED), etc. The display can also be used as an input unit if it includes a touch pad. The haptic unit can provide tactile information about the state of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the haptic unit may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electric stimulation device, etc. The acoustic output unit can provide auditory information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it externally.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the input unit can receive information input by a user. For example, the input unit may include a touch panel, a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the memory is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed by the processor (170) and data to be processed. For example, the memory may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. For example, the memory may store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device (1), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the communication unit may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device (e.g., a portable electronic device). For example, the communication unit may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wireless Fidelity Direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Adaptive Network Topology (ANT)+ communication unit, a cellular network communication unit, an internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the temperature of the insertion space or aerosol generating article by controlling the amplification rate of the source unit (20) (e.g., power amplifier (230)). The processor (170) can control the amplification rate of the source unit (20) (e.g., power amplifier (230)) based on the temperature of the insertion space or aerosol generating article detected using a temperature sensor. The processor (170) can control the amplification rate of the source unit (20) (e.g., power amplifier (230)) based on a temperature profile and / or power profile stored in memory.

[0081] Additionally, the processor (170) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater by controlling the supply of power from the power supply (130) to the cartridge heater. The processor (170) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or the power supplied to the cartridge heater based on the temperature of the cartridge heater detected using a temperature sensor. The processor (170) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or the power supplied to the cartridge heater based on a temperature profile and / or power profile stored in memory.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can prevent the insertion space, the aerosol generating article, and / or the cartridge heater from overheating. For example, the processor (170) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to reduce the amount of power supplied to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater, or to stop the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater, based on the fact that the temperature of the insertion space, the aerosol generating article, and / or the cartridge heater exceeds a preset limit temperature.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on the result detected by the sensor unit.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) may control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article into the insertion space. For example, the processor (170) may control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater when it is determined, using an insertion detection sensor, that an aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space. The processor (170) may cut off the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater when it is determined, using an insertion detection sensor, that an aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space. The processor (170) may also determine that an aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article is above a limit temperature or if the temperature change slope of the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article is above a set slope.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount for the source unit (20) or cartridge heater based on the state of the aerosol generating article. For example, the processor (170) can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) for the source unit (20) or cartridge heater if it is determined that the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state using an over-humidity detection sensor.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the aerosol generating article is reused. For example, if the processor (170) determines that the aerosol generating article has been used, it can cut off the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed. For example, the processor (170) can use a cartridge detection sensor to determine that the cartridge is separated, and if it is determined that the cartridge is separated, it can stop the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater or control the power supply so that power is not supplied to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted. For example, the processor (170) may determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted if it determines that the temperature of the cartridge heater exceeds a limit temperature while preheating the cartridge heater (i.e., during the preheating period). If it determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted, the processor (170) may cut off the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) may control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the cartridge is usable. For example, the processor (170) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if, based on data stored in memory, the current number of puffs is determined to be greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge. Alternatively, the processor (170) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total time the cartridge heater is heated is greater than or equal to a preset maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater is greater than or equal to a preset maximum amount of power. In this case, the processor (170) may stop the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater, or control the supply so that power is not supplied to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on the user's puff. For example, the processor (170) can determine whether a puff has occurred and / or the intensity of the puff using a puff sensor. The processor (170) can cut off the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or / or when no puff is detected for a preset time or longer. The processor (170) may also control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater when a puff is detected.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is genuine and / or of a type. For example, the processor (170) can detect whether the aerosol generating item is genuine and / or of a type using a cigarette identification sensor. For example, if the processor (170) detects that the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is counterfeit, the processor (170) can cut off the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater. If the processor (170) detects that the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is genuine, the processor (170) can control (e.g., initiate) the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater. For another example, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater differently depending on the type of the aerosol generating item (or cartridge). More specifically, the processor (170) can control the amplification rate of the source unit (20) or the temperature and / or power of the cartridge heater based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile) when the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is detected to be a first aerosol generating item (or a first cartridge), and control the amplification rate of the source unit (20) or the temperature and / or power of the cartridge heater based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile) when the aerosol generating item (or a second cartridge) is detected to be a second aerosol generating item (or a second cartridge).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) may control the output unit based on the result detected by the sensor unit. For example, the processor (170) may control the output unit to provide visual, tactile, and / or auditory information that the aerosol generating device (1) will soon be terminated when the number of puffs counted using the puff sensor reaches a preset number. For example, the processor (170) may control the output unit to provide visual, tactile, and / or auditory information regarding the temperature of the insertion space, the aerosol generating article, or the cartridge heater.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) may store and update a history of the event that occurred in memory based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, the event may include operations performed by the aerosol generating device (1), such as detection of insertion of an aerosol generating item, initiation of heating of the aerosol generating item, puff detection, puff termination, overheating detection, detection of overvoltage application to a cartridge heater, termination of heating of the aerosol generating item, power on / off of the aerosol generating device (1), initiation of charging of the power supply (130), detection of overcharging of the power supply (130), termination of charging of the power supply (130), etc. For example, the history of the event may include the time and date when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if the predetermined event is detection of insertion of an aerosol generating item, the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of overheating of the cartridge heater, the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the temperature of the cartridge heater, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater, the current flowing through the cartridge heater, etc.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the communication unit to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal.

[0095] According to one embodiment, when the processor (170) 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.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can transmit data regarding the status of the aerosol generating device (1) (e.g., remaining capacity of the power supply (130), 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.

[0097] According to one embodiment, when a processor (170) receives a request to search for the location of an aerosol generating device (1) from an external device via a communication link, the processor (170) may control an output unit to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the processor (170) may control a haptic unit to generate vibrations or control a display to output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can perform a firmware update when firmware data is received from an external device through a communication link.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) transmits data regarding the sensing value of at least one sensor unit 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 processor (170) 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.

[0100] Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit includes at least one switching element and can cut off the circuit to the power source (130) in response to overcharging and / or overdischarging of the power source (130).

[0101] The aerosol generating article mentioned in the present disclosure may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium part) and at least one filter rod. The spinning part (30) may be positioned to correspond to at least one aerosol generating rod and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement order and / or position of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod may include at least one of nicotine, an aerosol generating material, and an additive. For example, the aerosol generating material may include glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and / or propylene glycol (PG), and may include various other materials. For example, the additive may include flavoring agents and / or organic acids, and may include various other materials. For example, the aerosol generating rod may comprise an aerosol generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a liquid non-tobacco material (e.g., an aerosol generating material and / or nicotine), and / or may comprise a solid tobacco material (e.g., leaf tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, etc.). The tobacco material may be included in the aerosol generating rod in various forms, such as whole tobacco, granules, or powder. According to one embodiment, the additive of the aerosol generating rod may comprise a basic material. Based on the basic material, the nicotine in the tobacco material included in the aerosol generating rod may have a basic pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, freebase nicotine may be released from the aerosol generating rod even at low temperatures. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating rod comprises two or more aerosol generating rods, and said two or more aerosol generating rods may each comprise a tobacco material and / or a non-tobacco material.Meanwhile, although not illustrated, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may each and / or integrally be wrapped by at least one wrapper. In the present disclosure, the aerosol generating article may be referred to as a stick.

[0102] The cartridge mentioned in the present disclosure may contain an aerosol generating material having any one of the states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. Meanwhile, the cartridge may include a storage portion containing the aerosol generating material and / or a liquid delivery means impregnated (containing) the aerosol generating material. For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as a cotton fiber, a ceramic fiber, a glass fiber, or a porous ceramic. A cartridge heater may be included in the cartridge in a coil-shaped structure that surrounds (or winds) the liquid delivery means or in a structure that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means. Alternatively, the cartridge heater may be included in an aerosol generating device (1) that is detachable from the cartridge.

[0103] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0104] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device (1) (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 1 may include a housing (111), a circuit board (113), a source unit (20), a heater (30), a power converter (50), a power source (130) (e.g., the power source (130) of FIG. 1), and a processor (170). However, FIG. 2 only shows components necessary to explain the present embodiment, and the components of the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited thereto. Depending on the embodiment, some of the illustrated components may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0105] The housing (111) may include an insertion space (40) for receiving or inserting at least a portion of an aerosol generating article and may form the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device (1). Components of the aerosol generating device (1) may be placed in the internal space of the housing (111).

[0106] For example, a circuit board (113), a heater (30), a power converter (50), and a power source (130) may be placed in the internal space of the housing (111). However, the components of the aerosol generating device (1) placed in the internal space of the housing (111) are not limited thereto. As another example, a temperature sensing circuit (e.g., the temperature sensing circuit (250) of FIG. 1) for measuring the temperature of the circuit board (113) to the source part (20) may be further placed in the internal space of the housing (111).

[0107] The circuit board (113) may be a circuit board for generating an RF (Radio Frequency) signal. A source unit (20) and a processor (170) may be mounted on the circuit board (113). Accordingly, the circuit board (113) can generate an RF signal as power is supplied. However, the circuit included in the circuit board (113) is not limited to this.

[0108] A heater (30) according to one embodiment may operate in a dielectric heating mode that radiates electromagnetic waves into an insertion space, or in a resistance heating mode that transfers thermal energy to an insertion space (40). The heater (30) may be positioned to surround the outer surface of the insertion space (40) and may radiate electromagnetic waves toward an aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space (40). A detailed description of the structure of the heater (30) will be provided later through FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0109] First, the resistance heating mode operation of the heater (30) is described. The heater (30) is electrically or operatively connected to the circuit board (113), and the heater (30) can generate thermal energy by resistance heating by receiving a direct current from the power converter (50). The power converter (50) may include a DC-DC converter and can convert the input voltage into a variable output voltage. The power converter (50) can generate direct current of various levels and supply it to the heater (30).

[0110] Next, the operation of the dielectric heating mode of the heater (30) is described. The heater (30) can radiate an RF signal generated from the source unit (20) in the form of electromagnetic waves toward an aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space (40). The heater (30) may have the same configuration as the radiating unit (30) described above through FIG. 1 in that it radiates electromagnetic waves when operating in dielectric heating mode. The heater (30) is electrically or operatively connected to the circuit board (113) and can radiate electromagnetic waves (e.g., microwaves) toward the insertion space (40) in response to the RF signal supplied from the source unit (20).

[0111] The charges or ions of the dielectric (e.g., glycerin) contained in the aerosol generating article may vibrate or rotate due to the radiated electromagnetic waves, thereby generating frictional heat from the dielectric, and the aerosol generating article may be heated by the frictional heat to generate an aerosol. For example, as the aerosol generating article is heated, the generated steam may be mixed with external air flowing into the insertion space (40) through the gap between the insertion space (40) and the aerosol generating article or through an airflow passage (not shown) to generate an aerosol.

[0112] Dielectric heating, which generates heat uniformly within the dielectric material, has the advantage of being able to heat aerosol-generating items uniformly compared to methods that heat aerosol-generating items from the outside through electric resistance.

[0113] Meanwhile, the dielectric heating method may consume a large amount of power during the process of generating RF signals, and overheating due to heat generation in the source unit (20) that generates RF signals may be a problem. Specifically, the source unit (20) that generates RF signals consumes a significant amount of power and may generate a significant amount of heat during operation. If the heat generated by the source unit (20) that generates RF signals accumulates excessively within the aerosol generating device (1), performance degradation of the aerosol generating device (1), component damage, and user safety may be a problem. To resolve this, an overheating prevention means is required for the source unit (20) that generates RF signals or the circuit board (113) on which the source unit (20) is mounted.

[0114] In this way, in order to reduce unnecessary power consumption of the aerosol generating device (1) and to prevent overheating of the source part (20) or the circuit board (113) on which the source part (20) is mounted, it is necessary to operate the heater (30) by switching it to a resistance heating method or a dielectric heating method as needed.

[0115] The processor (170) may optionally operate the heater (30) in dielectric heating mode or resistance heating mode. The processor (170) may control the power converter (50) to apply a direct current to the heater (30) in resistance heating mode, and control the source unit (20) to apply an RF signal to the heater (30) in dielectric heating mode.

[0116] The processor (170) can adjust the heating mode of the heater (30) in stages during the preheating and smoking sections. Additionally, the processor (170) can adjust the heating mode of the heater (30) in stages to prevent overheating of the source section (20) or the circuit board (113) on which the source section (20) is mounted.

[0117] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a heater (30) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the heater (30) of FIG. 3 unfolded into a flat shape.

[0118] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the heater (30) may be composed of a metal material. The heater (30) may be composed of an alloy comprising at least one of a nickel-iron alloy and a constantan alloy. The heater (30) may include a hollow formed to allow a portion of an aerosol-generating article to be inserted. The heater (30) may be configured to be cylindrical to surround the aerosol-generating article inserted into the hollow. Specifically, the heater (30) may be formed by rolling a metal pattern (33) with a repeating "S" or "L" shape into a cylinder. The metal pattern (33) may be implemented in various forms, such as an angular shape, a curved shape, a mesh shape, or an irregular shape. The heater (30) includes the metal pattern (33), and one end of the metal pattern (33) may be connected to a first terminal (31), and the other end may be connected to a second terminal (32). The resistance range of the nickel-iron alloy of the metal pattern (33) can be 45 μΩ·cm to 85 μΩ·cm, and the resistivity may vary depending on the composition. For example, when the nickel content is 40%, the resistivity is 60 μΩ·cm, and at 48%, the resistivity is 45 μΩ·cm. The main components of the Constantan alloy are 55% copper and 45% nickel, and its resistivity is 48 μΩ·cm.

[0119] The heater (30) can operate as a closed circuit in resistance heating mode. Specifically, the power converter (50) is connected to the first terminal (31) and the second terminal (32) of the heater (30) to operate the heater (30) in resistance heating mode. The heater (30) can operate as a closed circuit in resistance heating mode, with the first terminal (31) and the second terminal (32) connected to the power converter (50). Since the heater (30) operates as a closed circuit in resistance heating mode, direct current can flow. The heater (30) has a metal pattern (33) with a repeating "S" or "L" shape, so its length is much longer than that of a straight line. Therefore, the metal pattern (33) of the heater (30) has a significantly higher resistance value than that of a straight line, so it can generate resistance heat sufficient to transfer the thermal energy required to vaporize the aerosol generating material when direct current is applied. When the heater (30) operates in resistance heating mode, direct current flows through the heater (30), so it does not emit electromagnetic waves.

[0120] In dielectric heating mode, it may be desirable for the heater (30) to function as an open-type antenna. In dielectric heating mode, the heater (30) can receive RF signals at frequencies in the ISM (Industrial Scientific and Medical Equipment) band, for example, 915 MHz, 2.45 GHz, and / or 5.8 GHz, because a closed-type antenna is not suitable for radiating RF signals at relatively high frequencies. Examples of closed-type antennas include loop antennas and slot antennas; taking a loop antenna as an example, a loop antenna is in the form of a closed loop of conductors. In a loop antenna, current flows along a closed path, and while sufficient radiation can be achieved even in a closed structure for low-frequency signals (e.g., AM radio frequency band) because the wavelength of the current is long, efficient radiation cannot be achieved for high-frequency RF signals.

[0121] In order for the heater (30) to operate as an open-type antenna in dielectric heating mode, it may receive an RF signal from the source unit (20) through either the first terminal (31) or the second terminal (32), and the other terminal may be in an open state. In dielectric heating mode, the heater (30) may operate as an open-type antenna because it receives an RF signal from the source unit (20) only through either the first terminal (31) or the second terminal (32), and the other terminal is in an open state.

[0122] FIGS. 5 and 6 are block diagrams of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control operation of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) operating in dielectric heating mode, and FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) operating in resistance heating mode.

[0123] An aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment includes a processor (170), a source unit (20), a power converter (50), and a heater (30).

[0124] The power converter (50) may include a DC-DC converter and can convert an input voltage into a variable output voltage. The power converter (50) can generate various levels of direct current and supply it to the heater (30). The power converter (50) may be composed of a combination of the first power converter (50), the second power converter (50), and the third power converter (50) described in FIG. 1, and redundant descriptions will be omitted below.

[0125] The processor (170) controls the heater (30) to supply an RF signal or a direct current, thereby operating the heater (30) in a dielectric heating mode in which the heater (30) radiates electromagnetic waves into the insertion space, or in a resistance heating mode in which thermal energy is transferred to the insertion space.

[0126] The first terminal (31) and the second terminal (32) of the heater (30) may be connected to a switch (not shown in the drawing) for selectively connecting to a power converter (50) or a source unit (20). The processor (170) can operate the heater (30) in dielectric heating mode or resistance heating mode by controlling the ON / OFF of the switch to control the electrical connection between the heater (30) and the power converter (50), or the electrical connection between the heater (30) and the source unit (20).

[0127] The aerosol generating device (1) can preheat an aerosol generating item before a user's smoking action involving a user puff is performed. The preheating section may correspond to a section for preparing for use before a smoking action using the aerosol generating device (1) is performed. The aerosol generating device (1) performs a preheating operation of the heater (30) according to a preheating profile, and when the preheating profile ends, it may notify that the preheating is complete. When the preheating profile ends, the aerosol generating device (1) may perform a heating operation of the heater (30) according to a smoking profile. The smoking section may correspond to a section where a smoking action using the aerosol generating device (1) is actually performed. The user recognizes that the preparation for smoking is complete through the notification and may perform smoking involving a user puff during the smoking section.

[0128] In one embodiment, the processor (170) can adjust the heating mode of the heater (30) in stages during the preheating phase and the smoking phase.

[0129] First, the processor (170) can operate the heater (30) in dielectric heating mode during the preheating phase (step 610). Since the dielectric heating method generates heat from within the aerosol generating material, the initial heating speed is relatively fast, and the preheating time can be shortened. In addition, the interior of the aerosol generating item can be heated uniformly. Accordingly, a sufficient amount of aerosol can be delivered from the user's first puff. FIG. 5 illustrates a state in which the heater (30) operating in dielectric heating mode receives an RF signal from the source unit (20) through the first terminal (31), and the second terminal (32) is open.

[0130] The processor (170) can operate the heater (30) in a resistance heating mode in the first section of the smoking section (step 620), and operate the heater (30) in a dielectric heating mode in the second section after the first section (step 630).

[0131] In the first section, which is the initial smoking section, the resistance heating mode operation consumes relatively less energy compared to the dielectric heating mode operation. Since the interior of the aerosol generating item is sufficiently heated in the preheating section, it may be desirable to rapidly heat the exterior of the aerosol generating item using a resistance heating method that consumes relatively less energy in the first section, which is the initial smoking section. Since the surface of the aerosol generating item is rapidly heated by the resistance heating method and aerosol is generated immediately, a rich aerosol can be provided to the user immediately. FIG. 6 illustrates a state in which a heater (30) operating in the resistance heating mode receives a direct current from a power converter (50) through the first terminal (31) and the second terminal (32). At this time, the heater (30) operates in a closed circuit.

[0132] By operating the heater (30) in dielectric heating mode during the second section, which is the later smoking section, a sufficient amount of aerosol can be delivered to the user. Efficient aerosol generation can be maintained by evenly heating the remaining aerosol generating material inside the aerosol generating item in dielectric heating mode. That is, even after the outer area of ​​the aerosol generating item is mostly vaporized due to resistance heating in the initial smoking section, the aerosol generating material remaining inside the aerosol generating item can be effectively vaporized through dielectric heating in the later smoking section, thereby increasing aerosol productivity.

[0133] As such, the aerosol generating device (1) according to the embodiment can generate an aerosol by rapidly heating an aerosol generating item in a dielectric heating mode during the preheating section, and then sequentially switching between a resistance heating mode and a dielectric heating mode during the smoking section. Through this, the aerosol generating material of the aerosol generating item can be heated uniformly, and the amount of power consumed can be reduced by operating the dielectric heating mode, which consumes relatively more power, to a minimum.

[0134] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may operate by switching the heater (30) to a resistance heating method to prevent overheating of the source part (20) or the circuit board on which the source part (20) is mounted.

[0135] For example, the processor (170) can switch the operating mode of the heater (30) using a hysteresis control method. When the temperature of the source section (20) rises above a first threshold temperature, the heater (30) can be operated in a resistance heating mode to suppress heat generation in the source section (20), and when the temperature of the source section (20) falls below a second threshold temperature that is lower than the first threshold temperature, the heater (30) can be operated in a dielectric heating mode. By switching the operating mode of the heater (30) using a hysteresis method, the processor (170) can prevent frequent switching of the operating mode of the heater (30) (i.e., frequent ON / OFF operation of the switch connected to the first and second terminals of the heater (30)) and maintain the operational stability of the aerosol generating device (1). The processor (170) can receive information regarding the temperature of the source section (20) from a temperature sensing circuit that is positioned adjacent to the source section (20) and measures the temperature of the source section (20).

[0136] As another example, the processor (170) can determine a resonant frequency at which the power of the reflected electromagnetic wave is minimized in dielectric heating mode, and if the resonant frequency exceeds a threshold value, the heater (30) can be operated in resistance heating mode. For example, the processor (170) can adjust the frequency of the RF signal generated by the source unit (20) so that the power of the reflected electromagnetic wave is minimized. Minimizing the power of the reflected electromagnetic wave may mean that the frequency of the RF signal approaches the resonance condition of the insertion space. The characteristics of the transmitted RF signal may provide a criterion for whether the power of the reflected electromagnetic wave is minimized. Additionally, the processor (170) can adjust the frequency of the RF signal generated by the source unit (20) to match the resonant frequency in order to maximize dielectric heating efficiency, and the higher the frequency of the RF signal output by the source unit (20), the greater the current leakage and loss within the circuit constituting the source unit (20), and the greater the amount of heat generated by the source unit (20). High-frequency signals increase switching losses, which can intensify heat generation in the source section (20). Considering the heat generation in the source section (20), the frequency of the RF signal cannot be increased further, and as a result, the resonance condition cannot be met, so the dielectric heating efficiency remains low. In this case, switching the operating mode of the heater (30) to a resistance heating method can be a desirable alternative to increase power efficiency.

[0137] As another example, the processor (170) may operate the heater (30) in a resistance heating mode when the power conversion efficiency of the source unit (20) falls below a threshold value. The power conversion efficiency of the source unit (20) can be calculated by dividing the amount of power of the RF signal transmitted by the source unit (20) to the radiating unit (30) by the amount of power supplied to the source unit (20). If the power conversion efficiency of the source unit (20) is low, some of the power lost during the power conversion process may be converted into heat. That is, low power conversion efficiency can exacerbate the heat generation problem of the source unit (20). If the power conversion efficiency of the source unit (20) is low, the amount of heat generated by the source unit (20) may increase, and since this is also undesirable in terms of power efficiency, it may be desirable to switch the operation mode of the heater (30) to a resistance heating method. By monitoring the output of the directional coupler (see directional coupler (240) in FIG. 1), the processor (170) can analyze the characteristics of the transmitted RF signal (e.g., current, voltage, power, phase and / or frequency) and the characteristics of the reflected electromagnetic wave (e.g., current, voltage, power, phase and / or frequency) generated by the source unit (20).

[0138] As described above, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment can operate a heater (30) that heats an aerosol generating article in a dielectric heating mode or a resistance heating mode.

[0139] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment comprises: an insertion space (40) into which at least a portion of an aerosol generating article is inserted; a source unit (20) that generates RF (Radio Frequency) current; a power converter (50) that generates various levels of direct current; a heater (30) that heats the aerosol generating article; and a processor (170). The processor (170) controls the power converter (50) and the source unit (20) so that an RF signal or direct current is supplied to the heater (30), so that the heater (30) operates in a dielectric heating mode in which electromagnetic waves are radiated to the insertion space (40), or in a resistance heating mode in which thermal energy is transferred to the insertion space (40).

[0140] The heater (30) is formed by rolling a metal pattern (33) with a repeating "S" or "L" shape into a cylinder.

[0141] The heater (30) includes at least one of a nickel-iron alloy and a constantan alloy.

[0142] The processor (170) controls the power converter (50) so that a direct current is applied to the heater (30) in resistance heating mode.

[0143] In resistance heating mode operation, the heater (30) operates as a closed circuit.

[0144] The source unit (20) is controlled so that an RF signal is applied to the heater (30) in dielectric heating mode.

[0145] The heater (30) operating in dielectric heating mode operates as an open circuit antenna.

[0146] The processor (170) operates the heater (30) in dielectric heating mode during the preheating period.

[0147] The processor (170) operates the heater (30) in a resistance heating mode in the first section of the smoking section, and operates the heater (30) in a dielectric heating mode in the second section after the first section.

[0148] The aerosol generating device (1) further includes a temperature sensing circuit (250) that is positioned adjacent to the source section (20) and measures the temperature of the source section (20), and the processor (170) operates the heater (30) in a resistance heating mode when the temperature of the source section (20) rises above a first threshold temperature, and operates the heater (30) in a dielectric heating mode when the temperature of the source section (20) falls below a second threshold temperature that is lower than the first threshold temperature.

[0149] The processor (170) determines a resonant frequency at which the power of the reflected electromagnetic wave is minimized in dielectric heating mode, and if the resonant frequency exceeds a threshold value, the heater (30) is operated in resistance heating mode.

[0150] The processor (170) operates the heater (30) in a resistance heating mode when the value obtained by dividing the amount of power of the RF signal transmitted by the source unit (20) to the radiating unit by the amount of power supplied to the source unit (20) falls below a threshold value.

[0151] The processor (170) operates the heater (30) in resistance heating mode when the value obtained by dividing the power of the electromagnetic wave by the power of the RF signal in dielectric heating mode falls below a threshold value.

[0152] Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not exclusive or distinguishable 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.

[0153] 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, even if the combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that combination is possible, except where it is described that combination is impossible.

[0154] 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. An insertion space into which at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article is inserted; Source unit that generates an RF (Radio Frequency) signal; A power converter that generates various levels of direct current; A heater for heating the above aerosol generating article; and Includes a processor; The above processor The heater operates in a dielectric heating mode that radiates electromagnetic waves into the insertion space, or in a resistance heating mode that transfers thermal energy into the insertion space. Controlling the power converter and the source unit so that the RF signal or the DC current is supplied to the heater, Aerosol generating device.

2. In Paragraph 1, The heater above is formed by rolling a metal pattern with repeating "S" or "L" shapes into a cylinder. Aerosol generating device.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above heater comprises at least one of a nickel-iron alloy and a constantan alloy, Aerosol generating device.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above processor Controlling the power converter so that a direct current is applied to the heater in the above resistance heating mode, Aerosol generating device.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above heater is an aerosol generating device that operates in a closed circuit.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above processor Controlling the source unit so that an RF signal is applied to the heater in the above dielectric heating mode, Aerosol generating device.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above heater is an aerosol generating device that operates as an open-circuit antenna.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above processor Operating the heater in dielectric heating mode during the preheating section Aerosol generating device.

9. In Paragraph 1, The above processor In the first section of the smoking section, the heater is operated in a resistance heating mode, and Operating the heater in dielectric heating mode in the second section after the first section above. Aerosol generating device.

10. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a temperature sensing circuit disposed adjacent to the source portion to measure the temperature of the source portion, and The above processor When the temperature of the source portion rises above the first critical temperature, the heater is operated in a resistance heating mode, and When the temperature of the source portion drops below the second critical temperature, which is lower than the first critical temperature, the heater is operated in dielectric heating mode. Aerosol generating device.

11. In Paragraph 1, The above processor In the above dielectric heating mode, determine the resonance frequency at which the power of the reflected electromagnetic wave is minimized, and When the resonance frequency exceeds a threshold value, the heater is operated in resistance heating mode. Aerosol generating device.

12. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a radiating part that radiates the above RF signal in the form of an electromagnetic wave into the insertion space; The above processor If the value obtained by dividing the amount of power of the RF signal transmitted by the source unit to the radiating unit by the amount of power supplied to the source unit falls below a threshold value, the heater is operated in a resistance heating mode. Aerosol generating device.

13. In Paragraph 1, The above processor In the above dielectric heating mode, if the value obtained by dividing the power of the electromagnetic wave by the power of the RF signal falls below a threshold value, the heater is operated in resistance heating mode. Aerosol generating device.

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