Aerosol-generating device and method for measuring temperature of aerosol-generating device

Abstract

This aerosol-generating device comprises: a body; a cartridge coupled to the body and including a chamber containing an aerosol-generating material and a cartridge heater for heating the aerosol-generating material; a power source accommodated in the body to supply power to the cartridge heater; and a control unit accommodated in the body and including at least one processor. The control unit may calculate the temperature of the cartridge heater on the basis of the resistance temperature coefficient of the cartridge heater and the resistance value of the cartridge. The control unit may remove an offset resistance value due to the resistance of the body when calculating the resistance value of the cartridge.

Description

Aerosol generator and method for measuring the temperature of an aerosol generator

[0001] The following various embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device and a method for measuring the temperature of an aerosol generating device.

[0002] Research is being conducted on non-combustion type cigarettes. An aerosol generator generates aerosols by heating an aerosol generating material.

[0003] The aforementioned background technology is one that the inventor possessed or acquired during the process of deriving the present invention, and it cannot be considered as publicly known technology disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of the present invention.

[0004] The objective according to one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating device capable of precisely measuring the temperature of the aerosol generating device and a method for measuring the temperature of the aerosol generating device.

[0005] The objective according to one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating device and a method for measuring the temperature of the aerosol generating device that can reduce resistance deviation occurring during TCR temperature control.

[0006] The objective according to one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating device capable of minimizing resistance variation between devices and a method for measuring the temperature of the aerosol generating device.

[0007] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment comprises a body, a cartridge including a chamber coupled to the body and containing an aerosol generating substance and a cartridge heater for heating the aerosol generating substance, a power source received in the body and supplying power to the cartridge heater, and a control unit received in the body and including at least one processor, wherein the control unit calculates the temperature of the cartridge heater based on the resistance temperature coefficient of the cartridge heater and the resistance value of the cartridge, and the control unit can remove an offset resistance value caused by the resistance of the body when calculating the resistance value of the cartridge.

[0008] A method for measuring the temperature of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include the steps of: providing an aerosol generating device comprising a body, a cartridge including a cartridge heater, a power source, a memory, and a control unit; obtaining an offset resistance value based on the resistance of the body; calculating a resistance value of the cartridge from which the offset resistance value based on the resistance of the body has been removed; and calculating the temperature of the cartridge heater based on the resistance temperature coefficient of the cartridge heater and the resistance value of the cartridge.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the temperature of the aerosol generating device can be measured precisely.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the resistance deviation occurring during TCR temperature control can be reduced.

[0011] According to one embodiment, resistance deviations that appear differently for each device can be minimized.

[0012] The effects of the aerosol generating device and the method for measuring the temperature of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiments are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below.

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

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 4a is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 4b is an exploded view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for measuring the temperature of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 6 illustrates the steps of FIG. 5 in detail.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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).

[0021] 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 technical concept and scope of this disclosure include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0025] 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 generator (1)). For example, a processor (e.g., control unit (12)) of the machine (e.g., aerosol generator (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.

[0026] 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).

[0027] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0028] 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.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) can 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 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).

[0030] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the temperature at which the heater (18, 24) is heated. The aerosol generator (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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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 generator (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.

[0034] 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).

[0035] According to one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect the user's puff.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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 into which the aerosol generating item 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and can be implemented as various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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 item based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0044] The insertion detection sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented 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.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the reuse detection sensor can detect whether the 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.

[0046] 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 check a 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 checked level range.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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 wavelength 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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 item inserted into the insertion space, the characteristics of the current detected by the inductive sensor when the aerosol generating item 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 item inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) can detect whether the inserted aerosol generating item is genuine and / or of the type based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor.

[0051] 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 item is genuine or / or for detecting the type of an aerosol-generating item. Additionally, the cigarette identification sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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 generator (1), or covers at least a portion of the housing of the aerosol generator (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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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 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.

[0056] 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 a sound 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 item 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 item). 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 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.

[0057] 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 generator (1) or removed from the battery housing. The removable battery may also be charged via wired and / or wireless connections.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) can heat the medium and / or aerosol generating material within the aerosol generating article and / or 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).

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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 part). In this case as well, the susceptor contained within the aerosol generating article may be heated by the induction coil.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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).

[0067] 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).

[0068] 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).

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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).

[0074] 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).

[0075] 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 item 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 item 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 item has been removed from the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) may determine that an aerosol-generating item has been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the heater (18, 24) is above a limit temperature or the slope of the temperature change of the heater (18, 24) is above a set slope.

[0076] 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)).

[0077] 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 is reused. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol generating item has been used, it can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24).

[0078] 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).

[0079] 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).

[0080] 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).

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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 item (or cartridge) is detected to be a first aerosol generating item (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 item (or a second cartridge) is detected to be a second aerosol generating item (or a second cartridge).

[0083] 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).

[0084] 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 item, initiation of heating of the aerosol generating item, 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 item, 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 item, 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] According to one embodiment, when a location search request for an aerosol generating device (1) is received from an external device via a communication link, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the control unit (12) can control the haptic unit to generate vibrations or control the display to output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, the aerosol generator (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 generator (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.

[0092] The aerosol generating article described 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094]

[0095] FIG. 2 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 (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. 2, and some of the components may be omitted or new configurations may be added. 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 (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).

[0098] 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).

[0099] 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.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) can heat the aerosol generating article (2). The heater (183) may extend upward around the space (i.e., 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 the 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 the 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, the heat radiated outward from the heater (183) and applied to the outside of the housing (10) can be reduced.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) may include an electric resistive heater and / or an induction heating type heater.

[0102] 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).

[0103] 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).

[0104] 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 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 (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 induction coil and the second induction coil may be respectively placed at positions corresponding to longitudinal positions of the first part and the second part of a single heater (183). In addition, the heater and / or induction coil may include three or more.

[0105] 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 item (2).

[0106] 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 heating element, 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).

[0107] 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).

[0108] 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.

[0109] In FIG. 2, 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 cartridge (19) 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).

[0110] 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 storage portion (C0). For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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).

[0113] 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).

[0114] 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).

[0115]

[0116] FIG. 3 illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a housing (10), a power source (11), a control unit (12), and / or a sensor unit (13). 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. 3, 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.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) may include a structure for inserting or mounting a cartridge (19) on one side. In this case, the cartridge (19) may be detachably coupled to the housing (10).

[0118] Although not illustrated, the housing (10) and / or cartridge (19) may include a mouthpiece. The user may place the mouthpiece in their mouth and inhale the aerosol.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the cartridge (19) may include a chamber (C0) containing an aerosol generating material. The chamber (C0) may contain an aerosol generating material having any one of the following states: liquid state, solid state, gaseous state, or 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.

[0120] According to one embodiment, a liquid delivery means (25) impregnated (containing) an aerosol generating material may be included in a cartridge (19). For example, the liquid delivery means (25) may impregnate an aerosol generating material supplied from a chamber (C0). Here, the liquid delivery means (25) may include a wick such as cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramics. Although not illustrated, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a liquid delivery means. In this case, at least a portion of the first liquid delivery means of the cartridge (19) and at least a portion of the second liquid delivery means of the aerosol generating device (1) may be formed to be in contact. In this case, the first liquid delivery means and the second liquid delivery means may be implemented in different forms. For example, the first liquid delivery means may include cotton fibers, and the second liquid delivery means may include porous ceramics. Alternatively, the cartridge (19) may not include a liquid delivery means, and the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) may be transferred to the liquid delivery means of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0121] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) and / or cartridge (19) may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows.

[0122] For example, the housing (10) may include a structure that allows outside air to flow into the interior of the housing (10) while the cartridge (19) is attached. As an example, an air inlet through which outside air can flow into the interior of the housing (10) may be formed on one side of the housing (10). The air inlet may also be formed on the bottom surface of the housing (10). Outside air that flows into the interior of the housing (10) through the air inlet passes through the cartridge (19) and then flows in a direction toward the user's oral cavity through the airflow channel (CN).

[0123] For example, an airflow channel (CN) may be included in the cartridge (19). The airflow channel (CN) may connect the outside of the housing (10) and / or the cartridge (19) to a chamber (e.g., atomizing chamber) in which the cartridge heater (24) or liquid delivery means (25) is placed. More specifically, one end of the airflow channel (CN) may open to the chamber (e.g., atomizing chamber) in which the cartridge heater (24) or liquid delivery means (25) is placed, and the other end may be in communication with the mouthpiece. The airflow channel (CN) may extend along the longitudinal direction of the cartridge (19) from one side of the chamber (C0) of the cartridge (19). The airflow channel (CN) may also extend along the longitudinal direction of the cartridge (19) by penetrating the chamber (C0) of the cartridge (19). The airflow channel (CN) may also be in communication with a mouthpiece separately provided in the housing (10).

[0124] According to one embodiment, the cartridge heater (24) can heat the 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. In one example, the electric resistive heater may include an electric resistive material and may be heated as current flows through the electric resistive material. In another example, in the case of an induction heating heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an induction coil (not shown) around the induction heating heater. The induction heating 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 contained in the cartridge (19) and / or the aerosol generating device (1) and / or in a shape that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means (e.g., a pattern shape).

[0125] According to one embodiment, the cartridge heater (24) may be included in the cartridge (19). If the cartridge (19) is in a form that is separable from the housing (10), the cartridge heater (24) may be separable from the aerosol generating device (1) together with the cartridge (19). Unlike what is illustrated, 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). Meanwhile, the cartridge heater (24) may be included in a form that is separable from the housing (10) separately (i.e., independently) from the cartridge (19). In other words, the cartridge heater (24) may or may not be separated from the housing (10) regardless of whether the cartridge (19) is separated.

[0126] According to one embodiment, an aerosol may be generated based on the heat generated by the cartridge heater (24). As the liquid delivery means (25) is heated by the cartridge heater (24), an aerosol may be generated. For example, as the aerosol generating material impregnated in the liquid delivery means (25) 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 inhaled into the user's mouth through the airflow channel (CN).

[0127] According to one embodiment, the cartridge (19) may be formed integrally with the aerosol generating device (1) (e.g., housing (10)). The cartridge (19) may be formed so that it cannot be separated from the aerosol generating device (1) by a user. Even in this case, the cartridge (19) and / or the aerosol generating device (1) may include at least one liquid delivery means, and an aerosol is generated based on a cartridge heater (24) included in the aerosol generating device (1) or the cartridge (19) heating the liquid delivery means (25), and the generated aerosol may be inhaled into the user's mouth through an airflow channel (CN).

[0128]

[0129] FIG. 4a is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 4b is an exploded view of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0130] Referring to FIGS. 4a and 4b, the aerosol generating device (1) may include at least one of a body (100), a cartridge (19), and a cap (130). The body (100) may include a lower body (110) and an upper body (120).

[0131] The lower body (110) can accommodate various components necessary for power supply or control, such as a power source (e.g., power source (11) in FIG. 2) and a control unit (e.g., control unit (12) in FIG. 2), inside. The lower body (110) can form the external shape of the aerosol generating device (1). The upper body (120) can be positioned on the upper side of the lower body (110) (e.g., the +Z direction side in FIG. 4b). The cartridge (19) can be coupled to the upper body (120).

[0132] The upper body (120) may include at least one of a mount (123) and a column (124). The mount (123) may be positioned on the upper side of the lower body (110) (e.g., the side in the +Z direction in FIG. 4b). The mount (123) may provide a space (1234) into which the lower part of the cartridge (19) can be inserted. The space (1234) of the mount (123) may be referred to as a cartridge receiving space. The mount (123) may surround the lower part of the cartridge (19) inserted into the receiving space (1234) (hereinafter referred to as the cartridge receiving space) by means of an inner wall (1231). The mount (123) may be connected to the cartridge (19).

[0133] The column (124) may be positioned on the upper side of the lower body (110) (e.g., the side in the +Z direction in FIG. 4b). The column (124) may extend upward from one side of the mount (123). The column (124) may face one side wall of the cartridge (19). The column (124) may have a shape that wraps around one side wall of the cartridge (19). The column (124) may support one side wall of the cartridge (19).

[0134] The cartridge (19) may include a container. The container may include at least one of a first container (1911) and a second container (1912). The first container (1911) may be coupled to the upper side of the second container (1912) (e.g., the side in the +Z direction in FIG. 4b). The first container (1911) may provide a space for storing liquid inside (e.g., the chamber (C0) in FIG. 2). The first container (1911) may provide an insertion space formed by being open at the top and extending vertically. An aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted into the insertion space. One side wall of the first container (1911) may face a column (124).

[0135] The second container (1912) can be coupled to the lower side of the first container (1911) (e.g., the side in the -Z direction in FIG. 4b). The second container (1912) can provide a space in which a wick (e.g., a liquid delivery means) and a heater (e.g., the cartridge heater (24) in FIG. 2) are installed. The second container (1912) can be inserted into the cartridge receiving space (1234). The mount (123) can surround the second container (1912). The second container (1912) can be coupled to the mount (123).

[0136] The cap (130) can be attached to the upper side of the lower body (110). The cap (130) can cover the upper body (120) and the cartridge (19). The side wall of the cap (130) can surround the side of the cartridge (19) and the side of the upper body (120). The upper wall of the cap (130) can cover the upper part of the cartridge (19) and the upper part of the column (124).

[0137] The cap (130) may be provided with an opening, which is an insertion port (132). The insertion port (132) may be formed at a position corresponding to the insertion space. The insertion port (132) may be connected to one end or the top of the insertion space. The cap (130) may be provided with a cap inlet (133). The cap inlet (133) may be formed by opening one side of the cap (130). Air may be introduced into the interior of the aerosol generating device (1) through the cap inlet (133).

[0138] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) of the aerosol generating device (1) can calculate the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) based on the resistance temperature coefficient of the cartridge heater (24) and the resistance value of the cartridge (19). When calculating the resistance value of the cartridge (19), the control unit (12) can remove the offset resistance value caused by the resistance of the body (100).

[0139] For example, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater (24). The sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater (24).

[0140] As another example, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a resistor element whose resistance value changes in response to a temperature change of the cartridge heater (24). A signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistor element may be output.

[0141] As another example, the resistance value of the cartridge heater (24) can be calculated by the voltage value applied to the cartridge heater (24), the internal resistance value of the power supply (11), and the voltage value of the power supply (11).

[0142] Meanwhile, the resistance value of the measured cartridge heater (24) can be calculated by (Equation 1).

[0143] (Equation 1) R = R0(1+α·△T)

[0144] Here, R is the measured resistance value of the cartridge heater (24), R0 is the initial resistance value of the cartridge heater (24) (e.g., resistance value at standard temperature), α is the Temperature Coefficient of Resistivity (TCR) of the cartridge heater (24), and △T is the temperature change (T-T0). T is the measured current temperature of the cartridge heater (24), and T0 is the initial (standard) temperature.

[0145] The resistance temperature coefficient (α) is a property of a material that does not depend on its quantity or size, and it quantifies the relationship between changes in this property and changes in temperature. The resistance temperature coefficient (α) is a coefficient that indicates the temperature dependence of resistance, and a high resistance temperature coefficient (α) can imply sensitivity to temperature. In the case of metals, the resistance value of the material increases as the temperature increases, whereas for non-metallic materials and semiconductors, resistance may decrease as the temperature increases.

[0146] The measured temperature (T) of the cartridge heater (24) can be expressed as shown in (Equation 2) below.

[0147] (Equation 2) T = (R / R0- 1) / α + T0

[0148] Meanwhile, since the resistance (R) of the cartridge heater (24) is measured when the body (100) and the cartridge (19) are combined, the measured resistance value (R) of the cartridge heater (24) may include an offset resistance value due to the resistance of the body (100). The resistance of the body (100) is the resistance possessed by the body (100) itself, and the resistance value of the body (100) may appear differently depending on the production process.

[0149] Since the measured temperature (T) of the cartridge heater (24) includes an offset resistance value due to the resistance of the body (100), this is the actual temperature (T) of the cartridge heater (24). n It may not reflect ).

[0150] The control unit (12) has an offset resistance value (R) due to the resistance of the body (100). bo Cartridge resistance value (R) with ) removed c ) the temperature (T) of the actual cartridge heater (24) n ) can be derived. For example, the control unit (12) can derive the temperature (T) of the actual cartridge heater (24) by the following (Equation 3) and (Equation 4). n ) can be produced.

[0151] (Equation 3) T n = (R c / R0- 1) / α + T0

[0152] (Equation 4) R c = R - R bo

[0153] Here, R c is the cartridge resistance value, and R bo is the offset resistance value due to the resistance of the body (100).

[0154] In one embodiment, the offset resistance value (R) due to the resistance of the body (100) bo ) can be obtained by the following.

[0155] The first coupling resistance value can be measured when a master cartridge having a first resistance value (e.g., 1Ω) is coupled to the body (100). If a gap (tolerance) exists between the master cartridge and the body (100), contact resistance may occur. To prevent this, the master cartridge and the body (100) can be coupled with the contact resistance removed by a master jig. The offset resistance value (R) due to the resistance of the body (100). bo ) can be obtained by subtracting the first resistance value from the first coupling resistance value.

[0156] Due to minute differences in the production process and production materials for each body (100), the offset resistance value (R) due to the resistance of the body (100) bo) may vary, and for each body (100), the offset resistance value (R) due to the resistance of the unique body (100) bo It can have an offset resistance value (R) due to the resistance of such body (100). bo ) can be stored in a memory (e.g., memory (17) of FIG. 1) accommodated within the body (100). The control unit (12) controls the temperature (T) of the actual cartridge heater (24). n In calculating ), the offset resistance value (R) due to the resistance of the body (100) stored in the memory (17) bo You can utilize ).

[0157] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) has a cartridge resistance value (R c When calculating the offset resistance value (R) due to the resistance of the cartridge (19) co ) can be removed. For example, during the production of the cartridge (19), self-resistance may be generated by the cartridge heater (24) itself. The offset resistance value (R) due to the resistance of the cartridge (19) co ) may vary depending on the cartridge (19).

[0158] For example, the control unit (12) [controls] the temperature (T) of the actual cartridge heater (24) according to the following (Equation 5). n ) can be produced.

[0159] (Equation 5) T n = ((RR bo -R co ) / R0- 1) / α + T0

[0160] Here, R co is the offset resistance value due to the resistance of the cartridge (19).

[0161] In one embodiment, the offset resistance value (R) due to the resistance of the cartridge (19) co ) can be obtained by the following.

[0162] With the master body having the second resistance value coupled to the cartridge (19), the second coupling resistance value is measured, and the offset resistance value (R) due to the resistance of the cartridge (19) co ) can be obtained by subtracting the second resistance value from the second coupling resistance value. At this time, the master body and the cartridge (19) can be coupled with the contact resistance removed by the master jig.

[0163] Due to minute differences in the production process and production materials for each cartridge (19), the offset resistance value (R) due to the resistance of the cartridge (19) co ) may vary, and for each cartridge (19), the offset resistance value (R) due to the resistance of the unique cartridge (19) co It can have an offset resistance value (R) due to the resistance of such cartridge (19). co ) can be stored in memory accommodated within the corresponding cartridge (19). In calculating the temperature (Tn) of the actual cartridge heater (24), the control unit (12) uses the offset resistance value (R) due to the resistance of the cartridge (19) stored in the memory. co You can utilize ).

[0164]

[0165] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for measuring the temperature of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 6 shows step 102 of FIG. 5 in detail.

[0166] Referring to FIG. 5, a method for measuring the temperature of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment comprises the step (101) of providing the aerosol generating device (1), and an offset resistance value (R) due to the resistance of the body (100). bo Step (102) of obtaining ) offset resistance value (R) due to the resistance of the body (100), bo The resistance value (R) of the cartridge (19) from which ) has been removed cStep (103) for calculating ) and the resistance temperature coefficient (α) of the cartridge heater (24) and the resistance value (R) of the cartridge (19). c Based on ) the temperature (T) of the actual cartridge heater (24) n It may include a step (104) of calculating ).

[0167] Referring to FIG. 6, the offset resistance value (R) due to the resistance of the body (100) bo The step (102) of obtaining ) may include the step (1021) of providing a master cartridge having a first resistance value, the step (1022) of measuring a first coupling resistance value while the master cartridge is coupled to the body (100), and the step (1023) of subtracting the first resistance value from the first coupling resistance value. At this time, the master cartridge and the body (100) may be coupled with the contact resistance removed by the master jig.

[0168] A method for measuring the temperature of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment is as follows: the offset resistance value (R) due to the resistance of the body (100). bo After the step of obtaining ), the offset resistance value (R) due to the resistance of the body (100) bo It may further include the step of storing ) in memory (17).

[0169] The resistance temperature coefficient (α) of the cartridge heater (24) and the resistance value (R) of the cartridge c Based on ), the temperature (T) of the cartridge heater (24) n In the step of calculating ), the temperature (T) of the actual cartridge heater (24) n ) can be calculated by the above (Equation 3), and the cartridge resistance value (R c ) can be calculated by the above (Equation 4).

[0170] According to the aerosol generating device (1) and the temperature measuring method thereof according to one embodiment, the temperature of the aerosol generating device (1) can be measured precisely, and through this, precise temperature control is possible. In addition, resistance deviation occurring during TCR temperature control can be reduced, and resistance deviation appearing differently for each device can be minimized.

[0171] An aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment comprises a body (100), a cartridge (19) including a chamber (C0) coupled to the body (100) and containing an aerosol generating substance and a cartridge heater (24) for heating the aerosol generating substance, a power source (11) housed in the body (100) and supplying power to the cartridge heater (24), and a control unit (12) housed in the body (100) and including at least one processor, wherein the control unit (12) has a resistance temperature coefficient (α) of the cartridge heater (24) and a resistance value (R) of the cartridge c Based on ), the temperature (T) of the cartridge heater (24) n ) calculates, and the control unit (12) calculates the resistance value (R) of the cartridge. c When calculating the offset resistance value (R) due to the resistance of the body (100), bo ) can be removed.

[0172] In one embodiment, a first coupling resistance value is measured while a master cartridge having a first resistance value is coupled to the body (100), and an offset resistance value (R) due to the resistance of the body (100) bo ) can be obtained by subtracting the first resistance value from the first coupling resistance value.

[0173] The above master cartridge and the above body (100) can be combined with the contact resistance removed by the master jig.

[0174] An aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may further include a memory (17), and an offset resistance value (R) due to the resistance of the body (100). bo ) can be stored in the memory (17) above.

[0175] In one embodiment, the resistance value (R) of the cartridge c ) is calculated through the resistance value (R) of the cartridge heater (24), and the resistance value (R) of the cartridge heater (24) can be calculated by the voltage value of the cartridge heater (24), the voltage value of the power supply (11), and the internal resistance value of the power supply (11).

[0176] In one embodiment, the resistance value (R) of the cartridge c ) is calculated through the resistance value (R) of the cartridge heater (24), and the resistance value (R) of the cartridge heater (24) can be measured by a sensor that detects the resistance value.

[0177] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) has a resistance value (R) of the cartridge. c When calculating the offset resistance value (R) due to the resistance of the cartridge (19), co ) can be removed.

[0178] The second coupling resistance value is measured with the master body having the second resistance value coupled to the cartridge (19), and the offset resistance value (R) due to the resistance of the cartridge (19) co ) can be obtained by subtracting the second resistance value from the second coupling resistance value. The master body and the cartridge (19) can be coupled with the contact resistance removed by the master jig.

[0179] In a method for measuring the temperature of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) comprises a body (100), a cartridge (19) including a cartridge heater (24), a power source (11), a memory (17), and a control unit (12), and the method for measuring the temperature of the aerosol generating device comprises an offset resistance value (R) due to the resistance of the body (100). bo Step (102) of obtaining ) offset resistance value (R) due to the resistance of the body (100), bo The resistance value (R) of the cartridge with ) removed c A step (103) for calculating ) and the resistance temperature coefficient (α) of the cartridge heater (24) and the resistance value (R) of the cartridge c Based on ), the temperature (T) of the cartridge heater (24) n It may include a step (104) of calculating ).

[0180] In one embodiment, the offset resistance value (R) due to the resistance of the body (100) bo The step (102) of obtaining ) may include the step (1021) of providing a master cartridge having a first resistance value, the step (1022) of measuring a first coupling resistance value while the master cartridge is coupled to the body (100), and the step (1023) of subtracting the first resistance value from the first coupling resistance value. The master cartridge and the body (100) may be coupled with the contact resistance removed by the master jig.

[0181] In one embodiment, the offset resistance value (R) due to the resistance of the body (100) bo After the step of obtaining ), the offset resistance value (R) due to the resistance of the body (100) bo It may further include the step of storing ) in the memory (17).

[0182] The resistance temperature coefficient (α) of the cartridge heater (24) and the resistance value (R) of the cartridge cBased on ), the temperature (T) of the cartridge heater (24) n In the step (104) of calculating ), the temperature of the cartridge heater is calculated by Tn = (Rc / R0 - 1) / α + T0, where T n is the temperature of the actual cartridge heater (24), and R c is the cartridge resistance value, R0 is the initial resistance value of the cartridge heater (24), T0 is the initial temperature, and α is the resistance temperature coefficient of the cartridge heater (24).

[0183] The above cartridge resistance value (R c ) is, R c = R - R bo It is calculated by, where, R c is the cartridge resistance value, R is the measured resistance value of the cartridge heater (24), and R bo is the offset resistance value due to the resistance of the above body (100).

[0184] The description of the embodiments described above is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to that described in the claims should be interpreted as being included within the scope of protection determined by the claims.

Claims

1. In an aerosol generating device, body; A cartridge coupled to the above body and comprising a chamber containing an aerosol generating material and a cartridge heater for heating the aerosol generating material; Power supply, which is accommodated in the above body and supplies power to the above cartridge heater; A control unit accommodated in the above body and comprising at least one processor; Includes, An aerosol generating device, wherein the control unit calculates the temperature of the cartridge heater based on the resistance temperature coefficient of the cartridge heater and the resistance value of the cartridge, and the control unit removes the offset resistance value caused by the resistance of the body when calculating the resistance value of the cartridge.

2. In Paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device in which a first coupling resistance value is measured while a master cartridge having a first resistance value is coupled to the body, and an offset resistance value due to the resistance of the body is obtained by subtracting the first resistance value from the first coupling resistance value.

3. In Paragraph 2, An aerosol generating device in which the above master cartridge and the above body are combined with contact resistance removed by a master jig.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above aerosol generating device further includes memory, and An aerosol generating device in which the offset resistance value due to the resistance of the above body is stored in the above memory.

5. In Paragraph 4, The resistance value of the above cartridge is calculated through the resistance value of the above cartridge heater, and An aerosol generating device in which the resistance value of the cartridge heater is calculated by the voltage value of the cartridge heater, the voltage value of the power source, and the internal resistance value of the power source.

6. In Paragraph 4, The resistance value of the above cartridge is calculated through the resistance value of the above cartridge heater, and An aerosol generating device in which the resistance value of the above cartridge heater is measured by a sensor that detects the resistance value.

7. In Paragraph 3, The above control unit removes the offset resistance value caused by the resistance of the cartridge when calculating the resistance value of the cartridge, an aerosol generating device.

8. In Paragraph 7, The second coupling resistance value is measured with the master body having the second resistance value coupled to the cartridge, and An aerosol generating device, wherein the offset resistance value due to the resistance of the cartridge is obtained by subtracting the second resistance value from the second coupling resistance value.

9. In Paragraph 8, An aerosol generating device in which the above master body and the above cartridge are combined with contact resistance removed by the above master jig.

10. A method for measuring the temperature of an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a body, a cartridge including a cartridge heater, a power source, a memory, and a control unit, and A step of obtaining an offset resistance value based on the resistance of the above body; A step of calculating the resistance value of the cartridge from which the offset resistance value caused by the resistance of the body has been removed; and A step of calculating the temperature of the cartridge heater based on the resistance temperature coefficient of the cartridge heater and the resistance value of the cartridge; A method for measuring the temperature of an aerosol generating device, comprising 11. In Paragraph 10, The step of obtaining an offset resistance value based on the resistance of the above body is, A step of providing a master cartridge having a first resistance value; A step of measuring a first coupling resistance value while the master cartridge is coupled to the body; and A step of subtracting the first resistance value from the first coupling resistance value; A method for measuring the temperature of an aerosol generating device, comprising 12. In Paragraph 11, A method for measuring the temperature of an aerosol generating device, wherein the master cartridge and the body are combined in a state where contact resistance is removed by a master jig.

13. In Paragraph 12, A method for measuring the temperature of an aerosol generating device, comprising, after the step of obtaining an offset resistance value based on the resistance of the body, the step of storing the offset resistance value based on the resistance of the body in the memory.

14. In Paragraph 10, In the step of calculating the temperature of the cartridge heater based on the resistance temperature coefficient of the cartridge heater and the resistance value of the cartridge, The temperature of the above cartridge heater is, T n = (R c / R0- 1) / α + T0 Produced by, Here, T n is the actual cartridge heater temperature, and R c A method for measuring the temperature of an aerosol generating device, wherein is a cartridge resistance value, R0 is an initial resistance value of the cartridge heater, T0 is an initial temperature, and α is a resistance temperature coefficient of the cartridge heater.

15. In Paragraph 14, The above cartridge resistance value is, R c = R - R bo Produced by, Here, R c is the cartridge resistance value, R is the measured resistance value of the cartridge heater, and R bo A method for measuring the temperature of an aerosol generating device, wherein the offset resistance value is due to the resistance of the above-mentioned body.

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