CN118119311A

CN118119311A - Aerosol generating device and method of operating the same

Info

Publication number: CN118119311A
Application number: CN202280069125.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 郑炯真; 朴珠彦; 金兑勋; 韩政昊
Original assignee: KT&G Corp
Current assignee: KT&G Corp
Priority date: 2021-10-20
Filing date: 2022-10-12
Publication date: 2024-05-31

Abstract

An aerosol generating device and a method of operating the same are disclosed. The aerosol-generating device of the present disclosure includes: an insertion space; a first sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the insertion space; a heater for heating the rod; a second sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the temperature of the heater; and a controller. The controller performs control such that the heater is supplied with power based on the determination of the insertion rod using the first sensor. In each of a plurality of periods of power supply to the heater, the controller determines whether a rod is present based on conditions related to the temperature of the heater corresponding to the plurality of periods, respectively. Upon determining that the wand is not present, the controller performs control such that power supply to the heater is interrupted. The conditions respectively corresponding to the plurality of periods are different from each other.

Description

Aerosol generating device and method of operating the same

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to aerosol generating devices and methods of operating the same.

Background

An aerosol generating device is a device that extracts certain components from a medium or substance by forming an aerosol. The medium may comprise a multicomponent material. The substance contained in the medium may be a multi-component flavouring substance. For example, the substance contained in the medium may include a nicotine component, an herbal component, and/or a coffee component. Recently, various researches have been conducted on an aerosol generating device.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

It is an object of the present disclosure to address the above and other problems.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof, which are capable of correcting errors in determination regarding an insertion rod.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol-generating device and an operating method thereof, which can prevent a heater from being heated in a state in which a rod is not inserted.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol-generating device and an operating method thereof, which are capable of accurately determining an error in determination regarding an insertion rod based on various conditions corresponding to a plurality of periods of power supply to a heater.

Technical proposal

An aerosol-generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above and other objects may include: a housing defining an insertion space therein; a first sensor configured to output a signal corresponding to the insertion space; a heater configured to heat the rod inserted into the insertion space; a second sensor configured to output a signal corresponding to a temperature of the heater; and a controller. The controller may perform control such that the heater is supplied with power based on the determination of the insertion rod using the first sensor. In each of the plurality of periods of supplying power to the heater, the controller may determine whether the rod is present based on conditions related to the temperature of the heater corresponding to the plurality of periods, respectively. Upon determining that the wand is not present, the controller may perform control such that power supply to the heater is interrupted. The conditions respectively corresponding to the plurality of periods may be different from each other.

A method of operating an aerosol-generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above and other objects may include the steps of: when the rod is inserted into an insertion space defined in the housing, power is supplied to a heater configured to heat the rod; determining whether a rod is present or not based on conditions related to the temperature of the heater corresponding to the plurality of periods, respectively, in each of the plurality of periods in which power is supplied to the heater; and upon determining that no wand is present, interrupting power to the heater. The conditions respectively corresponding to the plurality of periods may be different from each other.

Advantageous effects

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, errors in determination regarding the insertion rod may be corrected.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heater may be prevented from being heated in a state where the rod is not inserted.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an error in determination regarding an insertion rod may be accurately determined based on various conditions corresponding to a plurality of periods of power supply to a heater.

Further applications of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description that follows. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art, it is to be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as the preferred embodiments of the disclosure, are given by way of example only.

Drawings

The foregoing and other objects, features, and other advantages of the disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

fig. 2 to 4 are views for explaining an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 5 and 6 are views for explaining a stick according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 8 and 9 are flowcharts illustrating an operation method of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 10 and 11 are diagrams for explaining an operation of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals even though they are depicted in different drawings, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

In the following description, for constituent elements used in the following description, suffixes "module" and "unit" are used only in consideration of convenience of description. "Module" and "unit" do not have mutually distinguishing meanings or functions.

Further, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, when a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein may obscure the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Further, the drawings are provided only for better understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and are not intended to limit the technical ideas disclosed in the present specification. Accordingly, the drawings should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," and the like may be used herein to describe various components. However, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element. However, it should be understood that intermediate components may be present. On the other hand, when one component is referred to as being "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another component, there are no intervening components present.

As used herein, the singular is also intended to include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to fig. 1, the aerosol-generating device 10 may include a communication interface 11, an input/output interface 12, an aerosol-generating module 13, a memory 14, a sensor module 15, a battery 16, and/or a controller 17.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 10 may be composed of only a main body. In this case, the components included in the aerosol-generating device 10 may be located in the main body. In another embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 10 may be comprised of a cartridge and a body containing an aerosol-generating substance. In this case, the components included in the aerosol-generating device 10 may be located in at least one of the body or the cartridge.

The communication interface 11 may include at least one communication module for communicating with external devices and/or networks. For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wired communication, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB). For example, the communication interface 11 may comprise a communication module for wireless communication, such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), zigBee, or Near Field Communication (NFC).

The input/output interface 12 may include an input device (not shown) for receiving commands from a user and/or an output device (not shown) for outputting information to a user. For example, the input device may include a touch panel, physical buttons, a microphone, and the like. For example, the output device may include: display means for outputting visual information, such as a display or a Light Emitting Diode (LED); audio means for outputting audible information, such as a speaker or buzzer; a motor for outputting haptic information, such as haptic effects, etc.

The input/output interface 12 may transmit data corresponding to a command entered by a user through the input device to another component (or other component) of the aerosol-generating device 10. The input/output interface 12 may output information corresponding to data received from another component (or other component) of the aerosol-generating device 10 through an output device.

The aerosol-generating module 13 may generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substance. Here, the aerosol-generating substance may be a substance in a liquid, solid or gel state capable of generating an aerosol, or a combination of two or more aerosol-generating substances.

According to one embodiment, the liquid aerosol-generating substance may be a liquid comprising tobacco material having volatile tobacco flavour components. According to another embodiment, the liquid aerosol-generating substance may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material. For example, the liquid aerosol-generating substance may include water, solvents, nicotine, plant extracts, flavors, flavoring agents, vitamin mixtures, and the like.

The solid aerosol-generating substance may comprise a solid material based on a tobacco raw material, such as reconstituted tobacco sheet, cut filler or particulate tobacco. In addition, the solid aerosol-generating substance may comprise a solid material having a taste controlling agent and a flavouring material. For example, the taste control agent may include calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium oxide, and the like. For example, the flavoring material may comprise natural materials such as herbal granules, or may comprise materials containing aromatic components such as silica, zeolite or dextrin.

In addition, the aerosol generating substance may also include an aerosol former, such as glycerol or propylene glycol.

The aerosol-generating module 13 may comprise at least one heater (not shown).

The aerosol-generating module 13 may comprise a resistive heater. For example, the resistive heater may include at least one conductive trace. The resistive heater may be heated when current flows through the conductive trace. At this time, the aerosol-generating substance may be heated by a heated resistance heater.

The conductive trace may include a resistive material. In one example, the conductive trace may be formed from a metallic material. In another example, the conductive trace may be formed from a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite of a ceramic material and a metal.

The resistive heater may include conductive traces formed in any of a variety of shapes. For example, the conductive trace may be formed in any one of a tubular shape, a plate shape, a needle shape, a rod shape, and a coil shape.

The aerosol-generating module 13 may comprise a heater using an induction heating method. For example, the induction heater may comprise an electrically conductive coil. By adjusting the current flowing through the conductive coil, the induction heater can generate an alternating magnetic field whose direction is periodically changed. At this time, when an alternating magnetic field is applied to the magnet, energy loss may occur in the magnet due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss. In addition, the lost energy may be released as thermal energy. Thus, the aerosol-generating substance located in the vicinity of the magnet may be heated. Here, the object generating heat due to the magnetic field may be referred to as a susceptor.

Meanwhile, the aerosol-generating module 13 may generate ultrasonic vibrations to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substance.

The aerosol generating device 10 may be referred to as a cartomizer (cartomizer), a nebulizer (atomizer), or a vaporizer (vaporizer).

The memory 14 may store a program for processing and controlling each signal in the controller 17. The memory 14 may store processed data and data to be processed.

For example, the memory 14 may store applications designed to perform various tasks that may be handled by the controller 17. The memory 14 may selectively provide some of the stored applications in response to a request from the controller 17.

For example, the memory 14 may store data regarding an operation time of the aerosol-generating device 10, a maximum number of puffs, a current number of puffs, a number of uses of the battery 16, at least one temperature profile, a user's inhalation pattern, and data regarding charge/discharge. Here, "suction" refers to inhalation by the user. "inhalation" refers to the act of drawing air or other substances into the user's mouth, nasal cavity, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.

The memory 14 may include at least one of volatile memory (e.g., dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), static Random Access Memory (SRAM), or Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM)), non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory), a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), or a Solid State Drive (SSD).

The sensor module 15 may include at least one sensor.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for sensing suction (hereinafter referred to as a "suction sensor"). In this case, the suction sensor may be implemented as a proximity sensor, such as an IR sensor, a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or the like.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for sensing suction (hereinafter referred to as a "suction sensor"). In this case, the suction sensor may be implemented by a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or the like.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as "temperature sensor") for sensing the temperature of the heater included in the aerosol-generating module 13 and the temperature of the aerosol-generating substance. In this case, the heater included in the aerosol-generating module 13 may also be used as a temperature sensor. For example, the resistive material of the heater may be a material having a predetermined temperature coefficient of resistance. The sensor module 15 may measure the resistance of the heater according to the temperature change, thereby sensing the temperature of the heater.

For example, in the case where the body of the aerosol-generating device 10 is formed to allow insertion of a rod therein, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for sensing insertion of the rod (hereinafter referred to as a "rod detection sensor").

For example, in the case where the aerosol-generating device 10 includes a cartridge, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for sensing the attachment/detachment of the cartridge and the position of the cartridge (hereinafter referred to as "cartridge detection sensor").

In this case, the rod detection sensor and/or the cartridge detection sensor may be implemented as an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, or a hall sensor (or hall IC) using the hall effect.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a voltage sensor for sensing a voltage applied to a component (e.g., the battery 16) provided in the aerosol-generating device 10 and/or a current sensor for sensing a current.

The battery 16 may supply power for operating the aerosol-generating device 10 under the control of the controller 17. The battery 16 may supply power to other components disposed in the aerosol-generating device 10. For example, the battery 16 may supply power to a communication module included in the communication interface 11, an output device included in the input/output interface 12, and a heater included in the aerosol generating module 13.

The battery 16 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 16 may be a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery or a lithium polymer (Li-polymer) battery. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, when the battery 16 is rechargeable, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 16 may be 10C, and the discharge rate (C-rate) thereof may be 10C to 20C. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Further, for stable use, the battery 16 may be manufactured such that 80% or more of the total capacity can be ensured even when 2000 charge/discharge is performed.

The aerosol generating device 10 may also include a Protection Circuit Module (PCM) (not shown), which is a circuit for protecting the battery 16. A Protection Circuit Module (PCM) may be disposed adjacent to an upper surface of the battery cell 16. For example, in order to prevent overcharge and overdischarge of the battery 16, when an overvoltage is applied to the battery 16 when a short circuit occurs in a circuit connected to the battery 16, or when an overcurrent flows through the battery 16, a Protection Circuit Module (PCM) may cut off an electrical path to the battery 16.

The aerosol generating device 10 may further comprise a charging terminal to which electric power supplied from the outside is input. For example, the charging terminal may be formed at one side of the main body of the aerosol-generating device 10. The aerosol generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using the electric power supplied through the charging terminal. In this case, the charging terminal may be configured as a wired terminal for USB communication, pogo pin, or the like.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may further comprise a power terminal (not shown) to which power supplied from the outside is input. For example, the power line may be connected to a power terminal provided at one side of the main body of the aerosol-generating device 10. The aerosol-generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using electric power supplied through a power line connected to the power terminal. In this case, the power terminal may be a wired terminal for USB communication.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may wirelessly receive power supplied from the outside through the communication interface 11. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may wirelessly receive power using an antenna included in a communication module for wireless communication. The aerosol generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using wirelessly supplied power.

The controller 17 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 10. The controller 17 may be connected to each component provided in the aerosol-generating device 10. The controller 17 may send and/or receive signals to and/or from each component to control the overall operation of each component.

The controller 17 may include at least one processor. The controller 17 may use a processor included therein to control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 10. Here, the processor may be a general-purpose processor such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU). Of course, the processor may be a special purpose device, such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or may be any other hardware-based processor.

The controller 17 may perform any of a variety of functions of the aerosol-generating device 10. For example, the controller 17 may perform any one of various functions (e.g., a warm-up function, a heating function, a charging function, and a cleaning function) of the aerosol-generating device 10 according to the state of each component provided in the aerosol-generating device 10 and a user command received through the input/output interface 12.

The controller 17 may control the operation of each component provided in the aerosol-generating device 10 based on data stored in the memory 14. For example, the controller 17 may control the supply of a predetermined amount of electric power from the battery 16 to the aerosol-generating module 13 for a predetermined time based on data about the temperature distribution, the inhalation pattern of the user, stored in the memory 14.

The controller 17 may use a suction sensor included in the sensor module 15 to determine whether suction is occurring or not. For example, the controller 17 may check the temperature change, the flow rate change, the pressure change, and the voltage change of the aerosol-generating device 10 based on the values sensed by the suction sensor. The controller 17 may determine the occurrence or non-occurrence of aspiration based on the value sensed by the aspiration sensor.

The controller 17 may control the operation of each component provided in the aerosol-generating device 10 according to the number of times that suction is or is not occurring and/or is being sucked. For example, the controller 17 may perform control such that the temperature of the heater is changed or maintained based on the temperature distribution stored in the memory 14.

The controller 17 may perform control such that the power supply to the heater is interrupted according to a predetermined condition. For example, the controller 17 may perform control such that when the stick is removed, when the cartridge is detached, when the number of times of suction reaches a predetermined maximum number of times of suction, when suction is not sensed for a predetermined period of time or more, or when the remaining capacity of the battery 16 is less than a predetermined value, power supply to the heater is interrupted.

The controller 17 may calculate the remaining capacity with respect to the full charge capacity of the battery 16. For example, the controller 17 may calculate the remaining capacity of the battery 16 based on values sensed by a voltage sensor and/or a current sensor included in the sensor module 15.

The controller 17 may perform control such that the heater is supplied with power using at least one of a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) method or a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) method.

For example, the controller 17 may perform control such that a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and a predetermined duty ratio is supplied to the heater using a PWM method. In this case, the controller 17 can control the amount of electric power supplied to the heater by adjusting the frequency and the duty ratio of the current pulses.

For example, the controller 17 may determine the target temperature to be controlled based on the temperature distribution. In this case, the controller 17 may control the amount of electric power supplied to the heater using a PID method that is a feedback control method using a difference between the temperature of the heater and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference with respect to time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference with respect to time.

Although the PWM method and the PID method are described as examples of a method of controlling power supply to the heater, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any one of various control methods, such as a proportional-integral (PI) method or a proportional-derivative (PD) method, may be employed.

Meanwhile, the controller 17 may perform control such that power is supplied to the heater according to a predetermined condition. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning a space of an insertion rod is selected in response to a command input by a user through the input/output interface 12, the controller 17 may perform control such that a predetermined amount of power is supplied to the heater.

Fig. 2 to 4 are views for explaining an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device 10 may include a body 100 and/or a cartridge 200.

Referring to fig. 2, the aerosol-generating device 10 according to the embodiment may include a body 100, the body 100 being formed such that the rod 20 may be inserted into an inner space formed by the case 101.

Rod 20 may resemble a conventional combustion cigarette. For example, the rod 20 may be divided into a first portion comprising aerosol generating material and a second portion comprising a filter or the like. Alternatively, the aerosol generating material may be included in the second portion of the rod 20. For example, a flavouring substance in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

The entire first portion is inserted into the insertion space of the aerosol-generating device 10, and the second portion may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first portion may be inserted into the insertion space of the aerosol-generating device 10, or a part of the second portion and the first portion may be inserted. In this case, the aerosol may be generated by passing external air through the first portion, and the generated aerosol may be delivered into the mouth of the user through the second portion.

The main body 100 may be configured such that external air is introduced into the main body 100 in a state in which the stick 20 is inserted therein. In this case, the external air introduced into the main body 100 may flow into the user's mouth via the stick 20.

The heater may be provided in the body 100 at a position corresponding to a position where the rod 20 is inserted into the body 100. Although the heater is shown in the drawings as a conductive heater 110 including a pin-shaped conductive trace, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The heater may use power supplied from the battery 16 to heat the inside and/or outside of the wand 20. Aerosol may be generated from the heated rod 20. At this time, the user may hold one end of the rod 20 in the mouth to inhale the aerosol containing the tobacco material.

Meanwhile, the controller 17 may perform control such that power is supplied to the heater in a state in which the rod 20 is not inserted into the main body according to a predetermined condition. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning the space of the insertion rod 20 is selected in response to a command input by the user through the input/output interface 12, the controller 17 may perform control such that a predetermined amount of power is supplied to the heater.

The controller 17 may monitor the number of puffs based on a value sensed by a puff sensor from a point in time when the wand 20 is inserted into the main body.

When the wand 20 is removed from the main body, the controller 17 may initialize the current number of puffs stored in the memory 14.

Referring to fig. 3, the aerosol-generating device 10 according to an embodiment may include a body 100 and a cartridge 200. The body 100 may support the cartridge 200, and the cartridge 200 may contain an aerosol-generating substance.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge 200 may be configured to be removably mounted to the body 100. According to another embodiment, the cartridge 200 may be integrally configured with the body 100. For example, the cartridge 200 may be mounted to the body 100 in such a manner that at least a portion of the cartridge 200 is inserted into an insertion space formed by the housing 101 of the body 100.

The main body 100 may be formed to have a structure in which external air may be introduced into the main body 100 in a state in which the cartridge 200 is inserted. Here, the external air introduced into the main body 100 may flow into the mouth of the user via the cartridge 200.

The controller 17 may use a cartridge detection sensor included in the sensor module 15 to determine whether the cartridge 200 is in the installed state or in the disassembled state. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may transmit pulsed current through a first terminal connected to the cartridge 200. In this case, the controller 17 may determine whether the cartridge 200 is in the connected state based on whether the pulse current is received through the second terminal.

The cartridge 200 may include a heater 210 configured to heat the aerosol-generating substance and/or a reservoir 220 configured to contain the aerosol-generating substance. For example, a liquid delivery element impregnated with (containing) an aerosol-generating substance may be disposed within the reservoir 220. The conductive traces of the heater 210 may be formed in a structure that wraps around the liquid transport element. In this case, when the liquid delivery element is heated by the heater 210, an aerosol may be generated. Here, the liquid transport element may comprise a core made of, for example, cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers or porous ceramics.

The cartridge 200 may include an insertion space 230 configured to allow insertion of the rod 20. For example, the cartridge 200 may include an insertion space formed by an inner wall extending in a circumferential direction along the direction of the insertion rod 20. In this case, the insertion space may be formed by opening the inner side of the inner wall up and down. The rod 20 may be inserted into an insertion space formed by the inner wall.

The insertion space into which the rod 20 is inserted may be formed in a shape corresponding to a shape of a portion of the rod 20 inserted into the insertion space. For example, when the rod 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the insertion space may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

When the rod 20 is inserted into the insertion space, the outer surface of the rod 20 may be surrounded by and contact with the inner wall.

A portion of the rod 20 may be inserted into the insertion space, and the remaining portion of the rod 20 may be exposed to the outside.

A user may inhale the aerosol while biting one end of the rod 20 with the mouthpiece. The aerosol generated by the heater 210 may pass through the rod 20 and be delivered to the user's mouth. At this time, as the aerosol passes through the rod 20, the material contained in the rod 20 may be added to the aerosol. An aerosol of infusion material may be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the rod 20.

Referring to fig. 4, the aerosol-generating device 10 according to the embodiment may include a main body 100 supporting a cartridge 200 and a cartridge 200 containing an aerosol-generating substance. The body 100 may be formed to allow the rod 20 to be inserted into the insertion space 130 therein.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may comprise a first heater for heating the aerosol-generating substance stored in the cartridge 200. For example, when a user holds one end of the rod 20 in the mouth to inhale the aerosol, the aerosol generated by the first heater may pass through the rod 20. At this time, a fragrance may be added to the aerosol as it passes through the rod 20. The aerosol containing the fragrance may be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the wand 20.

Alternatively, according to another embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 10 may comprise a first heater for heating the aerosol-generating substance stored in the cartridge 200 and a second heater for heating the rod 20 inserted into the body 100. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating substance stored in the cartridge 200 and the rod 20 using the first heater and the second heater, respectively.

Fig. 5 to 7 are views for explaining a stick according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 5, the rod 20 may include a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first portion described above with reference to fig. 2 may comprise a tobacco rod. The second portion described above with reference to fig. 2 may include filter rods 22.

Fig. 5 shows that the filter rod 22 comprises a single segment. However, the filter rod 22 is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22 may comprise a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a first segment configured to cool the aerosol and a second segment configured to filter specific components contained in the aerosol. Moreover, the filter rod 22 may also include at least one segment configured to perform other functions, as desired.

The diameter of the rod 20 may be in the range of 5mm to 9mm, and the length of the rod 20 may be about 48mm, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 may be about 12mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 10mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 14mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 12mm, although the embodiments are not limited in this respect.

The rod 20 may be wrapped with at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole through which external air may be introduced or through which internal air may be exhausted. For example, a wrapper 24 may be used to wrap the rod 20. As another example, the rod 20 may be double wrapped with at least two wraps 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped with a first wrapper 241. For example, the filter rod 22 may be wrapped with wrappers 242, 243, 244. The tobacco rod 21 and filter rod 22 wrapped by the wrapper may be combined. Rod 20 may be repacked by a single wrapper 245. When each of the tobacco rod 21 and filter rod 22 includes multiple segments, each segment may be wrapped with a wrap 242, 243, 244. The entire rod 20, consisting of multiple segments wrapped by a wrapper, may be repacked by another wrapper.

The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be formed of a common filter wrapper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be porous wrapper paper or non-porous wrapper paper. Further, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of an oil resistant paper sheet and an aluminum laminate packaging material.

The third wrapper 243 may be made of hard wrap paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrap 243 may be in the range of 88g/m2 to 96g/m 2. For example, the basis weight of the third wrap 243 may be in the range of 90g/m2 to 94g/m 2. Further, the total thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be in the range of 1200 μm to 1300 μm. For example, the total thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be 125 μm.

The fourth wrapper 244 may be made of oil resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in the range of about 88g/m2 to about 96g/m 2. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in the range of 90g/m2 to 94g/m 2. Further, the total thickness of the fourth wrap 244 may be in the range of 1200 μm to 1300 μm. For example, the total thickness of the fourth wrap 244 may be 125 μm.

The fifth wrapper 245 may be made of sterile paper (MFW). Here, MFW refers to specially manufactured paper having enhanced tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, and the like as compared to plain paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in the range of 57g/m2 to 63g/m 2. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be about 60g/m2. Further, the total thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the total thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 67 μm.

The predetermined material may be included in the fifth wrapper 245. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be, but is not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon exhibits characteristics such as heat resistance that hardly change due to temperature, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water resistance, electrical insulation, and the like. However, any material other than silicon may be applied to (or coated on) the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation, so long as the material has the above-described characteristics.

The fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the burning of the rod 20. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 110, there is a possibility that the rod 20 burns. In detail, the rod 20 may burn when the temperature increases to a temperature above the ignition point of any of the materials contained in the tobacco rod 21. Even in this case, since the fifth wrapper 245 includes a non-combustible material, the burning of the rod 20 can be prevented.

In addition, the fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the aerosol-generating device 10 from being contaminated by the substance formed by the rod 20. By suction from the user, a liquid substance may be formed in the wand 20. For example, when the aerosol formed by the rod 20 is cooled by outside air, a liquid material (e.g., moisture, etc.) may be formed. When the fifth wrapper 245 wraps the rod 20, the liquid material formed in the rod 20 may be prevented from leaking out of the rod 20.

The tobacco rod 21 may include an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may include other additives such as flavorants, humectants, and/or organic acids. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may include a flavored liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, that is impregnated into the tobacco rod 21.

The tobacco rod 21 may be made in various forms. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be formed as a sheet or wire. Further, the tobacco rod 21 may be formed as cut filler, which is formed from small pieces cut from a sheet of tobacco. Moreover, the tobacco rod 21 may be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may evenly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, and thus, the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod may be increased, and the taste of the tobacco may be improved. Moreover, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may act as a susceptor that is heated by an induction heater. Here, although not shown in the figures, the tobacco rod 21 may include an additional susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21.

The filter rod 22 may comprise a cellulose acetate filter. The shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may comprise a cylindrical rod or tubular rod having a hollow interior. Also, the filter rod 22 may comprise a fluted rod. When the filter rod 22 includes a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may have a different shape.

The first segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first section may be a tubular structure having a hollow interior. The first segment may prevent the interior material of the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed back when the heater 110 is inserted into the tobacco rod 21 and may also provide a cooling effect for the aerosol. The diameter of the hollow included in the first section may be a suitable diameter in the range of 2mm to 4.5mm, but is not limited thereto.

The length of the first segment may be a suitable length in the range of 4mm to 30mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the first section may be 10mm, but is not limited thereto.

The second section of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated when the heater 110 heats the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user can suck the aerosol cooled at an appropriate temperature.

The length or diameter of the second segment may be determined differently depending on the shape of the rod 20. For example, the length of the second section may be a suitable length in the range of 7mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second section may be about 14mm, but is not limited thereto.

The second segment may be made by braiding polymer fibers. In this case, the flavouring liquid may also be applied to the fibres formed from the polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be manufactured by braiding together additional fibers coated with a flavored liquid and fibers formed from a polymer. Alternatively, the second section may be formed from a curled polymeric sheet.

For example, the polymer may be formed of a material selected from the group consisting of Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose Acetate (CA), and aluminum coil.

When the second segment is formed from woven polymer fibers or crimped polymer sheets, the second segment may include a single channel or multiple channels extending in the longitudinal direction. Here, a channel refers to a channel through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

For example, the second segment formed from the crimped polymer sheet may be formed from a material having a thickness of between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, such as between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. Likewise, the total surface area of the second section may be between about 300mm2/mm and about 1000mm 2/mm. Furthermore, the aerosol-cooling element may be formed from a material having a specific surface area of between about 10mm2/mg and about 100mm 2/mg.

The second section may comprise a thread containing volatile flavour ingredient. Here, the volatile fragrance ingredient may be menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the strands may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide a second segment having 1.5mg or more menthol.

The third segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third section may be a suitable length in the range of 4mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third section may be about 12mm, but is not limited thereto.

The filter rod 22 may be manufactured to produce a flavor. For example, a flavored liquid can be injected onto the filter rod 22. For example, additional fibers coated with a flavored liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 22.

Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may comprise at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsules 23 may generate fragrance. The capsule 23 may generate an aerosol. For example, the pouch 23 may have a configuration in which a liquid including a flavoring material is wrapped by a film. The bladder 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to fig. 6, rod 30 may also include a front end plug 33. The front end plug 33 may be located on a side of the tobacco rod 31 that does not face the filter rod 32. The front end plug 33 prevents separation of the tobacco rod 31 and prevents liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco rod 31 into the aerosol-generating device 10 during smoking.

The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. The first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 of fig. 4. The second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 of fig. 4.

The diameter and overall length of rod 30 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of rod 20 of fig. 4. For example, the length of the front end plug 33 may be about 7mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 may be about 15mm, the length of the first section 321 may be about 12mm, and the length of the second section 322 may be about 14mm, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

The rod 30 may be wrapped with at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may have at least one hole through which external air may be introduced or through which internal air may be discharged. For example, front end plug 33 may be wrapped with a first wrapper 351, tobacco rod 31 may be wrapped with a second wrapper 352, first section 321 may be wrapped with a third wrapper 353, and second section 322 may be wrapped with a fourth wrapper 354. Moreover, the entire rod 30 may be repacked using a fifth wrapper 355.

In addition, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, perforations 36 may be formed in the area of fifth wrapper 355 surrounding tobacco rod 31, but are not limited thereto. For example, the perforations 36 may transfer heat formed by the heater 210 shown in fig. 3 into the tobacco rod 31.

Likewise, second section 322 may include at least one bladder 34. Here, the pouch 34 may generate a scent. The bladder 34 may generate an aerosol. For example, the pouch 34 may have a configuration in which the liquid including the flavoring material is wrapped by a film. The bladder 34 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

The first wrapper 351 may be formed by combining a conventional filter wrapper with a metal foil such as an aluminum roll. For example, the total thickness of the first wrap 351 may be in the range of 45 μm to 55 μm. For example, the total thickness of the first wrap 351 may be 50.3 μm. Further, the thickness of the metal roll of the first wrap 351 may be in the range of 6 μm to 7 μm. For example, the thickness of the metal roll of the first wrap 351 may be 6.3 μm. Further, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be in the range of 50g/m2 to 55g/m 2. For example, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be 53g/m2.

The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be formed from conventional filter wrap paper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be porous wrap or non-porous wrap.

For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be 35000CU, but is not limited thereto. Further, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be in the range of 70 μm to 80 μm. For example, the thickness of the second wrap 352 may be 78 μm. The basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be in the range of 20g/m2 to 25g/m 2. For example, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be 23.5g/m2.

For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be 24000CU, but is not limited thereto. Further, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be in the range of about 60 μm to about 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be 68 μm. The basis weight of the third wrapper 353 can be in the range of about 20g/m2 to about 25g/m 2. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be 21g/m2.

The fourth wrapper 354 may be formed from PLA laminate paper. Here, PLA laminated paper refers to three-ply paper including a paper ply, a PLA layer, and a paper ply. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrap 354 may be in the range of 100 μm to 1200 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrap 354 may be 110 μm. Further, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in the range of 80g/m2 to 100g/m 2. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 88g/m2.

Fifth wrapper 355 may be formed of sterile paper (MFW). Here, the aseptic paper (MFW) refers to paper which is particularly manufactured to be more improved in tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. than plain paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in the range of 57g/m2 to 63g/m 2. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 60g/m2. Further, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 67 μm.

Fifth wrapper 355 may include a preset material added thereto. Examples of the material may include silicon, but are not limited thereto. Silicon has properties such as temperature resistance, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water resistance, and electrical insulation. In addition to silicon, any other material having the above characteristics may be applied (or coated) onto fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.

The front end plug 33 may be formed of cellulose acetate. For example, the front end plug 33 may be formed by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to the cellulose acetate tow. Shan Dan denier filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, shan Dan denier filaments making up the cellulose acetate tow may be in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. For example, shan Dan denier filaments of the front end plug 33 may be 5.0. Also, the cross section of the filaments constituting the front end plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the front end plug 33 may be in the range of 20000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the front end plug 33 may be in the range of 25000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the front end plug 33 is 28000.

In addition, the front end plug 33 may include at least one channel, as desired. The cross-sectional shape of the channel may be made in various shapes.

The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to fig. 4. Accordingly, hereinafter, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted.

The first section 321 may be formed from cellulose acetate. For example, the first section 321 may be a tubular structure having a hollow interior. The first section 321 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to the cellulose acetate tow. For example, the Shan Dan denier and the total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the Shan Dan denier and the total denier of the front end plug 33.

Second section 322 may be formed from cellulose acetate. Shan Dan denier filaments making up second section 322 may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the Shan Dan denier filaments of the second section 322 may be in the range of about 8.0 to about 10.0. For example, shan Dan denier filaments of second section 322 may be 9.0. Also, the filaments of second section 322 may be Y-shaped in cross-section. The total denier of second segment 322 may be in the range of 20000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of second segment 322 may be 25000.

Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 7, the aerosol-generating device 10 may include a housing 101 having an insertion space 130 defined therein, a heater 110, an inductive sensor 151, a capacitive sensor 153, a temperature sensor 155, a battery 16, and/or a controller 17.

The insertion space 130 may be a space defined in the housing 101, which forms the external appearance of the aerosol-generating device 10. One end of the insertion space 130 may be opened to form an opening. The insertion space 130 may be exposed to the outside through the opening. The opening may be defined as one end of the insertion space 130.

The rod 20 may be inserted into the insertion space 130. The insertion space 130 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the rod 20. For example, when the rod 20 has a circular cross section, the insertion space 130 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. A portion of the rod 20 may be inserted into the insertion space 130. The remaining portion of the rod 20 except for the portion inserted into the insertion space 130 may be exposed to the outside.

The heater 110 may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space 130. The heater 110 may heat the inside and/or outside of the wand 20 using power supplied from the battery 16. The heater 110 may be implemented as a conductive heater and/or an induction heating type heater.

Inductive sensor 151 and/or capacitive sensor 153 may be disposed adjacent to insertion space 130.

The inductive sensor 151 may include at least one coil. The coil of the induction sensor 151 may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space 130. For example, when the magnetic field around the coil through which the current flows changes, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may include a frequency, a current value, a voltage value, an inductance value, an impedance value, and the like of the alternating current.

The induction sensor 151 may output a signal corresponding to a characteristic of a current flowing through the coil. For example, the induction sensor 151 may output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

The capacitive sensor 153 may include an electrical conductor. The electrical conductor of the capacitive sensor 153 may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space 130. The capacitance sensor 153 may output a signal corresponding to an electromagnetic characteristic of the surrounding environment (e.g., capacitance around the electrical conductor). For example, when the rod 20 including the first wrapper 241 made of a metal material is inserted into the insertion space 230, electromagnetic characteristics around the electric conductor may be changed due to the first wrapper 241.

The temperature sensor 155 may output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the heater 110. According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor 155 may include a resistor that changes a resistance value in response to a temperature change of the heater 110. In this case, the temperature sensor 155 may output a signal corresponding to a resistance value of the resistor as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the heater 110. According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor 155 may be implemented as a sensor configured to detect a resistance value of the heater 110. In this case, the temperature sensor 155 may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater 110 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the heater 110.

The controller 17 may determine whether the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 using the inductive sensor 151 and/or the capacitive sensor 153. For example, when the inductance value corresponding to the signal from the induction sensor 151 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the controller 17 may determine that the stick 20 has been inserted into the insertion space 130. For example, when the capacitance value corresponding to the signal from the capacitance sensor 153 changes by a predetermined reference value or more, the controller 17 may determine that the stick 20 has been inserted into the insertion space 130.

The controller 17 may determine the temperature of the heater 110 using the temperature sensor 155. The controller 17 may adjust the power supplied to the heater 110 based on the temperature of the heater 110. For example, the controller 17 may determine the target temperature of the heater 110 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 14. In this case, the controller 17 may adjust the duty ratio of the current pulse supplied to the heater 110 based on the difference between the temperature of the heater 110 and the target temperature.

Fig. 8 and 9 are flowcharts illustrating an operation method of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 8, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine whether the rod 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 using the inductive sensor 151 and/or the capacitive sensor 153 in operation S810.

According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may monitor the signal from the capacitive sensor 153. Upon determining that the rod 20 has been inserted into the insertion space 130 based on the signal from the capacitive sensor 153, the aerosol generating device 10 may monitor the signal from the inductive sensor 151. Upon determining that the rod 20 has been inserted into the insertion space 130 based on the signal from the inductive sensor 151, the aerosol-generating device 10 may ultimately determine that the rod 20 has been inserted into the insertion space 130.

In operation S820, the aerosol-generating device 10 may supply power to the heater 110 upon determining that the rod 20 has been inserted into the insertion space 130. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may power the heater 110 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 14.

In operation S830, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine whether the rod 20 is present in the insertion space 130 in a plurality of periods in which power is supplied to the heater 110 based on a plurality of conditions corresponding to the respective periods. Here, the plurality of conditions corresponding to the respective periods may be different from each other. This will be described with reference to fig. 9.

Referring to fig. 9, the aerosol-generating device 10 may calculate a slope corresponding to a temperature change of the heater 110 in a first period of a plurality of periods in operation S910. Here, the first period may be a period corresponding to the warm-up of the heater 110. Here, "preheating" may mean raising the temperature of the heater 110 to a certain level after inserting the rod 20 in preparation for aerosol generation. For example, the first period may be a period from a point of time when power supply to the heater 110 is started to a point of time when a predetermined period of time elapses.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may determine the target temperature for the pre-heating heater 110 based on the temperature distribution in the first period. The aerosol-generating device 10 may supply power to the heater 110 such that the temperature of the heater 110 increases above a target temperature for preheating the heater 110.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may determine whether a slope corresponding to the temperature change of the heater 110 is equal to or greater than a slope corresponding to the first period of time (hereinafter referred to as a first slope). Here, the first slope may be a slope calculated when power is supplied to the heater 110 according to a target temperature for preheating the heater 110 in a state where the rod 20 is not inserted into the insertion space 130. For example, the first slope may be a minimum value of the slope calculated in the first period when power is supplied to the heater 110 according to the target temperature for preheating the heater 110 in a state where the rod 20 is not inserted into the insertion space 130.

When power is supplied to the heater 110 in a state where the rod 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130, the rod 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 may absorb heat generated by the heater 110. That is, the heat absorption of the rod 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 may act as an obstacle to increasing the temperature of the heater 110. Therefore, when the rod 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130, the temperature of the heater 110 may slowly rise compared to when the rod 20 is not inserted into the insertion space 130.

Upon determining that the slope corresponding to the temperature change of the heater 110 is smaller than the first slope in the first period, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine whether the temperature of the heater 110 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature in a second period of the plurality of periods in operation S920. Here, the second period may be a period corresponding to completion of warm-up of the heater 110. For example, the preheating of the heater 110 may be completed when the second period is completed.

According to one embodiment, the predetermined temperature may correspond to a target temperature for the preheating heater 110. For example, when power is supplied to the heater 110 according to the target temperature for preheating the heater 110 in a state where the rod 20 is not inserted into the insertion space 130, the temperature of the heater 110 may be increased above a predetermined temperature in the second period. On the other hand, when the rod 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130, the second period may be completed in a state where the temperature of the heater 110 is lower than the predetermined temperature due to heat absorption of the rod 20.

Upon determining that the temperature of the heater 110 is lower than the predetermined temperature in the second period, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine whether the temperature of the heater 110 increases in a third period of the plurality of periods in operation S930. Here, the third period may be a period corresponding to the start of heating by the heater 110. For example, heating of the heater 110 for generating aerosol may be started at the start of the third period.

According to one embodiment, the target temperature of the heater 110 set for the third period may be lower than a predetermined temperature set for a period (e.g., a second period) preceding the third period. For example, when power is supplied to the heater 110 according to the target temperature of the heater 110 set for the third period in a state in which the stick 20 is not inserted into the insertion space 130, the temperature of the heater 110 may gradually decrease from the target temperature set for the second period to the target temperature set for the third period.

On the other hand, when the rod 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130, the temperature of the heater 110 at the start of the third period may be lower than the target temperature of the heater 110 set for the third period due to heat absorption of the rod 20 before the third period. In this case, when power is supplied to the heater 110 according to the target temperature of the heater 110 set for the third period in a state where the rod 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130, the temperature of the heater 110 may increase. For example, the temperature of the heater 110 may be raised for a predetermined period of time or more from the point in time at which the third period starts.

Upon determining that the temperature of the heater 110 increases in the third period, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine whether a slope corresponding to the temperature change of the heater 110 is equal to or greater than a slope corresponding to a fourth period of the plurality of periods (hereinafter referred to as a second slope) in operation S940. Here, the fourth period may be a period corresponding to a change in the target temperature for heating the heater 110. For example, the target temperature of the heater 110 set for the fourth period may be lower than the target temperature of the heater 110 set for the third period, which is a period before the fourth period. Meanwhile, the second slope may be set to be less than 0.

According to one embodiment, the second slope may correspond to a slope of the temperature of the heater 110 calculated when the target temperature for heating the heater 110 is changed in a state where the rod 20 is not inserted into the insertion space 130. For example, the second slope may correspond to a maximum value of the slope calculated in the fourth period when power is supplied to the heater 110 according to the changed target temperature of the heater 110 in a state where the rod 20 is not inserted into the insertion space 130.

In a state where the rod 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130, the temperature of the rod 20 may be sufficiently high due to the heat absorbed by the rod 20 before the fourth period. Therefore, even when the target temperature for heating the heater 110 is lowered in the fourth period, the temperature of the heater 110 may be relatively slowly changed due to the heat remaining in the rod 20. Therefore, when the rod 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130, the temperature of the heater 110 may be slowly lowered compared to when the rod 20 is not inserted into the insertion space 130.

Upon determining that the slope corresponding to the temperature change of the heater 110 is equal to or greater than the second slope in the fourth period, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine that the rod 20 is present in the insertion space 130 in operation S950.

Meanwhile, when the slope corresponding to the temperature change of the heater 110 is equal to or greater than the first slope in the first period, when the temperature of the heater 110 is equal to or greater than the predetermined temperature in the second period, when the temperature of the heater 110 is lowered or maintained in the third period, or when the slope corresponding to the temperature change of the heater 110 is less than the second slope in the fourth period, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine that the rod 20 is not present in the insertion space 130 in operation S960.

Referring back to fig. 8, in operations S840 and S850, the aerosol-generating device 10 may interrupt power supply to the heater 110 upon determining that the rod 20 is not present in the insertion space 130. For example, when a user terminal equipped with a magnet that itself forms a magnetic field approaches the aerosol-generating device 10, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine that the wand 20 has been inserted into the insertion space using the inductive sensor 151. For example, when the electric field is formed by a communication antenna included in the user terminal, the aerosol-generating device 10 located near the user terminal may determine that the wand 20 has been inserted into the insertion space using the capacitive sensor 153.

When it is determined that the rod 20 is not present in the insertion space 130 based on various conditions related to the temperature of the heater 110 while the power is supplied to the heater 110, the aerosol generating device 10 may interrupt the power supply to the heater 110. Therefore, even when an error is determined to exist in the insertion of the stick 20 using the stick detection sensor, the heater 110 can be prevented from being heated in a state in which the stick 20 is not inserted.

According to one embodiment, upon determining that the wand 20 is not present in the insertion space 130, the aerosol generating device 10 may output a message through the input/output interface 12. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may output vibrations corresponding to the error of the rod detection sensor through a motor in an output device included in the input/output interface 12.

According to one embodiment, upon determining that the rod 20 is not present in the insertion space 130, the aerosol-generating device 10 may store data regarding the error of the rod detection sensor in the memory 14.

Fig. 10 is a graph showing the temperature of the heater 110 calculated when the rod 20 is not inserted into the insertion space 130. Fig. 11 is a graph showing the temperature of the heater 110 calculated when the rod 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130.

Referring to fig. 10 and 11, in a plurality of periods S1 to S4, the temperature of the heater 110 may be variously changed according to whether the rod 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130.

In the first period S1 in which the power is supplied to the heater 110 according to the target temperature for preheating the heater 110, a slope corresponding to a temperature change of the heater 110 when the rod 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 may be smaller than a slope when the rod 20 is not inserted into the insertion space 130.

In the second period S2 corresponding to completion of the preheating of the heater 110, when the rod 20 is not inserted into the insertion space 130, the temperature of the heater 110 may reach the predetermined temperature T1. On the other hand, when the rod 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130, the second period S2 may be completed in a state where the temperature of the heater 110 is lower than T1.

In the third period S3 corresponding to the start of heating of the heater 110, when the rod 20 is not inserted into the insertion space 130, the temperature of the heater 110 may gradually decrease while power is supplied to the heater 110 according to the target temperature for heating the heater 110. On the other hand, when the rod 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130, the temperature of the heater 110 may gradually rise while supplying power to the heater 110 according to the target temperature for heating the heater 110.

In the fourth period S4 for the target temperature change of the heating heater 110, when the rod 20 is not inserted into the insertion space 130, the temperature of the heater 110 may be drastically reduced as the target temperature for the heating heater 110 is reduced. On the other hand, when the rod 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130, although the target temperature for heating the heater 110 is lowered, the temperature of the heater 110 may be slowly lowered.

As described above, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an error in determination regarding the insertion rod 20 can be corrected.

Further, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heater may be prevented from being heated in a state where the rod 20 is not inserted.

Further, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an error in determination regarding an insertion rod may be accurately determined based on various conditions corresponding to a plurality of periods of power supply to a heater.

Referring to fig. 1 to 11, an aerosol-generating device 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include: a housing 101 having an insertion space 130 defined therein; first sensors 151 and 153 configured to output signals corresponding to the insertion space 130; a heater 110 configured to heat the rod 20 inserted into the insertion space 130; a second sensor 155 configured to output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the heater 110; and a controller 17. The controller 17 may perform control such that power is supplied to the heater 110 based on the determination of the insertion rod 20 using the first sensors 151 and 153. In each of the plurality of periods in which power is supplied to the heater 110, the controller 17 may determine whether the rod 20 is present based on conditions related to the temperature of the heater 110 corresponding to the plurality of periods, respectively. Upon determining that the wand 20 is not present, the controller 17 may perform control such that power supply to the heater 110 is interrupted. The conditions respectively corresponding to the plurality of periods may be different from each other.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, in the first period corresponding to the warm-up of the heater 110, the controller 17 may determine that the rod 20 is present when it is determined that the slope corresponding to the temperature change of the heater 110 is smaller than the slope corresponding to the first period.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 17 may determine that the rod 20 is present when it is determined that the temperature of the heater 110 is lower than the predetermined temperature in the second period corresponding to completion of the warm-up of the heater 110.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the predetermined temperature may correspond to a target temperature of the heater 110 set for the second period based on the temperature distribution.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, in a third period corresponding to the start of heating of the heater 110, the controller 17 may determine that the rod 20 is present when determining that the temperature of the heater 110 is increased.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the target temperature of the heater 110 set for the third period may be lower than the target temperature of the heater 110 set for a period preceding the third period.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, in a fourth period corresponding to a change in the target temperature for heating the heater 110, the controller 17 may determine that the rod 20 is present when it is determined that a slope corresponding to the change in the temperature of the heater 110 is equal to or greater than a slope corresponding to the fourth period.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further comprise an input/output interface 12 comprising a motor. Upon determining that the stick 20 is not present, the controller 17 may output vibration corresponding to the error of the first sensors 151 and 153 through the motor.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further comprise a memory 14. Upon determining that the wand 20 is not present, the controller 17 may store data regarding the error of the first sensors 151 and 153 in the memory 14.

A method of operating an aerosol-generating device 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure may comprise the steps of: when the rod 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 defined in the housing 101, power is supplied to the heater 110 configured to heat the rod 20; determining whether the rod 20 is present or not based on conditions related to the temperature of the heater 110 corresponding to the plurality of periods, respectively, in each of the plurality of periods in which the power is supplied to the heater 110; and interrupting power supply to the heater 110 when it is determined that the wand 20 is not present. The conditions respectively corresponding to the plurality of periods may be different from each other.

Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or different from each other. Any or all of the elements of the above disclosed embodiments may be combined with each other in configuration or function.

For example, configuration "a" described in one embodiment of the present disclosure and the accompanying drawings and configuration "B" described in another embodiment of the present disclosure and the accompanying drawings may be combined with each other. That is, although a combination between configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is not possible to describe the combination.

While embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. More specifically, various variations and modifications of the constituent parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement are possible within the scope of the present disclosure, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device comprising:

A housing shaped to define an insertion space sized to receive a rod;

a first sensor configured to provide an output corresponding to the presence of the wand in the insertion space;

a heater configured to heat the rod located in the insertion space according to power supplied to the heater;

A second sensor configured to provide an output corresponding to a temperature of the heater; and

A controller configured to:

Controlling power supplied to the heater based on an output from the first sensor indicating the presence of the rod in the insertion space;

Determining whether the stick is present in the insertion space based on an output from the second sensor in each of a plurality of periods in which the power is supplied to the heater; and

Based on a determination that the rod is not present in the insertion space from the output from the second sensor, power supply to the heater is interrupted.

2. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein a first period of the plurality of periods corresponds to a preheating of the heater, and

Wherein the controller is further configured to determine that the stick is present in the insertion space based on a slope corresponding to a temperature change of the heater being less than a slope corresponding to the first period of time.

3. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein a second period of the plurality of periods corresponds to completion of warm-up of the heater, and

Wherein the controller is further configured to determine that the rod is present in the insertion space based on the temperature of the heater being below a defined temperature.

4. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 3, wherein the defined temperature corresponds to a target temperature of the heater set for the second period based on a temperature distribution.

5. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein a third period of the plurality of periods corresponds to a start of heating by the heater, and

Wherein the controller is further configured to determine that the stick is present in the insertion space based on a temperature rise of the heater.

6. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 5, wherein the target temperature of the heater set for the third period is lower than the target temperature of the heater set for a period preceding the third period.

7. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein a fourth period of the plurality of periods corresponds to a change in a target temperature for heating the heater, and

Wherein the controller is further configured to determine that the stick is present in the insertion space based on a slope corresponding to a temperature change of the heater being equal to or greater than a slope corresponding to the fourth period of time.

8. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, further comprising:

the tactile device is provided with a tactile means,

Wherein the controller is further configured to cause the haptic device to provide a vibration indicative of an error of the first sensor based on the output of the first sensor indicating the presence of the wand in the insertion space and the output of the second sensor indicating the absence of the wand in the insertion space.

9. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, further comprising:

the memory device is used for storing the data,

Wherein the controller is further configured to store data related to an error of the first sensor in the memory based on an output of the first sensor indicating the presence of the stick in the insertion space and an output of the second sensor indicating the absence of the stick in the insertion space.

10. A method for operating an aerosol-generating device having a heater, the method comprising the steps of:

Controlling power supplied to the heater based on an output from a first sensor indicating the presence of a rod in an insertion space of the aerosol-generating device;

Determining whether the stick exists in the insertion space based on an output from a second sensor corresponding to a temperature of the heater in each of a plurality of periods in which the power is supplied to the heater; and

Interrupting power to the heater based on determining that the rod is not present in the insertion space.

11. An aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device comprising:

A housing shaped to define an insertion space sized to receive a rod;

A controller configured to:

controlling power supplied to the heater based on an output from the first sensor indicating the presence of the rod in the insertion space; and

Based on determining that the wand is not present in the insertion space from the output from the second sensor, and regardless of the output from the first sensor indicating the presence of the wand in the insertion space, power supply to the heater is interrupted.