Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
  • A24F40/57—Temperature control
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
  • A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
  • A24F40/48—Fluid transfer means, e.g. pumps
  • A24F40/485—Valves; Apertures
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
  • A24F40/51—Arrangement of sensors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
  • A24F40/53—Monitoring, e.g. fault detection
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/60—Devices with integrated user interfaces
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/20—Devices using solid inhalable precursors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/30—Devices using two or more structurally separated inhalable precursors, e.g. using two liquid precursors in two cartridges

Definitions

• the present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and a method of operating the same.
• An aerosol generating device is a device that extracts certain components from a medium or a substance by producing an aerosol.
• the medium may contain a multicomponent substance.
• the substance contained in the medium may be a multicomponent flavoring substance.
• the substance contained in the medium may include a nicotine component, an herbal component, and/or a coffee component.
• an aerosol generating device includes: a cartridge having a chamber in which an aerosol generating substance is stored; a body to which the cartridge is configured to be coupled; a liquid delivery portion connected to the chamber; a heater configured to heat the liquid delivery portion; and at least on processor configured to control supply of power to the heater, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to, based on coupling of the cartridge to the body or removal of the cartridge from the body, control the supply of power to the heater, so as to cause a temperature of the heater to increase above a vaporization temperature of an aerosol generating substance in the liquid delivery portion.
• a method of operating an aerosol generating device includes a heater, a cartridge having a chamber, a liquid delivery portion connected to the chamber, and a body to which the cartridge is configured to be coupled.
• the method includes: detecting coupling of the cartridge to a body or removal of the cartridge from the body; and based on the coupling of the cartridge to the body or the removal of the cartridge from the body being detected, control a supply of power to the heater, so as to cause a temperature of the heater to increase above a vaporization temperature of an aerosol generating substance in the liquid delivery portion.
• the remaining aerosol generating substance in a liquid delivery portion may be removed when a cartridge coupled to a body is changed or replaced, or when an aerosol generating substance selected by a user is changed.
• the mixing of a flavor of the remaining aerosol generating substance in a liquid delivery portion and a flavor of a changed aerosol generating substance, which is due to a change of a cartridge or a selected aerosol generating substance may be minimized.
• the sense of difference or discomfort that a user may feel due to the mixing of different aerosol generating substances may be minimized when using different types of aerosol generating substances.
• FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device.
• FIGS. 2 to 4 are views referenced to describe examples of an aerosol generating device.
• FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an aerosol generating device.
• FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an aerosol generating device.
• FIGS. 7 and 8 are views illustrating examples of an aerosol generating device.
• FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an aerosol generating device.
• a suffix such as “module” and “unit” may be used to refer to elements or components. Use of such a suffix herein is merely intended to facilitate description of the specification, and the suffix itself is not intended to give any special meaning or function.
• FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• an 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.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may consist of only a body 100. In this case, components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be disposed in the body 100. In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may consist of a cartridge 200, which contains an aerosol generating substance, and a body 100. In this case, components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be disposed in at least one of the body 100 and the cartridge 200.
• the communication interface 11 may include at least one communication module for communication with an external device and/or a network.
• the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wired communication such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB).
• the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wireless communication such as Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ZigBee, or Near-Field Communication (NFC).
• Wi-Fi Wireless Fidelity
• BLE Bluetooth Low Energy
• ZigBee ZigBee
• NFC Near-Field Communication
• the input/output interface 12 may include an input device 121 for receiving a command from a user and/or an output device for outputting information to the user.
• the input device 121 may include a touch panel, a physical button, a microphone, etc.
• the output device may include a display device for outputting visual information, such as a display or a light-emitting diode (LED), an audio device for outputting auditory information, such as a speaker or a buzzer, a motor for outputting tactile information, such as a haptic effect, etc.
• the input/output interface 12 may transmit data corresponding to a command input by the user through the input device 121 to another component (or other components) of the aerosol generating device 10.
• the input/output interface 12 may output information corresponding to data received from another component (or other components) of the aerosol generating device 10 through the output device.
• the aerosol generating module 13 may generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance.
• the aerosol generating substance may be a substance in a liquid state, a solid state, or a gel state, which can produce an aerosol, or a combination of two or more aerosol generating substances.
• the liquid aerosol generating substance may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material having a volatile tobacco flavor component.
• the liquid aerosol generating substance may be a liquid including a non-tobacco material.
• the liquid aerosol generating substance may include water, solvents, nicotine, plant extracts, flavorings, flavoring agents, vitamin mixtures, etc.
• the solid aerosol generating substance may include a solid material based on a tobacco raw material such as a reconstituted tobacco sheet, shredded tobacco, or granulated tobacco.
• the solid aerosol generating substance may include a solid material having a taste control agent and a flavoring material.
• the taste control agent may include calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium oxide, etc.
• the flavoring material may include a natural material such as herbal granules, or may include a material such as silica, zeolite, or dextrin, which includes an aroma ingredient.
• the aerosol generating substance may further include an aerosol forming agent such as glycerin or propylene glycol.
• the aerosol generating module 13 may include at least one heater 131.
• the aerosol generating module 13 may include an electro-resistive heater.
• the electro-resistive heater may include at least one electrically conductive track.
• the electro-resistive heater may be heated by the current flowing through the electrically conductive track.
• the aerosol generating substance may be heated by the heated electro-resistive heater.
• the electrically conductive track may include an electro-resistive material.
• the electrically conductive track may be formed of a metal material.
• the electrically conductive track may be formed of a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite of a ceramic material and metal.
• the electro-resistive heater may include an electrically conductive track that is formed in any of various shapes.
• the electrically conductive track may have 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 include a heater that uses an induction-heating method, namely, an induction heater.
• the induction heater may include an electrically conductive coil.
• the induction heater may generate an alternating magnetic field, which periodically changes in direction, by adjusting the current flowing through the electrically conductive coil.
• the aerosol generating substance located adjacent to the magnetic body may be heated.
• an object that generates heat due to the magnetic field may be referred to as a susceptor.
• the aerosol generating module 13 may generate ultrasonic vibrations to thereby generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating substance.
• the aerosol generating module 13 may be referred to as a cartomizer, an atomizer, or a vaporizer.
• the aerosol generating module 13 may be disposed in at least one of the body 100 and the cartridge 200.
• the memory 14 may store therein a program for processing and controlling each signal in the controller 17.
• the memory 14 may store therein data processed and data to be processed by the controller 17.
• the memory 14 may store therein applications designed for the purpose of performing various tasks that can be processed by the controller 17.
• the memory 14 may selectively provide some of the stored applications in response to a request from the controller 17.
• the memory 14 may store therein data regarding an operation time of the aerosol generating device 10, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, the number of charging times of the battery 16, the number of discharging times of the battery 16, at least one temperature profile, a user's inhalation pattern, and charging/discharging.
• the "puff(s)” may refer to inhalation by a user
• the “inhalation” may refer to the user's act of taking air or other substances into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.
• the memory 14 may store information regarding a type of the cartridge 200 coupled to the body 100.
• the memory 14 may store information regarding a type of the cartridge 200 currently coupled to the body 100, and may store information regarding a type of the cartridge 200 previously coupled to the body 100.
• the memory 14 may store information regarding a chamber selected by the user from among a plurality of chambers provided in the cartridge 200.
• the memory 14 may include at least one of volatile memory (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), and synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM)), nonvolatile memory (e.g., flash memory), a hard disk drive (HDD), and a solid-state drive (SSD).
• volatile memory e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), and synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM)
• nonvolatile memory e.g., flash memory
• HDD hard disk drive
• SSD solid-state drive
• the memory 14 may be disposed in at least one of the body 100 and the cartridge 200.
• the memory 14 may be disposed in each of the body 100 and the cartridge 200.
• a memory of the body 100 may store information regarding components disposed in the body 100, namely, information regarding the full charge capacity of the battery 16.
• the memory of the body 100 may store cartridge information received from the cartridge 200 previously or currently coupled to the body 100, and a memory of the cartridge 200 may store cartridge information including cartridge identification information (ID information), a cartridge type, and the like.
• ID information cartridge identification information
• the memory of the body 100 may store information regarding a chamber selected by the user from among a plurality of chambers provided in the cartridge 200.
• the sensor module 15 may include at least one sensor.
• the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for sensing a puff (hereinafter referred to as a "puff sensor").
• the puff 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.
• the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for sensing a temperature of the heater 131 included in the aerosol generating module 13 and a temperature of the aerosol generating substance (hereinafter referred to as a "temperature sensor").
• the heater 131 included in the aerosol generating module 13 may also serve as the temperature sensor.
• the electro-resistive material of the heater 131 may be a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR).
• the sensor module 15 may measure resistance of the heater 131, which varies according to temperature, to thereby sense the temperature of the heater 131.
• the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for sensing insertion of the stick (hereinafter referred to as a "stick detection sensor").
• the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for sensing mounting/removal (or attachment/detachment) of the cartridge 200 to/from the body 100 and a position of the cartridge 200 (hereinafter referred to as a "cartridge detection sensor” 153).
• the stick detection sensor and/or the cartridge detection sensor 153 may be implemented as an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, or a Hall IC using a Hall effect.
• the cartridge detection sensor may include a connection terminal.
• the connection terminal may be provided in the body 100. As the cartridge 200 is be coupled to the body 100, the connection terminal may be electrically connected to electrodes disposed in the cartridge 200.
• 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.
• a voltage sensor for sensing a voltage applied to a component (e.g., the battery 16) provided in the aerosol generating device 10
• a current sensor for sensing a current.
• the sensor module 15 may include at least one sensor for sensing the movement of the aerosol generating device 10 (hereinafter referred to as a "motion sensor").
• the motion sensor may be implemented as at least one of a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor.
• the battery 16 may supply power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 10 under the control of the controller 17.
• the battery 16 may supply power to other components provided in the aerosol generating device 10.
• the battery 16 may supply power to the communication module included in the communication interface 11, the output device included in the input/output interface 12, and the heater included in the aerosol generating module 13.
• the battery 16 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery.
• the battery 16 may be a lithium-ion battery or a lithium polymer (Li-polymer) battery, but is not limited thereto.
• a charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 16 may be 10C
• a discharge rate (C-rate) thereof may be 10C to 20C.
• the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
• the battery 16 may be designed to retain 80% or more of its original capacity at 2,000 full charge and discharge cycles.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may further include a battery protection circuit module (PCM), which is a circuit for protecting the battery 16.
• the battery protection circuit module (PCM) may be disposed adjacent to an upper surface of the battery 16. For example, in order to prevent overcharging and overdischarging of the battery 16, the battery protection circuit module (PCM) may cut off an electrical path to the battery 16 when a short circuit occurs in a circuit connected to the battery 16, when an overvoltage is applied to the battery 16, or when an excessive current flows through the battery 16.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may further include a charging terminal to which power supplied from the outside is input.
• the charging terminal may be provided at one side of the body 100 of the aerosol generating device 10.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using the power supplied through the charging terminal.
• the charging terminal may be configured as a wired terminal for USB communication, a pogo pin, or the like.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may wirelessly receive power supplied from the outside through the communication interface 11.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may wirelessly receive power using an antenna included in the communication module for wireless communication.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using the 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 of the components provided in the aerosol generating device 10.
• the controller 17 may transmit and/or receive a signal to and/or from each of the components, thereby controlling the overall operation of each of the components.
• the controller 17 may include at least one processor.
• the controller 17 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10 through the processor included therein.
• the processor may be a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU).
• the processor may be a dedicated device such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or any of other hardware-based processors.
• ASIC application-specific integrated circuit
• the controller 17 may perform any one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 10.
• the controller 17 may perform any one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 10 (e.g., a preheating function, a heating function, a charging function, and a cleaning function) according to the state of each of the components provided in the aerosol generating device 10, a user command received through the input/output interface 12, and the like.
• the controller 17 may control the operation of each of the components provided in the aerosol generating device 10 based on data stored in the memory 14. For example, the controller 17 may control such that predetermined power is supplied from the battery 16 to the aerosol generating module 13 for a predetermined time based on data stored in the memory 14 such as the temperature profile and the user's inhalation pattern.
• the controller 17 may determine the occurrence or non-occurrence of a puff through the puff sensor included in the sensor module 15. For example, the controller 17 may check a temperature change, a flow change, a pressure change, and a voltage change in the aerosol generating device 10 based on values sensed by the puff sensor. For example, the controller 17 may determine the occurrence or non-occurrence of a puff according to the result of checking based on a value sensed by the puff sensor.
• the controller 17 may control the operation of each of the components provided in the aerosol generating device 10 according to the occurrence or non-occurrence of a puff and/or the number of puffs. For example, the controller 17 may control the temperature of the heater 131 to be changed or maintained based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 14.
• the controller 17 may control such that the supply of power to the heater 131 is interrupted according to a predetermined condition. For example, the controller 17 may control such that the supply of power to the heater 131 is cut off when a stick is removed, when the cartridge 200 is removed from the body 100, when the number of puffs reaches the predetermined maximum number of puffs, when a puff is not sensed for a predetermined time or longer, or when the remaining capacity of the battery 16 is less than a predetermined value.
• 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 a value sensed by the voltage sensor and/or the current sensor included in the sensor module 15.
• the controller 17 may control such that power is supplied to the heater 131 using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.
• PWM pulse width modulation
• PID proportional-integral-differential
• the controller 17 may control such that a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and a predetermined duty ratio is supplied to the heater 131 using the PWM method.
• the controller 17 may control power supplied to the heater 131 by adjusting the frequency and the duty ratio of the current pulse.
• the controller 17 may determine a target temperature to be controlled based on the temperature profile.
• the controller 17 may control power supplied to the heater 131 using the PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference value between the temperature of the heater 131 and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value with respect to time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value with respect to time.
• the PID method is a feedback control method using a difference value between the temperature of the heater 131 and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value with respect to time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value with respect to time.
• the controller 17 may control power supplied to the heater 131 based on the temperature profile.
• the controller 17 may control a length of a heating section for heating the heater 131, the amount of power supplied to the heater 131 in the heating section, and the like.
• the controller 17 may control power supplied to the heater 131 based on the target temperature of the heater 131.
• PWM method and the PID method are described as exemplary methods of controlling the supply of power to the heater 131, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
• Other various control methods such as a proportional-integral (PI) method and a proportional-differential (PD) method, may also be used.
• PI proportional-integral
• PD proportional-differential
• the controller 17 may determine a temperature of the heater 131, and may adjust the amount of power supplied to the heater 131 according to the temperature of the heater 131. For example, the controller 17 may determine the temperature of the heater 131 by checking a resistance value of the heater 131, a current flowing through the heater 131, and/or a voltage applied to the heater 131.
• the controller 17 may control such that power is supplied to the heater 131 according to a predetermined condition. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning a space into which a stick is inserted is selected according to a command input by the user through the input/output interface 12, the controller 17 may control such that predetermined power is supplied to the heater 131.
• FIGS. 2 and 3 are views for explaining an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
• the aerosol generating device 10 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.
• the cartridge 200 may be configured to be detachably attached to the body 100. For example, at least a portion of the cartridge 200 may be inserted into an inner space defined by a housing 101 of the body 100, allowing the cartridge 200 to be mounted to the body 100.
• the body 100 may have a structure that allows outside or external air to be introduced therein with the cartridge 200 inserted.
• the external air introduced into the body 100 may pass through the cartridge 200 to flow into the mouth of a user.
• the cartridge 200 may include a chamber C1 that stores or accommodates an aerosol generating substance therein.
• the cartridge 200 may be in communication with the chamber C1, and may include a flow path P1 through which the aerosol generating substance flows.
• the flow path P1 may be provided therein with a second liquid delivery portion 210 impregnated with (containing) an aerosol generating substance and involved in transport of the aerosol generating substance.
• the aerosol generating substance in the chamber C1 may be impregnated into the second liquid delivery portion 210.
• the second liquid delivery portion 210 may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.
• the second liquid delivery portion 210 may include felt.
• the second liquid delivery portion 210 may be disposed at an end in contact with the body 100 when the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100.
• the body 100 may include a heater 131 and a first liquid delivery portion 132.
• the heater 131 may be a porous ceramic heater.
• the heater 131 may be in contact with the first liquid delivery portion 132.
• the heater 131 may have a plate shape to maximize a contact area with the first liquid delivery portion 132.
• the shape of the heater 131 is not limited thereto.
• the first liquid delivery portion 132 may be disposed at an end in contact with the cartridge 200 when the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100.
• the first liquid delivery portion 132 may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.
• the first liquid delivery portion 132 may include felt.
• the flow path P1 may be in contact with the first liquid delivery portion 132 while the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100.
• the second liquid delivery portion 210 may be in contact with the first liquid delivery portion 132.
• the aerosol generating substance in the chamber C1 may flow to the first liquid delivery portion 132 of the body 100 through the flow path P1 and/or the second liquid delivery portion 210.
• An electrically conductive track of the heater 131 may have a structure wound around the first liquid delivery portion 132.
• the heater 131 may heat the first liquid delivery portion 132 by using power supplied from the battery 16. In this case, an aerosol may be generated in the heated first liquid delivery portion 132.
• the aerosol generated in the first liquid delivery portion 132 may flow through a first aerosol flow path 135 formed in the body 100 and a second aerosol flow path 235 formed in the cartridge 200.
• a mouthpiece (not shown) may be coupled to one side of the cartridge 200, and the user may inhale the aerosol while holding the mouthpiece in his or her mouth.
• the aerosol generated by the heater 131 may pass through the mouthpiece to be delivered to the mouth of the user.
• the controller 17 may determine whether the cartridge 200 is coupled to or separated from the body 100 through the cartridge detection sensor 153 included in the sensor module 15. For example, the cartridge detection sensor 153 may transmit a pulse current through one terminal connected to the cartridge 200. In this case, the cartridge detection sensor 153 may detect coupling (connection) and/or separation (removal) of the cartridge 200 to and/or from the body 100 based on whether the pulse current is received through another terminal.
• the cartridge 200 may include an insertion space 220 configured to allow a stick 20 to be inserted therein.
• the cartridge 200 may include the insertion space 220 defined by an inner wall (not shown) extending in a circumferential direction along a direction in which the stick 20 is inserted.
• an inside of the inner wall may be open vertically to define the insertion space 220.
• the stick 20 may be inserted into the insertion space 220 defined by the inner wall.
• the second aerosol flow path 235 formed in the cartridge 200 may be in communication with the insertion space 220.
• the stick 20 may be similar to a general combustive cigarette.
• the stick 20 may be divided into a first part including an aerosol generating substance and a second part including a filter and the like.
• the second part of the stick 20 may also include an aerosol generating substance.
• an aerosol generating substance made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second part.
• the insertion space 220 into which the stick 20 is inserted may have a shape corresponding to a shape of a portion of the stick 20 that is inserted into the insertion space 220.
• the insertion space 220 may be formed in a cylindrical shape.
• an outer circumferential surface of the stick 20 may be surrounded by the inner wall to be in contact with the inner wall.
• a portion of the stick 20 may be inserted into the insertion space 230 of the cartridge 200, and the remaining portion may be exposed to the outside.
• the heater 131 may heat an inside and/or outside of the stick 20 by using power supplied from the battery 16.
• an aerosol may be generated in the heated stick 20.
• the user may inhale an aerosol while holding one end of the stick 20 in his or her mouth.
• the aerosol generated by the heater 131 may pass through the stick 20 to be delivered to the mouth of the user.
• a material included in the stick 20 may be added to the aerosol while passing through the stick 20, and the material-added aerosol may be inhaled into the mouth of the user through the one end of the stick 20.
• the controller 17 may monitor the number of puffs upon insertion of the stick 20 based on a value sensed by the puff sensor. When the inserted stick 20 is removed, the controller 17 may initialize the current number of puffs stored in the memory 14.
• the body 100 may be configured such that the stick 20 is insertable into an insertion space (not shown).
• the aerosol generating device 10 may include a first heater configured to heat the aerosol generating substance stored in the cartridge 200. For example, when the user puffs on one end of the stick 20 with his or her mouth, an aerosol generated by the first heater may pass through the stick 20. Here, a flavoring may be added to the aerosol while passing through the stick 20. The flavored aerosol may be inhaled into the mouth of the user through the one end of the stick 20.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may include a first heater configured to heat the aerosol generating substance stored in the cartridge 200 and a second heater configured to heat the stick 20 inserted into the body 100.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating substance stored in the cartridge 200 and the stick 20 through the first and second heaters, respectively.
• FIG. 4 is a view for explaining an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• a current sensor 162 of the body 100 may be electrically connected to the heater 131.
• a power supply circuit 161 disposed in the body 100 may supply power to the heater 131 by using power stored in the battery 16. In this case, the power supplied from the power supply circuit 161 to the heater 131 may be adjusted or controlled under the control of the controller 17.
• a resistance value Rs of a shunt resistor provided in the current sensor 162 may be a value that does not vary with temperature.
• the controller 17 may determine a voltage V1 applied to the heater 131 and the current sensor 162.
• the controller 17 may calculate a voltage V2 applied to the shunt resistor based on the current flowing through the shunt resistor of the current sensor 162 and the resistance value Rs of the shunt resistor.
• the controller 17 may calculate a difference V1-V2 between the voltage V1, which is applied to the heater 131 and the current sensor 162, and the voltage V2, which is applied to the shunt resistor, as a voltage applied to the heater 131.
• the controller 17 may calculate a resistance value Rh of the heater 131 based on the voltage applied to the heater 131 and the current flowing through the heater 131.
• the controller 17 may determine the temperature of the heater 131 in real time by using the current flowing through the heater 131 calculated through the current sensor 162 even while the first liquid delivery portion 132 is heated by the heater 131.
• a resistor of the heater 131 may be a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance, and the resistance value Rh of the heater 131 may vary according to the temperature of the resistor.
• the controller 17 may calculate a temperature coefficient of resistance of the heater 131, a resistance value Rh of the heater 131, and a temperature of the heater 131 corresponding to a resistance value of the heater 131 at a reference temperature.
• the calculation formula for calculating the temperature of the heater 131 may correspond to Formula 1 below.
• TCR denotes a temperature coefficient of resistance of the heater 131
• T1 denotes a temperature of the heater 131
• R1 denotes a resistance value of the heater 131
• T0 denotes a reference temperature
• R0 denotes a resistance value of the heater 131 at the reference temperature.
• T0 may be 25°C
• R0 may be the resistance value of the heater 131 at 25°C.
• the resistance value of the heater 131 at the reference temperature may vary according to each cartridge 200 due to a margin of error in the manufacturing of cartridges 200, or the like.
• the cartridge 200 may include a memory in which data regarding a resistance value of the heater 131 and the like is stored. Based on the data stored in the memory of the cartridge 200, the controller 17 may determine the resistance value R0 of the heater 131 at the reference temperature T0 used in the calculation formula for calculating the temperature of the heater 131.
• the current sensor 162 connected in series to the heater 131 is illustrated as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
• a temperature sensor disposed adjacent to the heater 131 to sense a temperature of the heater 131, a voltage sensor for sensing a voltage applied to the heater 131, and the like may also be provided.
• FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may detect coupling of the cartridge 200 to the body 100, or separation (removal) of the cartridge 200 from the body 100 in operation S810.
• the cartridge detection sensor 153 of the body 100 may detect coupling of the cartridge 200 to the body 100, or separation of the cartridge 200 from the body 100.
• the cartridge detection sensor 153 may be implemented as an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall IC using a hall effect, or the like.
• the cartridge detection sensor 153 may include a connection terminal.
• the connection terminal may be provided in the body 100. As the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100, the connection terminal may be electrically connected to electrodes disposed in the cartridge 200.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may detect a change in signal output by the cartridge detection sensor 153 to detect coupling of the cartridge 200 to the body 100 or separation of the cartridge 200 from the body 100.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may control the supply of power to the heater 131 based on the cartridge 200 being coupled to the body 100 or being separated from the body 100.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may use power stored in the battery 16 to supply power to the heater 131 through the power supply circuit 161.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may control the supply of power to the heater 131, so as to increase the temperature of the heater 131 above the vaporization temperature of an aerosol generating substance in the first liquid delivery portion 132.
• the heater 131 may heat the aerosol generating substance in the first liquid delivery portion 132 to cause the aerosol generating substance to vaporize.
• an aerosol generating substance that is not vaporized and remains in a liquid state may be present in the first liquid delivery portion 132 of the body 100.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may control the supply of power to the heater 131 to increase the temperature of the heater 131 above the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating substance in the first liquid delivery portion 132, allowing the remaining aerosol generating substance in the first liquid delivery portion 132 to be heated and vaporized.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may heat the remaining aerosol generating substance for a predetermined time.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may supply predetermined power to the heater 131 for the predetermined time.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may control the supply of power to the heater 131 for the predetermined time to thereby heat the remaining aerosol generating substance in the first liquid delivery portion 132.
• the "predetermined time” may be a time greater than or equal to a time required to vaporize all of the aerosol generating substance contained in the first liquid delivery portion 132 while no additional aerosol generating substance is supplied to the first liquid delivery portion 132, and may be set based on experimental data or the like.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may monitor the temperature of the heater 131 while supplying power to the heater 131, and when the temperature of the heater 131 becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature, the aerosol generating device 10 may cut off the supply of power to the heater 131. Based on the cartridge 200 being coupled to the body 100 or being separated from the body 100, the aerosol generating device 10 may control the supply of power to the heater 131, allowing not only to monitor the temperature of the heater 131, but also to heat the remaining aerosol generating substance in the first liquid delivery portion 132. When the monitored temperature of the heater 131 is greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature, the aerosol generating device 10 may cut off the supply of power to the heater 131. The aerosol generating device 10 may heat the remaining aerosol generating substance in the first liquid delivery portion 132 until the heater 131 is heated to the predetermined temperature.
• the "predetermined temperature” may be a temperature of the heater 131 in a state in which the aerosol generating substance impregnated in the first liquid delivery portion 132 is all vaporized and exhausted.
• the predetermined temperature may be a temperature higher than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating substance.
• the predetermined temperature may be set to a temperature at which the temperature of the heater 131 starts to increase after vaporizing all of the aerosol generating substance included in the first liquid delivery portion 132.
• the predetermined temperature may be set based on experimental data or the like.
• the resistor of the heater 131 may be a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance, and the resistance value Rh of the heater 131 may vary according to the temperature of the resistor. Based on a calculation formula for calculating the temperature of the heater 131, the aerosol generating device 10 may calculate a temperature coefficient of resistance of the heater 131, a resistance value Rh of the heater 131, and a temperature of the heater 131 corresponding to a resistance value at a reference temperature.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may include a temperature sensor disposed adjacent to the heater 131 to sense a temperature of the heater 131, a voltage sensor for sensing a voltage applied to the heater 131, and the like.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may calculate the temperature of the heater 131 based on a signal output by the temperature sensor.
• FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may store information regarding a type of the cartridge 200 currently coupled to the body 100 and used in operation S910. Information regarding a type of the cartridge 200 currently coupled to the body 100 and information regarding a type of a cartridge previously coupled to the body 10 before using the cartridge 200 currently coupled to the body 100 may be stored in the memory 14 of the aerosol generating device 10.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may store, in the memory 14, information regarding a type of a cartridge most recently coupled to the body 100 (or most recently used), in addition to information regarding a type of the cartridge 200 currently coupled to the body 100.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may store information in the memory 14 by matching time information regarding a time of coupling of the cartridge 200 to the the body 100 with information regarding a type of the cartridge 200.
• a plurality of cartridge information (pieces) (type information and coupling time information) stored in the memory 14 may be sorted based on a coupling time, and the aerosol generating device 10 may identify information regarding a type of a cartridge most recently coupled to the body 100, in addition to information regarding a type of the cartridge 200 currently coupled to the body 100.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may detect separation of the cartridge 200 from the body 100 in operation S920. Based on a signal output by the cartridge detection sensor 153, the aerosol generating device 10 may detect separation of the cartridge 200 from the body 100.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may detect coupling of the cartridge 200 to the body 100 in operation S930. After the cartridge 200 is separated from the body 100, the aerosol generating device 10 may detect coupling of the cartridge 200 to the body 100 consistently and/or repeatedly based on a signal output by the cartridge detection sensor 153.
• the cartridge 200 coupled to the body 100 may be the same cartridge as the removed cartridge, or a different cartridge from the removed cartridge.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may determine a type of the cartridge 200 coupled to the body 100 in operation S940.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may receive information about the cartridge 200 from the cartridge 200 coupled to the body 100. Based on the cartridge 200 being coupled to the body 100, the aerosol generating device 10 may receive information about the cartridge 200 through the cartridge detection sensor 153.
• the information about the cartridge 200 may include cartridge identification information (ID information), a cartridge type, and the like.
• ID information cartridge identification information
• the aerosol generating device 10 may determine the type of the cartridge from the received information about the cartridge.
• information regarding a type of cartridge may vary according to the type of an aerosol generating substance stored in the chamber C1 and/or the type of a flavoring or a flavoring agent included in the aerosol generating substance stored in the chamber C1.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may determine a type of the cartridge 200 based on a feature portion (not shown) of the cartridge 200 coupled to the body 100.
• the feature portion of the cartridge 200 may have a shape corresponding to the type of the cartridge 200.
• the feature portion of the cartridge 200 may have a shape recessed from an outer surface of the cartridge 200 by a depth corresponding to the type of the cartridge 200.
• the feature portion of the cartridge 200 may be formed on the outer surface of the cartridge 200 that is brought into contact with the body 100 when the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100.
• the cartridge detection sensor 153 may be disposed at one side of the body 100 to be in contact with the feature portion of the cartridge 200 when the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100.
• the cartridge detection sensor 153 may be disposed to protrude from the one side of the body 100. A portion of the cartridge detection sensor 153 may be inserted into the recessed portion of the feature portion to be in contact with the feature portion of the cartridge 200 when the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100.
• the cartridge detection sensor 153 may include a contact portion in contact with the feature portion and an elastic member that elastically supports the contact portion. When the cartridge detection sensor 153 is brought into contact with the feature portion, a degree or extent to which the elastic member is pressed may vary depending on the depth of the recessed portion of the feature portion. Based on the magnitude of force generated due to the elastic member being pressed, the cartridge detection sensor 153 may output a signal corresponding to the magnitude of the force.
• the cartridge detection sensor 153 may include a force sensor.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may determine a type of the cartridge 200 coupled to the body 100 based on an output signal of the cartridge detection sensor 153. Information (pieces) regarding the magnitude of force corresponding to each type of cartridges 200 may be stored in the memory 14 of the aerosol generating device 10. The aerosol generating device 10 may compare the output signal of the cartridge detection sensor 153 with the information (pieces) regarding the magnitude of force corresponding to each type of cartridges 200, which is stored in the memory 14, to thereby determine the type of the cartridge 200.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the type of the cartridge 200 currently coupled to the body 100 corresponds to the type of the cartridge previously coupled to the body 100, among the information regarding types of cartridges stored in the memory 14.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the type of the cartridge 200 currently coupled to the body 100 corresponds to the type of the cartridge most recently coupled to the body 100, among the information regarding types of cartridges stored in the memory 14.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may control the supply of power to the heater 131 based on whether the type of the cartridge 200 corresponds to the type of the cartridge previously coupled to the body 100 before using the cartridge 200 currently coupled to the body 100.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may supply power to the heater 131 to increase the temperature of the heater 131 above the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating substance in the first liquid delivery portion 132.
• the heater 131 may heat the remaining aerosol generating substance in the first liquid delivery portion 132 to cause the remaining aerosol generating substance to vaporize.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may not perform the operation of supplying power to the heater 131 for heating the remaining aerosol generating substance in the first liquid delivery portion 132.
• the type of an aerosol generating substance to be impregnated into the first liquid delivery portion 132 and/or the type of a flavoring/flavoring agent included in the aerosol generating substance may be the same.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may heat the remaining aerosol generating substance in the first liquid delivery portion 132 to prevent different aerosol generating substances and/or flavorings/flavoring agents contained in the aerosol generating substances from mixing in the first liquid delivery portion 132.
• FIGS. 7 and 8 are views illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure
• FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the aerosol generating device.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may include a body 100 and a cartridge 200.
• the cartridge 200 may include a plurality of chambers C11 and C12 in which aerosol generating substances are stored, respectively.
• the cartridge 200 may include a first chamber C11 in which a first aerosol generating substance is stored and a second chamber C12 in which a second aerosol generating substance is stored.
• the number of chambers is not limited thereto, and the cartridge 200 may include three or more chambers.
• the cartridge 200 may include flow paths P11 and P12 in communication with the chambers C11 and C12, respectively, and through which the aerosol generating substances flow.
• the cartridge 200 may include a first flow path P11 in communication with the first chamber C11 and a second flow path P12 in communication with the second chamber C12.
• the first flow path P11 may be provided therein with a second liquid delivery portion 210A impregnated with (containing) the first aerosol generating substance and involved in transport of the first aerosol generating substance.
• the second flow path P12 may be provided therein with a third liquid delivery portion 210B impregnated with (containing) the second aerosol generating substance and involved in transport of the second aerosol generating substance.
• the second liquid delivery portion 210A and the third liquid delivery portion 210B may each include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.
• the second liquid delivery portion 210A and the third liquid delivery portion 210B may each include felt.
• the second liquid delivery portion 210A and the third liquid delivery portion 210B may be disposed at an end in contact with the body 100 when the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100.
• the body 100 may include a heater 131 and a first liquid delivery portion 132.
• the heater 131 may be in contact with the first liquid delivery portion 132.
• the heater 131 may have a plate shape to maximize a contact area with the first liquid delivery portion 132.
• the shape of the heater 131 is not limited thereto.
• the first liquid delivery portion 132 may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.
• the first liquid delivery portion 132 may include felt.
• the body 100 may include an opening and closing portion 133, and a body flow path 134A, 134B, 134C.
• the body flow path may include a first body flow path 134A, a second body flow path 134B, and a third body flow path 134C.
• the first flow path P11 may be in communication with the first body flow path 134A while the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100.
• the second flow path P12 may be in communication with the second body flow path 134B while the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100.
• One end of the third body flow path 134C may be connected to the first liquid delivery portion 132. Another end of the third body flow path 134C may be connected to the opening and closing portion 133.
• the first body flow path 134A and the second body flow path 134B may be connected to the third body flow path 134C through the opening and closing portion 133.
• the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing portion 133 may allow any one of the first body flow path 134A or the second body flow path 134B to communicate with the third body flow path 134C.
• the opening and closing portion 133 may be a valve.
• the first aerosol generating substance in the first chamber C11 may flow to the first liquid delivery portion 132 of the body 100 through the first flow path P11, the first body flow path 134A, and the third body flow path 134C.
• the second aerosol generating substance in the second chamber C12 may flow to the first liquid delivery portion 132 of the body 100 through the second flow path P12, the second body flow path 134B, and the third body flow path 134C.
• the heater 131 may heat the first liquid delivery portion 132 by using power supplied from the battery 16.
• an aerosol may be generated in the heated first liquid delivery portion 132.
• an opening and closing portion, and an opening and closing structure of a flow path through the opening and closing portion may be included in the cartridge 200.
• one end of the first flow path P11 may be connected to the first chamber C11, and another end thereof may be connected to an opening and closing portion 233.
• One end of the second flow path P12 may be connected to the second chamber C12, and another end thereof may be connected to the opening and closing portion 233.
• One end of a third flow path P13 may be connected to the opening and closing portion 233.
• Another end of the third flow path P13 may be disposed at an end in contact with the body 100 when the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100.
• the first flow path P11 and the second flow path P12 may be connected to the third flow path P13 through the opening and closing portion 233.
• the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing portion 233 may allow any one of the first flow path P11 or the second flow path P12 to communicate with the third flow path P13.
• the third flow path P13 may be in contact with the first liquid delivery portion 132 while the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100.
• the first aerosol generating substance in the first chamber C11 or the second aerosol generating substance in the second chamber C12 may flow to the first liquid delivery portion 132 of the body 100 through the third flow path P13.
• the first aerosol generating substance in the first chamber C11 may flow to the first liquid delivery portion 132 of the body 100 through the first flow path P11 and the third flow path P13.
• the second aerosol generating substance in the second chamber C12 may flow to the first liquid delivery portion 132 of the body 100 through the second flow path P12 and the third flow path P13.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may receive a chamber selection signal in operation S1010.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may receive the chamber selection signal from the input device 121 that receives a user input.
• the chamber selection signal may include a first chamber C11 selection signal or a second chamber C12 selection signal.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may identify a chamber selected by a user based on the user input received from the input device 121.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may determine a change of a chamber in operation S1020. Based on the received chamber selection signal, the aerosol generating device 10 may identify a chamber selected by the user between the plurality of chambers C11 and C12. The aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the selected chamber is the same as a previously selected and used chamber. The aerosol generating device 10 may store user chamber selection information in the memory 14. The aerosol generating device 10 may compare, based on the information stored in the memory 14, the received chamber selection signal with a previously selected and used chamber selection signal stored in the memory 14. When the chamber selected by the user is different from the previously selected and used chamber, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine that there is a change in selected chamber.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may control the supply of power to the heater 131 in operation S1030, allowing the remaining aerosol generating substance in the first liquid delivery portion 132 to be heated and vaporized.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may supply power to the heater 131 for a predetermined time to increase the temperature of the heater 131 above the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating substance in the first liquid delivery portion 132.
• the heater 131 may heat the remaining aerosol generating substance in the first liquid delivery portion 132 to cause the remaining aerosol generating substance to vaporize.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may monitor a temperature of the heater 131 while supplying power to the heater 131, and when the temperature of the heater 131 becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature, the aerosol generating device 10 may cut off the supply of power to the heater 131. The aerosol generating device 10 may heat the remaining aerosol generating substance in the first liquid delivery portion 132 until the heater 131 is heated to the predetermined temperature.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may not perform the operation of supplying power to the heater 131 for heating the remaining aerosol generating substance in the first liquid delivery portion 132.
• the type of an aerosol generating substance to be impregnated into the first liquid delivery portion 132 and/or the type of a flavoring/flavoring agent included in the aerosol generating substance may be the same.
• the aerosol generating device 10 heats the remaining aerosol generating substance in the first liquid delivery portion 132 only when there is change of a chamber, mixing of different aerosol generating substances and/or flavorings/flavoring agents included in the aerosol generating substances may be prevented.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may control the opening and closing portion 133 to allow any one of the first body flow path 134A or the second body flow path 134B to communicate with the third body flow path 134C, so that an aerosol generating substance in the chamber selected by the user is impregnated into the first liquid delivery portion 132.
• the aerosol generating device 10 controls the operation of the opening and closing portion 133 after vaporizing the remaining liquid by the heater 131, different aerosol generating substances may be prevented from being impregnated together in the first liquid delivery portion 132 when a chamber selected by the user is changed.
• the remaining aerosol generating substance in a liquid delivery portion may be removed when a cartridge coupled to a body is changed or replaced, or when an aerosol generating substance selected by a user is changed.
• the mixing of a flavor of the remaining aerosol generating substance in a liquid delivery portion and a flavor of a changed aerosol generating substance, which is due to a change of a cartridge or a selected aerosol generating substance may be minimized.
• the sense of difference or discomfort that a user may feel due to the mixing of different aerosol generating substances may be minimized when using different types of aerosol generating substances.
• an aerosol generating device 10 may include: a cartridge 200 including a chamber C1 in which an aerosol generating substance is stored; a body 100 coupled to the cartridge 200; a liquid delivery portion 132 connected to the chamber C1; a heater 131 to heat the liquid delivery portion 132; and a controller 17 to control supply of power to the heater 131.
• the controller 17 may be configured to control, based on the cartridge 200 being coupled to the body 100 or being removed from the body 100, the supply of power to the heater 131, so as to increase a temperature of the heater 131 above a vaporization temperature of an aerosol generating substance in the liquid delivery portion 132.
• the controller 17 may be configured to control, based on the cartridge 200 being coupled to the body 100 or being removed from the body 100, the supply of power to the heater 131 for a predetermined time, so as to increase the temperature of the heater 131 above the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating substance in the liquid delivery portion 132.
• the controller 17 may be configured to: monitor the temperature of the heater 131; and cut off, based on the temperature of the heater 131 being greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature, the supply of power to the heater 131.
• the heater 131 may have a resistance value that changes according to the temperature thereof.
• the controller 17 may be configured to determine the temperature of the heater 131 based on a temperature coefficient of resistance of the heater 131.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may further include a cartridge detection sensor 153 to detect coupling and removal of the cartridge 200.
• the controller 17 may be configured to detect, based on a signal received from the cartridge detection sensor 153, coupling of the cartridge 200 to the body 100 or removal of the cartridge 200 from the body 100.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may further include a memory 14 to store information regarding types of cartridges 200 being coupled to the body 100.
• the cartridge detection sensor 153 may receive, based on the cartridge 200 being coupled to the body 100, information about the cartridge 200.
• the controller 17 may be configured to: determine, based on the information received from the cartridge detection sensor 153, a type of the cartridge 200; and control the supply of power to the heater 131 based on whether the type of the cartridge 200 corresponds to a type of a cartridge most recently coupled to the body 100 and used.
• the controller 17 may be configured to control, based on the type of the cartridge 200 not corresponding to the type of the cartridge most recently coupled to the body and used, the supply of power to the heater 131, so as to increase the temperature of the heater 131 above the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating substance in the liquid delivery portion 132.
• the type of the cartridge 200 may be determined based on a type of the aerosol generating substance stored in the chamber C1 or a type of a flavoring or a flavoring agent contained in the aerosol generating substance stored in the chamber C1.
• the aerosol generating device 10 may further include an input device 121 configured to receive a user input.
• the cartridge 200 may include a plurality of chambers C11 and C12, the plurality of chambers C11 and C12 storing therein different aerosol generating substances, respectively.
• the controller 17 may be configured to: identify, based on the user input through the input device 121, a chamber selected by a user between the plurality of chambers C11 and C12; and control, based on the selected chamber being changed according to the user input, the supply of power to the heater 131, so as to increase the temperature of the heater 131 above the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating substance in the liquid delivery portion 132.
• a method of operating an aerosol generating device 10 may include: detecting coupling of a cartridge 200 to a body 100 or removal of the cartridge 200 from the body 100; and controlling, based on the cartridge 200 being coupled to the body 100 or being removed from the body 100, supply of power to a heater 131, so as to increase a temperature of the heater 131 above a vaporization temperature of an aerosol generating substance in a liquid delivery portion 132 connected to a chamber C1 of the cartridge 200.
• a configuration "A” described in one embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings, and a configuration "B” described in another embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings may be combined with each other. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is described that the combination is impossible.

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• 2022
  • 2022-10-12 WO PCT/KR2022/015431 patent/WO2023068641A1/en not_active Ceased
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  • 2022-10-12 EP EP22883864.5A patent/EP4418924A4/de active Pending
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