KR20220032469A - Aerosol generating device and method for controlling a power mode - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes: a battery; a power supply part which supplies power through the battery; and a control part which receives power from the power supply part. The control part can switch to a second power mode in which the power supply from the power supply part is cut off when a first mode switching condition is satisfied while receiving power corresponding to the first power mode from the power supply part.

Description

AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A POWER MODE

Various embodiments according to the present disclosure relate to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device and method for controlling a power mode to prevent damage to a battery.

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods that overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing need for a method of generating an aerosol as the aerosol generating material in the cigarette or liquid reservoir is heated rather than a method of generating an aerosol by burning a cigarette.

In general, the aerosol generating device may maintain the power mode of the aerosol generating device as a standby mode, except when performing operations such as heating the heater and displaying the remaining battery level. However, when the aerosol generating device maintains the standby mode even though the operation command has not been received for a certain period of time, the voltage of the battery of the aerosol generating device may be reduced. In this case, as the voltage of the battery is continuously reduced, the battery may be damaged and the battery life may be shortened.

Various embodiments according to the present disclosure provide an aerosol generating device capable of preventing damage to a battery.

However, the technical problems to be achieved by the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems described above, and other technical problems may be inferred from the following embodiments.

The aerosol generating device in one embodiment includes a battery, a power supply receiving power through the battery, and a control unit receiving power from the power supply unit, wherein the control unit corresponds to the first power mode from the power supply unit When a first mode switching condition is satisfied in a state in which power is supplied, it may be set to switch to a second power mode that cuts off power supply from the power supply unit.

The method of operating an aerosol generating device in an embodiment includes an operation of receiving power corresponding to a first power mode through a power supply unit, an operation of detecting whether a first mode switching condition is satisfied through a control unit, and the first mode When the switching condition is satisfied, the operation may include cutting off power supply from the power supply unit.

The computer-readable recording medium in one embodiment may store a program for implementing the method of operation of the aerosol generating device.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, damage to the battery of the aerosol generating device can be prevented through the aerosol generating device that controls the power mode when a predetermined switching condition is satisfied.

1 to 3 are views showing examples in which cigarettes are inserted into an aerosol generating device.
4 and 5 are views showing examples of cigarettes.
6 shows an overall configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.
7 shows a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.
8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.
9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
10 is a circuit diagram illustrating a method of controlling a power supply unit according to an exemplary embodiment.
11 is a flowchart illustrating a first mode switching condition and a second mode switching condition according to an exemplary embodiment.
12 is a flowchart illustrating a first mode change condition and a second mode change condition according to another exemplary embodiment.
13 is a flowchart illustrating a first mode switching condition and a second mode switching condition according to another embodiment.
14 is a flowchart illustrating a first mode switching condition and a second mode switching condition according to another exemplary embodiment.
15 shows a diagram referenced in the description of FIGS. 9 to 14 .

The terms used in the embodiments are selected as currently widely used general terms as possible while considering the functions in the present invention, but may vary depending on the intention or precedent of a person skilled in the art, the emergence of new technology, and the like. In addition, in a specific case, there is a term arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning will be described in detail in the description of the corresponding invention. Therefore, the term used in the present invention should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention, rather than the name of a simple term.

In the entire specification, when a part "includes" a certain element, this means that other elements may be further included, rather than excluding other elements, unless otherwise stated. In addition, terms such as “…unit” and “…module” described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented as hardware or software, or may be implemented as a combination of hardware and software.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those of ordinary skill in the art can easily carry out the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in several different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 to 3 are views showing examples in which cigarettes are inserted into an aerosol generating device.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 11 , a control unit 12 , and a heater 13 . 2 and 3 , the aerosol generating device 1 further comprises a vaporizer 14 . In addition, a cigarette 2 may be inserted into the inner space of the aerosol generating device 1 .

The aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 shows components related to the present embodiment. Therefore, it can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment that other general-purpose components other than those shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 may be further included in the aerosol generating device 1 . .

In addition, although it is shown that the heater 13 is included in the aerosol generating device 1 in FIGS. 2 and 3 , if necessary, the heater 13 may be omitted.

1 illustrates that the battery 11, the control unit 12, and the heater 13 are arranged in a line. In addition, in FIG. 2 , the battery 11 , the control unit 12 , the vaporizer 14 , and the heater 13 are illustrated as being arranged in a line. Also, FIG. 3 shows that the vaporizer 14 and the heater 13 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to those shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 . In other words, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1 , the arrangement of the battery 11 , the control unit 12 , the heater 13 and the vaporizer 14 may be changed.

When the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1 , the aerosol-generating device 1 may actuate the heater 13 and/or the vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and/or the vaporizer 14 passes through the cigarette 2 and is delivered to the user.

If desired, the aerosol-generating device 1 can heat the heater 13 even when the cigarette 2 is not inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1 .

The battery 11 supplies the power used to operate the aerosol generating device 1 . For example, the battery 11 may supply electric power so that the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14 can be heated, and may supply electric power required for the control unit 12 to operate. In addition, the battery 11 may supply power required to operate a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device 1 .

The control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1 . Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the operation of the battery 11 , the heater 13 and the vaporizer 14 , as well as other components included in the aerosol generating device 1 . Also, the control unit 12 may determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in an operable state by checking the state of each of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 .

The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. In addition, it can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment pertains that it may be implemented in other types of hardware.

The heater 13 may be heated by electric power supplied from the battery 11 . For example, if a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1 , the heater 13 may be located on the exterior of the cigarette. Thus, the heated heater 13 may raise the temperature of the aerosol generating material in the cigarette.

The heater 13 may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater 13 may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above-described example, and may be applicable without limitation as long as it can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 1 or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

Meanwhile, as another example, the heater 13 may be an induction heating type heater. Specifically, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the cigarette in an induction heating manner, and the cigarette may include a susceptor capable of being heated by the induction heating heater.

For example, the heater 13 may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, which can be heated inside or outside the cigarette 2 depending on the shape of the heating element. can be heated

In addition, a plurality of heaters 13 may be disposed in the aerosol generating device 1 . In this case, the plurality of heaters 13 may be disposed to be inserted into the cigarette 2 , or may be disposed outside the cigarette 2 . In addition, some of the plurality of heaters 13 may be disposed to be inserted into the cigarette 2 , and the rest may be disposed outside the cigarette 2 . In addition, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shape shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , and may be manufactured in various shapes.

Vaporizer 14 may heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which may be delivered to a user through cigarette 2 . In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 may travel along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device 1 , wherein the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 passes through the cigarette to the user. It can be configured to be

For example, the vaporizer 14 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid reservoir, a liquid delivery means and a heating element. For example, the liquid reservoir, the liquid delivery means and the heating element may be included in the aerosol-generating device 1 as independent modules.

The liquid reservoir may store the liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material comprising a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material. The liquid storage unit may be manufactured to be detachably/attached from the vaporizer 14 , or may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 14 .

For example, the liquid composition may include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a flavoring, flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The fragrance may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavoring ingredients, and the like. Flavoring agents may include ingredients capable of providing a user with a variety of flavors or flavors. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. Liquid compositions may also include aerosol formers such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

The liquid delivery means may deliver the liquid composition of the liquid reservoir to the heating element. For example, the liquid delivery means may be, but is not limited to, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition delivered by the liquid delivery means. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, or the like. In addition, the heating element may be composed of a conductive filament, such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged to be wound around the liquid delivery means. The heating element may be heated by supplying an electrical current, and may transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

For example, the vaporizer 14 may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11 , the controller 12 , the heater 13 , and the vaporizer 14 . For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and/or a motor for outputting tactile information. In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 may include at least one sensor (a puff detection sensor, a temperature sensor, a cigarette insertion detection sensor, etc.). In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 may be manufactured in a structure that allows external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out even in a state in which the cigarette 2 is inserted.

Although not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the aerosol generating device 1 may constitute a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used for charging the battery 11 of the aerosol generating device 1 . Alternatively, the heater 13 may be heated in a state in which the cradle and the aerosol generating device 1 are coupled.

The cigarette 2 may be similar to a conventional burning cigarette. For example, the cigarette 2 may be divided into a first part comprising an aerosol generating material and a second part comprising a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second part of the cigarette 2 may also contain an aerosol generating material. For example, an aerosol-generating material made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second part.

The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1 , and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, and the whole of the first part and a part of the second part may be inserted. The user may inhale the aerosol while biting the second part with the mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated by passing the outside air through the first part, and the generated aerosol passes through the second part and is delivered to the user's mouth.

As an example, external air may be introduced through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1 . For example, the opening and closing of the air passage and/or the size of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1 may be adjusted by the user. Accordingly, the amount of atomization, the feeling of smoking, and the like can be adjusted by the user. As another example, external air may be introduced into the interior of the cigarette 2 through at least one hole formed in the surface of the cigarette (2).

Hereinafter, examples of the cigarette 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 .

4 and 5 are views showing examples of cigarettes.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the cigarette 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22 . The first part 21 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 includes a tobacco rod 21 , and the second part 22 includes a filter rod 22 .

4, the filter rod 22 is shown as a single segment, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22 may be composed of a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a segment that cools the aerosol and a segment that filters certain components contained within the aerosol. In addition, if necessary, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment performing other functions.

The cigarette 2 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 24 . At least one hole through which external air is introduced or internal gas flows may be formed in the wrapper 24 . As an example, the cigarette 2 may be wrapped by one wrapper 24 . As another example, the cigarette 2 may be wrapped by two or more wrappers 24 overlappingly. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be packaged by the first wrapper 241 , and the filter rod 22 may be packaged by the wrappers 242 , 243 , and 244 . In addition, the entire cigarette 2 may be repackaged by a single wrapper 245 . If the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped by wrappers 242 , 243 , 244 .

The tobacco rod 21 comprises an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol and oleyl alcohol. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may contain other additive substances such as flavoring agents, wetting agents and/or organic acids. In addition, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a moisturizing agent can be added to the tobacco rod 21 by being sprayed onto the tobacco rod 21 .

Tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured as a sheet or as a strand. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may be made of cut filler from which the tobacco sheet is chopped. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may improve the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod by evenly distributing the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, thereby improving the tobacco taste. . Further, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. At this time, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat-conducting material surrounding the outside.

The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, the shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod, or a tubular rod including a hollow therein. Also, the filter rod 22 may be a recess type rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

In addition, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23 . Here, the capsule 23 may perform a function of generating flavor, or may perform a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the cigarette 3 may further include a shear plug 33 . The front plug 33 may be located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 opposite to the filter rod 32 . The shear plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from escaping to the outside, and the aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking flows into the aerosol generating device ( 1 in FIGS. 1 to 3 ). can be prevented

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

The diameter and overall length of the cigarette 3 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the cigarette 2 of FIG. 4 . For example, the length of the shear plug 33 is about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 is about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 is about 12 mm, the length of the second segment 322 is about 14 mm. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

The cigarette 3 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 35 . At least one hole through which external air flows or internal gas flows may be formed in the wrapper 35 . For example, the shear plug 33 is wrapped by the first wrapper 351 , the tobacco rod 31 is wrapped by the second wrapper 352 , and the first segment ( 353 ) is wrapped by the third wrapper 353 . 321 may be wrapped, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped by the fourth wrapper 354 . In addition, the entire cigarette 3 may be repackaged by the fifth wrapper 355 .

In addition, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355 . For example, the perforations 36 may be formed in the area surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but are not limited thereto. The perforation 36 may serve to transfer heat formed by the heater 13 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 to the inside of the tobacco rod 31 .

Also, the second segment 322 may include at least one capsule 34 . Here, the capsule 34 may perform a function of generating flavor, or may perform a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 34 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

6 shows an overall configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the aerosol generating device 100 includes a control unit 110 , a power supply unit 120 , a battery 130 , a heating unit 140 , an input unit 150 , an output unit 152 , and a sensing unit 154 . ), an interface unit 160 and a memory 170 may be included. The aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 6 may correspond to the aerosol generating device 1 of FIGS. 1 to 3 . Also, the battery 130 of FIG. 6 may correspond to the battery 11 of FIGS. 1 to 3 , and the controller 110 of FIG. 6 may correspond to the controller 12 of FIGS. 1 to 3 .

The input unit 150 may receive a user input. For example, the input unit 150 may be provided in the form of a pressurized push button, but is not limited thereto.

When receiving the user input, the input unit 150 may transmit a control signal corresponding to the user input to the controller 110 . The controller 110 may control internal components of the aerosol generating device 100 based on the control signal. For example, the controller 110 may heat the heating unit 140 based on the control signal or control the output unit 152 to display the remaining battery level.

The output unit 152 may output visual information and/or tactile information related to the aerosol generating device 100 . In an embodiment, the output unit 152 may include a display (not shown), a vibration motor (not shown), and the like.

The sensing unit 154 may detect information related to the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 . In an embodiment, the sensing unit 154 may sense the temperature of the heating unit 140 . In another embodiment, the sensing unit 154 may detect the user's puff. In another embodiment, the sensing unit 154 may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is inserted. To this end, the sensing unit 154 may include a temperature sensor (not shown), a puff sensor (not shown), a cigarette insertion detection sensor (not shown), and the like.

The interface unit 160 may serve as a passage with various types of external devices connected to the aerosol generating apparatus 100 . For example, the interface unit 160 may have a port connectable to an external device, and the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may be connected to an external device through the port. The aerosol generating apparatus 100 may exchange data with an external device while connected to the external device.

The interface unit 160 may serve as a passage through which external power is supplied. For example, the interface unit 160 may have a port connectable to an external power source, and the aerosol generating device 100 may receive power from an external power source while being connected to the external power source.

The heating unit 140 may be an electrically resistive heater or an induction heating type heater. In one embodiment, when the heating unit 140 is an electrically resistive heater, the heating unit 140 may include an electrically conductive track. The heating unit 140 may be heated by a current applied to the electrically conductive track. In an embodiment, when the heating unit 140 is an induction heating type heater, the heating unit 140 may include an electrically conductive coil and a susceptor. When a current is applied to the electrically conductive coil, the susceptor may be heated by a fluctuating magnetic field generated in the electrically conductive coil.

The battery 130 may supply power to the internal components of the aerosol generating device 100 under the control of the controller 110 . The battery 130 may be a lithium ion battery, but is not limited thereto.

The power supply unit 120 may transmit power generated from the battery 130 to the control unit 110 based on the power mode. That is, the power supply unit 120 may supply power to the control unit 110 based on the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 . In an embodiment, the power supply unit 120 may be a component included in the control unit 110 .

The memory 170 may store information for the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 . For example, the memory 170 may store information on various switching conditions set between a plurality of power modes.

7 shows a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the aerosol generating device 100 may include a control unit 110 , a power supply unit 120 , and a battery 130 .

The power supply unit 120 may supply power to the control unit 110 based on the power mode. The power mode may include a first power mode and a second power mode that consumes less power than the first power mode.

In an embodiment, the first power mode may be a standby mode. The standby mode refers to a mode in which power required for the operation of internal components other than the control unit 110 is cut off, and the standby mode of the present disclosure is not limited by its name. For example, the standby mode may mean the same mode as a power saving mode or a sleep mode.

In an embodiment, the second power mode may be a ship mode. The ship mode refers to a mode in which even the power required for the operation of the controller 110 is cut off, and the ship mode of the present disclosure is not limited by its name. For example, the ship mode may mean the same mode as a factory shipment mode, a shutdown mode, and the like.

The control unit 110 may set the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 to the first power mode based on the transition condition to the first power mode. In an embodiment, the condition for switching to the first power mode may include a condition for completing control. For example, when heating of the heating unit (eg, the heating unit 140 of FIG. 1 ) is completed according to the temperature profile, the control unit 110 sets the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 to the first power mode. can As another example, when the control unit 110 displays the remaining battery level according to a user command, the power consumption of the battery 130 is markedly as the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 is set to the first power mode. can be reduced.

Even when the aerosol generating device 100 operates in the first power mode (eg, a standby mode), the minimum configuration for waking up the aerosol generating device 100 like the control unit 110 includes power. This can be supplied. Accordingly, the capacity (including voltage) of the battery 130 may decrease with time. When the capacity of the battery 130 is reduced below a predetermined voltage, damage to the battery cells may be initiated. In addition, when the capacity of the battery 130 is maintained below a predetermined voltage, solidification of the battery electrolyte continues and there is a problem that the buffer capacity is also significantly reduced.

In order to solve this problem in the aerosol generating device 100 according to the present disclosure, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 is supplied with lower power than the first power mode in the standby mode. or may be switched to the second power mode in which the supply of power is cut off.

Specifically, the controller 110 may switch the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 from the first power mode to the second power mode based on the first mode switching condition for the first power mode. In an embodiment, the first mode conversion condition may include at least one of a heating condition of the heating unit 140 for a specified time, an insertion condition of an aerosol-generating article, a reception condition of a user input, and a supply condition of external power.

For example, when the heating unit 140 is not heated for the first time, the control unit 110 determines that the first mode conversion condition is satisfied and sets the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 from the first power mode. It can switch to a second power mode.

For another example, when the insertion of the aerosol-generating article is not detected for the second time period, the controller 110 determines that the first mode switching condition is satisfied and sets the power mode of the aerosol-generating device 100 to the first power mode. can be switched to the second power mode.

For another example, when the user input is not received for a third time period longer than the first time and the second time, the control unit 110 sets the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 from the first power mode to the second power mode. mode can be switched.

For another example, when the external power is not supplied within a fourth time longer than the third time in a state in which the charge amount of the battery 130 is less than a preset charge amount, the control unit 110 may control the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 . may be switched from the first power mode to the second power mode.

In one embodiment, as the control unit 110 switches the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 from the first power mode to the second power mode based on the first mode switching condition, the damage to the battery 130 is significant. can be significantly reduced. In addition, as the control unit 110 switches the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 from the first power mode to the second power mode, the power supply from the power supply unit 120 may be limited.

8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8 , in step S810 , the controller (eg, the controller 110 of FIG. 6 ) may enter the first power mode. For example, when the control completion condition is satisfied, the controller 110 may enter the first power mode, which is a standby mode. In the first power mode, the control unit 110 receives power from a battery (eg, the battery 130 of FIG. 6 ), while internal components of the aerosol generating device (eg, the aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 6 ) The power supplied to it can be cut off.

In step S820 , the controller 110 may determine whether a first mode switching condition for the first power mode is satisfied. The first mode conversion condition may refer to a condition in which the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 can be switched from the first power mode in the standby mode to the second power mode in the ship mode. In one embodiment, the control unit 110 is at least one of a heating condition of the heating unit (eg, the heating unit 140 of FIG. 6 ), an insertion condition of an aerosol-generating article, a reception condition of a user input, and a supply condition of external power. Satisfaction can be determined.

When the first mode switching condition for the first power mode is not satisfied, the controller 110 may maintain the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 as the first power mode, which is the standby mode.

In step S830, when the first mode switching condition is satisfied, the control unit 110 changes the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 from the first power mode, which is the standby mode, to the second power mode, which is the ship mode. can be switched In one embodiment, as the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 is switched to the second power mode, the control unit 110 may cut off the power supply from the power supply unit (eg, the power supply unit 120 of FIG. 6 ). there is.

9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. 10 is a circuit diagram illustrating a method of controlling a power supply unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9 , in step S910 , the controller 110 may enter the first power mode. For example, when the control completion condition is satisfied, the controller 110 may enter the first power mode, which is a standby mode.

In step S920 , the controller 110 may determine whether the first mode switching condition for the first power mode is satisfied. The first mode conversion condition may mean a condition in which the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 can be switched from the first power mode to the second power mode. In an embodiment, the controller 110 may determine whether at least one of the heating condition of the heating unit 140, the insertion condition of the aerosol-generating article, the user input reception condition, and the external power supply condition is satisfied.

When the first mode switching condition for the first power mode is not satisfied, the controller 110 may maintain the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 as the first power mode, which is the standby mode.

When the first mode conversion condition is satisfied, the controller 110 changes the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 from the first power mode, which is the standby mode, to the second power mode, which is the ship mode, in step S930. can be switched

Referring to FIG. 10 , when the heating unit (eg, the heating unit 140 of FIG. 6 ) is not heated for a first time, the control unit 110 transmits the switching control signal Sc to the power supply unit 120 . can For example, the first time period may be 24 hours (one day). The power supply 120 may turn off the switching element SW based on the switching control signal Sc. Accordingly, the power supplied to the control unit 110 may be cut off.

Alternatively, when the insertion of the aerosol-generating article is not detected during the second time period, the control unit 110 may transmit a switching control signal Sc to the power supply unit 120 . For example, the second time period may be 24 hours (one day). The power supply unit 120 may turn off the switching element SW based on the switching control signal Sc. Accordingly, the power supplied to the control unit 110 may be cut off.

In another embodiment, when the user input is not received during the third time period, the control unit 110 may transmit the switching control signal Sc to the power supply unit 120 . For example, the third time period may be 48 hours (2 days). The power supply 120 may turn off the switching element SW based on the switching control signal Sc. Accordingly, the power supplied to the control unit 110 may be cut off.

In another embodiment, when the external power is not supplied during the fourth time in a state in which the charge amount Fg of the battery 130 is less than the preset charge amount, the controller 110 transmits the switching control signal Sc to the power supply unit. may be sent to 120 . For example, the fourth time period may be 168 hours (7 days). The power supply 120 may turn off the switching element SW based on the switching control signal Sc. Accordingly, the power supplied to the control unit 110 may be cut off.

In an embodiment, the charge amount Fg of the battery 130 may be provided by the power supply unit 120 . For example, the power supply unit 120 may transmit the charge amount Fg of the battery 130 to the control unit 110 in response to the request of the control unit 110 .

In step S940 of FIG. 9 again, the power supply unit 120 may determine whether the second mode switching condition for the second power mode is satisfied. The second mode conversion condition may refer to a condition in which the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 can be switched from the second power mode, which is the easy mode, to the first power mode, which is the standby mode. In an embodiment, the power supply unit 120 may determine whether at least one of a user input reception condition and an external power supply condition is satisfied.

When the second mode switching condition for the second power mode is not satisfied, the power supply unit 120 may maintain the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 as the second power mode, which is the easy mode state.

When the second mode switching condition is satisfied, the power supply 120 switches the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 from the second power mode, which is the easy mode, to the first power mode, which is the standby mode, in step S950. can

In FIG. 10 , the user input signal S1 and/or the external power signal S2 may be input to the reset terminal of the power supply unit 120 as a reset signal. When the power supply unit 120 receives the reset signal, the power supply unit 120 may turn on the switching element SW and supply power to the control unit 110 . Accordingly, the aerosol generating device 100 may release the second power mode, which is the ship mode, and re-enter the first power mode, which is the standby mode.

11 is a flowchart illustrating a first mode switching condition and a second mode switching condition according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11 , in step S1110 , the controller (eg, the controller 110 of FIG. 6 ) may enter the first power mode when a control completion condition is satisfied. For example, when heating of the heating unit (eg, the heating unit 140 of FIG. 6 ) is completed according to the temperature profile, the control unit 110 sets the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 to the standby mode state. You can switch to 1 power mode. As another example, when the remaining battery level is displayed according to a user command, the controller 110 may switch the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 to the first power mode.

In step S1120 , the control unit 110 may determine whether the heating condition of the heating unit 140 is satisfied. When the heating unit 140 is heated for the first time period, the control unit 110 may maintain the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 as the first power mode. The first time period may be 24 hours (one day).

When the heating unit 140 is not heated for the first time, the control unit 110 sets the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 from the first power mode to the standby mode to the second easy mode in step S1130. You can switch to power mode.

In step S1140 , the controller 110 may determine whether a user input is received in the second power mode. For example, the controller 110 may determine whether a user input through a physical button (eg, a power button) of the aerosol generating device 100 is received.

According to an embodiment, when the user input is received in the second power mode, the controller 110 sets the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 to the standby mode in the second power mode, which is the ship mode, in step S1160. can be switched to the first power mode.

According to an embodiment, when no user input is received in the second power mode, the controller 110 may determine whether to connect to an external power source in step S1150 . For example, the control unit 110 may determine whether external power is supplied through the interface unit (eg, the interface unit 160 of FIG. 6 ) of the aerosol generating device 100 .

According to one embodiment, when the controller 110 is connected to an external power source in the second power mode, in step S1160, the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 is changed from the second power mode, which is the ship mode, to the standby mode. It can switch to the first power mode.

According to an embodiment, when the controller 110 is not connected to an external power source in the second power mode, in step S1130, the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 may be maintained in the second power mode, which is the ship mode state. there is.

Although steps S1140 and S1150 are sequentially performed in FIG. 11 , this is for convenience of description and is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, steps S1140 and S1150 may be performed in parallel, or steps S1150 and S1140 may be performed in order.

12 is a flowchart illustrating a first mode switching condition and a second mode switching condition according to another exemplary embodiment. Steps S1230 to S1260 of FIG. 12 correspond to steps S1130 to S1160 of FIG. 11 , respectively. Accordingly, a description corresponding to, identical to, or overlapping with that of FIG. 11 may be omitted below.

Referring to FIG. 12 , in step S1210 , the controller (eg, the controller 110 of FIG. 6 ) may enter the first power mode when a control completion condition is satisfied.

In step S1220, the control unit 110 may determine whether the insertion condition of the aerosol-generating article is satisfied. When the insertion of the aerosol-generating article is sensed through the sensing unit (eg, the sensing unit 154 of FIG. 6 ) during the second time period, the control unit 110 sets the power mode of the aerosol-generating device 100 to the first power mode. can be maintained as The second time period may be 24 hours (one day).

When the insertion of the aerosol-generating article is not detected through the sensing unit 154 for the second time period, the control unit 110 sets the power mode of the aerosol-generating device 100 to the standby mode in step S1230, the first power mode. may be switched to the second power mode, which is a ship mode state.

13 is a flowchart illustrating a first mode switching condition and a second mode switching condition according to another exemplary embodiment. Steps S1330 to S1360 of FIG. 13 correspond to steps S1130 to S1160 of FIG. 11 , respectively. Accordingly, a description corresponding to, identical to, or overlapping with that of FIG. 11 may be omitted below.

Referring to FIG. 13 , in step S1310 , the controller (eg, the controller 110 of FIG. 6 ) may enter the first power mode when a control completion condition is satisfied.

In step S1320 , the controller 110 may determine whether the user input condition of the input unit (eg, the input unit 150 of FIG. 6 ) is satisfied. When a user input is received through the input unit 150 during the third time period, the controller 110 may maintain the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 as the first power mode. The third time period may be 48 hours (2 days). In an embodiment, the user input may mean an input for commands other than a heating command for heating the heating unit (eg, the heating unit 140 of FIG. 6 ). For example, the user input may mean an input for a remaining amount display command for checking the remaining amount of the battery (eg, the battery 130 of FIG. 6 ).

When the user input is not received through the input unit 150 for the third time period, the control unit 110 sets the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 to the standby mode in the first power mode in the easy mode in step S1330. can be switched to the second power mode.

14 is a flowchart illustrating a first mode switching condition and a second mode switching condition according to another exemplary embodiment. Steps S1440 to S1470 of FIG. 14 correspond to steps S1130 to S1160 of FIG. 11 , respectively. Accordingly, a description corresponding to, identical to, or overlapping with that of FIG. 11 may be omitted below.

Referring to FIG. 14 , in step S1410 , the controller (eg, the controller 110 of FIG. 6 ) may enter the first power mode when a control completion condition is satisfied.

In step S1420 , in the first power mode entry state, the controller 110 may determine whether the charge amount of the battery (eg, the battery 130 of FIG. 6 ) is equal to or greater than a preset charge amount. In an embodiment, the preset amount of charge may be 5% of the total amount of power of the battery 130 . In another embodiment, the preset amount of charge is determined by the reference output voltage of the battery 130 , and the reference output voltage may be set in a range of 2.7V to 3.25V.

The controller 110 may maintain the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 as the first power mode when the charge amount of the battery 130 is equal to or greater than a preset charge amount.

When the charge amount of the battery 130 is less than a preset charge amount, the controller 110 may determine whether external power is connected for the fourth time in step S1430 . The fourth time may be 168 hours (7 days).

The controller 110 may maintain the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 as the first power mode when an external power source is connected for the fourth time in a state in which the charge amount of the battery 130 is less than a preset charge amount.

The controller 110 sets the power mode of the aerosol generating device 100 to a standby mode in step S1440 when the external power source is not connected for the fourth time in a state where the charge amount of the battery 130 is less than the preset charge amount. It is possible to switch from the first power mode to the second power mode, which is a ship mode state.

15 shows a diagram referenced in the description of FIGS. 9 to 14 .

In more detail, FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the effect of the present disclosure according to the second power mode conversion.

Referring to FIG. 15 , when the aerosol generating device (eg, the aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 6 ) operates only in the first power mode in the standby mode, the battery (eg, the battery 130 of FIG. 6 ) As shown in the first graph 1510 , the capacitance may be decreased to the first voltage V1 . Since the first voltage V1 is less than the first reference voltage Vsd at which damage to the battery cells occurs, serious damage to the battery 130 when the capacity of the battery 130 is reduced to the first voltage V1 this can result In addition, when the aerosol generating device 100 operates only in the first power mode, since the capacity of the battery 130 decreases to the first voltage V1, a heating unit (eg, the heating unit 140 in FIG. 6 )) The charging time up to the second reference voltage Vr, which is the minimum threshold voltage that can be heated, may be increased.

When the aerosol generating device 100 according to the present disclosure satisfies a preset condition in the first power mode, which is the standby mode, it switches to the second power mode, which is the ship mode state, so that the capacity of the battery 130 is shown in the second graph ( 1520 , only the second voltage V2 may be reduced. Since the second voltage V2 is greater than the first reference voltage Vsd at which damage to the battery cells occurs, damage to the battery 130 may be prevented. Also, the charging time up to the second reference voltage Vr may be reduced.

Those of ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that it can be implemented in a modified form within a range that does not deviate from the essential characteristics of the above description. Therefore, the disclosed methods are to be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the present invention is indicated in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being included in the present invention.

1, 100: aerosol generating device
110: control unit
120: power supply
130: battery
140: heating unit

Claims (11)

An aerosol generating device comprising:
battery;
a power supply for supplying power through the battery; and
a control unit receiving power from the power supply unit;
The control unit is
In a state in which the power corresponding to the first power mode is supplied from the power supply, when the first mode switching condition is satisfied, the aerosol generating device switches to a second power mode that cuts off the power supply from the power supply. According to claim 1,
The first mode switching condition is,
An aerosol-generating device comprising at least one of whether the heating unit is heated for a specified time, whether an aerosol-generating article is inserted, whether a user input is received, and whether external power is supplied. According to claim 1,
The first power mode is a standby mode and the second power mode is a ship mode. According to claim 1,
further comprising a heating element for heating the aerosol-generating article;
The control unit is
Switching to the second power mode when the heating unit is not heated during the first time period. According to claim 1,
Further comprising an insertion detection unit for detecting the insertion of the aerosol-generating article,
The control unit is
switching to the second power mode if no insertion of the aerosol-generating article is detected through the insertion sensing unit during a second time period. According to claim 1,
Further comprising an input unit for receiving a user's input,
The control unit is
When the input of the user is not received through the input unit for a third time period, the aerosol generating device is switched to the second power mode. According to claim 1,
Further comprising an interface unit receiving external power,
The control unit is
When the charge amount of the battery is less than a preset charge amount, and the external power is not supplied through the interface unit for a fourth time, the aerosol generating device is switched to the second power mode. According to claim 1,
The power supply unit,
In a state in which the power supply to the control unit is cut off, when the second mode switching condition is satisfied, the aerosol generating device is switched to the first power mode. 9. The method of claim 8,
The second mode switching condition is,
An aerosol generating device comprising at least one of whether a user input is received and whether an external power is supplied. receiving power corresponding to the first power mode through a power supply unit;
detecting whether the first mode switching condition is satisfied through the control unit; and
When the first mode switching condition is satisfied, including the operation of cutting off the power supply from the power supply, the operating method of the aerosol generating device. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for executing the method according to claim 10.

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