KR20230055915A - Aerosol generating device and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device and an operating method thereof are disclosed. The aerosol-generating device of the present invention comprises: a heater heating an aerosol-generating material; a puff sensor sensing a signal corresponding to a puff of a user; an input device receiving a user input; and a control unit controlling power supplied to the heater. The control unit may determine an inhalation pattern for the inhalation of a user based on a signal received from the puff sensor, determine a heating profile corresponding to the inhalation pattern based on the determined inhalation pattern, and determine the inhalation pattern for the inhalation of the user in the case that a user input signal received from the input device corresponds to first data. User convenience can be enhanced.

Description

Aerosol generating device and its operating method {AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE AND METHOD THEREOF}

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof.

Aerosol generating devices are for extracting certain components from a medium or substance through an aerosol. The medium may contain materials of various components. Substances included in the medium may be flavor substances of various components. For example, the substance included in the medium may include a nicotine component, an herbal component, and/or a coffee component. Recently, many studies on these aerosol generating devices have been conducted.

The present disclosure aims to solve the foregoing and other problems.

Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device capable of determining a user's inhalation pattern and generating an amount of mist corresponding to the user's aerosol inhalation when the user inhales the aerosol, and an operating method thereof.

Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof that allow a user to easily personalize the operation of the aerosol generating device by performing an inhalation pattern determination based on a user input signal related to the inhalation pattern determination. .

Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device capable of increasing user convenience by initializing an inhalation pattern based on an inhalation pattern initialization and a user input signal, and an operating method thereof.

Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof in which a user can easily confirm that his/her own inhalation pattern has been input by notifying the user of the start and end of the inhalation pattern determination.

An aerosol generating device according to an aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above object includes a heater for heating an aerosol generating material; a puff sensor outputting a signal corresponding to a user's puff; an input device that receives user input; and a controller configured to control power supplied to the heater, wherein the controller determines a suction pattern related to the user's inhalation based on a signal received from the puff sensor, and based on the determined inhalation pattern. Thus, a heating profile corresponding to the suction pattern is determined, and when the user input signal received from the input device corresponds to the first data, the user's suction pattern may be determined.

To achieve the above object, a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes receiving a user input signal from an input device and determining whether the received user input signal corresponds to first data; determining an inhalation pattern related to inhalation of the user based on a signal received from a puff sensor when the user input signal corresponds to the first data; and determining a heating profile corresponding to the suction pattern based on the determined suction pattern.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a mist amount corresponding to the user's inhalation pattern may be generated when the user's aerosol is inhaled by determining the user's inhalation pattern.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an inhalation pattern determination is performed based on a user input signal related to the inhalation pattern determination, so that the user can conveniently personalize the operation of the aerosol generating device.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, user convenience may be enhanced by initializing a suction pattern based on a suction pattern initialization and a user input signal.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the user can easily confirm that his/her own inhalation pattern has been input by notifying the user of the start and end of the inhalation pattern determination.

Additional scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description that follows. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are given as examples only.

1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
2 to 4 are views referenced for description of an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
5 to 7 are views referenced in description of a stick according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
8 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
9 to 12 are diagrams referenced for description of the operation of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
13 and 14 are flowcharts illustrating an operating method of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
15 is a diagram referenced for description of the operation of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the reference numerals, the same or similar components are given the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description may be given or used interchangeably in consideration of ease of writing the specification. "Module" and "unit" do not have meanings or roles distinct from each other by themselves.

In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiment disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings include all modifications, equivalents or substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first and second, may be used to describe various components. However, the components are not limited by the terms. These terms are only used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

When an element is referred to as being “connected” or “connected” to another element, it may be directly connected or connected to the other element. However, it should be understood that other components may exist in the middle. On the other hand, when an element is referred to as “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another element, it should be understood that no other element exists in the middle.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

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

Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 10 includes 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 Alternatively, the controller 17 may be included.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may be composed of only the main body 100. In this case, components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be located in the main body 100. In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may be composed of a cartridge 200 holding an aerosol generating material and a main body 100. In this case, components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be located on at least one of the main 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 network. For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wired communication such as universal serial bus (USB). For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wireless communication such as WiFi (wireless fidelity), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, and NFC (near field communication). can

The input/output interface 12 may include an input device 121 that receives commands from a user and/or an output device 122 that outputs information to the user. For example, the input device 121 may include a touch panel, physical buttons, and a microphone. For example, the output device 122 may include a display device for outputting visual information such as a display and a light emitting diode (LED), an audio device for outputting auditory information such as a speaker and a buzzer, and a tactile sensation such as a haptic effect. A motor for outputting information may be included.

The input/output interface 12 may transfer data corresponding to a command input from the user through the input device 121 to other component(s) of the aerosol generating device 10 . The input/output interface 12 may output information corresponding to data received from the other component(s) of the aerosol generating device 10 through the output device 122.

The aerosol generating module 13 may generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. Here, the aerosol-generating material may refer to any one material or a combination of two or more materials in various states such as a liquid state, a solid state, and a gel state capable of generating an aerosol.

The liquid aerosol-generating material may be, according to one embodiment, a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material comprising a volatile tobacco flavor component. The liquid aerosol generating material may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material according to another embodiment. For example, liquid aerosol-generating substances may include water, solvents, nicotine, plant extracts, fragrances, flavoring agents, vitamin mixtures, and the like.

Solid-state aerosol-generating materials may include solid materials based on tobacco raw materials, such as leafy leaf sheets, cut fillers, and granules. In addition, the solid-state aerosol-generating material may include a solid material including a taste control agent, a flavoring material, and the like. For example, the taste control agent may include calcium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, calcium oxide and the like. For example, the fragrance material may include natural materials such as herbal granules, or silica, zeolite, and dextrin including fragrance components.

In addition, the aerosol generating material may further include an aerosol former 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 electrical resistive heater. For example, an electrical resistive heater may include at least one electrically conductive track. An electrical resistive heater can be heated by a current flowing through an electrically conductive track. At this time, the aerosol generating material may be heated by the heated electrical resistive heater.

The electrically conductive track may include an electrically resistive material. As an example, the electrically conductive track may be formed of a metallic material. As another example, the electrically conductive tracks may be formed of a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a combination of a ceramic material and a metal.

The electrical resistive heater may include electrically conductive tracks formed in various shapes. For example, the electrically conductive track may be formed in any one of a tubular shape, a plate shape, a needle shape, a rod shape, and a coil shape.

The aerosol generating module 13 may include a heater using an induction heating method. For example, an induction heating type heater may include an electrically conductive coil. The induction heating type heater may generate an alternating magnetic field whose direction is periodically changed by adjusting the current flowing through the electrically conductive coil. In this case, when an alternating magnetic field is applied to the magnetic body, energy loss due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss may occur in the magnetic body. Also, as the energy lost is released as thermal energy, the aerosol generating material adjacent to the magnetic body may be heated. Here, an object generating heat by a magnetic field may be referred to as a susceptor.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating module 13 may generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material by generating ultrasonic vibrations.

The aerosol generating module 13 may be referred to as a cartomizer, an atomizer, a vaporizer, and the like.

The memory 14 may store programs for processing and controlling each signal in the control unit 17 . The memory 14 may store data processed by the controller 17 and data to be processed.

For example, the memory 14 may store application programs designed for the purpose of performing various tasks processable by the control unit 17 . The memory 14 may selectively provide some of the stored application programs upon request of the control unit 17 .

For example, the memory 14 may include the operating time of the aerosol generating device 10, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, the number of times the battery 16 is charged, the number of times the battery 16 is discharged, at least one temperature profile, Data on the user's suction pattern, data on charging/discharging, and the like may be stored. Here, the puff may mean user's inhalation. Inhalation may refer to a situation in which the user draws into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the mouth or nose.

The memory 14 includes volatile memory (eg, DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.), non-volatile memory (eg, flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD)), solid state drive (Solid-state drive), and the like. state drive; SSD), etc.).

The sensor module 15 may include at least one sensor.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for detecting a puff (hereinafter referred to as a puff sensor). In this case, the puff sensor 151 may be implemented by a proximity sensor such as an IR sensor, a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, and the like.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a temperature sensor) for sensing the temperature of a heater included in the aerosol generating module 13 and the temperature of an aerosol generating material. At this time, a heater included in the aerosol generating module 13 may serve as a temperature sensor. For example. The electrical resistive material of the heater may be a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance. The sensor module 15 may sense the temperature of the heater by measuring the resistance of the heater, which varies according to the temperature.

For example, when a stick can be inserted into the body of the aerosol generating device 10, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a stick detection sensor) 152 that detects the insertion of the stick.

For example, when the aerosol generating device 10 includes a cartridge, the sensor module 15 includes a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a cartridge detection sensor) 153 that detects the attachment/detachment, position, etc. of the cartridge to the main body. can include

At this time, the stick detection sensor 152 and/or the cartridge detection sensor 153 may be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a hall sensor using a hall effect (hall IC), or the like. can

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

For example, the sensor module 15 may include at least one sensor (hereinafter referred to as a motion sensor) 154 that detects the motion of the aerosol generating device 10 . In this case, the motion sensor 154 may be implemented by 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 included in the aerosol generating device 10 . For example, the battery 16 may supply power to a communication module included in the communication interface 11, an output device included in the input/output interface 12, a heater included in the aerosol generating module 13, and the like.

The battery 16 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 16 may be a lithium ion battery or a lithium polymer (Li-Polymer) battery, but is not limited thereto. For example, when the battery 16 can be charged, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 16 may be 10C and the discharge rate (C-rate) may be 10C to 20C, but is not limited thereto. In addition, for stable use, the battery 16 may be manufactured so that 80% or more of the total capacity may be secured even when charging/discharging is performed 2000 times.

The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a battery protection module (PCM), which is a circuit for protecting the battery 16. The battery protection module (PCM) may be disposed adjacent to the upper surface of the battery 16 . For example, the battery protection module (PCM), in order to prevent overcharging and overdischarging of 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 , in the case where an overcurrent flows through the battery 16, the electric path to the battery 16 can be cut off.

The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a charging terminal into which power supplied from the outside is input. For example, a charging terminal may be formed on one side of the main body of the aerosol generating device 10. The aerosol generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using power supplied through a charging terminal. At this time, the charging terminal may include a wired terminal for USB communication, a pogo pin, and the like.

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

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

The controller 17 may include at least one processor. The controller 17 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10 by using a processor. Here, the processor may be a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). Of course, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an ASIC or other hardware-based processor.

The controller 17 may perform any one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 10 . For example, the control unit 17 may perform a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 10 ( Example: preheating function, heating function, charging function, cleaning function, etc.) may be performed.

The controller 17 may control the operation of each component provided in the aerosol generating device 10 based on data stored in the memory 14 . For example, the control unit 17 controls the supply of a predetermined power from the battery 16 to the aerosol generating module 13 for a predetermined period of time based on data on the temperature profile, the user's inhalation pattern, etc. stored in the memory 14. You can control it.

The controller 17 may determine whether a puff is present through the puff sensor 151 included in the sensor module 15 . For example, the control unit 17 may check a temperature change, a flow change, a pressure change, a voltage change, and the like in the aerosol generating device 10 based on a value sensed by the puff sensor 151 . The control unit 17 may determine whether or not the puff is present according to a result confirmed based on the sensing value of the puff sensor 151 .

The control unit 17 may control the operation of each component provided in the aerosol generating device 10 according to whether or not puffs are puffed and/or the number of puffs. For example, the controller 17 may control the temperature of the heater to be changed or maintained based on the temperature profile (heating profile) stored in the memory 14 .

The control unit 17 may control power supply to the heater to be cut off according to a predetermined condition. For example, when the stick is removed, when the cartridge is separated, when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs, when no puffs are detected for a preset time or more, the remaining capacity of the battery 16 reaches a predetermined value. In the case of less than or equal to, the control unit 17 may control power supply to the heater to be cut off.

The control unit 17 may calculate the remaining capacity of power stored in the battery 16 (hereinafter, remaining power amount). For example, the controller 17 may calculate the amount of remaining power of the battery 16 based on a sensing value of a voltage sensor and/or a current sensor included in the sensor module 15 .

The controller 17 controls power to be supplied to the heater using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method. can

For example, the control unit 17 may control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater using a PWM method. At this time, the controller 17 may control power supplied to the heater by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

For example, the control unit 17 can determine a target temperature serving as a control target based on the temperature profile (heating profile). At this time, the control unit 17 uses a PID method, which is a feedback control method through a difference value between the temperature of the heater and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time. By using it, it is possible to control the power supplied to the heater.

For example, the controller 17 may control power supplied to the heater based on the temperature profile (heating profile). The controller 17 may control the length of a heating section for heating the heater, the amount of power supplied to the heater during the heating section, and the like. The controller 17 may control power supplied to the heater based on the target temperature of the heater.

On the other hand, although the PWM method and the PID method have been described as examples of control methods for supplying power to the heater, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a proportional-integral (PI) method, a proportional-derivative (Proportional-Integral) method, Differential, PD) method, etc. may be used in various control methods.

Meanwhile, the controller 17 may control power to be supplied to the heater according to preset conditions. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning a space into which a stick is inserted is selected according to a command input from a user through the input/output interface 12, the controller 17 may control a predetermined power to be supplied to the heater.

2 to 4 are views referenced for description of an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

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

Referring to FIG. 2 , the aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment may include a main body 100 configured to allow the stick 20 to be inserted into a space formed by the housing 101 .

The stick 20 may be similar to a conventional combustible cigarette. For example, the stick 20 may be divided into a first part containing an aerosol generating material and a second part including a filter. Alternatively, the aerosol generating material may also be included in the second part of the stick 20 . An aerosol generating material, eg 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 10, 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 10, or parts of the first part and the second part may be inserted. The user may inhale the aerosol while opening the second portion. At this time, the aerosol is generated by passing the external air through the first portion, and the generated aerosol may pass through the second portion and be delivered to the user's mouth.

The main body 100 may be formed in a structure in which external air may be introduced into the main body 100 in a state in which the stick 20 is inserted. At this time, the outside air introduced into the main body 100 may flow into the user's mouth through the stick 20 .

The heater may be disposed at a position within the body 100 corresponding to a position of the stick 20 when the stick 20 is inserted into the body 100 . In this drawing, the heater is shown as being an electrically conductive heater 110 including a needle-shaped electrically conductive track, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The heater may heat the inside and/or outside of the stick 20 using power supplied from the battery 16 . At this time, aerosol may be generated from the heated stick 20 . At this time, the user may inhale the tobacco-flavored aerosol by inhaling one end of the stick 20 through the mouth.

Meanwhile, the controller 17 may control power to be supplied to the heater according to a preset condition even when the stick 20 is not inserted. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning a space into which the stick 20 is inserted is selected according to a command input from a user through the input/output interface 12, the control unit 17 may control a predetermined power to be supplied to the heater. there is.

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

The controller 17 may initialize the current number of puffs stored in the memory 14 when the inserted stick 20 is removed.

Referring to FIG. 3 , an aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment may include a main body 100 supporting a cartridge 200 and a cartridge 200 holding an aerosol generating material.

The cartridge 200 may be configured to be detachable from the main body 100 according to one embodiment. The cartridge 200 may be integrally formed with the main body 100 according to another embodiment. For example, at least a portion of the cartridge 200 may be inserted into an inner space formed by the housing 101 of the main body 100, and the cartridge 200 may be mounted on the main body 100.

The main body 100 may be formed in a structure in which external air may be introduced into the main body 100 in a state in which the cartridge 200 is inserted. At this time, outside air introduced into the main body 100 may flow into the user's mouth through the cartridge 200 .

The controller 17 may determine whether the cartridge 200 is mounted/detached through a cartridge detection sensor included in the sensor module 15 . For example, the cartridge detection sensor may transmit a pulse current through one terminal connected to the cartridge 200 . In this case, the cartridge detecting sensor may detect whether or not the cartridge 200 is connected based on whether a pulse current is received through the other terminal.

The cartridge 200 may include a heater 210 for heating the aerosol generating material and/or a reservoir 220 for holding the aerosol generating material. For example, a liquid delivery means that impregnates (contains) an aerosol generating material may be disposed inside the reservoir 220 . The electrically conductive track of the heater 210 may be formed into a structure that winds the liquid delivery means. At this time, as the liquid delivery unit is heated by the heater 210, aerosol may be generated. Here, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

The cartridge 200 may include an insertion space 230 configured to allow the stick 20 to be inserted. For example, the cartridge 200 may include an insertion space formed by an inner wall (not shown) extending in a circumferential direction along a direction in which the stick 20 is inserted. At this time, the insertion space may be formed by opening the inner side of the inner wall vertically. The stick 20 may be inserted into the insertion space 230 formed by the inner wall.

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

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

A portion of the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 230 of the cartridge 200, and the remaining portion may be exposed to the outside.

The user may inhale the aerosol while holding one end of the stick 20 in the mouth. The aerosol generated by the heater 210 may pass through the stick 20 and be delivered to the user's mouth. At this time, while the aerosol passes through the stick 20, the substance contained in the stick 20 may be added to the aerosol, and the aerosol with the substance added may be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick 20 there is.

Referring to FIG. 4 , an aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment may include a main body 100 supporting a cartridge 200 and a cartridge 200 holding an aerosol generating material. The main body 100 may be configured such that the stick 20 can be inserted into the insertion space 130 .

The aerosol generating device 10 may include a first heater for heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200 . For example, when a user inhales one end of the stick 20 through the mouth, aerosol generated by the first heater may pass through the stick 20 . At this time, while the aerosol passes through the stick 20, a flavor may be added to the aerosol. The flavored aerosol may be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick 20 .

Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 includes a first heater for heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200 and a second heater for heating the stick 20 inserted into the main body 100. may include each. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200 and the stick 20 through the first heater and the second heater, respectively.

5 to 7 are views referenced in description of a stick according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed descriptions of overlapping contents in FIGS. 5 to 7 will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 5 , a stick 20 according to an embodiment may include a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22 . The first part described above with reference to FIG. 2 may include a tobacco rod 21 . The second part described above with reference to FIG. 2 may include the filter rod 22 .

Although filter rod 22 is shown as a single segment in FIG. 5, it is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22 may be composed of a plurality of segments. For example, filter rod 22 may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters certain components contained in the aerosol. Also, if necessary, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment performing other functions.

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

The stick 20 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 24 . At least one hole through which external air is introduced or internal gas is discharged may be formed in the wrapper 24 . As an example, the stick 20 may be wrapped by one wrapper 24 . As another example, the stick 20 may be overlappingly wrapped by two or more wrappers 24 . For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped by the first wrapper 241 . For example, the filter rod 22 may be wrapped by wrappers 242 , 243 , and 244 . The tobacco rod 21 and the filter rod 22 wrapped by individual wrappers may be combined. The entire stick 20 may be re-wrapped by the third wrapper 245 . When each of the filter rods 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped by individual wrappers 242, 243, and 244. The entire stick 20 in which segments wrapped by individual wrappers are combined may be re-wrapped by another wrapper.

The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of general filter paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be porous wrappers or non-porous wrappers. In addition, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of oil-resistant paper and/or aluminum laminate packaging material.

The third wrapper 243 may be made of hard paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be within a range of 88 g/m 2 to 96 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be within a range of 90 g/m 2 to 94 g/m 2 . In addition, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be included in the range of 120um to 130um. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be 125um.

The fourth wrapper 244 may be made of oil-resistant hard paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within a range of 88 g/m 2 to 96 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within a range of 90 g/m 2 to 94 g/m 2 . In addition, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be included in the range of 120um to 130um. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be 125um.

The fifth wrapper 245 may be made of sterile paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) may refer to paper specially manufactured to improve tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, and the like compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be within a range of 57 g/m 2 to 63 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 60 g/m 2 . Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be within a range of 64um to 70um. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 67um.

A predetermined material may be internally added to the fifth wrapper 245 . Here, an example of the predetermined material may be silicon, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicon may have properties such as heat resistance with little change with temperature, oxidation resistance without being oxidized, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any material having the above characteristics may be coated or coated on the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

The fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the stick 20 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 110, there is a possibility that the stick 20 is burned. Specifically, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any one of the materials included in the tobacco rod 21, the stick 20 may be burned. Even in this case, since the fifth wrapper 245 includes an incombustible material, burning of the stick 20 can be prevented.

In addition, the fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the main body 100 from being contaminated by substances produced in the stick 20 . Liquid substances may be created in the stick 20 by the user's puff. For example, liquid substances (eg, moisture, etc.) may be generated by cooling the aerosol generated in the stick 20 by external air. As the fifth wrapper 245 wraps the stick 20 , liquid substances generated in the stick 20 may be prevented from leaking out of the stick 20 .

The tobacco rod 21 may contain 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, humectants and/or organic acids. In addition, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a moisturizer can be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it to the tobacco rod 21 .

The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be made of a sheet. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be made of a strand. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be made of a cut filler in which a tobacco sheet is chopped. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be surrounded by a heat conducting material. For example, the thermal conduction material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heat conduction material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can improve the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod by evenly distributing the heat transmitted to the tobacco rod 21 . This can improve the taste of tobacco. A heat conduction material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may function as a susceptor to be heated by an induction heating type heater. At this time, although not shown in the drawing, 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. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a tubular rod having a hollow inside. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a recess type rod. When 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.

The first segment of filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure including a hollow therein. When the heater 110 is inserted by the first segment, the internal material of the tobacco rod 21 may be prevented from being pushed back, and a cooling effect of the aerosol may be generated. The diameter of the hollow included in the first segment may be appropriately employed within a range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

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

The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol produced by the heater 110 heating the tobacco rod 21 . Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

The length or diameter of the second segment may be variously determined according to the shape of the stick 20 . For example, the length of the second segment may be appropriately employed within a range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The second segment may be fabricated by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, flavoring liquid may be applied to fibers made of polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be manufactured by weaving a separate fiber coated with flavoring liquid and a fiber made of a polymer together. Alternatively, the second segment may be formed by a crimped polymer sheet.

For example, the polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA) and aluminum foil. material can be made.

As the second segment is formed by woven polymer fibers or crimped polymer sheets, the second segment may include one or more longitudinally extending channels. Here, the channel may refer to a passage through which gas (eg, air or aerosol) passes. .

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

Meanwhile, the second segment may include a thread containing a volatile flavor component. Here, the volatile flavor component may be menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thread may be loaded with sufficient menthol to provide at least 1.5 mg of menthol to the second segment.

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

The filter rod 22 may be manufactured to generate flavor. As an example, flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod 22 . As an example, a separate fiber coated with flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 22 .

In addition, at least one capsule 23 may be included in the filter rod 22 . Here, the capsule 23 may perform a function of generating flavor. The capsule 23 may also function to generate 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. 6 , the stick 30 according to one embodiment may further include a shear plug 33 . The front end plug 33 is located on one side opposite to the filter rod 32 in the tobacco rod 31 . The shear plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from escaping to the outside. The shear plug 33 can prevent the aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 from flowing into the aerosol generating device 10 during smoking.

The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322 . The first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 5 . The second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 5 .

The diameter and total length of the stick 30 may correspond to the diameter and total length of the stick 20 of FIG. 5 . 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, and the length of the second segment 322 is about 14 mm. may, but is not limited thereto.

The stick 30 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 35 . At least one hole through which external air is introduced or internal gas is discharged 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 by the third wrapper 353 ( 321) may be wrapped, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped by the fourth wrapper 354. Also, the entire stick 30 may be re-wrapped by the fifth wrapper 355 .

In addition, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355 . For example, the perforation 36 may be formed in an area surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited thereto. For example, the perforation 36 may serve to transfer heat generated by the heater 210 shown in FIG. 3 to the inside of the tobacco rod 31.

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

The first wrapper 351 may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil coupled to a general filter wrapper. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be within a range of 45um to 55um. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be 50.3um. In addition, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be included in the range of 6um to 7um. For example, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be 6.3um. In addition, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be included in the range of 50 g/m 2 to 55 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be 53 g/m2.

The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be made of general filter wrappers. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be porous wrappers or non-porous wrappers.

For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be included in the range of 70um ~ 80um. For example, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be 78um. In addition, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be within the range of 20 g/m 2 to 25 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be 23.5 g/m2.

For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be 24000 CU, but is not limited thereto. Also, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be within a range of 60um to 70um. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be 68um. In addition, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be within the range of 20 g/m 2 to 25 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the 3 wrappers 353 may be 21 g/m2.

The fourth wrapper 354 may be made of PLA laminate. Here, the PLA laminate may refer to three layers of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be included in the range of 100um to 120um. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 110um. In addition, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be included in the range of 80 g/m 2 to 100 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 88 g/m2.

The fifth wrapper 355 may be made of sterile paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) may refer to paper specially manufactured to improve tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, and the like compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be within a range of 57 g/m 2 to 63 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 60 g/m2. In addition, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be included in the range of 64um to 70um. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 67um.

A predetermined material may be internally added to the fifth wrapper 355 . Here, an example of the predetermined material may be silicon, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change with temperature, oxidation resistance that does not oxidize, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any material having the above characteristics may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.

The shear plug 33 may be made of cellulose acetate. As an example, the shear plug 33 may be fabricated by adding a plasticizer (eg, triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be included in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the monodenier of the filament constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be included in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. For example, the mono denier of the filament of the shear plug 33 may be 5.0. In addition, the cross section of the filaments constituting the front end plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the shear plug 33 may be included in the range of 20000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the front end plug 33 may be included in the range of 25000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the shear plug 33 may be 28000.

Also, if necessary, the front end plug 33 may include at least one channel. The shape of the cross section of the channel of the shear plug 330 can be manufactured in various ways.

The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to FIG. 5 . Therefore, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure including a hollow therein. The first segment 321 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (eg, triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the mono denier and total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the mono denier and total denier of the shear plug 33 .

The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 may be included in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filament of the second segment 322 may be included in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filament of the second segment 322 may be 9.0. In addition, the cross section of the filament of the second segment 322 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 may be included in the range of 20000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the second segment 322 may be 25000.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the stick 40 may include a medium part 410 . The stick 40 may include a cooling unit 420 . The stick 40 may include a filter unit 430 . The cooling unit 420 may be disposed between the medium unit 410 and the filter unit 430 . Stick 40 may include wrapper 440 . The wrapper 440 may cover the medium unit 410 . The wrapper 440 may cover the cooling unit 420 . The wrapper 440 may cover the filter unit 430 . The stick 40 may have a cylindrical shape.

The medium unit 410 may include a medium 411 . The medium unit 410 may include a first medium cover 413 . The medium unit 410 may include a second medium cover 415 . The medium 411 may be disposed between the first medium cover 413 and the second medium cover 415 . The first medium cover 413 may be disposed on one end of the stick 40 . The medium part 410 may have a length of 24 mm.

The medium 411 may include materials of various components. Substances included in the medium may be flavor substances of various components. Medium 411 may be composed of a plurality of granules. Each of the plurality of granules may have a size of 0.4 mm to 1.12 mm. The medium 411 may be filled with about 70% of granules therein. The medium 411 may have a length L2 of 10 mm. The first medium cover 413 may be made of an acetate material. The second medium cover 415 may be made of an acetate material. The first medium cover 413 may be made of a paper material. The second media cover 415 may be made of a paper material. At least one of the first medium cover 413 and the second medium cover 415 is made of a paper material and is gathered into a corrugated shape, and a plurality of gaps for air to flow may be formed therebetween. The gap may be smaller than the size of each granule of the medium 411 . The length L1 of the first medium cover 413 may be shorter than the length L2 of the medium 411 . The length L3 of the second medium cover 413 may be shorter than the length L2 of the medium 411 . The length L1 of the first medium cover 413 may be 7 mm. The length L2 of the second medium cover 413 may be 7 mm.

Accordingly, each granule of the medium 411 may not be separated from the medium part 410 and the stick 40 .

The cooling unit 420 may have a cylindrical shape. The cooling unit 420 may have a hollow shape. The cooling unit 420 may be disposed between the medium unit 410 and the filter unit 430 . The cooling unit 420 may be disposed between the second medium unit 415 and the filter unit 430 . The cooling unit 420 may be formed in a tubular shape surrounding an internal cooling path 424 . The cooling unit 420 may be thicker than the wrapper 440 . The cooling unit 420 may be made of a thicker paper material than the wrapper 440 . The length L4 of the cooling unit 420 may be the same as or similar to the length L2 of the medium 411 . The length L4 of the cooling part 420 and the cooling path 424 may be 10 mm. When the stick 40 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 10, at least a portion of the cooling unit 420 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10.

Accordingly, the cooling unit 420 supports the medium unit 410 and the filter unit 430, and the rigidity of the stick 40 can be secured. In addition, the cooling unit 420 may support the wrapper 440 between the medium unit 410 and the filter unit 430 and secure an area to which the wrapper 440 may be adhered. In addition, the heated air and aerosol may be cooled while passing through the cooling path 424 inside the cooling unit 420 .

The filter unit 430 may be composed of a filter made of an acetate material. The filter unit 430 may be disposed at the other end of the stick 40. When the stick 40 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 10, the filter unit 430 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10. A user may inhale air while holding the filter unit 430 in his/her mouth. The length L5 of the filter unit 430 may be 14 mm.

The wrapper 440 may surround or surround the medium unit 410 , the cooling unit 420 and the filter unit 430 . The wrapper 440 may configure the outer shape of the stick 40 . The wrapper 440 may be made of a paper material. The adhesive portion 441 may be formed on one edge of the wrapper 440 . The wrapper 440 surrounds the medium unit 410, the cooling unit 420, and the filter unit 430, and the adhesive unit 441 formed on one edge and the other edge may be adhered to each other. The wrapper 440 covering the medium unit 410, the cooling unit 420, and the filter unit 430 may not cover one end and the other end of the stick 40.

Accordingly, the wrapper 440 may fix the medium unit 410, the cooling unit 420, and the filter unit 430, and prevent separation from the stick 40.

The first thin film 443 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first medium cover 413 . The first thin film 443 may be disposed between the wrapper 440 and the first medium cover 413 or disposed outside the wrapper 440 . The first thin film 443 may surround the first medium cover 413 . The first thin film 443 may be made of a metal material. The first thin film 443 may be made of an aluminum material. The first thin film 443 may adhere to or be coated on the wrapper 440 .

The second thin film 445 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the second medium cover 415 . The second thin film 445 may be disposed between the wrapper 440 and the second medium cover 415 or disposed outside the wrapper 440 . The second thin film 445 may be made of a metal material. The second thin film 445 may be made of aluminum. The second thin film 445 may adhere to or be coated on the wrapper 440 .

8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 9 is a diagram referenced for description of the operation of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the aerosol generating device 10 may receive a user input signal in operation S810.

A user input signal may be generated by a user input through the input device 121 . For example, the user input signal may include at least one of a button input through a physical button and a touch input through a touch panel.

In operation S820, the controller 17 of the aerosol generating device 10 may compare the received user input signal with first data. The controller 170 may determine whether the user input signal corresponds to the first data. The first data may be stored in the memory 14 in advance, and the control unit 17 may determine whether the user input signal corresponds to the first data based on the user input signal being received.

The first data may include whether or not a specific button is input, a set number of button inputs occurring during a set time, whether or not a specific pattern of touch input is performed, information on the set number of touch inputs occurring during a set time, and the like. The first data may also be named a first condition or a first set value.

The aerosol generating device 10 determines whether a specific button input occurs, the number of button inputs occurring during a set time is the same as the set number, a specific pattern of touch inputs occurs, or the number of touch inputs generated during a set time period. When is equal to the set number of times, it may be determined that the user input signal corresponds to the first data.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the event signal corresponds to the first data. The motion sensor 154 of the aerosol generating device 10 may generate an event signal in response to the movement of the aerosol generating device 10 . The aerosol generating device 10 may compare the event signal generated by the motion sensor 154 with the first data and determine whether the event signal corresponds to the first data.

The event signal may include a tap input signal, a shaking input signal, and the like. The first data may include information on the set number of tap signals generated during a set time period and the set number of shaking signals generated during a set time period.

For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether or not a tap input tapping the aerosol generating device 10 is received based on signals of an acceleration sensor and/or a gyro sensor. When a tap input is received, the aerosol generating device 10 may count the number of tap inputs input for a set time based on the time when the first tap input is received. When the number of tap inputs input during the set time is equal to the set number of tap inputs of the first data, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine that the event signal is the same as the first data.

For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether or not an input for shaking the aerosol generating device 10 is received based on signals of an acceleration sensor and/or a gyro sensor. When a shaking input is received, the aerosol generating device 10 may count the number of shaking inputs input for a set time based on the time when the first shaking input is received. When the number of shaking inputs input during the set time is equal to the set number of shaking inputs of the first data, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine that the event signal is the same as the first data.

In operation S830 , the aerosol generating device 10 may receive a puff signal generated by the user's inhalation from the puff sensor 151 based on determining that the user input signal corresponds to the first data.

Meanwhile, in operation S830, the aerosol generating device 10 may receive a puff signal generated by the user's inhalation from the puff sensor 151 based on determining that the event signal corresponds to the first data.

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine a user's inhalation pattern based on the puff signal.

The aerosol generating device 10, based on the sensed value of at least one sensor stored in the memory 14, the user's inhalation intensity, total inhalation amount, inhalation amount per unit time, time interval between puffs (hereinafter, inhalation interval) and / or Inhalation time can be calculated.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the aerosol generating device 10 may calculate a sample pressure value 600 using at least some of the pressure values sensed through the pressure sensor 151. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may calculate a representative value (eg, an average value, a median value, etc.) of continuous pressure values for a predetermined time as the sample pressure value 600 . Meanwhile, the time interval between the sample pressure values 600 may be constant.

The aerosol generating device 10 may calculate a slope between the sample pressure values 600 . The aerosol generating device 10 may determine that a puff has occurred when the slope between the sample pressure values 600 is less than the first criterion. Here, the first criterion may mean a pressure change (eg, -4 hpa/ms) of a minimum level that can be regarded as a decrease in pressure due to the user's inhalation.

In addition, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine the first sample pressure value 601 when the slope between the sample pressure values 600 is less than the first standard as the reference pressure value, and the first sample pressure value 601 ) may be determined as the puff occurrence time.

On the other hand, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine that the puff is finished when the slope between the sample pressure values 600 is greater than or equal to the second reference point after the puff generation time. Here, the second criterion may mean a pressure change (eg, -0.2 hpa/ms) at a level at which it can be seen that the pressure no longer decreases due to the user's inhalation.

In addition, the aerosol generating device 10 may calculate the second sample pressure value 603 as the minimum pressure value when the slope between the sample pressure values 600 is equal to or greater than the second reference value, and the second sample pressure value ( A time point corresponding to 603) may be determined as an end time point of the corresponding puff.

The aerosol generating device 10 may calculate the time 610 from the time the puff is generated to the time the puff ends, as the user's inhalation time.

In the aerosol generating device 10, the second sample pressure value 603 calculated as the time 610 from the time of puff generation to the end of the puff, the largest slope 620 among the slopes calculated from the time of puff generation, and the minimum pressure value ) and/or the difference 630 between the reference pressure value and the minimum pressure value, the suction strength may be calculated.

For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may calculate the inhalation intensity corresponding to the magnitude of the largest slope 620 among the slopes calculated from the puff generation time to the puff end time.

For example, the aerosol generating device 10 corresponds to the ratio of the difference 630 between the reference pressure value and the minimum pressure value for the time 610 from the time of puff generation to the end of the puff, inhalation intensity can be calculated.

For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may calculate the inhalation intensity in response to the second sample pressure value 603 calculated as the minimum pressure value.

In addition, the aerosol generating device 10 may calculate a total intake amount and/or an intake amount per unit time during puffing.

For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may calculate the total inhalation amount based on a result of integrating the graph of the sensed value of the pressure sensor in the time domain, and divide the calculated total inhalation amount by the inhalation time. It can be calculated as the amount of intake per unit time.

For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may calculate the total amount of inhalation based on a predetermined formula using inhalation intensity and inhalation time as independent variables, and divide the calculated total inhalation amount by inhalation time to determine the amount of inhalation per unit time. can be calculated as

On the other hand, the aerosol generating device 10 may calculate the suction intensity, the total suction amount, the suction amount per unit time, and/or the suction time for each of the plurality of puff sections constituting the heating section, and for each of the plurality of puff sections The user's inhalation pattern may be determined based on the calculated inhalation intensity, total inhalation amount, inhalation amount per unit time, and/or inhalation time.

For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine a representative value (eg, an average value, a median value, etc.) of inhalation intensity calculated for each of a plurality of puff sections as the user's inhalation intensity.

For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine the total intake amount of the user as the representative value of the total intake amount calculated for each of the plurality of puff sections.

For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine a representative value of the intake amount per unit time calculated for each of a plurality of puff sections as the user's intake amount per unit time.

For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine a representative value of the inhalation time calculated for each of a plurality of puff sections as the user's inhalation time.

For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine a representative value of puff intervals calculated for each of a plurality of puff intervals as the user's puff interval.

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine an inhalation pattern according to at least one of the calculated inhalation intensity, inhalation amount, inhalation interval, and inhalation time.

For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may classify the inhalation pattern into a plurality of types based on whether the inhalation intensity is large or small and the inhalation time is long or short. For example, the controller 17 classifies a suction pattern having a high suction intensity and a long suction time as a first type, classifies a suction pattern having a high suction intensity and a short suction time as a second type, and classifies a suction pattern having a small suction intensity and a short suction time as the second type. A suction pattern with a long suction time may be classified as a third type, and a suction pattern with a small suction intensity and a short suction time may be classified as a fourth type. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the user's inhalation pattern may be classified in consideration of the user's total inhalation amount, inhalation amount per unit time, puff interval, and the like.

Referring back to FIG. 8 , in operation S840, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine a heating profile corresponding to the user's inhalation pattern, based on the user's inhalation pattern.

There may be a plurality of heating profiles. A plurality of heating profiles may be stored in memory 14 in advance. Each heating profile may correspond to one suction pattern type. For example, the first heating profile corresponds to the first type of suction pattern, the second heating profile corresponds to the second type of suction pattern, the third heating profile corresponds to the third type of suction pattern, and the second heating profile corresponds to the third type of suction pattern. The 4 heating profiles may correspond to the fourth type of suction pattern.

The controller 17 may determine a heating profile corresponding to a user's inhalation pattern among a plurality of heating profiles stored in the memory 14 as a heating profile for the operation of the aerosol generating device 10 .

The heating profile may include at least one of a length of a heating section, an amount of power supplied to the heater during the heating section, and a target temperature of the heater in the heating section.

The controller 17 may control power supplied to the heater based on the heating profile. The controller 17 may control the length of a heating section for heating the heater, the amount of power supplied to the heater during the heating section, and the like. The controller 17 may control power supplied to the heater based on the target temperature of the heater.

10 to 12 are diagrams referenced for description of the operation of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 10 and 11 are diagrams showing the signal of the puff sensor 151 according to time, and FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the signal of the stick detection sensor 152 as the stick is removed from the stick insertion space.

Referring to FIG. 10 , when the user input signal corresponds to the first data, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine an inhalation pattern related to inhalation of the user for a predetermined period of time. For example, when the user input signal received from the input device 121 corresponds to the first data, the aerosol generating device 10 generates a puff signal 710 generated by the user's inhalation from the puff sensor 151 is received, and an inhalation pattern related to inhalation of the user may be determined based on puffs corresponding to a set number of puffs generated after the user input signal is received.

The memory 14 of the aerosol generating device 10 may store information on the number of set puffs in relation to the determination of the inhalation pattern. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the memory 14 may store information indicating that the puff setting number is 3 in relation to the determination of the inhalation pattern.

The aerosol generating device 10, based on the time T1 when the same user input signal as the first data is input, based on the puffs p1, p2, and p3 corresponding to the set number of times, inhalation related to the user's inhalation patterns can be identified. The aerosol generating device 10 may not be used to determine an inhalation pattern for puffs (p4, ??) that occur after puffs corresponding to the set number of times.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine an inhalation pattern related to the user's inhalation based on puffs generated during a set time based on the time point T1 when the same user input signal as the first data is input. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the aerosol generating device 10 may determine a user's inhalation pattern based on puffs generated from T1 to T2, which is a set time later. In this case, the number of puffs used to determine the user's inhalation pattern may vary depending on the user and situation.

Referring to FIG. 11 , when the user input signal corresponds to the first data, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine a user's inhalation pattern for a certain period of time. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 receives the puff signal 720 generated by the user's inhalation from the puff sensor 151, determines the end point of the puff series, and after the user input signal is received An inhalation pattern related to the inhalation of the user may be determined based on the puffs generated from the starting point to the end of the puff series. The end point of the puff series may mean a point in time when a series of continuous puffs (puff series) generated by the user's inhalation end.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , the aerosol generating device 10 may determine the puff end time T3 when no puff is generated for a set first time period after the puff p5 is generated.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 10 may monitor the number of puffs from the time when the puffs are first sensed, and may determine that the puffs have ended when the number of puffs reaches the maximum number of puffs. Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine that the puff has ended when a set second time period (eg, 4 minutes and 30 seconds) has elapsed since the first puff was detected.

Information on the first time, the second time, and/or the maximum number of puffs for determining the puff end point may be stored in the memory 14 .

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine a user's inhalation pattern based on puffs generated from the time the user input signal is received until the end of the puff.

The aerosol generating device 10, based on the time T1 when the user input signal corresponding to the first data is input, based on the puffs p1, ?? p5 generated until the puff end time T3, the user's The inhalation pattern regarding inhalation can be determined.

Referring to FIG. 12, the aerosol generating device 10, when the user input signal corresponds to the first data, inhales the user based on the puff until the stick 400 is removed from the aerosol generating device 10. patterns can be identified.

The aerosol generating device 10 may include an insertion part 214 in which an elongated space is formed. The stick 400 may be inserted into the insertion portion 214 of the aerosol generating device 10 and heated by a heater to generate an aerosol.

The aerosol generating device 10 may include a stick detection sensor 152. The stick detection sensor 152 may be provided in the main body 100 to be located on one side of the space of the insertion part 214 . The stick detection sensor 152 may output a signal corresponding to the stick inserted into the insertion part.

A signal output from the stick detection sensor 152 may change when the stick 400 is removed. The aerosol generating device 10 may determine that the stick 400 is removed from the insertion unit 214 by detecting a change in a signal output from the stick detection sensor 152 . The aerosol generating device 10 determines the user's inhalation pattern based on the puffs generated from the time point T1 when the user input signal is received to the time point T5 when the stick 400 is removed from the insertion unit 214. can judge

13 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 13 , the aerosol generating device 10 may initialize a heating profile based on a user input signal. The aerosol generating device 10 may initialize the heating profile by changing the heating profile to a basic heating profile.

The aerosol generating device 10 may operate based on a basic heating profile. The basic heating profile may be a heating profile that is basically applied when the aerosol generating device 10 is shipped after production. The basic heating profile may be a heating profile corresponding to an average smoking pattern representing smoking patterns of users.

Memory 14 may store a plurality of heating profiles. The plurality of heating profiles may include a basic heating profile and a heating profile corresponding to each type of smoking pattern.

Since operations S910, S920, S930, and S940 of FIG. 13 are the same as operations S810 to S840 of FIG. 8, detailed descriptions of the same operations as those of the embodiment of FIG. 8 will be omitted.

In operation S920, when the user input signal does not correspond to the first data, the aerosol generating device 10 may not determine the user's inhalation pattern until the user input signal is input again.

In operation S950, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the received user input signal corresponds to the second data. The controller 17 may determine whether the user input signal corresponds to the second data.

The second data may be stored in the memory 14 in advance, and the control unit 17 may determine whether the user input signal corresponds to the second data based on the user input signal being received.

The second data may include whether or not a specific button is input, a set number of button inputs occurring during a set time period, whether or not a touch input occurs in a specific pattern, information on the set number of touch inputs occurring during a set time period, and the like. The second data may be named a second condition or a second set value.

In operation S960, the aerosol generating device 10 may initialize the heating profile determination based on determining that the user input signal corresponds to the second data. The aerosol generating device 10 may control power supplied to the heater based on the basic heating profile.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 10 may initialize the heating profile determination based on determining that the event signal corresponds to the second data in operation S960. The aerosol generating device 10 may control power supplied to the heater based on the basic heating profile.

In operation S970, the aerosol generating device 10 may not change the heating profile if it is determined that the user input signal does not correspond to the second data. If the aerosol generating device 10 determines that the user input signal does not correspond to the second data, the existing heating profile may be maintained as it is. The existing heating profile may be a heating profile used to heat the heater in a previous user inhalation.

The controller 17 may control power supplied to the heater based on the heating profile. The controller 17 may control the length of a heating section for heating the heater, the amount of power supplied to the heater during the heating section, and the like. The controller 17 may control power supplied to the heater based on the target temperature of the heater.

14 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 14 , the aerosol generating device 10 may initialize a heating profile based on separation of the cartridge and/or mounting of the cartridge. The aerosol generating device 10 may initialize the heating profile by changing the heating profile to a basic heating profile.

The aerosol generating device 10 may operate based on a basic heating profile. The basic heating profile may be a heating profile that is basically applied when the aerosol generating device 10 is shipped after production. The basic heating profile may be a heating profile corresponding to an average smoking pattern representing smoking patterns of users.

Memory 14 may store a plurality of heating profiles. The plurality of heating profiles may include a basic heating profile and a heating profile corresponding to each type of smoking pattern.

The aerosol generating device 10 may include a cartridge 200. The cartridge 200 may be attached to or separated from the main body 100 of the aerosol generating device 10. Cartridge 200 may contain an aerosol generating material therein. The aerosol generating device 10 may include a cartridge detection sensor 153 that detects mounting and dismounting of the cartridge. For example, the cartridge detection sensor 153 may include a connection terminal. The connection terminal is provided on the main body 100, and as the cartridge 200 is coupled to the main body 100, it may be electrically connected to electrodes provided on the cartridge 200.

In operation S1010, the aerosol generating device 10 may detect a change in a signal output from the cartridge detection sensor 153 to detect that the cartridge 200 is attached to or detached from the main body 100.

In operation S1020, the aerosol generating device 10 may initialize the heating profile determination when the cartridge 200 is separated from the main body 100 or mounted again after separation.

The aerosol generating device 10 may control power supplied to the heater based on the basic heating profile.

In operation S1010, the aerosol generating device 10 may monitor whether a user input signal is received when it is determined that the cartridge 200 is not separated from the main body 100. Then, when the user input signal is received, the aerosol generating device 10 may compare the user input signal with the first data.

Since operations S1030, S1040, S1050, and S1060 of FIG. 14 are the same as operations S810 to S840 of FIG. 8, detailed descriptions of the same operations as those of the embodiment of FIG. 8 are omitted.

In operation S1040, when the user input signal does not correspond to the first data, the aerosol generating device 10 may not determine the user's inhalation pattern until the user input signal is input again.

In operation S1070, the aerosol generating device 10 may not change the heating profile if it is determined that the user input signal does not correspond to the first data. If it is determined that the user input signal does not correspond to the first data, the aerosol generating device 10 may maintain an existing heating profile previously used to heat the heater when the user inhales.

The controller 17 may control power supplied to the heater based on the heating profile. The controller 17 may control the length of a heating section for heating the heater, the amount of power supplied to the heater during the heating section, and the like. The controller 17 may control power supplied to the heater based on the target temperature of the heater.

15 is a diagram referenced for description of the operation of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 15 , when determining a user's inhalation pattern, the aerosol generating device 10 may output information corresponding thereto.

When the user input signal received from the input device 121 corresponds to the first data, the aerosol generating device 10 outputs information corresponding to the start of the inhalation pattern determination through the output device 122, and After the determination of the inhalation pattern related to inhalation is completed, information corresponding to the end of the inhalation pattern determination may be output through the output device 122 . For example, the output information may include a vibration signal, an audio signal, and the like.

Information corresponding to the start of suction pattern determination may be different from information corresponding to the end of suction pattern determination. For example, when the inhalation pattern determination starts, the aerosol generating device 10 may output two vibration signals, and when the inhalation pattern determination ends, the aerosol generating device 10 may output three vibration signals. However, the output information is not limited thereto.

As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the user inhales the aerosol, an amount of mist corresponding to the user's inhalation pattern may be generated.

In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the user can conveniently personalize the operation of the aerosol generating device by determining the inhalation pattern based on the user input signal related to the inhalation pattern determination.

Also, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, user convenience may be enhanced by initializing a suction pattern based on a suction pattern initialization and a user input signal.

In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the user can easily confirm that his/her own inhalation pattern has been input by notifying the user of the start and end of the inhalation pattern determination.

1 to 15, an aerosol generating device 10 according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a heater 131 for heating an aerosol generating material; a puff sensor 151 outputting a signal corresponding to a user's puff; Input device 121 for receiving user input; and a control unit 17 that controls power supplied to the heater 131, wherein the control unit 17 controls, based on a signal received from the puff sensor 151, suction related to the user's inhalation. A pattern is determined, a heating profile corresponding to the suction pattern is determined based on the determined suction pattern, and when a user input signal received from the input device 121 corresponds to first data, the user's The inhalation pattern regarding inhalation can be determined.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 17, when the user input signal received from the input device 121 corresponds to the first data, after the user input signal is received An inhalation pattern related to inhalation of the user may be determined based on puffs corresponding to a set number of puffs generated.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 17 determines the end time of the puff series, and based on the puffs generated from the time the user input signal is received to the end time of the puff series. Thus, it is possible to determine an inhalation pattern related to the user's inhalation.

In addition, according to another (another aspect) of the present disclosure, the insertion portion 214 is formed with a space extending long; and a stick detection sensor 152 outputting a signal corresponding to the stick 400 inserted into the insertion unit 214, wherein the controller 17 controls the stick 400 through the stick detection sensor 152. It detects that the stick 400 is removed from the insertion part 214, and based on the puff generated from the time the user input signal is received to the time when the stick 400 is removed from the insertion part 214 , it is possible to determine a suction pattern related to the user's suction.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 17 calculates at least one of a suction intensity, a suction amount, a suction interval, and a suction time based on a signal received from the puff sensor 151, , The suction pattern may be determined according to at least one of the calculated suction intensity, the suction amount, the suction interval, and the suction time.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a memory 14 for storing a plurality of heating profiles; further including, wherein the control unit 17, among the plurality of heating profiles, corresponding to the suction pattern The heating profile can be determined.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heating profile may include a length of the heating section, an amount of power supplied to the heater 131 during the heating section, and a target of the heater 131 in the heating section. It may include at least one of the temperatures.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 17 initializes the heating profile and basic heating when the user input signal received from the input device 121 corresponds to the second data. Power supplied to the heater 131 may be controlled based on the profile.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cartridge 200 including the aerosol generating material; and a cartridge detecting sensor 153 for detecting mounting and dismounting of the cartridge 200, wherein the control unit 17 controls the cartridge 200 to be mounted or detached through the cartridge detecting sensor 153. detected, and when the cartridge 200 is separated from the aerosol generating device 10 or mounted again after separation, the heating profile is initialized and supplied to the heater 131 based on the basic heating profile power can be controlled.

Also, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the user input signal may include at least one of a button input and a touch input.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a motion sensor 154 is included, and the control unit 17 is configured to transmit the motion sensor 154 in response to the motion of the aerosol generating device 10. When the received event signal corresponds to the first data, an inhalation pattern related to inhalation of the user may be determined.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, an output device 122; further includes, wherein the control unit 17 determines that the user input signal received from the input device 121 corresponds to the first data. In this case, information corresponding to the start of the inhalation pattern determination is output through the output device 122, and after the determination of the inhalation pattern related to the user's inhalation is completed, the inhalation pattern determination is performed through the output device 122. Information corresponding to the end may be output.

Meanwhile, a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes receiving a user input signal from the input device 121 and determining whether the received user input signal corresponds to first data; determining an inhalation pattern related to inhalation of the user based on a signal received from the puff sensor 151 when the user input signal corresponds to the first data; and determining a heating profile corresponding to the suction pattern based on the determined suction pattern.

Certain or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Certain or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be combined or used in combination with each component or function.

For example, configuration A described in a specific embodiment and/or drawing may be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and/or drawing. That is, even if the combination between the components is not directly explained, it means that the combination is possible except for the case where the combination is impossible.

The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in all respects and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (13)

a heater for heating the aerosol generating material;
a puff sensor outputting a signal corresponding to a user's puff;
an input device that receives user input; and
Including; a control unit for controlling power supplied to the heater;
The control unit,
Based on the signal received from the puff sensor, determining a suction pattern related to the user's suction, and determining a heating profile corresponding to the suction pattern based on the determined suction pattern,
When the user input signal received from the input device corresponds to the first data, determining an inhalation pattern related to inhalation of the user, the aerosol generating device.
According to claim 1,
The control unit,
When the user input signal received from the input device corresponds to the first data, an inhalation pattern related to the inhalation of the user is determined based on a puff corresponding to a set number of puffs generated after the user input signal is received. Judging, the aerosol generating device.
According to claim 2,
The control unit,
determine the end point of the puff series,
An aerosol generating device that determines an inhalation pattern related to inhalation of the user based on puffs generated from after the user input signal is received to an end point of the puff series.
According to claim 2,
an insertion portion formed with a long space; and
A stick detection sensor outputting a signal corresponding to the stick inserted into the insertion part; further comprising,
The control unit,
It detects that the stick is removed from the insertion unit through the stick detection sensor, and the user inhales based on a puff generated from the time the user input signal is received to the time the stick is removed from the insertion unit. An aerosol generating device for determining an inhalation pattern for.
According to claim 1,
The control unit,
Based on the signal received from the puff sensor, calculating at least one of inhalation intensity, inhalation amount, inhalation interval, and inhalation time,
The aerosol generating device that determines the inhalation pattern according to at least one of the calculated inhalation intensity, the inhalation amount, the inhalation interval, and the inhalation time.
According to claim 1,
A memory for storing a plurality of heating profiles; further comprising,
The control unit,
Among the plurality of heating profiles, determining a heating profile corresponding to the suction pattern, the aerosol generating device.
According to claim 6,
The heating profile,
The aerosol generating device comprising at least one of a length of the heating section, an amount of power supplied to the heater during the heating section, and a target temperature of the heater in the heating section.
According to claim 1,
The control unit,
When the user input signal received from the input device corresponds to the second data, the heating profile is initialized and power supplied to the heater is controlled based on the basic heating profile.
According to claim 1,
a cartridge containing the aerosol generating material; and
A cartridge detection sensor for detecting mounting and dismounting of the cartridge; further comprising,
The control unit,
Detecting that the cartridge is mounted or separated through the cartridge detection sensor;
When the cartridge is detached from the aerosol generating device or mounted again after being detached, the heating profile is initialized and power supplied to the heater is controlled based on a basic heating profile.
According to claim 1,
The user input signal is
An aerosol generating device comprising at least one of a button input and a touch input.
According to claim 1,
A motion sensor; further comprising,
The control unit,
and determining an inhalation pattern related to inhalation of the user when an event signal received from the motion sensor corresponding to a movement of the aerosol generating device corresponds to first data.
According to claim 1,
It further includes an output device;
The control unit,
When the user input signal received from the input device corresponds to first data, outputting information corresponding to the start of the suction pattern determination through the output device;
After completing the determination of the inhalation pattern related to the user's inhalation, the aerosol generating device outputs information corresponding to the end of the inhalation pattern determination through the output device.
In the operating method of the aerosol generating device,
receiving a user input signal from an input device and determining whether the received user input signal corresponds to first data;
determining an inhalation pattern related to inhalation of the user based on a signal received from a puff sensor when the user input signal corresponds to the first data; and
and determining a heating profile corresponding to the suction pattern based on the determined suction pattern.

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