KR20230056556A - 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 disclosure comprises: a cartridge which stores a liquid aerosol generating substance; a heater which heats the aerosol generating substance; a power supply circuit which supplies the power to the heater; a puff sensor which outputs a signal corresponding to a puff; and a control unit, wherein the control unit may control the power supply circuit to heat the heater in a first section in which the puff is detected through the puff sensor, control the power supply circuit in a second section after the first section based on the intensity of the puff detected in the first section being less than or equal to a preset reference intensity, so that a preset first power is supplied to the heater, and control the power supply circuit in the second section based on the intensity of the puff detected in the first section exceeding the reference intensity, so that a second power higher than the first power is supplied to the heater. According to the present invention, the power supplied to the heater during preheating can be adjusted according to the usage cycle of a user.

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 adjusting power supplied to a heater during preheating based on a user's inhalation intensity and an operating method thereof.

Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device capable of adjusting power supplied to a heater during preheating based on a user's use cycle and an operating method thereof.

An aerosol generating device according to an aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above object includes a cartridge accommodating a liquid aerosol generating material; a heater for heating the aerosol generating material; a power supply circuit supplying power to the heater; a puff sensor outputting a signal corresponding to a puff; and a controller, wherein the controller controls the power supply circuit to heat the heater in a first section where the puff is sensed through the puff sensor, and the intensity of the puff detected in the first section is Controlling the power supply circuit so that a preset first electric power is supplied to the heater in a second section, which is a section after the first section, based on a strength equal to or less than a preset reference intensity, and the puffs detected in the first section The power supply circuit may be controlled so that second power higher than the first power is supplied to the heater in the second period, based on an intensity exceeding the reference intensity.

An operating method of an aerosol generating device according to an aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above object includes: heating a heater for heating an aerosol generating material in a first section in which a puff is sensed through a puff sensor; supplying a first power to the heater in a second section, which is a section subsequent to the first section, based on the fact that the intensity of the puff detected in the first section is equal to or less than a predetermined reference intensity; and supplying second power higher than the first power to the heater in the second section based on the intensity of the puff detected in the first section exceeding the reference intensity. .

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, power supplied to the heater during preheating may be adjusted based on the user's suction strength.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, power supplied to the heater during preheating may be adjusted based on a user's use cycle.

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 may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments such as the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are given by way of example only.

Figure 1 is. It is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
2 to 4 are. These drawings are referenced in the description of an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
5 to 7 are. These drawings are referenced in the description of the 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 13 are diagrams referenced for description of the operation of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
14a and 14b are flowcharts illustrating an operating method 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.

Figure 1 is. It 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. In this case, components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be located in the main body. In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may be composed of a main body and a cartridge holding an aerosol generating material. In this case, components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be located on at least one of the main body and the cartridge.

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 for receiving a command from a user and/or an output device for outputting information to the user. For example, the input device may include a touch panel, physical buttons, and a microphone. For example, the output device outputs tactile information such as a display device, a display device that outputs visual information such as a light emitting diode (LED), an audio device that outputs auditory information such as a speaker and a buzzer, and a haptic effect. It may include a motor that does.

The input/output interface 12 may transfer data corresponding to a command input from a user through an input device 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 an output device.

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 herb 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.

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 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) for detecting the insertion of the stick.

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

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

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

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) prevents overcharging and overdischarging of the battery 16 when a short circuit occurs in a circuit connected to the battery 16 or 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 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 controller 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 predetermined power from the battery 16 to the aerosol generating module 13 for a predetermined period of time, based on data on a temperature profile, a 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 a puff sensor included in the sensor module 15 . For example, the controller 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 the sensing value of the puff sensor. The control unit 17 may determine whether or not a puff is present according to a result confirmed based on the sensing value of the puff sensor.

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 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 sensing values 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. 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.

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 control unit 17 may control a predetermined power to be supplied to the heater.

2 to 6 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 , 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 attached/detached through a cartridge detection sensor included in the sensor module 150 . For example, the cartridge detection sensor transmits a pulse current through one terminal connected to the cartridge 200, and detects whether the cartridge 200 is connected based on whether or not the pulse current is received through the other terminal. can do.

The cartridge 200 may include a reservoir 220 that holds the aerosol generating material and/or a heater 210 that heats the aerosol generating material in the reservoir 220 . For example, a liquid delivery means that impregnates (contains) an aerosol generating material may be disposed inside the reservoir 220, and an electrically conductive track of the heater 210 may be formed with a structure surrounding 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 a mouthpiece 225 . Here, the mouthpiece 225 may be a part inserted into the user's oral cavity, and may include a discharge hole through which aerosol is discharged to the outside when puffing.

Referring to FIG. 3 , 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 230 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 230 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 230 into which the stick 20 is inserted may be formed in a shape corresponding to a shape of a portion of the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 230 . For example, when the stick 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the insertion space 230 may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

When the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 230, 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.

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. 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.

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.

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

Referring to FIG. 5 , a cigarette 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. 4 may include a tobacco rod 21 . The second part described above with reference to FIG. 4 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 view referenced for description of the configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the aerosol generating device 10 may include a resistance detection sensor 150, a puff sensor 155, a battery 16, a power supply circuit 160, and/or a heater 210. .

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a resistance detection sensor 150, a puff sensor 155, a battery 16, and/or a power supply circuit 160 may be disposed in the main body 100. A heater 210 may be disposed in the cartridge 200 .

When the main body 100 and the cartridge 200 are coupled, the resistance detection sensor 150 of the main body 100 may be electrically connected to the heater 210 of the cartridge 200 . For example, the resistance detection sensor 150 may be a current sensor that detects current.

The power supply circuit 160 disposed inside the main body 100 may supply power to the heater 210 using power stored in the battery 16 . At this time, power supplied to the heater 210 from the power supply circuit 160 may be adjusted according to the control of the control unit 17 .

The power supply circuit 160 may include at least one switching element that operates under the control of the control unit 17 . At this time, power may be supplied to the heater 210 according to the operation of the switching element. For example, the switching element may be a Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) or a Field Effective Transistor (FET).

When the heater 210 and the resistance detection sensor 150 are electrically connected, the same level of current may flow through the heater 210 and the resistance detection sensor 150 . Here, the resistance value Rs of the shunt resistor included in the resistance detection sensor 150 may be a value that does not vary depending on temperature.

The control unit 17 controls the heater 210 and the resistance detection sensor 150 based on the power supplied to the heater 210 from the power supply circuit 160, the current flowing through the heater 210 and the resistance detection sensor 150, and the like. ) It is possible to determine the voltage (V1) applied to. The controller 17 may calculate the voltage V2 applied to the shunt resistor based on the current flowing through the shunt resistor of the resistance detection sensor 150 and the resistance value Rs of the shunt resistor. At this time, the controller 17 transmits a difference (V1-V2) between the voltage V1 applied to the heater 210 and the resistance detection sensor 150 and the voltage V2 applied to the shunt resistor to the heater 210. It can be calculated from the applied voltage. Also, the controller 17 may calculate the resistance value Rh of the heater 210 based on the voltage applied to the heater 210 and the current flowing through the heater 210 .

Therefore, the controller 17, while the wick is heated by the heater 210, uses the current flowing through the heater 210 calculated through the resistance detection sensor 150 to measure the temperature of the heater 210 in real time. can be judged by

Meanwhile, the resistance of the heater 210 may be a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance, and the resistance value Rh of the heater 210 may vary according to the temperature of the resistance. The control unit 17 determines the temperature coefficient of resistance of the heater 210, the resistance value (Rh) of the heater 210, and the heater 210 at the reference temperature based on a calculation formula for calculating the temperature of the heater 210. The temperature of the heater 210 corresponding to the resistance value of ) can be calculated. Here, a formula for calculating the temperature of the heater 210 may correspond to Equation 1 below.

In Equation 1, TCR is the temperature coefficient of resistance of the heater 210, T1 is the temperature of the heater 210, R1 is the resistance value of the heater 210, T0 is the reference temperature, and R0 is the heater 210 at the reference temperature. ) may be a resistance value of Here, T0 may be 25°C, and R0 may be a resistance value of the heater 210 at 25°C.

Meanwhile, in this drawing, a current sensor connected in series to the heater 210 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and a temperature sensor disposed adjacent to the heater 210 to sense the temperature of the heater 210 , a voltage sensor for detecting a voltage applied to the heater 210 may be provided as the resistance detection sensor 150 .

The puff sensor 155 may output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor 155 may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 10 . Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 10 may correspond to the pressure of the air flow path through which the gas flows. In this embodiment, it is described that the puff sensor 155 is implemented as a pressure sensor outputting a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 10, but is not limited thereto.

The controller 17 may determine the puff based on the signal received from the puff sensor 155 . For example, the controller 17 may determine whether a puff is generated based on a sensing value of a signal of the puff sensor 150 . For example, the control unit 17 may determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor 150 . For example, the controller 17 may determine a time when a puff occurs (hereinafter referred to as puff time) based on a sensing value of a signal of the puff sensor 150 .

The controller 17 may control the aerosol generating module 13 based on the generation of puffs. For example, the controller 17 may control the aerosol generating module 13 to supply power to a heater included in the aerosol generating module 13 based on the generation of puffs.

The controller 17 may update data stored in the memory 14 based on the generation of the puff. For example, the controller 17 may update the current number of puffs stored in the memory 14 based on the generation of puffs. For example, the controller 17 may update data about the strength of the puff stored in the memory 14 based on the generation of the puff.

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

Referring to FIG. 8 , the aerosol generating device 10 may detect a puff through the puff sensor 155 in operation S910. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine that a puff has occurred based on that the internal pressure value of the aerosol generating device 10 is less than the reference pressure value. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine that a puff has occurred based on the change amount of the internal pressure value of the aerosol generating device 10 being greater than or equal to the minimum change amount.

The aerosol generating device 10 may heat the heater 210 based on the detection of the puff in operation S920. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 supplies power to the heater 210 based on a preset temperature profile stored in the memory 14 so that the temperature of the heater 210 rises to a temperature for generating aerosol. can

According to an embodiment, the preset power to be supplied to the heater 210 in the heating section may vary according to the number of puffs, the elapsed time in the heating section, and the like. For example, while a puff is detected, power supplied to the heater 210 may decrease corresponding to the lapse of time for the puff to be detected.

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the puff ends in operation S930. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine that the puff has ended based on that the internal pressure value of the aerosol generating device 10 is less than the reference pressure value. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine that the puff has ended based on a slope corresponding to a change in the internal pressure value of the aerosol generating device 10 being greater than 0.

In this embodiment, a section in which puffs are sensed through the puff sensor 155 may be named a heating section, a first section, and the like. The first section may be referred to as a heating section. Meanwhile, a period in which no puff is detected, for example, a period corresponding to a time point at which a puff is sensed again after the end of the puff may be referred to as a preheating period, a second period, and the like.

The aerosol generating device 10, in operation S940, may determine whether or not the intensity of the puff detected in the heating section exceeds a preset reference intensity with respect to the intensity of the puff. For example, the intensity of the puff in the heating section may correspond to the minimum value of the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 10 detected in the heating section. For example, the intensity of the puff in the heating section may correspond to the maximum value of the amount of change in the internal pressure value of the aerosol generating device 10 detected in the heating section.

In operation S950, the aerosol generating device 10 may preheat the heater 210 based on the basic power set in the preheating section when the intensity of the puff detected in the heating section is equal to or less than the preset reference intensity. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may control the power supply circuit 160 so that power of 0.5 W preset as basic power is supplied to the heater 210 . In this case, the target temperature of the heater 210 in the preheating section may be determined as a relatively low temperature (eg, 140° C.).

On the other hand, the aerosol generating device 10, in operation S960, when the intensity of the puff detected in the heating section exceeds the preset reference intensity, power (hereinafter referred to as boost power) higher than the preset basic power for the preheating section. Based on this, the heater 210 may be preheated. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may control the power supply circuit 160 so that power of 1.0 W higher than the preset power of 0.5 W is supplied to the heater 210 . In this case, the target temperature of the heater 210 in the preheating section may be determined as a relatively high temperature (eg, 200° C.).

According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine the boost power based on the difference between the intensity of the puff detected in the heating section and the reference intensity. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine power higher than the basic power as the boost power when the intensity of the puff detected in the heating section exceeds a preset reference intensity. In this case, the difference between the boost power and the basic power may be proportional to the difference between the intensity of the puff detected in the heating section and the reference intensity. That is, as the user strongly inhales the aerosol in the heating section, the power value of the boost power supplied to the heater 210 in the preheating section may increase.

When the amount of the aerosol generating material contained in the liquid delivery means is relatively large, the temperature of the aerosol generating material may rise relatively slowly while the heater 210 is being heated. Also, when the temperature of the aerosol-generating material rises relatively slowly, the amount of aerosol provided to the user may be reduced. On the other hand, when the amount of aerosol provided from the aerosol generating device 10 is small, the user can relatively strongly inhale the aerosol in order to inhale a sufficient amount of aerosol. At this time, the aerosol generating device 10 may increase the amount of aerosol provided to the user in the subsequent heating section by increasing the power supplied to the heater 210 in the preheating section based on the user's inhalation intensity.

10 and 11, the aerosol generating device 10 determines that puffs are generated at times t1, t3, and t5 when the internal pressure value corresponding to the signal of the puff sensor 155 is less than the reference pressure value Pr1 can do. In addition, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine that the puff is finished at times t2, t4, and t6 when the internal pressure value corresponding to the signal of the puff sensor 155 is equal to or greater than the reference pressure value Pr1.

At this time, the section from time t1 to time t2 may be a first heating section, the section from time t3 to time t4 may be a second heating section, and the section from time t5 to time t6 may be a third heating section. In addition, the section before time t1 is the first preheating section, the section from time t2 to time t3 is the second preheating section, the section from time t4 to time t5 is the third preheating section, and the section after time t6 is the fourth preheating section may be an interval.

The aerosol generating device 10 may supply P1 power to the heater 210 while puffs are detected in the first to third heating sections. In the first heating period to the third heating period, the minimum value of the internal pressure value corresponding to the signal of the puff sensor 155 may be equal to or greater than the internal pressure value Pr2 corresponding to the reference intensity. At this time, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine that all puff intensities detected in the first heating section to the third heating section are equal to or less than the reference intensity.

The aerosol generating device 10, in the second preheating section to the fourth preheating section, based on the fact that the puff intensities detected in the first heating section to the third heating section are all less than the reference intensity, the P0 power preset as the basic power. may be supplied to the heater 210.

On the other hand, referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, in the first heating section and the second heating section, the minimum value of the internal pressure value corresponding to the signal of the puff sensor 155 may be less than the internal pressure value Pr2 corresponding to the reference intensity. . At this time, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine that the puff intensity detected in the first heating section and the second heating section exceeds the reference intensity, respectively.

The aerosol generating device 10 sets a predetermined basic power in the second preheating section and the third preheating section based on the fact that the puff intensities detected in the first heating section and the second heating section both exceed the reference intensity. P2 power higher than P0 power may be supplied to the heater 210 . In this case, the boost power P2 power may be higher than the P0 power preset as the basic power and may be lower than or equal to the P1 power supplied to the heater 210 in the heating section.

Meanwhile, in the third heating section, the minimum value of the internal pressure value corresponding to the signal of the puff sensor 155 may be greater than or equal to Pr2 , which is the internal pressure value corresponding to the reference intensity. At this time, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine that the intensity of the puff detected in the third heating section is less than or equal to the reference intensity. The aerosol generating device 10 may supply preset P0 power as the basic power to the heater 210 in the fourth preheating section based on the fact that the intensity of the puff detected in the third heating section is less than or equal to the reference intensity.

14a and 14b are flowcharts illustrating an operating method of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed descriptions of contents overlapping those described in FIGS. 9 to 13 will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 14A , the aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether power is turned on in operation S1401. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may turn on the power based on receiving a user input for turning on the power through the input device. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may turn on the power based on the insertion of the stick 20 into the insertion spaces 130 and 230 detected through the stick detection sensor.

In operation S1402, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the supply of power to the heater 210 was stopped. For example, the amount of the aerosol-generating substance contained in the liquid delivery means may continuously increase from the point at which generation of the aerosol is terminated. At this time, when a predetermined time or more has elapsed from the point in time when the generation of aerosol is terminated, an excessively large amount of aerosol generating material may be contained in the liquid delivery means.

The aerosol generating device 10, in operation S1403, if a predetermined time has not elapsed since the supply of power to the heater 210 was stopped, the heater 210 is operated based on the basic power preset for the preheating section. can be warmed up

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether a puff is detected through the puff sensor 155 in operation S1404.

The aerosol generating device 10 may heat the heater 210 based on the detection of the puff in operation S1405.

The aerosol generating device 10, in operation S1406, may determine whether the puff ends. The aerosol generating device 10 may supply power to the heater 210 based on a preset temperature profile stored in the memory 14 while a puff is sensed.

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the power is turned off in operation S1407. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may turn off the power based on receiving a user input for turning off the power through an input device. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may turn off the power based on the removal of the stick 20 from the insertion spaces 130 and 230 detected through the stick detection sensor. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may turn off the power based on the fact that the number of puffs detected after the power is turned on is equal to or greater than the maximum number of puffs.

The aerosol generating device 10 may preheat the heater 210 based on the basic power preset for the preheating section while the power is turned on and the puff is not detected.

On the other hand, referring to FIG. 14B , the aerosol generating device 10, in operation S1408, when a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the supply of power to the heater 210 was stopped, the basic power preset for the preheating section Based on this, the heater 210 may be preheated.

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether a puff is detected through the puff sensor 155 in operation S1409.

The aerosol generating device 10 may heat the heater 210 based on the detection of the puff in operation S1410.

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the puff ends in operation S1411. The aerosol generating device 10 may supply power to the heater 210 based on a preset temperature profile stored in the memory 14 while a puff is sensed.

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the power is turned off in operation S1412.

In operation S1413, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the reference intensity is previously set based on the end of the puff.

In operation S1414, the aerosol generating device 10 may add the puff intensity detected in the heating section to the puff intensity data stored in the memory 14 when the reference intensity is not previously set.

According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine the reference intensity based on whether a predetermined condition corresponding to the puff is satisfied. Here, the predetermined condition corresponding to the puff may correspond to whether or not the number of puffs detected corresponding to the cartridge 200 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times. For example, if the number of puffs detected after the cartridge 200 is coupled to the main body 100 is less than a predetermined number of 10, the aerosol generating device 10 stores the strength of the puff in response to the detection of the puff. (14) can be stored. For example, if the number of puffs detected after the cartridge 200 is coupled to the main body 100 is 10 or more, which is a predetermined number of times, the aerosol generating device 10 determines the strength of the puffs stored in the memory 14. A reference intensity may be set based on the data. At this time, the aerosol generating device 10 may set a representative value of a plurality of intensity values included in the puff intensity data stored in the memory 14 as the reference intensity. For example, the representative value of the plurality of intensity values may include an average value, a median value, and a mode value.

In operation S1415, when the standard intensity is set, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the intensity of the puff detected in the heating section exceeds the preset reference intensity.

In operation S1416, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine to preheat the heater 210 based on the basic power preset for the preheating section when the intensity of the puff detected in the heating section is equal to or less than the preset reference intensity. .

On the other hand, the aerosol generating device 10, in operation S1417, when the intensity of the puff detected in the heating section exceeds the preset reference intensity, based on the boost power higher than the preset basic power for the preheating section, the heater 210 ) can be determined by preheating.

As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, power supplied to the heater 210 during preheating may be adjusted based on the user's suction strength.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, power supplied to the heater 210 during preheating may be adjusted based on a user's use cycle.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 14B , an aerosol generating device 10 according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a cartridge accommodating a liquid aerosol generating material; a heater for heating the aerosol generating material; a power supply circuit supplying power to the heater; a puff sensor outputting a signal corresponding to a puff; and a controller, wherein the controller controls the power supply circuit to heat the heater in a first section where the puff is sensed through the puff sensor, and the intensity of the puff detected in the first section is Controlling the power supply circuit so that a preset first electric power is supplied to the heater in a second section, which is a section after the first section, based on a strength equal to or less than a preset reference intensity, and the puffs detected in the first section The power supply circuit may be controlled so that second power higher than the first power is supplied to the heater in the second period, based on an intensity exceeding the reference intensity.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second period may be a period corresponding to a time when the puff is sensed again from a time when the puff ends.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a memory for storing data on the intensity of the puff is further included, and the control unit determines the intensity of the puff when a predetermined condition corresponding to the puff is satisfied. The reference intensity may be set based on data for the puff, and if the predetermined condition corresponding to the puff is not satisfied, the intensity of the puff detected in the first interval may be added to the data on the intensity of the puff. .

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the predetermined condition may be whether the number of times the puff is detected corresponding to the cartridge is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller may set a representative value of a plurality of intensity values included in the data on the intensity of the puff as the reference intensity.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit may, when power is supplied to the heater after a predetermined time has elapsed from a point in time when the supply of power to the heater is stopped, based on the reference intensity When the electric power supplied to the heater is determined in the second section, and power is supplied to the heater before the predetermined time elapses from the point in time when the supply of electric power to the heater is stopped, the heater is supplied in the second section. Power supplied to may be determined as the first power.

Also, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the difference between the first power and the second power may be proportional to the difference between the intensity of the puff and the reference intensity.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a housing having an insertion space formed therein may be further included, and the control unit may supply the first electric power to the heater based on insertion of a stick into the insertion space. The power supply circuit can be controlled.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit controls the power supply circuit such that the first power is supplied to the heater based on the power of the aerosol generating device being turned on according to a user input. can control.

Meanwhile, the operating method of the aerosol generating device 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: heating a heater for heating an aerosol generating material in a first section where a puff is sensed through a puff sensor; supplying a first power to the heater in a second section, which is a section subsequent to the first section, based on the fact that the intensity of the puff detected in the first section is equal to or less than a predetermined reference intensity; and supplying second power higher than the first power to the heater in the second section based on the intensity of the puff detected in the first section exceeding the reference intensity. .

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 (10)

a cartridge containing a liquid aerosol-generating substance;
a heater for heating the aerosol generating material;
a power supply circuit supplying power to the heater;
a puff sensor outputting a signal corresponding to a puff; and
Including a control unit,
The control unit,
Controlling the power supply circuit so that the heater is heated in a first period in which the puff is sensed through the puff sensor;
Based on the fact that the intensity of the puff detected in the first section is equal to or less than the preset reference intensity, the power supply circuit is controlled so that the first preset power is supplied to the heater in a second section, which is a section after the first section. do,
Controlling the power supply circuit so that a second power higher than the first power is supplied to the heater in the second interval based on the intensity of the puff detected in the first interval exceeding the reference intensity An aerosol generating device, characterized in that. According to claim 1,
The aerosol generating device, characterized in that the second period is a period corresponding to a time point when the puff is sensed again from a time point when the puff is finished. According to claim 1,
Further comprising a memory for storing data on the intensity of the puff,
The control unit,
When a predetermined condition corresponding to the puff is satisfied, setting the reference intensity based on data on the intensity of the puff;
The aerosol generating device, characterized in that, when the predetermined condition corresponding to the puff is not satisfied, the intensity of the puff detected in the first period is added to the data on the intensity of the puff. According to claim 3,
The aerosol generating device, characterized in that the predetermined condition is whether or not the number of times the puff is detected corresponding to the cartridge is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times. According to claim 3,
The control unit,
An aerosol generating device, characterized in that for setting a representative value of a plurality of intensity values included in the puff intensity data as the reference intensity. According to claim 1,
The control unit,
determining power supplied to the heater in the second section based on the reference intensity when power is supplied to the heater after a predetermined time elapses from a point in time when the supply of power to the heater is stopped;
When power is supplied to the heater before the predetermined time elapses from the time when the supply of power to the heater is stopped, the power supplied to the heater in the second period is determined as the first power. an aerosol generating device. According to claim 1,
The aerosol generating device, characterized in that the difference between the first power and the second power is proportional to the difference between the intensity of the puff and the reference intensity. According to claim 1,
Further comprising a housing having an insertion space formed therein,
The control unit,
and controlling the power supply circuit so that the first power is supplied to the heater based on the insertion of the stick into the insertion space. According to claim 1,
The control unit,
The aerosol generating device, characterized in that controlling the power supply circuit so that the first power is supplied to the heater based on the power of the aerosol generating device being turned on according to a user input. In the operating method of the aerosol generating device,
heating a heater for heating an aerosol-generating material in a first section in which a puff is sensed through the puff sensor;
supplying a first power to the heater in a second section, which is a section subsequent to the first section, based on the fact that the intensity of the puff detected in the first section is equal to or less than a predetermined reference intensity; and
and supplying second power higher than the first power to the heater in the second section based on the intensity of the puff detected in the first section exceeding the reference intensity. How it works.

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