KR20230083256A - Aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generating device, an embodiment, comprises: a case which has an upper side thereof opened and an insertion space formed thereon; a heating device which is mounted on the insertion space of the case, has a heating device comprising a hollow where an aerosol forming article is inserted, and performs a heating operation on the heating space by control of a processor; a power unit supplying power; a power supplying unit which supplies the power supplied from the power unit or blocks the power according to a control signal of the processor; a temperature sensing unit which applies a temperature sensing value corresponding to a temperature of the heating device to the processor; an object sensing unit which generates an object sensing value for determining whether an object is inserted into the heating space of the heating device to apply the object sensing value to the processor; and a processor which performs an aerosol generating function by the heating operation of the heating device, uses at least one of the object sensing value from the object sensing unit and the temperature sensing value from the temperature sensing unit to determine whether an object is inserted into the heating space, and when the object is inserted into the heating space, determines whether an aerosol forming article with a preset characteristic is inserted (exists) into the heating space to perform the heating operation or the present heating operation automatically or continuously. Accordingly, the device can perform the heating device only when the aerosol forming article is inserted.

Description

Aerosol generating device {AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE}

Embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device, in particular, determining whether an aerosol-forming article is inserted or not inserted into a heating space, and automatically or continuously performing a main heating operation only when inserted or when responding to a predetermined temperature change characteristic. It relates to an aerosol generating device.

Inhalation of fine particles in the air, ie aerosols, commonly referred to as smoking, can be achieved. In the past, cigarettes in the form of cigarettes were almost the only means of inhaling these preference substances, but recently, electronic cigarettes have also been established as another means. Electronic cigarettes vaporize the inhaled material into vapor by applying heat or ultrasonic waves to the cartridge containing the inhaled material in liquid form to generate fine particles, which is completely different from conventional cigarettes that generate smoke by burning. , it has the advantage of being able to prevent the generation of various harmful substances that can be generated by combustion, in particular.

In addition, according to the demand of consumers who prefer cigarette-type conventional cigarettes, an electronic cigarette having a filter part of a conventional cigarette and a cigarette part in the shape of a cigarette part has been proposed. It has a configuration in which the user inhales through a filter unit having a configuration equivalent to that of a conventional cigarette while vaporizing with a heater. In such an electronic cigarette, unlike a conventional cigarette having a configuration of a cigarette part filled with dry tobacco leaves, the inhalation material is impregnated or filled with paper embedded on the surface. When the electronic cigarette is inserted into the holder and the heater inside the holder is heated to vaporize the inhaled material inside the cigarette part, the user can inhale the vaporized inhaled material through the filter part. As with conventional electronic cigarettes, it has the advantage of not burning, and vaporized inhalation substances can be inhaled through the filter unit with the same mechanism as when smoking a conventional cigarette, so the user can feel the same feeling as smoking a regular cigarette. there will be

In such a conventional electronic cigarette device, when the heater is heated by the heater in a state where the cigarette is not inserted into the holder, or when the heater is operated by erroneous manipulation of the input button or physical influence or impact (abnormal heating operation state), unnecessary power consumption or Problems such as overheating of the device may occur. However, the conventional electronic cigarette device does not provide a method of stopping the heating operation until the user stops such an abnormal heating operation state.

Embodiments aim to provide an aerosol-generating device that determines whether an aerosol-forming article is inserted into a heating space or not, and continues to perform a heating operation only when inserted.

In addition, the embodiment confirms the temperature change characteristic of the aerosol-forming article, and when it corresponds to the preset reference temperature change characteristic, the present heating operation for the aerosol generating function is selected by the user's other input (eg, the start input of the present heating operation). etc.), it is an object of the present invention to provide an aerosol-generating device that performs automatically or continuously.

An object of the embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating device capable of accurately determining insertion or non-insertion of an aerosol-forming article into a heating space using magnetic force change detection and temperature change detection.

An embodiment of the aerosol generating device includes a case with an open top and an insertion space, a heating space mounted in the insertion space of the case and a hollow into which an aerosol-forming article is inserted, and a heating operation for the heating space under the control of a processor. A heating device that performs a heating device, a power supply unit that supplies power, a power supply unit that supplies or cuts off the power supplied from the power unit to the heating device according to a control signal of the processor, and a temperature detection value corresponding to the temperature of the heating device to the processor. A temperature sensor applied to the heating device generates an object detection value for determining whether an object is inserted into the heating space of the heating device and applies it to the processor, and an aerosol generating function is performed by the heating operation of the heating device. However, if at least one of the object detection value from the object detection unit and the temperature detection value from the temperature detection unit is used to determine whether or not an object is inserted into the heating space, and the object is inserted into the heating space, and a processor for automatically or continuously performing a heating operation or main heating operation by determining whether an aerosol-forming article having a predetermined characteristic is inserted (existing) into the heating space.

Also, the processor may compare an object detection value from the object detection unit with a reference object detection value to determine whether an object is inserted into the heating space.

In addition, it is preferable that each of the object detection value and the reference object detection value is a color value or strength of magnetic force.

In addition, the processor controls the power supply so that the heating device performs a preheating operation, calculates a temperature change value of the temperature detection value from the temperature sensor in the preheating operation, and calculates the temperature change value and the first reference It is preferable to compare the temperature change value to determine whether the object is inserted into the heating space.

In addition, the processor preferably controls the power supply so that no aerosol is generated from the object or aerosol-forming article in the preheating operation.

In addition, the processor controls the power supply so that the heating device performs a preheating operation, calculates a temperature change value of the temperature detection value from the temperature sensor in the preheating operation, and calculates the temperature change value and the second reference It is preferable to compare the temperature change values to determine whether an aerosol-forming article of predetermined characteristics into the heating space is in a state of being inserted (a state in which it exists).

In addition, the processor preferably performs the main heating operation following the preheating operation when the aerosol-forming article having a predetermined characteristic is inserted.

Further, the processor preferably does not perform this heating operation when an aerosol-forming article of a predetermined characteristic is not inserted.

In addition, the aerosol generating device preferably has a display unit, and the processor guides insertion of an aerosol-forming article of a predetermined characteristic through the display unit when the aerosol-forming article of a predetermined characteristic is not inserted.

In addition, the processor starts and performs a heating operation by controlling the power supply unit according to the object detection value from the object detection unit, and sets first and second temperatures in first and second time intervals between a plurality of time points. Based on the rates of change, it is desirable to determine whether an aerosol-forming article has been inserted into the heating space.

In addition, the processor preferably determines whether the aerosol-forming article is inserted into the heating space by calculating a difference value between the first temperature change rate and the second temperature change rate and comparing the calculated difference value with the reference difference value.

In addition, when the calculated difference value is greater than or equal to the reference difference value, the processor determines that the aerosol-forming article is inserted into the heating space and continues to perform the heating operation.

In addition, when the calculated difference value is less than the reference difference value, the processor determines that the aerosol-forming article is not inserted into the heating space, and controls the power supply to stop the heating operation.

It is also preferred that the aerosol-generating device has a display, through which the processor indicates that no aerosol-forming article is inserted.

Also, it is preferable that the first time interval and the second time interval do not overlap.

In addition, when the aerosol-forming article is inserted into the heating space, the slope from the start of the heating operation to each of the plurality of time points is preferably included in the reference slope range.

Further, the aerosol-forming article preferably includes a magnetic body or magnetic material on or inside the article.

In the embodiment, in a state where an aerosol-forming article is not inserted into a heating space, an abnormal heating operation state, such as when heated by a heater or when a heater is operated by an erroneous operation of an input button or a physical influence or impact, is quickly identified and heated. By stopping the operation, there is an effect of providing a safe heating function by preventing unnecessary power consumption or overheating of the device.

The embodiment confirms the temperature change characteristic of the aerosol-forming article, and when it corresponds to the preset reference temperature change characteristic, the user's other input (eg, start input of the main heating operation, etc.) for the heating operation for the aerosol generating function It is performed automatically or continuously without the use, and there is an effect of improving user convenience in use.

The embodiment has an effect of preventing unnecessary power consumption by controlling the heating operation by accurately determining the insertion or non-insertion of the aerosol-forming article into the heating space using magnetic force change detection and temperature change detection.

1 is a control configuration diagram of an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment.
2 is a control configuration diagram of an aerosol generating device according to a second embodiment.
3a to 3d are temperature graphs depending on whether an external magnetic body and an aerosol-forming article are inserted.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail through examples and drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the embodiments to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the embodiments include various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used for like elements.

In this document, expressions such as "has", "may have", "includes", or "may include" refer to the presence of a corresponding feature (eg, numerical value, function, operation, or component such as a part). , which does not preclude the existence of additional features.

In this document, expressions such as "A or B", "at least one of A and/and B", or "one or more of A or/and B" may include all possible combinations of the items listed together. . For example, "A or B", "at least one of A and B", or "at least one of A or B" includes (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, Or (3) may refer to all cases including at least one A and at least one B.

Expressions such as "first", "second", "first", or "second" as used herein may modify various elements, in any order and/or importance, and may refer to one element as another. It is used to distinguish from components, but does not limit the components. For example, a first user device and a second user device may represent different user devices regardless of order or importance. For example, without departing from the scope of rights described in this document, a first element may be called a second element, and similarly, the second element may also be renamed to the first element.

A component (e.g., a first component) is "(operatively or communicatively) coupled with/to" another component (e.g., a second component); When referred to as "connected to", it should be understood that the certain component may be directly connected to the other component or connected through another component (eg, a third component). On the other hand, when an element (eg, a first element) is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another element (eg, a second element), the element and the above It may be understood that other components (eg, third components) do not exist between the other components.

As used in this document, the expression "configured to" means "suitable for", "having the capacity to", depending on the situation. ", "designed to", "adapted to", "made to", or "capable of" can be used interchangeably. The term "configured (or set) to" may not necessarily mean only "specifically designed to" hardware. Instead, in some contexts, the phrase "device configured to" may mean that the device is "capable of" in conjunction with other devices or components. For example, the phrase "a processor configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" may include a dedicated processor (eg, an embedded processor) to perform those operations, or one or more software programs stored in a memory device that executes By doing so, it may mean a general-purpose processor (eg, CPU or application processor) capable of performing corresponding operations.

Terms used in this document are only used to describe a specific embodiment, and may not be intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field described in this document. Among the terms used in this document, the terms defined in general dictionaries may be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning to the meaning in the context of the related art, and unless explicitly defined in this document, in an ideal or excessively formal meaning. not interpreted In some cases, even terms defined in this document cannot be interpreted to exclude the embodiments of this document.

In an embodiment, the aerosol-forming article includes at least one of a filter unit having a series of laminated structures, a cooling unit, and an aerosol-forming base layer (eg, cut wax, fragrance, nicotine, VG (vegetable glycerin), PG (propylene glycol), etc.) It is a mixed substance including the above). Aerosol-forming articles include conventional e-cigarettes, filters, and the like.

An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a case with an open upper side and a cylindrical insertion space, a heater pipe mounted in the insertion space of the case and formed with a hollow heating space, and a heater pipe mounted on the case and installed on the inner or outer surface of the heater pipe. It is configured to include a heating unit mounted on the side. In this embodiment, the heater pipe and the heating unit are collectively referred to as a heating device, and the heating device performs either resistance heating or induction heating operation.

The case has an air flow path that communicates the bottom or side surfaces of the insertion space and the heating space with the external space. The aerosol-forming article is inserted into or separated from the heating space and the insertion space. In addition, the aerosol generating device includes a control element as shown in FIG. 1 or 2 below in addition to the above mechanical element.

1 is a control configuration diagram of an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment. The aerosol generating device includes an input unit 1 that obtains an input (eg, power on/off, etc.) from a user and applies it to the processor 20, and information from the processor 20 (eg, an aerosol-forming article). A display unit (3) that visually, audibly or tactilely expresses (e.g., insertion/separation, whether or not this heating operation is performed, whether or not a sensing operation is performed), a power unit (5) that supplies power, and a processor A driving unit 7 (eg, FET switch) that supplies or cuts off the power supplied from the power supply unit 5 to the heating unit 9 according to the control signal (eg, on operation, off operation) of (20) etc.) and the heating unit 9 that heats the heating space by generating thermal energy by power applied from the driving unit 7, and the heating unit 9 that is in direct contact with the heating unit 9 or the heater pipe or is spaced apart at a predetermined interval. (9) Alternatively, the temperature sensor 11 applies a temperature detection value corresponding to the temperature of the heater pipe to the processor 20, and determines whether an object is inserted into the heating space of the heater pipe (insertion state or non-insertion state). The aerosol generating function by the heating operation of the heating unit 9 is performed by controlling the object detection unit 13 for generating an object detection value and applying it to the processor 20, and the above-described components, but the object detection unit Using at least one of the object detection value from (13) and the temperature detection value from the temperature sensor 11, it is determined whether an object is inserted into the heating space, and an aerosol-forming article having predetermined characteristics into the heating space. It is configured to include a processor 20 or the like that automatically or continuously performs main heating by determining whether the inserted state (existent state) is present. However, the input unit 1, the display unit 3, the power supply unit 5, the driving unit 7, etc. correspond to technologies naturally recognized by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments belong, and thus detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

The heating unit 9 includes a resistive element that generates resistance heat when power is applied, and may have various shapes such as a film shape, a coil shape, a flat surface, a curved surface, or a tubular shape. It is preferable that the heating part 9 directly contacts the heater pipe. For resistance heating, the driving unit 7 applies DC power to the heating unit 9 under the control of the processor 20 .

The heating unit 9 is electrically insulated from the heater pipe and is composed of an induction heating coil for induction heating surrounding a spiral, and the heater pipe may be implemented as a susceptor. For induction heating, the driving unit 7 generates AC power under the control of the processor 20 and applies it to the heating unit 9 .

In this embodiment, the heating unit 9 and the heater pipe may be collectively referred to as a heating device, and the heating device operates to heat (resistance heating or induction heating) the heating space and the aerosol-forming article under the control of the processor 20. Do it.

The temperature sensor 11 may be implemented as a well-known temperature sensor, a direct contact with a heating device (heater 9 or heater pipe) such as a thermo wire, or a non-contact detection sensor such as infrared rays or ultraviolet rays. The temperature sensor 11 detects the temperature of the heating device and repeatedly or periodically applies the detected temperature value to the processor 20 .

The object detecting unit 13 may be implemented with a color sensor, a Hall sensor, a proximity sensor, a pressure sensor, etc. capable of detecting the insertion and separation of an object into the heating space.

The processor 20 includes a processor (eg, CPU, MCU, etc.) that performs an aerosol generating function, a control algorithm that performs a heating operation for the aerosol generating function, and a controller for determining whether an object is inserted into the heating space. A storage space (e.g., memory, etc.) for storing first judgment information and second judgment information for determining whether an aerosol-forming article having a predetermined characteristic is inserted into the heating space (state where it exists), etc. It may be composed of electrical and electronic circuits including.

The heating operation in the embodiment includes a pre-heating operation for determining whether an object is inserted and/or whether an aerosol-forming article having a predetermined characteristic is inserted into the heating space, and heating during or after the pre-heating operation. and a main heating operation of heating the aerosol-forming article in the space to generate an aerosol. The size of the power applied to the heating device (or the heating unit 9) in the present heating operation and/or the target temperature of the heating unit 9 is applied to the heating device (or the heating unit 9) in the preheating operation. It is greater than or equal to the size of the power source and/or the target temperature of the heat generating unit 9. However, the processor 20 controls the driving unit 7 so that power enough to generate aerosol from an object or aerosol-forming article is not applied to the heating device (or heating unit 9) during the preheating operation.

The control algorithm is applied to the execution time of the preheating operation and/or the amount of power applied to the heating device (or heating unit 9), the time of the main heating operation and/or the heating device (or heating unit 9). Including the size of the power supply, etc.

Next, the first determination information includes a reference object detection value and/or a first temperature change value for determining whether an object is inserted into the heating space. The reference object detection values are values for determining the insertion and detachment of an object according to the object detection value from the object detection unit 13, and include color values, magnetic force strength, and the like. In addition, the first reference temperature change value corresponds to values for distinguishing between a case where an object including an aerosol generating article is inserted into the heating space and a case where an object including an aerosol generating article is not inserted into the heating space. During the preheating operation, when the heating unit 9 performs a heating operation according to the same power level for the same reference time (eg, 1 second, 10 seconds, etc.), an object including an aerosol-generating article enters the heating space. This is to take advantage of the fact that the temperature change value (temperature rise value) when inserted is smaller than or different from the temperature change value when the object containing the aerosol-generating article is not inserted into the heating space. The difference between these temperature change values is because more thermal energy of the heating device or heating unit 7 is supplied to the aerosol-forming article by heat conduction when an object is inserted into the heating space than when the object is not inserted into the heating space. , it may be because the temperature change of the heating device or the heating part 7 is small. That is, if the first reference temperature change value is set using the difference between these temperature change values, it may be determined whether the object is inserted into the heating space or separated from the heating space. The first reference temperature change value may be a specific value or a range between two values.

Next, the second determination information is for determining whether an aerosol-forming article having a predetermined characteristic is inserted into the heating space (a state in which it exists), and includes a second reference temperature change value. In the state where the object is inserted into the heating space, when an aerosol article having a predetermined characteristic (eg, temperature change characteristic) is inserted among the objects during the preheating operation, the processor 20 operates without any other input from the user. Performing the main heating operation improves convenience in use. The second reference temperature change value may be a value or range of values for identifying characteristics of a plurality of aerosol-forming articles, or a value or range of values for identifying characteristics of a particular aerosol-forming article. The second reference temperature change value is the same as the first reference temperature change value or is a numerical value or a numerical range included in the first reference temperature change value.

Next, a process of performing the aerosol generating function performed by the processor 20 will be described.

First, power from the power supply unit 5 is supplied to the processor 20 and the like according to a power-on input from the input unit 1 to activate the aerosol generating device. The temperature sensor 11 applies a temperature detection value to the processor 20 at a preset time interval, and the object detection unit 13 applies the object detection value at a preset time interval or when an event corresponding to object insertion occurs. is applied to the processor 20.

The processor 20 performs a first determination process to determine whether an object has been inserted into the heating space by using an object detection value and/or a temperature detection value. When the object detection value is used in the first determination process, the processor 20 compares the reference object detection value of the first determination information with the applied object detection value to determine whether an object is inserted. For example, if the applied object detection value is equal to or close to the reference object detection value within a predetermined range, the processor 20 may determine that an object is inserted into the heating space, otherwise the processor 20 It is determined that no object is inserted into the heating space. The processor 20 informs information about whether an object is inserted into the heating space through the display unit 3.

When the temperature detection value is used in the first determination process, the processor 20 controls the driving unit 7 to perform a preheating operation, calculates a temperature change value from the temperature detection value applied for a reference time, and calculates the temperature The change value is compared with the first reference temperature change value of the first determination information. For example, if the calculated temperature change value is smaller than or included in the first reference temperature change value, the processor 20 may determine that an object is inserted into the heating space, otherwise the processor 20 may determine that the object is inserted into the heating space. (20) determines that no object is inserted into the heating space.

Only when it is determined that an object is inserted into the heating space, the processor 20 determines whether an aerosol-forming article having a predetermined characteristic is inserted in order to automatically or continuously perform the main heating operation. The processor 20 uses the detected temperature value as in the first determination process described above. The processor 20 compares the temperature change value calculated in the first determination process with the second reference temperature change value. For example, when the calculated temperature change value is smaller than or included in the second reference temperature change value, the processor 20 determines that an aerosol-forming article having predetermined characteristics is inserted, and the driver 7 ) is controlled to automatically or continuously perform the main heating operation following the preheating operation. Otherwise, the processor 20 may determine that an aerosol-forming article having a predetermined characteristic is not inserted, and guide, through the display unit 3, to insert an aerosol-forming article having a predetermined characteristic without performing the main heating operation. there is.

The above-described aerosol generating function performed by the processor 20 may be implemented in the form of a method or algorithm.

The aerosol-forming article for the second embodiment described below is configured to include a magnetic body or magnetic material (eg, magnet, etc.) inside or on its surface.

The aerosol generating device according to the second embodiment includes a case with an open upper side and a cylindrical insertion space, a susceptor mounted in the insertion space of the case and formed with a hollow heating space, and a susceptor mounted on the case and electrically connected to the susceptor. It is insulated and includes an induction heating coil that generates an alternating long-term field so that eddy currents are generated in the susceptor to perform an induction heating operation. The case has an air flow path that communicates the bottom or side surfaces of the insertion space and the heating space with the external space. The aerosol-forming article is inserted into or separated from the heating space and the insertion space. In addition, the aerosol generating device includes a control structure as shown in FIG. 2 below in addition to the above mechanical structure.

2 is a control configuration diagram of an aerosol generating device according to a second embodiment.

The aerosol generating device 200 includes an input unit 210 that acquires an input (eg, power on/off, etc.) from a user and applies it to the processor 290, and information from the processor 290 (eg, A display unit 220 that visually or audibly displays a display unit 220 that receives an aerosol-forming article (not inserted, etc.), a power unit 230 that applies power to the processor 290 and the power supply unit 240, and the power unit 230 A power supply unit 240 (eg, FET element, switch, etc.) for supplying or cutting off AC power to the induction heating coil 242 according to control or a control signal from the processor 290 by receiving power from the processor 290; An induction heating coil 242 that receives AC power from the power supply 240 and generates an AC magnetic field to generate an eddy current in the susceptor 244 to perform an induction heating operation, and a magnetic body mounted on the aerosol-forming article or an external The magnetic force sensor 248 generates a magnetic force detection signal in response to the magnetic force from the magnetic force and applies it to the processor 290, detects the temperature of the heating device (susceptor 244 or heating space), and calculates the temperature detected value. Heating in the susceptor 244 by controlling the temperature sensor 250 applied to the processor 290 and the power supply unit 240 according to the magnetic force detection signal from the magnetic force sensor 248 by controlling the above-described components. The aerosol generating function is performed by the operation, and the aerosol generating function is performed by determining whether the aerosol-forming article is inserted using the temperature detection value from the temperature sensor 250 and controlling the power supply unit 240 according to the determined result. It is configured to include a processor 290 that continues or stops. However, the input unit 210, the display unit 220, the power supply unit 230, the power supply unit 240, the induction heating coil 242, the susceptor 244, and the like are generally familiar to the technical field to which this embodiment belongs. Corresponds to a technology naturally recognized by those skilled in the art, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

The induction heating coil 242 and the susceptor 244 in the second embodiment are collectively referred to as a heating device. Although the second embodiment is described as the heating device performing induction heating, it may be configured to perform resistance heating in the same way as the heating device in the first embodiment. That is, the susceptor 244 of FIG. 2 may be replaced by the heater pipe of FIG. 1 , and the power supply unit 240 may be replaced by the driving unit 7 of FIG. 1 . In this specification, the driving unit 7 and the power supply unit 240 may be collectively referred to as a power supply unit.

The magnetic force detection unit 248, which is an embodiment of the object detection unit 13 of FIG. 1, is implemented, for example, as a hall ic, etc., and is mounted in a case adjacent to the heating space to detect the magnetic force of the magnetic body of the aerosol-forming article Thus, a magnetic force detection signal corresponding to the sensed magnetic force is applied to the processor 290 . However, when an external magnetic force is adjacent to the outside of the case and the intensity of the magnetic force is strong, the magnetic force detection unit 248 may apply a magnetic force detection signal corresponding to the magnetic force to the processor 290 .

The temperature sensor 250 applies a temperature detection value, which is an analog signal, to the processor 290, and the processor 290 has an analog-to-digital conversion unit to receive the temperature detection value and convert it into a digital signal, thereby performing a heating operation described below. can be used in the control process of

It should be recognized that the processor 290 can also perform functions performed by the processor 20 of FIG. 1 together or independently.

The processor 290 controls the heating operation of the susceptor 244 by applying a control signal for the heating operation to the power supply 240 according to the temperature profile for the aerosol generating function of the aerosol forming article, thereby performing the aerosol generating function. And, the heating operation of the susceptor 244 may be stopped by applying a control signal for the heating stop operation to the power supply 240 .

The processor 290 starts the aerosol generating function according to the magnetic force detection signal from the magnetic force sensor 248 before performing the aerosol generating function, but starts applying a control signal for heating operation to the power supply 240. . Since this magnetic force detection signal is also generated by magnetic force from an external magnetic force body, it is determined whether or not the aerosol-forming article is inserted into the heating space using the temperature detected value to determine whether to continue the heating operation. The second embodiment uses both the self-object detection value and the temperature detection value in the first determination process in the above-described first embodiment to more accurately determine whether an object or an aerosol-forming article is inserted.

First, in the following, a process for the processor 290 to use the temperature sensing value from the temperature sensor 250 is described.

3a to 3d are temperature graphs depending on whether an external magnetic body and an aerosol-forming article are inserted.

3A is a temperature graph during a heating operation of the susceptor 244 for a number of times, in a case where no aerosol-forming article is inserted into the heating space of the susceptor 244 and no magnetic force generating unit is located outside. . In FIG. 3A , the magnetic force sensor 248 does not apply a magnetic force detection signal to the processor 290, so the heating operation is not performed. However, for understanding, the processor 290 controls the power supply 240 so that the heating operation It should be recognized that it is intended to be done. In the case of FIG. 3A, since the aerosol-forming substrate is not inserted into the heating space of the susceptor 244, almost similar temperature graphs are confirmed even at a plurality of times.

3B shows a case in which an aerosol-forming article is not inserted into the heating space of the susceptor 244 and a magnetic force generating unit is located outside, and different numbers of magnet bodies (or magnetic forces of different strengths) detect magnetic force. Adjacent to the unit 248 and the susceptor 244, the magnetic force sensing unit 248 applies a magnetic force detection signal to the processor 290 to control the power supply unit 240 so that the susceptor 244 performs a heating operation. These are temperature graphs in the case of As the number of magnet bodies adjacent to the susceptor 244 increases, that is, as the strength of the magnetic force increases, the eddy current generated in the susceptor 244 by the alternating magnetic field of the induction heating coil 242 in the direction of the dotted line arrow It is confirmed that the temperature of the susceptor 244 gradually increases with a delay as the temperature of the susceptor 244 becomes weaker. The case of FIG. 3B is a case in which an aerosol-forming article is misrecognized as being inserted into the heating space by external magnet bodies.

3C is a temperature graph of temperature detection values at multiple times when an aerosol-forming article is inserted into the heating space of the susceptor 244 and the magnetic force generating unit is not located outside.

3D shows a case where an aerosol-forming article is inserted into the heating space of the susceptor 244 and a magnetic force generating unit is located outside, as the number of magnet bodies adjacent to the susceptor 244 increases, that is, the strength of the magnetic force. As R increases, it is confirmed that the eddy current generated in the susceptor 244 by the alternating magnetic field of the induction heating coil 242 becomes weaker in the direction of the dotted line arrow, so that the temperature of the susceptor 244 gradually increases with a delay.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, when an aerosol-forming article is not inserted into the heating space in the susceptor 244, the temperature detection values applied from the temperature sensor 250 increase linearly with the heating time. has That is, the temperature change rates (in the temperature graph slope) is the same or almost no difference. In this embodiment, t1 is 0.2 seconds after the start of the heating operation, t2 is 0.5 seconds after the start of the heating operation, and t3 is 1 second after the start of the heating operation. In addition, the slope from the application time of the temperature detection value (or the start time of the heating operation) to the time point t1 and the slope from the application time of the temperature detection value (or the start time of the heating operation) to the time point t2 and the slopes from the point of application of the temperature sensing value (or the point of time when the heating operation starts) to the time point t3 are the same or have almost no difference.

As shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D, when an aerosol-forming article is inserted into the heating space in the susceptor 244, three different time points (t1<t2<t3) overlap with each other according to the heating time. The temperature change rates (slope of the temperature graph) in the first and second time intervals (t1 to t2) and (t2 to t3), which do not become normal, tend to decrease. As shown in FIG. 3D , the temperature change rate when the susceptor 244 is affected by adjacent magnet bodies tends to be relatively more reduced compared to the temperature change rate in FIG. 3C . In addition, the slope from the point of application of the temperature detection value (or the start time of the heating operation) to the time point t1 > The slope from the application time of the temperature detection value (or the start time of the heating operation) to the time point t2 > Each of the slopes is different from each other, such as the relationship of the slope from the point of application of the sensed temperature value (or the start point of the heating operation) to the time point t3.

As described above, using the temperature change rates, whether or not the aerosol-forming article is inserted can be confirmed even if there is an influence of an external magnetic force body or magnetic force. In this embodiment, the processor 290 determines the 1-1st temperature change rate ΔT1 in the first time intervals t1 to t2 and the 1-2nd temperature change rate in the second time intervals t2 to t3. (ΔT2) is calculated, and a difference value (ΔT1-ΔT2) between the 1-1st and 1-2nd temperature change rates (ΔT1) and (ΔT2) is calculated, so that an object or object in the heating space of the susceptor 244 Whether or not an aerosol-forming article is inserted may be determined. The processor 290 stores a reference difference value that is a minimum value when an object or aerosol-forming article is inserted into the heating space of the susceptor 244 . The processor 290 determines that the aerosol-forming article is inserted into the heating space when the calculated difference value (ΔT1-ΔT2) is greater than or equal to the reference difference value. Otherwise, the processor 290 determines that the aerosol-forming article is not inserted into the heating space and that the external magnetic force is positioned adjacent to the aerosol-generating device 200 . In addition, the processor 290 may display through the display unit 220 that the aerosol-forming article is not inserted and/or the external magnetic force is adjacent.

In addition, it is important for the processor 290 to set three time points t1, t2, and t3 so that a larger difference value ΔT1-ΔT2 is generated depending on whether an aerosol-forming article is inserted or not. In order to use the fact that the slope of the temperature graph in FIG. 3A is greater than the slopes of the temperature graphs in FIGS. 3C and 3D, the processor 290 applies the temperature sensing value to the reference slope range when the aerosol-forming article is inserted. The time point t3 including the slope from the start point (or the start point of the heating operation) to the time point t3 is selected and stored. The reference slope range is smaller than the temperature slope in FIG. 3A when no aerosol-forming article is inserted. In addition, the processor 290 selects and stores t1 and t2 as time points before the time point t3, respectively. The slope from the point of application of the temperature detection value (or the start of the heating operation) to the time point t1 and the slope from the application of the temperature detection value (or the start of the heating operation) to the time point t2 are also criteria. included in the slope range.

The above-described reference difference value and/or reference slope range are set to reflect mechanical differences of the aerosol generating device or differences in heating operation. For example, the reference difference value and/or the reference inclination range may be corrected by performing a plurality of heating operations.

The aerosol generating device 200 operates as follows.

First, the power unit 230 starts in a state in which power is supplied to the processor 290 and the power supply unit 240 .

When a magnetic body is adjacent to the magnetic force detection unit 248, the magnetic force detection unit 248 generates a magnetic force detection signal and applies it to the processor 290, and the processor 290, based on the magnetic force detection signal, generates an aerosol-forming article. It is determined that it is inserted into the heating space, and AC power is applied to the induction heating coil 242 by controlling the power supply unit 240 to start a heating operation.

From the start of the heating operation, the temperature sensor 250 applies the temperature sensing value to the processor 290 every reference time (eg, 10 ms). The processor 290 receives temperature detection values from the temperature sensor 250, and the first time intervals (t1 to t1) are obtained from the temperature detection values at different time points (t1), (t2), and (t3), respectively. The 1-1st temperature change rate (ΔT1) in t2) and the 1-2nd temperature change rate (ΔT2) in the second time intervals (t2 to t3) are respectively calculated.

In addition, the processor 290 calculates a difference value (ΔT1-ΔT2) between the 1-1st and 1-2th temperature change rates (ΔT1) and (ΔT2) and compares it with the reference difference value. If the difference value (ΔT1-ΔT2) is greater than or equal to the reference difference value, the processor 290 determines that the aerosol-forming article is inserted into the heating space, continuously controls the power supply 240 to continue performing the aerosol generating function, complete If the difference value (ΔT1-ΔT2) is less than the reference difference value, the processor 290 determines that the aerosol-forming article is not inserted into the heating space, and controls the power supply 240 so that the power supply 240 induction heating The heating operation is stopped by not applying AC power to the coil, thereby preventing unnecessary power consumption or fire. In addition, the processor 290 informs the user by displaying through the display unit 220 that the aerosol-forming article is not inserted and/or the external magnetic force is adjacent.

At least a part of a device (eg, a processor or functions thereof) or a method (eg, operations) according to various embodiments may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium in the form of a program module. Can be implemented as stored instructions. When the command is executed by a processor, the one or more processors may perform a function corresponding to the command. A computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, a memory.

Computer-readable recording media include hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic media (eg magnetic tape), optical media (eg CD-ROM, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), magnetic- It may include optical media (e.g., a floptical disk), hardware devices (e.g., ROM, RAM, or flash memory, etc.), etc. In addition, the program instructions may include the same as generated by a compiler. It may include not only machine code but also high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. The above-described hardware device may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform operations of various embodiments, The reverse is the same.

Processors or functions by processors according to various embodiments may include at least one or more of the aforementioned elements, some may be omitted, or additional elements may be further included. Operations performed by modules, program modules, or other components according to various embodiments may be executed in a sequential, parallel, repetitive, or heuristic manner. Also, some actions may be performed in a different order, omitted, or other actions may be added.

As described above, the embodiment is not limited to the specific preferred embodiment described above, and anyone having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs can make various modifications without departing from the gist of the embodiment claimed in the claims. Of course, such changes are within the scope of the claims.

Claims (17)

a case with an open upper side and an insertion space formed therein;
a heating device mounted in the insertion space of the case, having a hollow heating space into which an aerosol-forming article is inserted, and performing a heating operation on the heating space under the control of a processor;
a power supply unit for supplying power;
a power supply unit supplying or cutting off power supplied from the power supply unit to the heating device according to a control signal of the processor;
a temperature sensing unit for applying a temperature sensing value corresponding to the temperature of the heating device to the processor;
an object detection unit generating an object detection value for determining whether an object is inserted into the heating space of the heating device and applying the generated object detection value to a processor;
The aerosol generating function is performed by the heating operation of the heating device, but using at least one of the object detection value from the object detection unit and the temperature detection value from the temperature detection unit determines whether an object is inserted into the heating space , When the object is inserted into the heating space, the heating operation or main heating operation is automatically or continuously performed by determining whether an aerosol-forming article having a predetermined characteristic is inserted (existing) into the heating space. An aerosol-generating device comprising a processor. According to claim 1,
The aerosol generating device, characterized in that the processor determines whether the object is inserted into the heating space by comparing the object detection value from the object detection unit with the reference object detection value. According to claim 2,
An aerosol generating device, characterized in that each of the object detection value and the reference object detection value is a color value or strength of magnetic force. According to claim 1,
The processor controls the power supply so that the heating device performs a preheating operation, calculates a temperature change value of the temperature detection value from the temperature sensor in the preheating operation, and calculates the temperature change value and the first reference temperature change An aerosol generating device characterized in that it is determined whether the object is inserted into the heating space by comparing the values. According to claim 4,
The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the processor controls the power supply so that no aerosol is generated from the object or aerosol-forming article during the preheating operation. According to claim 1,
The processor controls the power supply so that the heating device performs a preheating operation, calculates a temperature change value of the temperature detection value from the temperature sensor in the preheating operation, and calculates the temperature change value and the second reference temperature change and comparing the values to determine whether an aerosol-forming article having a predetermined characteristic is inserted into the heating space (state where it exists). According to claim 6,
The processor performs the main heating operation following the preheating operation when the aerosol-forming article having a predetermined characteristic is inserted. According to claim 6,
The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the processor does not perform the heating operation when an aerosol-forming article having a predetermined characteristic is not inserted. According to claim 8,
The aerosol generating device has a display unit,
The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the processor guides insertion of an aerosol-forming article having a predetermined characteristic through a display unit when the aerosol-forming article having a predetermined characteristic is not inserted. According to claim 1 or 2,
The processor starts and performs a heating operation by controlling the power supply unit according to the object detection value from the object detection unit, and determines first and second temperature change rates in first and second time intervals between a plurality of time points. An aerosol generating device characterized in that it is determined whether an aerosol-forming article is inserted into the heating space on the basis of a criterion. According to claim 10,
The aerosol generating device, characterized in that the processor determines whether the aerosol-forming article is inserted into the heating space by calculating a difference value between the first temperature change rate and the second temperature change rate and comparing the calculated difference value with the reference difference value. According to claim 11,
When the calculated difference value is equal to or greater than the reference difference value, the processor determines that the aerosol-forming article is inserted into the heating space and continues the heating operation. According to claim 11,
When the calculated difference value is less than the reference difference value, the processor determines that the aerosol-forming article is not inserted into the heating space and controls the power supply to stop the heating operation. According to claim 13,
The aerosol generating device has a display unit,
The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the processor indicates through the indicating portion that no aerosol-forming article is inserted. According to claim 10,
The aerosol generating device, characterized in that the first time period and the second time period do not overlap. According to claim 10,
An aerosol generating device, characterized in that, when an aerosol-forming article is inserted into the heating space, a slope from the start of the heating operation to each of a plurality of time points is included in the reference slope range. According to claim 10,
An aerosol-generating device, characterized in that the aerosol-forming article comprises a magnetic body or magnetic material therein or on its surface.

Images