KR20230154723A - Aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is disclosed. The aerosol generating device of the present disclosure includes a chamber for storing liquid; a heater that heats the liquid; a resistance detection sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater; and a control unit that calculates the temperature of the heater based on the resistance value of the heater, wherein the control unit calculates the temperature of the heater in response to the supply of preset sensing power to the heater in the first preheating section. 1 temperature, and based on the fact that the temperature of the heater exceeds the first temperature, in the second preheating section, the temperature of the heater is set to the first temperature in response to the supply of the sensing power to the heater. It may be determined whether a second temperature higher than 1 temperature is exceeded, and based on the temperature of the heater exceeding the second temperature, it may be determined that the liquid is exhausted.

Description

Aerosol generating device {AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE}

This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

An aerosol generating device is intended to extract certain components from a medium or material through aerosol. The medium may contain substances of various compositions. Substances included in the medium may be flavor substances of various ingredients. For example, substances included in the medium may include nicotine ingredients, herbal ingredients, and/or coffee ingredients. Recently, much research has been conducted on such aerosol generating devices.

The present disclosure aims to solve the above-described problems and other problems.

Another purpose may be to provide an aerosol generating device that can determine whether the liquid aerosol generating material is smoothly supplied to the liquid delivery means based on the temperature of the heater in the preheating section.

Another purpose may be to provide an aerosol generating device that can smoothly supply an aerosol-generating material to a liquid delivery means when the liquid delivery means lacks a liquid aerosol-generating material.

Another purpose may be to provide an aerosol generating device that can accurately determine whether the liquid aerosol generating material is exhausted based on the temperature of the heater in the preheating section.

An aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described object includes a chamber for storing liquid; a heater that heats the liquid; a heater temperature sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the temperature of the heater; and a control unit that monitors the temperature of the heater through the temperature sensor, wherein the control unit, in a first preheating section, adjusts the temperature of the heater to a first temperature in response to the supply of preset sensing power to the heater. Based on whether the temperature of the heater exceeds the first temperature, and in the second preheating section, the temperature of the heater is lower than the first temperature in response to the supply of the sensing power to the heater. It may be determined whether the high second temperature is exceeded, and based on the temperature of the heater exceeding the second temperature, it may be determined that the liquid is exhausted.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, it may be determined whether the liquid aerosol-generating material is smoothly supplied to the liquid delivery means based on the temperature of the heater in the preheating section.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the liquid aerosol-generating material is insufficient in the liquid delivery means, the aerosol-generating material can be smoothly supplied to the liquid delivery means.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to accurately determine whether the liquid aerosol-generating material is exhausted based on the temperature of the heater in the preheating section.

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, the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, should be understood as being given by way of example only.

Figure 1. This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
2 to 4. These are drawings referenced in the description of the aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
Figures 5 and 6. These are drawings referenced in the description of the stick according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
Figure 7 is a diagram referenced in the description of the configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
8A and 8B are flowcharts showing a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
9 to 14 are drawings referenced in the description of the operation of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the reference numerals, identical or similar components will be given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The suffixes “module” and “unit” for components used in the following description may be given or used interchangeably, considering only the ease of writing the specification. “Module” and “part” themselves do not have distinct meanings or roles.

Additionally, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that detailed descriptions of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed descriptions will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings. The attached drawings should be understood to include all changes, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

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

When a component is referred to as being “connected” or “connected” to another component, it may be directly connected or connected to the other component. However, it should be understood that other components may exist in the middle. On the other hand, when it is mentioned that a component is “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

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

Figure 1. This 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/ Alternatively, it may include a control unit 17.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may consist of only the main body. In this case, the 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 cartridge holding an aerosol generating material and a main body. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be located in 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 a network. For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wired communication such as USB (universal serial bus). 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 near field communication (NFC). You can.

The input/output interface 12 may include an input device that receives commands from a user and/or an output device that outputs information to the user. For example, the input device may include a touch panel, physical buttons, microphone, etc. For example, output devices include display devices that output visual information such as displays and light emitting diodes (LEDs), audio devices that output auditory information such as speakers and buzzers, and tactile information such as haptic effects. It may include a motor, etc.

The input/output interface 12 may transmit data corresponding to a command input from the 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 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, or a gel state, that can generate an aerosol.

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

Solid aerosol-generating materials may include solid materials based on tobacco raw materials, such as leaf sheets, cut fillers, and granules. Additionally, solid aerosol-generating materials may include solid materials containing taste control agents, flavoring agents, etc. For example, the taste modifier may include calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium oxide, etc. For example, the flavoring material may include natural substances such as herb granules, or silica, zeolite, dextrin, etc. containing fragrance ingredients.

Additionally, the aerosol-generating material may further include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

The aerosol generation module 13 may include at least one heater.

The aerosol generation module 13 may include an electrically resistive heater. For example, an electrically resistive heater may include at least one electrically conductive track. Electrical resistive heaters can be heated by current flowing in electrically conductive tracks. At this time, the aerosol-generating material may be heated by a heated electrical resistance 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 track may be formed of a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite of a ceramic material and a metal.

Electrical resistive heaters can include electrically conductive tracks formed in various shapes. For example, the electrically conductive track can be formed in any one of a tubular shape, a plate shape, a needle shape, a rod shape, and a coil shape.

The aerosol generation module 13 may include a heater using an induction heating method. For example, an induction heater may include an electrically conductive coil. Induction heaters can generate an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically by controlling the current flowing through an electrically conductive coil. At this time, when an alternating magnetic field is applied to the magnetic material, energy loss due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss may occur in the magnetic material. Additionally, as the energy lost is released as thermal energy, the aerosol-generating material adjacent to the magnetic material may be heated. Here, an object that generates heat by a magnetic field may be named a susceptor.

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

The aerosol generation module 13 may be named a cartomizer, atomizer, vaporizer, etc.

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

For example, the memory 14 may store application programs designed to perform various tasks that can be processed by the control unit 17. The memory 14 may selectively provide some of the stored application programs upon request from 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 charges of the battery 16, the number of discharges of the battery 16, at least one temperature profile, Data about the user's suction pattern, data about charging/discharging, etc. may be stored. Here, the puff may refer to the user's inhalation. Inhalation can refer to situations where a user draws something into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the mouth or nose.

The memory 14 is volatile memory (e.g., DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.), non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), solid state drive (Solid- It may include at least one of state drive (SSD), etc.).

The sensor module 15 may include at least one sensor.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor that detects a puff (hereinafter referred to as a puff sensor). At this time, 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, etc.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a temperature sensor) that detects the temperature of the heater included in the aerosol generating module 13, the temperature of the aerosol generating material, etc. At this time, the heater included in the aerosol generation module 13 may serve as a temperature sensor. for example. The electrically resistive material of the heater may be a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance. The sensor module 15 can sense the temperature of the heater by measuring the resistance of the heater that varies depending on the temperature.

For example, when a stick can be inserted into the main body of the aerosol generating device 10, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a stick detection sensor) that detects 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 capacitance-type sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc.

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

The battery 16 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 10 under the control of the control unit 17. The battery 16 can supply power to other components provided 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, etc.

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, if the battery 16 is rechargeable, the charging rate (C-rate) of the battery 16 may be 10C and the discharge rate (C-rate) may be 10C to 20C, but are not limited thereto. Additionally, for stable use, the battery 16 can be manufactured so that more than 80% of the total capacity can be secured even when charging/discharging is performed 2000 times.

The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a protection circuit module (PCM), which is a circuit for protecting the battery 16. The protection circuit module (PCM) may be disposed adjacent to the upper surface of the battery 16. For example, the protection circuit module (PCM) prevents overcharging and overdischarging of the battery 16 when a short circuit occurs in the circuit connected to the battery 16 or when overvoltage is applied to the battery 16. , the electric path to the battery 16 can be blocked, such as when an overcurrent flows in the battery 16.

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

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 can receive power wirelessly using an antenna included in a communication module for wireless communication. The aerosol generating device 10 can charge the battery 16 using power supplied wirelessly.

The control unit 17 can 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 control the overall operation of each component by transmitting and/or receiving signals between each component and each other.

The control unit 17 may include at least one processor. The control unit 17 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10 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 another hardware-based processor.

The control unit 17 may perform one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the control unit 17 performs a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 10 according to the status of each component provided in the aerosol generating device 10, the user's command received through the input/output interface 12, etc. For example: preheating function, heating function, charging function, cleaning function, etc.) can be performed.

The control unit 17 can 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 supplies predetermined power from the battery 16 to the aerosol generating module 13 for a predetermined time based on data about the temperature profile, user's inhalation pattern, etc. stored in the memory 14. You can control it.

The control unit 17 can determine whether there is a puff through the puff sensor included in the sensor module 15. For example, the control unit 17 may check temperature changes, flow changes, pressure changes, voltage changes, etc. within the aerosol generating device 10 based on the sensing value of the puff sensor. The control unit 17 may determine whether there is a puff according to the confirmation result 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 depending on whether there is a puff 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 the power supply to the heater to be cut off according to predetermined conditions. For example, when the stick is removed, when the cartridge is separated, when the number of puffs reaches the preset maximum number of puffs, or when no puffs are detected for more than a preset time, the remaining capacity of the battery 16 is reduced to a predetermined value. In cases where the power is less than 100%, the control unit 17 can control the power supply to the heater to be cut off.

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

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

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

For example, the control unit 17 may determine the target temperature that is the target of control based on the temperature profile. At this time, the control unit 17 uses the PID method, which is a feedback control method through the difference value between the temperature of the heater and the target temperature, the integral value of the difference value over time, and the differential value of the difference value over time. Using this, the power supplied to the heater can be controlled.

Meanwhile, the PWM method and the PID method have been described as examples of control methods for supplying power to the heater, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present invention is not limited to the Proportional-Integral (PI) method and the Proportional-Differential (Proportional-Integral) method. Various control methods such as Differential (PD) method can be used.

Meanwhile, the control unit 17 can control power to be supplied to the heater according to preset conditions. For example, when a cleaning function that cleans the space where the stick is inserted is selected according to a command input from the user through the input/output interface 12, the control unit 17 can control the heater to be supplied with a certain amount of power.

2 and 6 are diagrams referenced in the description of the aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

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

Referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment may include a main body 100 supporting the cartridge 200 and a cartridge 200 holding an aerosol generating material.

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

The main body 100 may be formed in a structure that allows external air to flow into the main body 100 when the cartridge 200 is inserted. At this time, external air introduced into the main body 100 may pass through the cartridge 200 and flow into the user's mouth.

The control unit 17 can determine whether the cartridge 200 is mounted/detached through the 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 the pulse current is received through the other terminal. can do.

The cartridge 200 may include a storage portion 220 that holds the aerosol-generating material and/or a heater 210 that heats the aerosol-generating material in the storage portion 220. For example, a liquid delivery means impregnated with an aerosol-generating material may be disposed inside the reservoir 220, and the electrically conductive track of the heater 210 may be formed in a structure that winds around the liquid delivery means. . At this time, as the liquid delivery means is heated by the heater 210, an aerosol may be generated. Here, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

Cartridge 200 may include a mouthpiece 225. Here, the mouthpiece 225 may be a part that is inserted into the user's oral cavity, and may include a discharge hole through which aerosol is discharged to the outside when puffed.

Referring to FIG. 3, the cartridge 200 may include an insertion space 230 into which the stick 20 can be inserted. For example, the cartridge 200 may include an insertion space 230 formed by an inner wall (not shown) extending in the circumferential direction along the direction in which the stick 20 is inserted. At this time, the insertion space 230 may be formed by opening the inside of the inner wall upward and downward. The stick 20 can 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 the 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 peripheral surface of the stick 20 is surrounded by the inner wall and may be in contact with the inner wall.

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

The user can inhale the aerosol while holding one end of the stick 20 with his or her mouth. The aerosol generated by the first 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 oral cavity through one end of the stick 20. there is.

The control unit 17 may monitor the number of puffs based on the sensing value of the puff sensor from the time the stick 20 is inserted.

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

The cartridge 200 may include a second heater 215 that heats the stick 20. The second heater 215 may be disposed at a position within the cartridge 200 corresponding to the position of the stick 20 when the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 230. The second heater 215 may be configured as an electrically conductive heater and/or an inductive heater. The second heater 215 may heat the inside and/or outside of the stick 20 using power supplied from the battery 16.

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

The aerosol generating device 100 includes a first heater 210 that heats the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200 and/or a second heater 115 that heats the stick 20 inserted into the main body 100. It can be included. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200 and the stick 20 through the first heater 210 and the second heater 115, respectively. You can.

The stick 20 may be similar to a typical combustion-type cigarette. For example, the stick 20 may be divided into a first part containing an aerosol-generating material and a second part containing a filter, etc. Alternatively, the second portion of the stick 20 may also contain an aerosol-generating material. An aerosol-generating material, for example in the form of granules or capsules, may be inserted into the second portion.

Hereinafter, the description will be based on an embodiment in which the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 formed in the housing 101 of the main body 100.

5 to 6. These are drawings referenced in the description of the stick according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed description of overlapping content in FIGS. 5 and 6 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 a filter rod 22 .

In Figure 5, the filter rod 22 is shown as a single segment, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22 may be composed of a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters certain components contained within the aerosol. Additionally, if necessary, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment that performs another function.

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

The stick 20 may be packaged by at least one wrapper 24. At least one hole may be formed in the wrapper 24 through which external air flows in or internal gas flows out. As an example, the stick 20 may be packaged by one wrapper 24. As another example, the stick 20 may be overlappingly wrapped by two or more wrappers 24. For example, the cigarette rod 21 may be packaged 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 filter rod 22 packaged by individual wrappers may be combined. The entire stick 20 can be repackaged by the third wrapper 245. If each filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped by an individual wrapper 242, 243, and 244. The entire stick 20, in which segments wrapped by individual wrappers are combined, can be repackaged 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. Additionally, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of oil-resistant paper and/or aluminum laminate packaging.

The third wrapper 243 may be made of hard paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be within the range of 88 g/m2 to 96 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be within the range of 90 g/m2 to 94 g/m2. Additionally, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be within 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 wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within the range of 88 g/m2 to 96 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within the range of 90 g/m2 to 94 g/m2. Additionally, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within 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, sterilized paper (MFW) may refer to paper specially manufactured to improve tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be within the range of 57 g/m2 to 63 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 60 g/m2. Additionally, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be within the range of 64um to 70um. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 67um.

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

The fifth wrapper 245 can 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 may burn. 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 burn. Even in this case, since the fifth wrapper 245 includes a non-combustible material, combustion of the stick 20 can be prevented.

Additionally, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the main body 100 from being contaminated by substances generated from the stick 20. Liquid substances may be created within the stick 20 by the user's puff. For example, as the aerosol generated from the stick 20 is cooled by external air, liquid substances (eg, moisture, etc.) may be generated. As the fifth wrapper 245 wraps the stick 20, liquid substances generated within the stick 20 can be prevented from leaking out of the stick 20.

The tobacco load 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. Additionally, the tobacco rod 21 may contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants and/or organic acids. Additionally, a flavoring agent such as menthol or a moisturizer can be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it on the tobacco rod 21 .

The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured as a sheet. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured as a strand. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be made of cut filler from which tobacco sheets are chopped into small pieces. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. As an example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can evenly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21 and improve the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod 21. This may improve the taste of the tobacco. The heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may function as a susceptor that is heated by an induction 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. Meanwhile, there are no restrictions on the shape of the filter rod 22. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a tube-type rod containing a hollow interior. 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 interior. When the heater 110 is inserted through the first segment, the internal material of the tobacco rod 21 can be prevented from being pushed back, and the cooling effect of the aerosol can also be generated. The diameter of the hollow included in the first segment may be an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The length of the first segment may be an appropriate length within the 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 generated by the heater 110 heating the tobacco rod 21 . Therefore, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

The length or diameter of the second segment may be determined in various ways depending on the shape of the stick 20. For example, the length of the second segment may be appropriately adopted within the 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, the flavoring liquid may be applied to fibers made of polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be manufactured by weaving separate fibers coated with a flavoring agent and fibers made of polymer together. Alternatively, the second segment may be formed by a crimped polymer sheet.

For example, the polymer may be 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. It can be made from materials.

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

For example, the second segment comprised 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. Additionally, the total surface area of the second segment can be between about 300 mm2/mm and about 1000 mm2/mm. Additionally, the aerosol cooling element can be formed from a material having a specific surface area between about 10 mm2/mg and about 100 mm2/mg.

Meanwhile, the second segment may include threads containing volatile flavor components. Here, the volatile flavor component may be, but is not limited to, menthol. For example, the thread may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide the second segment with more than 1.5 mg of menthol.

The third segment of filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be appropriately adopted within the 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 can be manufactured to generate flavor. As an example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed on the filter rod 22. As an example, a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 22.

Additionally, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 can perform the function of generating flavor. The capsule 23 may also perform the function of generating aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing 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 of the tobacco rod 31 opposite to the filter rod 32 . The shear plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from coming out. The shear plug 33 can prevent the liquefied aerosol 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 in FIG. 5 . The second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 in FIG. 5 .

The diameter and overall length of the stick 30 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the stick 20 in 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. However, it is not limited to this.

The stick 30 may be packaged by at least one wrapper 35. At least one hole may be formed in the wrapper 35 through which external air flows in or internal gas flows out. For example, the shear plug 33 is packaged by the first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 is packaged by the second wrapper 352, and the first segment ( 321) may be packaged, and the second segment 322 may be packaged by the fourth wrapper 354. And, the entire stick 30 can be repackaged by the fifth wrapper 355.

Additionally, 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.

Additionally, the second segment 322 may include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may perform the 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 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 combined with a general filter wrapper. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be within the range of 45um to 55um. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be 50.3 um. Additionally, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be within the range of 6um to 7um. For example, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be 6.3 um. Additionally, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be within the range of 50 g/m2 to 55 g/m2. 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 paper. 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 35000CU, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be within the range of 70um to 80um. For example, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be 78um. Additionally, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be within the range of 20 g/m2 to 25 g/m2. 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 24000CU, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be within the range of 60um to 70um. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be 68um. Additionally, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be within the range of 20 g/m2 to 25 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of 3 wrappers 353 may be 21 g/m2.

The fourth wrapper 354 may be made of PLA lamination. Here, PLA laminate may mean 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 within the range of 100um to 120um. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 110um. Additionally, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be within the range of 80 g/m2 to 100 g/m2. 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, sterilized paper (MFW) may refer to paper specially manufactured to improve tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be within the range of 57 g/m2 to 63 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 60 g/m2. Additionally, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be within the range of 64um to 70um. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 67um.

The fifth wrapper 355 may be internally added with a predetermined material. Here, an example of a certain material may be silicon, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicone has properties such as heat resistance with little change depending on temperature, oxidation resistance without oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any material having the above-mentioned characteristics can 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 manufactured by adding a plasticizer (eg, triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be within the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments that make up cellulose acetate tow may fall within the range of 4.0 to 6.0. For example, the mono denier of the filament of shear plug 33 may be 5.0. Additionally, the cross section of the filament constituting the shear plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the shear plug 33 may be within the range of 20,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the shear plug 33 may be within the range of 25,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the shear plug 33 may be 28000.

Additionally, if necessary, the shear plug 33 may include at least one channel. The cross-sectional shape of the channel of the shear plug 330 can be manufactured in various ways.

The cigarette rod 31 may correspond to the cigarette rod 21 described above with reference to FIG. 5 . Therefore, 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 interior. 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 filament constituting the second segment 322 may be within the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filament of the second segment 322 may be within the range of 8.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filament of second segment 322 may be 9.0. Additionally, 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 within the range of 20,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the second segment 322 may be 25000.

Referring to FIG. 7, the aerosol generating device 10 includes a resistance detection sensor 150, a temperature sensor 153, a puff sensor 155, a battery 16, a power supply circuit 160, and/or a heater 210. ) may include.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a resistance detection sensor 150, a temperature sensor 153, a puff sensor 155, a battery 16, and/or a power supply circuit 160 may be disposed in the main body 100. You can. A first heater 210 may be disposed in the cartridge 200.

When the main body 100 and the cartridge 200 are combined, the resistance detection sensor 150 of the main body 100 may be electrically connected to the first 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 can supply power to the first heater 210 using the power stored in the battery 16. At this time, the power supplied from the power supply circuit 160 to the first heater 210 may be adjusted according to the control of the control unit 17.

The power supply circuit 160 may include a converter that converts the voltage output from the battery 16. For example, the converter may include a buck-converter that steps down the voltage output from the battery 16. In the present disclosure, a buck converter is described as an example of a configuration that converts voltage, but is not limited thereto. For example, the power supply circuit 160 may include a buck-boost converter, Zener diode, etc.

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

The control unit 17 operates the first heater 210 based on the power supplied to the first heater 210 from the power supply circuit 160, the current flowing through the first heater 210 and the resistance detection sensor 150, etc. The voltage (V1) applied to the resistance detection sensor 150 can be determined. The control unit 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 control unit 17 calculates the difference (V1-V2) between the voltage (V1) applied to the first heater 210 and the resistance detection sensor 150 and the voltage (V2) applied to the shunt resistor. It can be calculated from the voltage applied to (210). Additionally, the control unit 17 may calculate the resistance value (Rh) of the first heater 210 based on the voltage applied to the first heater 210 and the current flowing through the first heater 210. .

Accordingly, the control unit 17 uses the current flowing in the first heater 210 calculated through the resistance detection sensor 150 even while the wick is heated by the first heater 210, and operates the first heater ( 210) temperature can be determined in real time.

Meanwhile, the resistance of the first heater 210 may be a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance, and the resistance value (Rh) of the first heater 210 may vary depending on the temperature of the resistance. Based on a calculation formula for calculating the temperature of the first heater 210, the control unit 17 generates a resistance temperature coefficient of the first heater 210, a resistance value (Rh) of the first heater 210, and a standard The temperature of the first heater 210 corresponding to the resistance value of the first heater 210 at the temperature may be calculated. Here, the calculation equation for calculating the temperature of the first heater 210 may correspond to Equation 1 below.

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

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

The temperature sensor 153 may output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the gas flowing into the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the temperature sensor 153 may be placed in a flow path through which gas flowing into the aerosol generating device 10 flows. In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 153 is described as being implemented as a sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the temperature of the gas flowing into the aerosol generating device 10, but is not limited thereto. For example, temperature sensor 153 may be a sensor disposed adjacent to battery 16 to detect the temperature of battery 16.

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 airflow path through which the gas flows. In this embodiment, the puff sensor 155 is described as being implemented as a pressure sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 10, but is not limited to this.

Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, the temperature sensor 153 and the puff sensor 155 may be implemented as one configuration.

The control unit 17 may make a determination regarding the puff based on a signal received from the puff sensor 155. For example, the control unit 17 may determine whether a puff is generated based on the sensing value of the signal from 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 from the puff sensor 150. For example, the control unit 17 may determine the time at which the puff occurred (hereinafter referred to as puff time) based on the sensing value of the signal from the puff sensor 150.

The control unit 17 may control the aerosol generation module 13 based on the generation of puffs. For example, the control unit 17 may control the aerosol generation module 13 so that power is supplied to the first heater 210 included in the aerosol generation module 13 based on the generation of a puff.

The control unit 17 may update data stored in the memory 14 based on the occurrence of a puff. For example, the control unit 17 may update the current number of puffs stored in the memory 14 based on the occurrence of puffs. For example, the control unit 17 may update data on the intensity of the puff stored in the memory 14 based on the occurrence of the puff.

8A and 8B are flowcharts showing a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 8A, the aerosol generating device 10 may supply predetermined power to the first heater 210 in the first preheating section in operation S801. Here, the predetermined power may be power supplied to the first heater 210 to detect the temperature of the first heater 210 (hereinafter referred to as sensing power).

In this embodiment, the section in which aerosol is generated through heating of the first heater 210 in response to detection of the puff through the puff sensor 155 may be called a heating section. Meanwhile, the section in which the puff is not detected, for example, the section corresponding to the time the puff ends and the time the puff is detected again, may be called a preheating section.

The aerosol generating device 10 may supply a preset minimum power (hereinafter referred to as preheating power) to the first heater 210 based on the start of the preheating section. At this time, the preheating power may be lower than the sensing power. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may supply preheating power to the first heater 210 from the time the preheating section starts.

According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may supply sensing power higher than the preheating power to the first heater 210 based on the elapse of a predetermined time from the start of the preheating section. Here, the predetermined time may correspond to the time during which the liquid is supplied to the liquid delivery means (eg, wick) at a certain level or more. Meanwhile, the time during which sensing power is supplied to the first heater 210 may be shorter than a predetermined time. For example, the predetermined time may be preset to 3 seconds, and the time for which sensing power is supplied may be preset to 0.1 second.

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the temperature of the first heater 210 detected in response to the supply of sensing power exceeds the preset first temperature in operation S802. Here, the first temperature may be a temperature (e.g., 210° C.) corresponding to the case where the liquid is supplied to the liquid delivery means (e.g., wick) below a certain level. For example, when the amount of aerosol-generating material flowing into the liquid delivery means is temporarily reduced due to bubbles formed in the chamber while the liquid aerosol-generating material is not exhausted, the first heater is heated by supply of sensing power. The temperature of 210 may temporarily increase above the first temperature.

The aerosol generating device 10 may stop preheating the first heater 210 based on the temperature of the first heater 210 exceeding the first temperature in operation S803. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may stop supplying preheating power to the first heater 210. Through this, the liquid can be more smoothly supplied to the liquid delivery means (e.g., wick) before the heating section is started, while the liquid aerosol-generating material is not exhausted.

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether a puff is detected through the puff sensor 155 in operation S804. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine that a puff has been generated based on the fact 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 been generated based on the fact that the amount of change in the internal pressure value of the aerosol generating device 10 is greater than or equal to the minimum change amount.

The aerosol generating device 10 may perform heating on the first heater 210 based on detection of the puff in operation S805. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 operates the first heater 210 based on a preset temperature profile stored in the memory 14 so that the temperature of the first heater 210 rises to the temperature for generating aerosol. Power can be supplied to. At this time, the power supplied to the first heater 210 in the heating section (hereinafter referred to as heating power) may be higher than the sensing power.

According to one embodiment, the power preset to be supplied to the first heater 210 in the heating section may vary depending on the number of puffs, the time elapsed in the heating section, etc. For example, while a puff is detected, the power supplied to the first heater 210 may decrease in response to the passage of time during which the puff is detected.

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether to end heating the first heater 210 in operation S806. The aerosol generating device 10 may end heating the first heater 210 when the puff ends. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine that the puff has ended based on the fact 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 the slope corresponding to the change in the internal pressure value of the aerosol generating device 10 being greater than 0.

The aerosol generating device 10 may supply sensing power to the first heater 210 in the second preheating section in operation S807. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may supply sensing power to the first heater 210 based on the elapse of a predetermined time from the start of the second preheating section.

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the temperature of the first heater 210 detected in response to the supply of sensing power exceeds the preset second temperature in operation S808. At this time, the second temperature may be higher than the first temperature. The second temperature may be a temperature (e.g., 240° C.) corresponding to when the liquid contained in the liquid delivery means (e.g., wick) is below a minimum level as the liquid is depleted.

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine that the liquid aerosol generating material is exhausted based on the fact that the temperature of the first heater 210 exceeds the second temperature in operation S809. At this time, the aerosol generating device 10 may block the supply of power to the first heater 210 in response to exhaustion of the aerosol generating material. Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 10 may maintain power supply to the first heater 210 cut off until the cartridge 200 is replaced. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may block the supply of power to the first heater 210 despite detection of a puff through the puff sensor 155.

Referring to FIG. 8B, in operation S810, the aerosol generating device 10 operates when the temperature of the first heater 210 in the first preheating section is below the first temperature, or in the second preheating section, the first heater 210 ) If the temperature is below the second temperature, it can be determined whether a puff is detected through the puff sensor 155. At this time, the aerosol generating device 10 may supply preheating power to the first heater 210 until the puff is detected.

The aerosol generating device 10 may perform heating on the first heater 210 based on detection of the puff in operation S811.

According to one embodiment, based on the fact that the temperature of the first heater 210 detected in the first preheating section is below the first temperature, the first heating power may be supplied to the first heater 210 in the subsequent heating section. . Meanwhile, based on the fact that the temperature of the first heater 210 detected in the first preheating section exceeds the first temperature, a second heating power lower than the first heating power is supplied to the first heater 210 in the subsequent heating section. It can be. That is, if the aerosol generating device 10 determines that the level of liquid supplied to the liquid delivery means (e.g., wick) is below a certain level, it will supply relatively low power to the first heater 210 in the heating section. You can. Through this, the liquid can be more smoothly supplied to the liquid delivery means (e.g., wick) until the sensing power is supplied to the first heater 210 in the second preheating section while the liquid aerosol generating material is not exhausted. You can.

According to one embodiment, based on the fact that the temperature of the first heater 210 detected in the first preheating section is below the first temperature, power will be supplied to the first heater 210 during the first heating time in the subsequent heating section. You can. Meanwhile, based on the temperature of the first heater 210 detected in the first preheating section exceeding the first temperature, power is applied to the first heater 210 during the second heating time shorter than the first heating time in the subsequent heating section. This can be supplied. That is, when the aerosol generating device 10 determines that the level of liquid supplied to the liquid delivery means (e.g., wick) is below a certain level, the aerosol generating device 10 supplies power to the first heater 210 for a relatively short time in the heating section. can be supplied to. Through this, the liquid can be more smoothly supplied to the liquid delivery means (e.g., wick) until the sensing power is supplied to the first heater 210 in the second preheating section while the liquid aerosol generating material is not exhausted. You can.

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether to end heating the first heater 210 in operation S812. The aerosol generating device 10 may end heating the first heater 210 when the puff ends. At this time, the aerosol generating device 10 may supply preheating power to the first heater 210 in the first preheating section based on the end of the puff. Additionally, the aerosol generating device 10 may re-determine whether the temperature of the first heater 210 detected in response to the supply of sensing power in the first preheating section exceeds the preset first temperature.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10 , preheating power P0 may be supplied to the first heater 210 until t1, which is the first preheating section. At this time, while the preheating power P0 is supplied to the first heater 210, the temperature of the first heater 210 may be maintained at the target temperature T0 in the preheating section.

Meanwhile, the sensing power P1 may be supplied to the first heater 210 from time t1 to time t2, when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the first preheating section. At this time, based on the fact that the temperature of the first heater 210 detected in response to the supply of the sensing power (P1) is lower than the first temperature (T1), the aerosol generating device 10 uses a liquid delivery means (e.g., a wick) ) can be judged to contain liquid above a certain level. Additionally, preheating power P0 may continue to be supplied to the first heater 210 even after time t2.

Based on the puff being detected at time t3, heating power P2 may be supplied to the first heater 210. At this time, aerosol may be generated due to the supply of heating power P2 to the first heater 210.

Meanwhile, preheating power P0 may be supplied to the first heater 210 from time t4 when the puff ends. At this time, based on the fact that the temperature of the first heater 210 detected in response to the supply of the sensing power (P1) in the previous preheating section is below the first temperature (T1), the first preheating section may be started again from time t4. there is.

Sensing power P1 may be supplied to the first heater 210 from time t5 to time t6, when a predetermined time has elapsed from time t4. At this time, based on the fact that the temperature of the first heater 210 detected in response to the supply of the sensing power P1 exceeds the first temperature T1, the aerosol generating device 10 uses a liquid delivery means (e.g. It can be determined that the wick) contains less than a certain level of liquid. In addition, the aerosol generating device 10 may stop supplying the preheating power P0 to the first heater 210 based on the temperature of the first heater 210 exceeding the first temperature T1. You can.

Based on the puff being detected at time t7, heating power P2 may be supplied to the first heater 210. Additionally, preheating power P0 may be supplied to the first heater 210 from time t8 when the puff ends. At this time, based on the temperature of the first heater 210 detected in response to the supply of the sensing power (P1) in the previous preheating section exceeding the first temperature (T1), the second preheating section will start from time t8. You can.

Sensing power P1 may be supplied to the first heater 210 from time t9 to time t10, when a predetermined time has elapsed from time t8. At this time, based on the fact that the temperature of the first heater 210 detected in response to the supply of the sensing power P1 is lower than the second temperature T2, it may be determined that the liquid aerosol generating material has not been exhausted. Additionally, preheating power P0 may continue to be supplied to the first heater 210 even after time t10.

Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 11 and 12 , preheating power P0 may be supplied to the first heater 210 until t1, which is the first preheating section. At this time, while the preheating power P0 is supplied to the first heater 210, the temperature of the first heater 210 may be maintained at the target temperature T0 in the preheating section.

Meanwhile, the sensing power P1 may be supplied to the first heater 210 from time t1 to time t2, when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the first preheating section. At this time, based on the fact that the temperature of the first heater 210 detected in response to the supply of the sensing power P1 exceeds the first temperature T1, the aerosol generating device 10 uses a liquid delivery means (e.g. It can be determined that the wick) contains less than a certain level of liquid. In addition, the aerosol generating device 10 may stop supplying the preheating power P0 to the first heater 210 based on the temperature of the first heater 210 exceeding the first temperature T1. You can.

Based on the puff being detected at time t3, heating power P2 may be supplied to the first heater 210. Additionally, preheating power P0 may be supplied to the first heater 210 from time t4 when the puff ends. At this time, based on the temperature of the first heater 210 detected in response to the supply of the sensing power (P1) in the previous preheating section exceeding the first temperature (T1), the second preheating section will start from time t4. You can.

Sensing power P1 may be supplied to the first heater 210 from time t5 to time t6, when a predetermined time has elapsed from time t4. At this time, based on the fact that the temperature of the first heater 210 detected in response to the supply of the sensing power (P1) is lower than the second temperature (T2), the aerosol generating device 10 determines that the liquid aerosol generating material is exhausted. It can be judged that it has been done.

The aerosol generating device 10 may block the supply of power to the first heater 210 from time t6 in response to the exhaustion of the liquid aerosol generating material.

According to one embodiment, in response to the exhaustion of the liquid aerosol-generating material, a message about the exhaustion of the aerosol-generating material may be output to the user. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may output a screen corresponding to the exhaustion of the aerosol generating material through a display. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may emit light corresponding to the exhaustion of the aerosol generating material through a light emitting diode (LED). For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may generate vibration corresponding to the exhaustion of the aerosol generating material through a motor.

Referring to FIG. 13, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an insertion space in which a cigarette 20 is placed may be formed at the top of the housing 201 of the aerosol generating device 10.

The insertion space may be formed by being recessed to a predetermined depth toward the inside of the housing 201 so that at least a portion of the cigarette 20 can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of the area in the cigarette 20 containing the aerosol-generating material. For example, if the aerosol generating device 10 is a device capable of using the cigarette 20 of FIG. 5, the depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of the tobacco rod 21 of the cigarette 20.

Inside the housing 201 of the aerosol generating device 10, components such as a battery 16, a printed circuit board 1310, and a heater may be disposed.

Each component provided in the aerosol generating device 10 may be mounted on one side and/or the other side of the printed circuit board 1310. Components mounted on the printed circuit board 1310 may transmit or receive signals to each other through the wiring layer of the printed circuit board 1310. For example, at least one communication module included in the communication interface 11, at least one sensor included in the sensor module 15, the control unit 17, etc. may be mounted on the printed circuit board 1310.

The printed circuit board 1310 may be placed adjacent to the battery 16. For example, the printed circuit board 1310 may be arranged so that one side faces the battery 16.

A display 1320 may be placed on one side of the housing 201. The display 1320 can display a screen according to a signal transmitted from the control unit 17.

A power terminal 1330 may be disposed on one side of the housing 201 of the aerosol generating device 10. The power terminal 1330 may be a wired terminal for wired communication such as USB.

A power supply circuit may be disposed between the battery 16 and the power terminal 1330. The power supply circuit can transmit power supplied from the outside to the battery 16 through the power terminal 1330. A power line 1335 that supplies power may be connected to the power terminal 1330. For example, the power terminal 1330 may be coupled to the connector of the power line 1335. The control unit 17 may determine whether the power line 1335 is connected to the power terminal 1330. For example, the control unit 17 may determine whether the power line 1335 is connected to the power terminal 1330 according to a signal generated in response to the connection between the power terminal 1330 and the power line 1335. .

Inside the housing 101, a motor 1340 that generates vibration may be disposed. The motor 1340 may adjust the period and/or intensity of vibration based on a signal transmitted from the control unit 17.

The structure of the aerosol generating device 10 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 13, and depending on the embodiment, it may include a battery 16, a printed circuit board 1310, a display 1320, a power terminal 1330, and a motor 1340. ), etc., may be placed differently.

According to one embodiment, when provided with a second heater 115 that heats the stick 20, the aerosol generating device 10 may initiate an operation for generating an aerosol based on insertion of the stick 20. You can. The second heater 115 may be named a stick heater 115. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may preheat the second heater 115 based on detection of the insertion of the stick 20 into the insertion space 130. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may supply preheating power to the first heater 210 based on the end of preheating for the second heater 115 .

According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may detect the resistance value of the first heater 210 based on the start of the operation for generating aerosol. At this time, the detected resistance value of the first heater 210 may be determined as the resistance value of the first heater 210 at the reference temperature used in the calculation equation for calculating the temperature of the first heater 210. Meanwhile, the reference temperature used in the calculation formula for calculating the temperature of the first heater 210 may correspond to the temperature of the gas detected through the temperature sensor 153 based on the start of the operation for generating aerosol. That is, the resistance value of the first heater 210 and the temperature of the gas detected after the operation for generating the aerosol is initiated but before the power supply to the first heater 210 is initiated are the temperature of the first heater 210. It can be used in the calculation formula to calculate .

Meanwhile, when a user uses a plurality of sticks 20 continuously, the sticks 20 may be reinserted into the insertion space 130 before the first heater 210 is sufficiently cooled. In addition, when the aerosol generating device 10 is stored in a low temperature environment, even if the user uses the aerosol generating device 10 in a room temperature environment, the first stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130. The temperature of the heater 210 may be relatively low. In these cases, accurate detection of the reference temperature used in the calculation equation for calculating the temperature of the first heater 210 and/or the resistance value of the first heater 210 at the reference temperature may be required.

According to one embodiment, when the aerosol generating device 10 is provided with a second heater 115 that heats the stick 20, the first heater ( The reference temperature used in the calculation formula for calculating the temperature of 210) and/or the resistance value of the first heater 210 at the reference temperature may be detected.

Referring to FIG. 14, the aerosol generating device 10 corresponds to Tpre, which is the target temperature for the temperature of the second heater 115, from the time t0 when insertion of the stick 20 into the insertion space 130 is detected. An operation of preheating the second heater 115 may be performed until time t1. At this time, while time elapses from time t0 to time t1, the temperature of the second heater 210 may change to a temperature corresponding to the temperature of the environment in which the user uses the aerosol generating device 10. Taking this into consideration, the aerosol generating device 10 determines the temperature of the gas detected through the temperature sensor 153 at time t2, a predetermined time elapsed after the operation of preheating the second heater 115 is started. 1 It can be determined by the reference temperature used in the calculation formula for calculating the temperature of the heater 210. In addition, the aerosol generating device 10 determines the resistance value of the second heater 115 detected at time t2, a predetermined time elapsed after the start of the operation of preheating the second heater 115, to the first heater 115 at the reference temperature. It can be determined by the resistance value of the heater 210. Here, the predetermined time may be set to correspond to the point in time t1 when the operation of preheating the second heater 115 ends. For example, time t2 may be 2 seconds before time t1.

As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it can be determined whether the liquid aerosol generating material is smoothly supplied to the liquid delivery means based on the temperature of the heater 210 in the preheating section.

Additionally, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the liquid aerosol-generating material is insufficient in the liquid delivery means, the aerosol-generating material can be smoothly supplied to the liquid delivery means.

In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to accurately determine whether the liquid aerosol generating material is exhausted based on the temperature of the heater 210 in the preheating section.

1 to 14, an aerosol generating device 10 according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a chamber 220 for storing liquid; A heater 210 that heats the liquid; A resistance detection sensor 150 that outputs a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater 210; and a control unit 17 that calculates the temperature of the heater 210 based on the resistance value of the heater 210, and the control unit 17 controls the temperature of the heater 210 in the first preheating section. In response to the supply of preset sensing power, it is determined whether the temperature of the heater 210 exceeds the first temperature, and based on the temperature of the heater 210 exceeding the first temperature, a second preheating operation is performed. In the section, in response to the supply of the sensing power to the heater 210, it is determined whether the temperature of the heater 210 exceeds a second temperature higher than the first temperature, and the temperature of the heater 210 is Based on exceeding the second temperature, it may be determined that the liquid is exhausted.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, in response to the end of the first preheating section, a heating section in which an aerosol is generated by heating the liquid is started, and in response to the end of the heating section, the A second preheating section may be initiated.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 17 controls the preheating power lower than the sensing power to be supplied to the heater 210, based on the start of the first preheating section, Based on the elapse of a predetermined time from the start of the first preheating section, the sensing power may be controlled to be supplied to the heater 210.

Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the time during which the sensing power is supplied to the heater 210 may be shorter than the predetermined time.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 17 controls the heater 210 until the first preheating section ends, based on the temperature of the heater 210 exceeding the first temperature. The power supply to (210) can be blocked.

Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensing power may be lower than the heating power supplied to the heater 210 in response to the generation of aerosol through heating of the liquid.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a housing 101 in which an insertion space 130 is formed; and a stick heater 115 that heats the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130, and the control unit 17 controls the insertion of the stick 20 into the insertion space 130. Based on this, the power supply to the stick heater 115 is controlled to start, and the resistance value of the heater 210 detected at a specific time after a predetermined time has elapsed after the power supply to the stick heater 115 is started. Based on this, the temperature of the heater 210 can be calculated.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, it further includes a temperature sensor 153 that detects the temperature of the gas flowing into the housing 101, and the control unit 17 is configured to detect the temperature of the gas flowing into the housing 101. Based on the temperature of the gas and the resistance value of the heater 210, the temperature of the heater 210 can be calculated.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 17 operates in a heating section in which an aerosol is generated by heating the liquid, based on the fact that the temperature of the heater 210 is below the first temperature. , Control the first heating power to be supplied to the heater 210, and based on the temperature of the heater 210 exceeding the first temperature, a second heating power lower than the first heating power is applied to the heater 210. It can be controlled to be supplied to (210).

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, it further includes an output device including a motor 1340 that generates vibration, and the control unit 17, based on determining that the liquid is exhausted, Vibration corresponding to the exhaustion of the liquid can be generated through the motor 1340.

Any or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not exclusive or distinct from each other. In certain embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above, each configuration or function may be used in combination or combined.

For example, this means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and/or drawing may be combined with configuration B described in other embodiments and/or drawings. In other words, even if the combination between components is not directly explained, it means that combination is possible, except in cases where it is explained that combination is impossible.

The above detailed description should not be construed as restrictive in any respect 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 chamber for storing liquid;
a heater that heats the liquid;
a resistance detection sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater; and
A control unit that calculates the temperature of the heater based on the resistance value of the heater,
The control unit,
In the first preheating section, determine whether the temperature of the heater exceeds the first temperature in response to the supply of preset sensing power to the heater,
Based on the temperature of the heater exceeding the first temperature, in the second preheating section, whether the temperature of the heater exceeds a second temperature higher than the first temperature in response to the supply of the sensing power to the heater determine whether,
An aerosol generating device, characterized in that it is determined that the liquid is exhausted based on the temperature of the heater exceeding the second temperature. According to paragraph 1,
In response to the end of the first preheating section, a heating section in which an aerosol is generated by heating the liquid is started,
Aerosol generating device, characterized in that in response to the end of the heating section, the second preheating section is started. According to paragraph 1,
The control unit,
Based on the start of the first preheating section, control so that preheating power lower than the sensing power is supplied to the heater,
An aerosol generating device, characterized in that the sensing power is controlled to be supplied to the heater based on a predetermined time elapsed from the start of the first preheating section. According to paragraph 3,
An aerosol generating device, characterized in that the time during which the sensing power is supplied to the heater is shorter than the predetermined time. According to paragraph 1,
The control unit,
An aerosol generating device, characterized in that, based on the temperature of the heater exceeding the first temperature, the power supply to the heater is cut off until the first preheating period ends. According to paragraph 1,
The sensing power is lower than the heating power supplied to the heater in response to the generation of aerosol through heating of the liquid. According to paragraph 1,
A housing having an insertion space; and
Further comprising a stick heater that heats the stick inserted into the insertion space,
The control unit,
Based on the insertion of the stick into the insertion space, control to start supplying power to the stick heater,
An aerosol generating device, characterized in that the temperature of the heater is calculated based on the resistance value of the heater detected at a specific time after a predetermined time has elapsed after power supply to the stick heater is started. In clause 7,
It further includes a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the gas flowing into the housing,
The control unit,
An aerosol generating device, characterized in that the temperature of the heater is calculated based on the temperature of the gas and the resistance value of the heater detected at the specific time. According to paragraph 1,
The control unit,
Based on the temperature of the heater being below the first temperature, controlling the first heating power to be supplied to the heater in a heating section in which an aerosol is generated by heating the liquid,
An aerosol generating device, characterized in that, based on the temperature of the heater exceeding the first temperature, a second heating power lower than the first heating power is controlled to be supplied to the heater. According to paragraph 1,
Further comprising a motor that generates vibration,
The control unit,
An aerosol generating device, characterized in that, based on determining that the liquid is exhausted, vibration corresponding to the exhaustion of the liquid is generated through the motor.

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