RU2801256C1 - Aerosol generation device and method for control thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: aerosol generation.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to an aerosol generating device and a method for controlling it. The aerosol generating device comprises: a heater configured to heat the aerosol generating material; a battery configured to supply power to the heater; a controller configured to determine an operating state of the aerosol generating device as a heating state or a non-heating state; the first section of the circuit, configured to control the operation of the heater; and a second circuit section configured to control the charging and discharging of the battery, in which the controller is configured to communicate with the first circuit section in a heating state, communicate with the second circuit section in a non-heating state, and determine, based on the communication results, whether a malfunction has occurred, according to the operating state of the aerosol generating device. The controller is configured to: obtain first data on the amount of current passing through the first section of the circuit, based on the operating state of the device for generating aerosol, defined as a state of heating, obtain second data on the amount of current passing through the second section of the circuit, based on the operating state of the device for generating an aerosol defined as a non-heating state, determine whether a fault has occurred in the first circuit section based on at least one of the first current amount data and the second current amount data.

EFFECT: providing a device for generating an aerosol, which provides a more accurate way to control its operation.

15 cl, 10 dwg

Description

[Technical field]

One or more embodiments of the present description of the invention relate to an aerosol generating device and a method for controlling it.

[prior art]

Recently, there has been an increased need for alternative ways to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. However, since a heating current flows inside the aerosol generating device, both in the method of using a heated cigarette and in the method of heating a heated material to generate aerosol, a defect or an operating error occurs in the aerosol generating device. Thus, the aerosol generating device may not operate properly, and thus accidents due to overheating or overcurrent of the aerosol generating device may occur. So, the source US 20180301915 A1 (ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES LLC), 10/18/2018 can be considered as the closest analogue.

As the risk of such accidents has become publicly recognized, the need for a safety device and consumer demand for an aerosol generating device equipped with a safety device has also increased. To prevent such a risk, an aerosol generating device is needed to which a more precise control method is applied than to the existing aerosol generating device.

[Disclosure]

[Technical challenge]

An electronic aerosol generating device may be in a dangerous situation due to overheating, short circuit, overcurrent, battery overcharging, etc. depending on the situation.

The problems to be solved by one or more embodiments of the present description of the invention are not limited to the problems disclosed above, and problems that have not been indicated will be apparent to a person skilled in the art from the disclosure, claims and accompanying drawings.

[Technical solution]

One or more embodiments of the present description of the invention contain an aerosol generating device and a method for controlling it. One or more embodiments of the present specification comprises an aerosol generating device configured to prevent an accident in advance by detecting an abnormal situation as disclosed above that may occur in the aerosol generating device.

According to one or more embodiments, the aerosol generating device comprises: a heater configured to heat the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol; a battery configured to supply power to the heater; a controller configured to determine an operating state of the aerosol generating device divided into a heating state and a non-heating state; the first section of the circuit, configured to control the operation of the heater; and a second circuit section configured to control the charging and discharging of the battery, where the controller communicates with the first circuit section in a heating state, communicates with the second circuit section in a non-heating state, and, based on the communication result, determines whether a malfunction has occurred, in accordance with the operating state of the device. to generate aerosol.

The controller can monitor whether a current in an amount greater than or equal to a certain value passes through the first section of the circuit, and, based on the monitoring result, determine the operating state of the aerosol generating device as a heating state or a non-heating state.

The controller can acquire first data on the amount of current passing through the first circuit section when the operating state of the aerosol generating device is determined to be the heating state, obtain second data on the amount of current passing through the second section of the circuit when the operating state of the aerosol generating device is determined to be not heating, determining whether a fault has occurred in the first circuit section based on the first current amount data, and determining whether a fault has occurred in the second circuit section based on the second current amount data.

The controller can determine whether a fault has occurred in the first circuit section by comparing the first current amount data with the first threshold range, and whether a fault has occurred in the second circuit section by comparing the second current amount data with the second threshold range.

The unheated state may be divided into a state of charge and a standby state, and the second threshold value range may be designated differently when the operating state is a state of charge and when the operating state is a standby state.

The aerosol generating device may further comprise a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the heater, where, when the operating state is a heating state, the controller receives temperature data from the temperature sensor and determines whether a fault has occurred based on the first current amount data and temperature data. .

When the controller determines that a malfunction has occurred in the aerosol generating device, the controller may give one of the following commands: a warning, stop the operation of the first section of the circuit, and reset the aerosol generating device.

The controller can communicate with the first leg of the chain by entering data into the first leg of the chain, and then after a certain time - reading data from the first leg of the chain.

The controller may compare the first data inputted to the first circuit section and the second data read from the first circuit section, and when the first data and the second data match, determine that a fault has occurred in the first circuit section and stop operation of the first circuit section.

When the first section of the chain does not receive data from the controller, the first section of the chain can determine that a malfunction has occurred in the controller in order to stop them themselves.

According to one or more embodiments, the method for controlling the aerosol generating device comprises: determining an operating state of the aerosol generating device divided into a heating state and a non-heating state; based on the operating state of the aerosol generating device, communication in the heating state with the first circuit section configured to control the operation of the heater, and communication in the non-heating state with the second circuit section configured to control the charging and discharging of the battery; and based on the communication result, determining whether a malfunction has occurred according to the operating state of the aerosol generating device.

Determining whether a malfunction has occurred may comprise: when the operating state is a heating state, obtaining first data on the amount of current passing through the first section of the circuit, and when the operating state of the aerosol generating device is a non-heating state, obtaining second data on the amount current passing through the second section of the circuit; and determining whether a fault has occurred in the first circuit section based on the first current amount data and determining whether a fault has occurred in the second circuit section based on the second current amount data.

The method may further comprise: when it is determined that a malfunction has occurred in the aerosol generating device, issuing one warning command, stopping the operation of the first section of the circuit, and resetting the aerosol generating device.

Communication in the heating state with the first circuit section configured to control the operation of the heater, and communication in the non-heating state with the second circuit section configured to control the charging and discharging of the battery based on the operating state of the aerosol generating device, may comprise: inputting data to the first chain section; and communication with the first section of the chain by reading data from the first section of the chain after a certain time.

The method may further comprise: comparing the first data entered into the first chain section and the second data read from the first chain section; and, when the first data and the second data match, determining that a fault has occurred in the first circuit section and stopping the operation of the first circuit section.

When the first section of the chain does not receive data from the controller, the first section of the chain can determine that a malfunction occurs in the controller in order to stop their operation on their own.

[Beneficial Effects of the Invention]

According to one or more embodiments, the stability of the aerosol generating device may be protected due to overheating of the aerosol generating device, short circuit, overcurrent, battery overcharging, and the like.

In addition, the controller and the first section of the circuit for controlling the heater may be made separately. Thus, the first section of the circuit can independently stop their operation even if the controller malfunctions, which makes it possible to avoid abnormal overheating.

The effects to be achieved by one or more embodiments of the present specification are limited to the effects disclosed above, and effects that have not been specified will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the disclosure, claims, and accompanying drawings.

[Description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart for determining whether a malfunction has occurred in an aerosol generating device.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of an aerosol generating device.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a first example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a second example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a third example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating an example of a cigarette.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for determining whether there is a malfunction in the aerosol generating apparatus based on current amount data according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for determining whether there is a malfunction in the aerosol generating apparatus based on a communication result according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a communication method between a controller and a first leg according to one embodiment.

[Invention principle]

With regard to the terms used to describe the various embodiments of the invention, the general terms that are currently widely used are chosen taking into account the functions of structural elements in various embodiments of the present description of the invention. However, the meanings of the terms are subject to change depending on intent, judicial precedent, the emergence of new technologies, and the like. In this case, in some cases, a term that is not usually used may be chosen. In such a case, the meaning of the term will be disclosed in detail in the relevant part of the present description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used to describe the various embodiments of the present specification should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the disclosures presented in the present invention.

At operation 120, the controller may communicate with the first chain leg or the second chain leg based on an operating state of the aerosol generating device.

For example, based on the operating state of the aerosol generating device, the controller may communicate with the first circuit leg in a heating state and with the second circuit leg in a non-heating state.

The controller may communicate with the first chain leg or the second chain leg by injecting data into the first chain leg or second chain leg or by receiving data from the first chain leg or second chain leg.

The communication of the controller with the first circuit section in the heating state and the communication of the controller with the second circuit section in the non-heating state based on the operating state of the aerosol generating device can display that, according to the operating state, the controller sets the first section of the circuit and the second section of the circuit as the main target of communication and periodically communicates with the section of the chain set to the main target of the connection.

According to one embodiment, when the aerosol generating device is operating in a heating mode, the controller may communicate with the first section of the circuit to obtain first data on the amount of current passing through the first section of the circuit. According to another embodiment, when the aerosol generating device is operating in a non-heating state, the controller may communicate with the second section of the circuit to obtain second data on the amount of current passing through the second section of the circuit.

According to another embodiment, in a heating state, the controller may communicate by inputting first data into the first circuit section and reading second data from the first circuit section after a certain time has elapsed. Based on the first data and the second data, the controller can determine whether a fault occurs in the first section of the circuit. In addition, the first section of the circuit can also determine if a malfunction occurs in the controller. Detailed disclosure will be presented below with reference to FIG. 10.

In operation 130, the controller may determine whether a malfunction occurs according to the operating state of the aerosol generating device based on the communication result.

The occurrence of a malfunction in the aerosol generating device may indicate that at least one of the hardware components in the aerosol generating device is not working or is defective.

For example, the case where the first section of the circuit fails to heat the heater in accordance with a predetermined temperature profile, may mean that the malfunction occurs due to the first section of the circuit. As another example, if the battery is not charged even though an external charger is connected, it could mean that the fault is due to the second section of the circuit.

Determination of the occurrence of a malfunction in the aerosol generating device may be performed by the controller by comparing the data with a threshold value range predetermined in accordance with each operating state. According to one embodiment, when the controller determines the operating state of the aerosol generating device as a heating state, the controller can determine whether a malfunction occurs in the aerosol generating device by comparing the first data on the amount of current received from the first section of the circuit with the first threshold value range set according to the heating of the heater.

According to another embodiment, when the controller determines the operating state of the aerosol generating device as a non-heating state, the controller can determine whether a malfunction occurs in the aerosol generating device by comparing the second data on the amount of current received from the second section of the circuit with the second threshold value range set according to the charging state or standby state.

The embodiments disclosed with reference to FIG. 1 are presented below.

When the controller determines that the amount of current passing through the first circuit section is greater than or equal to a certain value, the controller may determine the state of the aerosol generating apparatus as a heating state. In the heating state, the controller can receive from the first section of the circuit, which is the main target of communication, the first data on the amount of current passing through the first section of the circuit. The controller can subsequently determine whether a fault occurs in the first section of the circuit, based on the first data on the amount of current.

When the controller determines that the amount of current passing through the first section of the circuit is less than a certain value, the controller may determine the state of the aerosol generating device as a non-heating state. In the cold state, the controller can receive from the second section of the circuit, which is the main target of communication, the second data on the amount of current passing through the second section of the circuit. The controller can subsequently determine whether a fault occurs in the second circuit section based on the second current amount data.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of an aerosol generating device.

As shown in FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device 100 may include, as hardware components, a controller 101, a first circuit section 102 (for example, the first circuit), a second circuit section 103 (for example, the second circuit), a battery 104, a heater 105, a temperature sensor 106, and a battery charger. terminal 107. However, one of skill in the art will appreciate that the components are not limited to those disclosed above, and other components may additionally be included. In addition, each component is not limited to the arrangement shown in FIG. 2 and may be provided in other types of structures.

The charging terminal 107 applies to the second circuit portion 103 the current received from the external charger in response to being connected to the external charger. The applied current may flow to battery 104 under the control of second circuit section 103 to charge battery 104.

In addition, the external charger can use the wired and wireless charging method. The wired charging method may use a 5-pin terminal, an 8-pin terminal, or a USB terminal, and the wireless charging method may use a magnetic field inductive coupling method, a magnetic field capacitive coupling method, and a high-frequency radiation method. However, one of skill in the art will appreciate that the external charger is not limited to the examples disclosed above, and other types of chargers may additionally be included.

The battery 104 supplies power to operate the aerosol generating device 100. In addition, the battery 104 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 104 may be a lithium-ion (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to this.

In addition, the battery 104 is electrically connected to the second circuit section 103 to control charging and discharging by the second circuit section 103. For example, as the current applied by the charging terminal 107 is passed through the battery 104 by the second circuit section 103, the battery 104 can be charged. Also, current can be supplied via the second circuit section 103 to other hardware components in the aerosol generating device 100, such as the controller 101 and the first circuit section 102, by dumping the electrical energy stored in the battery 104 under the control of the second circuit section 103.

In addition, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a temperature sensor 106 . The temperature sensor 106 measures the temperature of the heater 105 and transmits the temperature data to the controller 101. The controller 101 can subsequently determine if a malfunction is occurring in the aerosol generating device 100, further considering the received temperature data.

As disclosed above, the second circuit portion 103 may be electrically connected to the battery 104 to control the charging and discharging of the battery 104.

After connecting the charging terminal 107 to an external charger, the second circuit section 103 can receive current from the charging terminal 107. When the second circuit section 103 receives current from the charging terminal 107, the aerosol generating device 100 can operate in a charging state, and the second circuit section 103 can supply the battery 104 with the current received from the charging terminal 107, and thus the battery 104 can be charged.

When the charging terminal 107 is not connected to an external charger, the aerosol generating device 100 can operate in a standby state or a heating state, and the second circuit section 103 can receive current from the battery 104 to supply current to control the hardware components provided in the device 100 to generate aerosol. Here, the battery 104 is discharged. As shown in FIG. 2, the second circuit section 103 can supply current to the controller 101 and the first circuit section 102.

Specifically, when the aerosol generating device 100 is in a heating state, the second circuit section 103 can reset the electric power stored in the battery 104 to allow current to pass through the controller 101 and the first circuit section 102 so that the heater 105 can be heated according to a predetermined set temperature profile.

When the aerosol generating device 100 is in the standby state, the second circuit section 103 may reset the electric power stored in the battery 104 to allow current to flow through the controller 101 to maintain the standby state. 102 circuit to prevent heating of heater 105.

When the aerosol generating device 100 is in a charging state, the second circuit portion 103 may allow the current received through the charging terminal 107 to flow to the battery 104 so that the battery 104 is charged. As discussed above, the second circuit section 103 can control the amount of current and the direction of the current so that the current received from the charging terminal 107 can flow to the battery 104. As discussed above, the second circuit section 103 can control the flow of current so that the battery 104 can be charged in state of charge, and control so that it is directed from the battery 104 to each component of the aerosol generating device 100 in the heating state and the standby state.

The second section 103 of the circuit current can be supplied by an external charger from the charging terminal 107, having an electrical connection with it. The controller 101 can determine the operating state of the aerosol generating device 100 as a charging state or a standby state by determining whether the second circuit portion 103 is supplied with current from an external charger.

According to embodiments, the second circuit section 103 may comprise a plurality of switches. The second circuit portion 103 can control the amount of current for charging or discharging by receiving a control signal from the controller 101 and controlling the on/off of a plurality of switches. In embodiments, the second circuit portion 103 may also include at least one processor and a memory storing program code. The software code, when executed by at least one processor, may cause the functions of the second circuit section 103 to be performed by the at least one processor (eg, flipping a plurality of switches, self-stopping, etc.).

The first circuit section 102 may operate by receiving through the second circuit section 103 the current output from the battery 104. The first circuit section 102 receives a signal from the controller 101 to control the heater 105 to supply current to the heater 105, thereby controlling the temperature of the heater 105.

For example, the first chain section 102 may comprise a plurality of switches. The first circuit portion 102 can control the current supplied to the heater 105 by receiving a control signal from the controller 101 and controlling the on/off of a plurality of switches. In embodiments, the first circuit portion 102 may also include at least one processor and a memory storing program code. The software code, when executed by at least one processor, may cause the at least one processor to perform the functions of the first rung section 102 (eg, flipping multiple switches, self-stopping, changing data, etc.).

The first circuit section 102 is dependent on the controller 101, but may be a component configured to actively control its operation as the controller 101. Accordingly, the first circuit section 102 may actively control the operation of the heater 105. In a heating state, the first circuit section 102 may transmit an appropriate control a signal for heating the aerosol generating material by means of the heater 105.

In addition, when a malfunction occurs in the controller 101, the first circuit section 102 can stop its operation by itself. For example, self-stopping of the first circuit section 102 may be performed in a manner in which the first circuit section 102 independently cuts off the current flowing through the first circuit section 102. An accident can be prevented even when a malfunction occurs in the controller 101 by a self-stopping method in which the first circuit section 102 self-stops its operation.

Current in a certain range to control the heater 105 may pass through the first section 102 of the circuit in a heating state. When low current or excess current passes through the first circuit section 102, the first circuit section 102 may not control the heater 105 in accordance with the target temperature profile.

For example, when a malfunction occurs in the first circuit section 102, the first circuit section 102 may not supply current to the heater 105 necessary to heat the material to generate the aerosol. When the heater 105 is not heating up, the feedback signal can be reapplied to heat the heater 105 to a certain temperature. Thus, excess current may flow through the first section 102 of the circuit and an accident may occur.

Conversely, when a small current is passed through the first circuit portion 102, the heater 105 may not be supplied with current for heating, and thus may not sufficiently heat the material to generate an aerosol. Accordingly, first data on the amount of current passing through the first section 102 of the circuit can be obtained due to periodic communication between the controller 101 and the first section 102 of the circuit.

In one embodiment, the first circuit section 102 may include a current monitoring circuit configured to monitor the current flowing through the first circuit section 102. The current monitoring circuit may be used to monitor the current so that the controller 101 determines the operating state.

The controller 101 performs overall control of the aerosol generating device 100 by actively controlling each hardware component. Controller 101 may be a controller unit containing at least one processor and memory. In embodiments, the memory may store program code, and the program code, when executed by at least one processor, may cause the at least one processor to perform the functions of controller 101.

As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 101 controls the first circuit section 102 and the second circuit section 103. As disclosed above, in the heating state, the controller 101 can control the first circuit section 102 so that the temperature of the heater 105 can be a temperature suitable for heating the material to generate an aerosol.

Also, in the non-heating state, the controller 101 may control the second circuit portion 103 to drain the battery 104 or charge the battery 104 with a current in the standby state or the charge state, respectively.

In addition, the controller 101 can determine the operating state of the aerosol generating device 100.

The controller 101 can monitor the current flowing through the first circuit section 102 to determine the operating state as a heating state when the current value is greater than or equal to a certain value, and to determine the operating state as a non-heating state when the current value is less than a certain value. The cool state may comprise a charging state or an idle state.

The controller 101 may determine the operating state of the aerosol generating apparatus 100 as a charging state or a standby state based on whether or not the second circuit portion 103 is supplied with current from an external charger.

For example, the second section 103 of the circuit may be connected to an external charger through the charging terminal 107 to supply current. The current supplied from the charging terminal 107 may pass through the second circuit portion 103, and the controller 101 may determine the operating state as a charging state by detecting a current or electrical signal passing through the second circuit portion 103. Conversely, when the controller 101 cannot detect the current passing through the second circuit portion 103 from the charging terminal 107, the controller 101 may determine the operating state of the aerosol generating apparatus 100 as a standby state.

In addition, the controller 101 can periodically and repeatedly determine, by means of the first circuit section 102 and the second circuit section 103, whether a malfunction occurs in the aerosol generating device 100 by obtaining the first current amount data and the second current amount data by communicating with the first section. 102 chain and the second section 103 of the chain.

In addition, the controller 101 can determine the operating state of the aerosol generating apparatus 100 by monitoring the current passing through the first circuit section 102, and periodically determine whether a malfunction occurs by obtaining the first current amount data or the second current amount data from the first section. 102 chain or second section 103 chain, respectively.

For example, even when the current suddenly starts flowing through the first circuit portion 102, the controller 101 can determine the operating state of the aerosol generating apparatus 100 as a heating state, and determine whether a malfunction occurs by obtaining the first current amount data.

The controller 101 can determine whether a malfunction occurs by determining whether the first current amount data received from the first circuit section 102 exceeds a predetermined first threshold range (or value) or whether the second current amount data received from the second circuit section 103 exceeds a predetermined second threshold range (or value).

The controller 101 can obtain temperature data of the heater 105 via a temperature sensor 106 located adjacent to the heater 105. The controller 101 can more accurately determine the hardware component in the aerosol generating device 100 that results in a malfunction in the aerosol generating device 100, further considering the temperature data. in determining whether a malfunction occurs in the aerosol generating device 100.

For example, when the first current amount data received by the controller 101 is within the first threshold range (for example, the normal range) and the temperature data is not within a predetermined temperature profile (for example, the normal range), the controller 101 may determine that the cause of the malfunction is located in the heater 105 or the temperature sensor 106. Here, the controller 101 can send a warning to the user about a failure in the heater 105 or the temperature sensor 106.

As another example, in the case of inductive heating, even when the first current amount data of the first circuit section 102 is in the normal range, but the temperature of the heater is less than the normal range, the controller 101 can notify the user that the malfunction is due to the coil being disconnected or the like. .

The occurrence of a malfunction in the aerosol generating device 100 may indicate that at least one hardware component in the aerosol generating device 100 is not working or has failed.

When the controller 101 determines that a malfunction occurs in some or all of the components of the aerosol generating device 100, the controller 101 may send a command for various actions.

For example, the controller 101 may send an alert to the user that a fault occurs in each component. When the controller 101 determines that a fault occurs in the first circuit section 102, the controller 101 may stop operation of the first circuit section 102 by cutting off the current flowing through the first circuit section 102. When the controller 101 determines that a fault occurs in the second section 103 of the circuit, the controller 101 may cut off the current passing through the second section 103 of the circuit. In addition, when the controller 101 determines that a malfunction occurs in all components of the aerosol generating device 100, the controller may reset the entire aerosol generating device 100.

Such a series of processes can be periodically and repeatedly carried out by the controller 101, thus preventing the failure state of the aerosol generating device 100 from being constantly overlooked.

FIG. 3-5 are diagrams illustrating examples of inserting a cigarette into an aerosol generating device.

As shown in FIG. 3, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a battery 104, a controller 101, and a heater 105. As shown in FIG. 4 and 5, the aerosol generating device 100 may further comprise a vaporizer 140. In addition, the cigarette 200 may be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating device 100.

FIG. 3-5 show only those components of the aerosol generating device 100 relevant to the present embodiment. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other general purpose components may be included in the aerosol generating device 100 in addition to those shown in FIG. 3-5.

In addition, in FIG. 3 and 5 show an aerosol generating device 100 including a heater 105. However, the heater 105 may be omitted in some embodiments.

FIG. 3 shows that the battery 104, the controller 101 and the heater 105 are arranged in series. In addition, in FIG. 4 shows that accumulator 104, controller 101, evaporator 140 and heater 105 are arranged in series. In addition, in FIG. 5 shows that the evaporator 140 and the heater 105 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to those shown in FIG. 3-5. In other words, according to the structure of the aerosol generating device 100, the location of the accumulator 104, the controller 101, the heater 105, and the evaporator 140 can be changed.

When the cigarette 200 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, the aerosol generating device 100 may operate the heater 105 and/or the vaporizer 140 to produce an aerosol from the cigarette 200 and/or the vaporizer 140. The aerosol generated by the heater 105 and/or the vaporizer 140 , is delivered to the user through the cigarette 200.

In some embodiments, even if the cigarette 200 is not inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, the aerosol generating device 100 may heat the heater 105.

The battery 104 may supply power to operate the aerosol generating device 100. For example, battery 104 can supply power to heat heater 105 or vaporizer 140 and operate controller 101. In addition, battery 104 can supply power required to operate display, sensor, motor, etc. installed in aerosol generating device 100 .

The controller 101 can essentially control the operation of the aerosol generating device 100. In particular, the controller 101, in addition to the accumulator 104, the heater 105, and the evaporator 140, can control the operation of other components included in the device 100 for generating aerosol. In addition, the controller 101 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 100 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 100 is in operation.

Controller 101 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic elements, or may be implemented as a combination of a general purpose microprocessor and a memory that stores a program executable on the microprocessor. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the processor may be implemented using other types of hardware.

Heater 105 may be heated by power supplied from battery 104. For example, when a cigarette is inserted into aerosol generating device 100, heater 105 may be located on the outside of the cigarette. Therefore, the heated heater 105 can raise the temperature of the aerosol generating material in the cigarette.

Heater 105 may include an electrical resistance heater. For example, heater 105 may include a conductive path, and heater 105 may be heated when an electrical current is passed through the conductive path. However, the heater 105 is not limited to the example disclosed above, and may be any heater capable of being heated to the required temperature. In this case, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 100 or set by the user.

In another example, heater 105 may include an induction heater. In particular, the heater 105 may include an electrically conductive coil for induction heating of a cigarette, and the cigarette may include a current collector that may be heated by the induction heater.

For example, the heater 105 may include a cylindrical heating element, a plate heating element, a needle or rod heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette 200 according to the shape of the heating element.

In addition, the aerosol generating device 100 may include multiple heaters 105. In this case, multiple heaters 105 may be located inside or outside of the cigarette 200. In addition, some of the heaters 105 may be located inside the cigarette 200 and others outside the cigarette 200. In addition, the shape of the heater 105 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 3-5, and may be different.

The vaporizer 140 can generate an aerosol by heating the liquid mixture, after which the resulting aerosol can be delivered to the user through the cigarette 200. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 140 can be moved along the air passage of the aerosol generating device 100, which can be configured to deliver the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 140 to the user through the cigarette.

For example, the evaporator 140 may include, among other things, a liquid storage, a liquid supply element, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage, the liquid supply element, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generating apparatus 100 as independent modules.

A fluid mixture may be stored in the fluid storage. For example, the liquid mixture may be a liquid containing a tobacco material containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. The liquid storage may be detachable from the evaporator 140 or integral with the evaporator 140.

For example, the liquid formulation may contain water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, spices, flavors, or a vitamin mixture. The spices may contain, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit flavored ingredients. Flavors may contain ingredients capable of imparting different flavors or flavors to the user. Vitamin mixtures may be, among other things, a mixture of at least vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C or vitamin E. In addition, the liquid composition may also contain an aerosol generating agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

The liquid supply element may move the liquid composition from the liquid storage to the heating element. For example, the liquid supply element may be, in particular, a wick, such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber or porous ceramic.

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

For example, the vaporizer 140 may be, among other things, a cartomizer or atomizer.

Aerosol generating device 100 may also include general purpose components in addition to battery 104, controller 101, heater 105, and evaporator 140. For example, aerosol generating device 100 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and/or a motor for outputting tactile information. In addition, the aerosol generating device 100 may include at least one sensor (puff detection sensor, temperature sensor, cigarette insertion sensor, etc.). In addition, the aerosol generating device 100 may be configured such that even when the cigarette 200 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, outside air can be introduced into it or inside air can be expelled from it.

Although not shown in FIG. 3-5, the aerosol generating device 100 and the optional stand may form a single system. For example, the cradle can be used to charge the battery 104 of the aerosol generating device 100. Alternatively, the heater 105 may be heated when the stand and the aerosol generating device 100 are connected to each other.

The cigarette 200 may be similar to a conventional burn-type cigarette. For example, the cigarette 200 may be divided into a first part containing an aerosol generating material and a second part containing a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second part of the cigarette 200 may also contain an aerosol generating material. For example, an aerosol generating material in the form of granules or capsules can be inserted into the second part.

The first part can be fully inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, and the second part can be brought out. In an alternative embodiment, only one part of the first part can be inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, or the entire first part and part of the second part can be inserted into the aerosol generating device 100. The user can puff on the aerosol while holding the second part in the mouth. In this case, the aerosol is generated when outside air passes through the first part, after which the resulting aerosol passes through the second part and enters the user's mouth.

For example, outside air may enter at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the user can control the opening and closing of the air passage and/or the size of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 100. Accordingly, the user can adjust the amount of smoke and the smoking experience. In another example, outside air may enter cigarette 200 through at least one opening provided on the surface of cigarette 200.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating system using an induction heating method according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a battery 104, a controller 101, an induction coil 601, and a current collector 602. In addition, at least a portion of the cigarette 200 may be located in the cavity 603 of the aerosol generating device 100.

The aerosol generating device 100 shown in FIG. 6 shows some of the components related to the present embodiment. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art according to the present embodiment that the aerosol generating device 100 may further comprise other general purpose components in addition to the other components shown in FIG. 6.

An induction coil 601 may be positioned around the cavity 603. In FIG. 6 shows that the induction coil 601 is located around the current collector 602 and cavity 603, but the induction coil 601 is not limited to this.

When the cigarette 200 is placed in the cavity 603 of the aerosol generating device 100, the aerosol generating device 100 can supply power to the induction coil 601 so that the induction coil 601 generates an alternating magnetic field. An alternating magnetic field generated by the induction coil 601 can pass through the current collector 602, which allows the current collector 602 to be heated. When the aerosol generating material in the cigarette 200 is heated by the heated current collector 602, an aerosol can be generated. The generated aerosol is delivered to the user by passing through the cigarette 200.

The battery 104 supplies the energy used to operate the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the battery 104 can supply power such that the induction coil 601 can generate an alternating magnetic field and supply power to operate the controller 101. Also, the battery 104 can supply power to operate a display, sensor, motor, or the like installed in the device 100. to generate aerosol.

The controller 101 controls the entire operation of the aerosol generating device 100. In particular, the controller 101 controls the operations of other components contained in the aerosol generating device 100, as well as the operations of the battery 104 and the induction coil 601. In addition, the controller 101 can determine whether the aerosol generating device 100 is in operation by determining the status of each of the components of the device 100 for generating aerosol.

The induction coil 601 may be an electrically conductive coil generating an alternating magnetic field from the energy supplied by the battery 104. The induction coil 601 may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the cavity 603. The alternating magnetic field generated by the induction coil 601 may be applied to a current collector 602 located at the inner end of the cavity 603.

The current collector 602 may heat up as the alternating magnetic field generated by the induction coil 601 passes through it, and may contain metal or carbon. For example, the current collector 602 may comprise at least one of the following materials: ferrite, ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum.

In addition, the current collector 602 may comprise at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, nickel alloy, metal film or zirconium, a transition metal such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), and a metalloid, such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P). However, the pantograph 602 is not limited to the example disclosed above and can be applied without limitation to all pantographs that can be heated to a desired temperature when an alternating magnetic field is applied. The desired temperature may be set in the aerosol generating device 100 or set by the user.

If the cigarette 200 is placed in the cavity 603 of the aerosol generating device 100, then the current collector 602 may be inside the cigarette 200. Accordingly, the current collector 602, which is heated, may raise the temperature of the aerosol generating material in the cigarette 200.

FIG. 6 shows that the current collector 602 is inserted into the cigarette 200, but the current collector 602 is not limited to this. For example, current collector 602 may include a tubular heating element, plate heating element, needle or rod heating element, and may heat the inside and/or outside of cigarette 200 depending on the shape of the heating element.

Also, multiple current collectors 602 may be placed in the aerosol generating device 100. In this case, several current collectors 602 may be located inside or outside the cigarette 200. Also, some of the plurality of current collectors 602 may be located inside or outside the cigarette 200. In addition, the shape of the current collector 602 is not limited to the form shown in FIG. 6, and may be different.

Below, an example of a cigarette 200 will be disclosed with reference to FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a cigarette.

As shown in FIG. 7, the cigarette 200 may include a tobacco rod 210 and a filter rod 220. The first part discussed above with reference to FIG. 3-5 may include a tobacco rod 210 and a second part a filter rod 220.

FIG. 7 shows that the filter rod 220 contains one segment. However, the performance of the filter rod 220 is not limited to this embodiment. In other words, the filter rod 220 may include a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 220 may include a first segment configured to cool the aerosol and a second segment configured to filter a specific component contained in the aerosol. In addition, according to embodiments, the filter rod 220 may further comprise at least one segment configured to perform a different function.

Cigarette 200 may be packaged in at least one sleeve 240. At least one sleeve 240 may include at least one opening through which outside air can enter or inside air can exit. For example, cigarette 200 may be packaged in one cartridge 240. In another example, cigarette 200 may be packaged in two or more cartridges 240. For example, tobacco rod 210 may be packaged in a first sleeve and filter rod 220 in a second sleeve. In addition, the tobacco rod 210 and the filter rod 220 packaged in separate sleeves may be connected to each other, and the entire cigarette 200 may be packaged in a third sleeve. If the tobacco rod 210 or filter rod 220 contains multiple segments, each segment may be packaged in a separate sleeve. In addition, the entire cigarette 200, containing several segments, respectively packaged in separate sleeves and connected to each other, can be packaged in another sleeve.

The tobacco rod 210 may contain an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may, among other things, contain at least one of the following components: glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. In addition, the tobacco rod 210 may contain other additives, such as flavoring agents, a moisturizing agent, and/or an organic acid. Also, the tobacco rod 210 may contain a flavored liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, injected into the tobacco rod 210.

The tobacco rod 210 can be made into various shapes. For example, tobacco rod 210 may be formed into a sheet or strand. In addition, the tobacco rod 210 may be formed into a tobacco pipe made up of tiny pieces cut from a tobacco leaf. Also, the tobacco rod 210 may be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be, among other things, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 210 can evenly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 210, thereby increasing the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod and improving the palatability of the tobacco. In addition, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 210 may serve as a current collector heated by the induction heater. In this case, although not shown in the drawing, the tobacco rod 210 may include an additional current collector along with a thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 210 from the outside.

The filter rod 220 may include a cellulose acetate filter.

The filter rod 220 may be of any shape. For example, the filter rod 220 may be in the form of a cylinder or a hollow tube. In addition, the filter rod 220 may include a recessed rod. If the filter rod 220 contains multiple segments, at least one of the segments may have a different shape.

The filter rod 220 may be configured to generate aromas. For example, an aromatic liquid can be introduced into the filter rod 220, or a separate fiber coated with an aromatic liquid can be inserted into the filter rod 220.

In addition, the filter rod 220 may contain at least one capsule 230. In this case, the capsule 230 may generate fragrance or aerosol. For example, the capsule 230 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring material is placed in a film. For example, capsule 230 may be spherical or cylindrical, among other things.

If the filter rod 220 includes a segment configured to cool the aerosol, the cooling segment may comprise a polymeric or biodegradable polymeric material. For example, the cooling segment may contain only pure polylactic acid, but the material for forming the cooling segment is not limited to this. In some embodiments, the cooling segment may include a cellulose acetate filter containing multiple holes. However, the cooling segment may be provided in a different manner, as long as the function of cooling the aerosol is retained.

Although not shown in FIG. 7, in one embodiment, cigarette 200 may further comprise a front filter. The front filter may be located on the opposite side of the tobacco rod 210 from the filter rod 220. The front filter can prevent the tobacco rod 210 from detaching and liquefied aerosol from entering the aerosol generating device 100 (see FIGS. 3-6) from the tobacco rod 210 during smoking. .

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for determining whether there is a malfunction in the aerosol generating apparatus based on the first current amount data or the second current amount data according to one embodiment.

In operation 810, the controller (eg, controller 101) may determine whether the current operating state of the aerosol generating apparatus (eg, aerosol generating apparatus 100) is a heating state or a non-heating state.

When the controller determines that the amount of current passing through the first circuit portion (eg, the first circuit portion 102) is greater than or equal to a certain value, the controller may determine the operating state of the aerosol generating apparatus as a heating state. Also, when the controller determines that the amount of current passing through the first circuit section is less than a certain value, the controller may determine the operating state as a non-heating state.

According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further comprise a cigarette insertion sensor for detecting that a cigarette has been inserted. The cigarette insertion sensor detects that the cigarette has been injected and then transmits a detection signal to the controller, and the controller monitors the second circuit section (eg, second circuit section 103) in response to receiving the detection signal so that current from the battery (eg, battery 104) is applied to the first section of the chain. When the amount of current passing through the first circuit section exceeds or equals a certain value, the controller can detect this and determine the operating state of the aerosol generating device as a heating state.

According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further comprise a user interface for receiving user input. The controller can receive input from the user interface. The controller controls the second section of the circuit in response to receiving an input signal so that current from the battery is applied to the first section of the circuit. When the amount of current passing through the first circuit section exceeds or equals a certain value, the controller can detect this and determine the operating state of the aerosol generating device as a heating state.

When the operating state of the aerosol generating device is determined to be a heating state, the controller proceeds to step 820. When the operating state of the aerosol generating device is determined to be a non-heating state, the controller proceeds to step 840.

When the operating state is a heating state in operation 820, the controller may obtain first data on the amount of current passing through the first section of the circuit.

When the operating state of the aerosol generating device is determined to be a heating state, the controller may determine that the first section of the circuit is the main communication target. In the heating state, the controller may periodically obtain first data on the amount of current of the first circuit section to determine whether a malfunction has occurred in the aerosol generating apparatus due to the first circuit section.

When the operating state is a heating state in operation 830, the controller may further receive temperature data from a temperature sensor (eg, temperature sensor 106). Operation 830 may be a selective operation and the controller may additionally consider temperature data when determining whether a malfunction occurs in the aerosol generating device.

When the operating state is a cold state in operation 840, the controller obtains second data on the amount of current flowing through the second section of the circuit. When the operating state of the aerosol generating device is determined to be a non-heating state, the controller may determine that the second section of the circuit is the main communication target. In the non-heating state, the controller may periodically acquire the second current amount data of the second circuit section to determine whether a malfunction has occurred in the aerosol generating device due to the second circuit section.

When the operating state is a heating state in operation 850, the controller may determine whether a malfunction occurs in the aerosol generating apparatus based on the first current amount data.

Specifically, the controller may compare the first current amount data with the first threshold value range, i. e. a current amount range expected in the heating state, and when the first current amount data exceeds the first threshold value range, determine that a malfunction occurs in the aerosol generating device.

According to one embodiment, the controller may determine whether a malfunction occurs in the aerosol generating device based on the first current amount data and temperature data. For example, the controller may determine which component of the first circuit section and the heater has a fault in the heating state, further receiving temperature data of the heater from the temperature sensor.

When the controller does not take into account the temperature data together, the controller may not determine if a fault occurs in the heater, and may only determine that the fault occurs in the first section of the circuit. However, the controller can more accurately determine whether a fault occurs in a heating state by additionally considering temperature data.

When the operating state is a non-heating state in operation 850, the controller may determine whether a malfunction occurs in the aerosol generating apparatus based on the second current amount data. In particular, the controller may compare the second current amount data with the second threshold value range, i. e. a current amount range expected in a non-heating state, and when the second current amount data exceeds the second threshold value range, determine that a malfunction occurs in the aerosol generating device.

The controller may periodically monitor the second current amount data when the current state of the aerosol generating device is the charging state and when the current state is the standby state. In the charging state and the standby state, the second threshold value range of the second current amount data may be designated differently.

For example, in the state of charging, current may be supplied through the charging terminal. Thus, more current can be expected to flow through the second section of the circuit in the charging state than in the standby state. Accordingly, the second threshold range may be designated as higher in the charging state than in the standby state.

As disclosed above, the aerosol generating device can be safely protected from potential dangerous accidents in all operating states by periodically obtaining the second current amount data in the standby state as well as in the charging state, and comparing the second current amount data with the second threshold range. values designated as appropriate for the wait state.

In operation 850, the first current amount data or the second current amount data may be simply compared with the first threshold value range or the second threshold value range, respectively, and the temperature data may be further considered as disclosed with reference to FIG. 2.

For example, the case where the temperature data is in the normal range, but excessive current flows through the first circuit section so that the first current amount data exceeds the first threshold range may indicate that the first circuit section is faulty.

As another example, the case where the first current amount data is in the first threshold range but the temperature data does not reach the heating temperature range may mean that the heater is supplied with enough current from the first section of the circuit, but it cannot heat up and is defective.

As another example, when the first section of the circuit operates normally during induction heating, and the first current amount data is included in the first threshold range, but the temperature of the current collector does not rise, it may indicate that a disconnection occurs in the induction coil.

As another example, the case where the second section of the circuit is in a state of charging, but the battery is not charged, and only the current consumption increases, may indicate a malfunction of the second section of the circuit.

As another example, even when the second section of the circuit is in the standby state, more current than necessary is drawn from the battery, and thus the excess current in the standby state may flow through the second section of the circuit. In such a case, the second indication that the amount of current exceeds the second threshold range may indicate that the second section of the circuit is faulty.

When the controller determines that a malfunction is occurring in the aerosol generating device, according to a series of processes in operation 860, the controller may command several actions such as resetting the aerosol generating device, stopping the operation of the first section of the circuit, cutting off the battery current, and warning the user.

In particular, when excess current flows through the first circuit section in a heating state, the controller may cut off the electrical connection to the second circuit section or the battery so that no current is applied to the first circuit section to stop operation of the first circuit section.

According to one embodiment, when a malfunction occurs in the controller, the controller may initialize the states of all hardware components within the aerosol generating device to reset the aerosol generating device.

In one embodiment, when excess current flows through the second section of the circuit in a cold state, the controller may cut off the electrical connection to the battery or charging terminal to prevent current from being applied to the second section of the circuit, thus blocking the flow of current to the second section of the circuit.

Also, the aerosol generating device may send a warning to the user. According to one embodiment, in order to send a warning to the user, the aerosol generating device may further comprise a user interface, an LED, or a vibration motor so that it can display the warning via the user interface, flash the LED, or vibrate to notify the corresponding warning. However, the warning is not limited to this, and it will be apparent to one skilled in the art according to the present embodiments that other notification methods may be further included in addition to the above example of notification methods.

In addition, when the heater is overheated, although the first current amount data corresponds to the designated first threshold value range in the heating state, the controller can control the second section of the circuit to cut off the current passing through the first section of the circuit so that the first section of the circuit no longer could heat the heater, and may send a heater overheat warning to the user.

Also, when the first current amount data of the first circuit section exceeds the first threshold range despite the fact that the heater temperature does not increase, the controller can stop the operation of the first circuit section. In the case of induction heating, when excess current is applied to the induction coil without generating an induction current, the controller may notify the user that the induction coil is disconnected or malfunctions.

In addition, when charging is not normally performed, although the second current amount data falls within the designated second threshold value range in the charging state, the aerosol generating device can determine that a malfunction occurs in the battery and send a warning to the user that that the battery is defective.

According to one embodiment, when the second current amount data does not fall within the designated second threshold value range in the charging state, or the second current amount data does not fall within the second threshold value range, which is designated as a range other than the charging state, in the standby state, the aerosol generating device may determine that the fault occurs in the second circuit section and may alert the user to the failure of the second circuit section.

Also, when the second data of the amount of current passing through the second circuit section is less than the second threshold value range in the charging state, charging cannot be performed properly. Conversely, when the second current amount data has a value exceeding the second threshold value range, a malfunction may occur in the battery due to overcharging. The aerosol generating device may cut off the current from the second section of the circuit to the battery to prevent the battery from malfunctioning as disclosed above.

Also, when charging is not in progress and only the second current amount data is measured as a high value, the aerosol generating device may send a notification signal to the user to replace the battery, or may cut off the current from the charging terminal to the second section of the circuit.

In addition, when the second data on the amount of current passing through the second section of the circuit exceeds the second threshold value range in the standby state, more current than required can be passed from the battery to other hardware components of the device for generating aerosol, including the controller, the first circuit section, heater, etc. Thus, the aerosol generating device can cut off the current flowing from the second section of the circuit to other components, or provide a signal to the user to notify of a malfunction in the second section of the circuit.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for determining whether there is a malfunction in the aerosol generating apparatus based on a communication result according to one embodiment.

At operation 910, the aerosol generating device may operate normally and may correspond to the case where a malfunction does not occur in the periodic current amount monitoring or data communication monitoring.

In operation 910, the controller may determine whether the current operating state is a heating state or a non-heating state. Whether the current operating state is a heating state or a non-heating state may be determined by the controller as disclosed above.

When the operating state is the heating state in operation 920, the controller may input the first data to the first rung section. When the controller is healthy, the first data is entered into the first section of the circuit. When there is a fault in the controller, the first data is not entered into the first rung.

After the controller enters the first data into the first rung in operation 930, the controller may read the second data from the first rung after a certain time has elapsed. When the first section of the chain is working normally, the first section of the chain receives the first data from the controller, and then after a certain time, it can change the first data to the second data. Detailed disclosure will be presented below with reference to FIG. 10.

At operation 940, the controller may compare whether the first and second data match. When the first data and the second data match, the controller may proceed to step 950. The case where the first data and the second data do not match means that the first rung changes the first data to the second data. Thus, the controller can determine that the first rung is operating normally and returns to operation 910. In other words, the case where the first data and the second data do not match can be understood as that the controller and the first rung are operating normally.

The case where the first data and the second data are the same can be understood as that the first section of the chain cannot change the first data to the second data. Thus, at operation 950, the controller may determine that a fault occurs in the first circuit section and stop operation of the first circuit section.

The case where the controller fails to input the first data to the first rung in operation 920 can be understood as that the controller has failed. Thus, the inability to enter the first data in the first section of the chain can be determined as occurring due to a malfunction of the controller.

When a malfunction occurs in the controller, the first section of the circuit may not receive a command from the controller to stop its operation. Thus, the first circuit can stop its operation by itself in order to prevent an accident such as overheating of the heater or excessive current of the first section of the circuit.

Steps 970 990 may be performed in a manner similar to the steps (steps 840, 850, and 860) for non-heating in the flowchart of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a communication method between a controller and a first leg according to one embodiment.

The controller 101 periodically inputs the first data 1020 into the first rung 102 (step 1010). The controller 101 and the first circuit section 102 actively perform control functions. However, the controller 101 and the first circuit section 102 have a relationship as a master device and a slave device, respectively.

The master device can be the subject of work when performing one task and controlling slave devices. Conversely, a slave device may be a device that obeys a master device and performs work by receiving an instruction from the master device.

In other words, the controller 101 may control the first rung 102, but the first rung 102 cannot control the controller 101. For example, the controller 101 may input data into the first rung 102 (step 1010) or may read data from the first rung 102 (step 1050). However, the first chain section 102 may not input data to the controller 101 or may not read data from the controller 101.

The first data 1020 may be data used to periodically determine whether communication with the first section 102 of the chain is properly performed. The first chain section 102 receiving the first data 1020 transmitted from the controller 101 may change the first data 1020 to a second data 1040 different from the first data 1020.

The data change process (step 1030) may be a process for the controller 101 to read the second data 1040 (step 1050) to determine if the second data 1040 matches the first data 1020.

The way the data is changed by the first rung 102 (step 1030) is called the switching method. For example, the input data can be changed in a way to switch to other data that is one bit different from the input data. The controller 101 can constantly compare the changed data and the input data, thus easily determining whether the communication between the circuits is correct, consuming only a small amount of power.

In other words, when the controller 101 is operating normally without faults, the controller 101 may periodically input the first data 1020 into the first rung portion 102 (step 1010). When a fault is present in the controller 101, the first circuit section 102 does not receive the first data 1020. Thus, whether a fault occurs in the controller 101 can be indirectly determined by the first circuit section 102.

Conversely, when the first rung 102 is operating normally without faults, the first rung 102 may periodically change the first data 1020 to second data 1040 different from the first data 1020 (step 1030). (The second data is expressed as S2 in FIG. 10. However, no change is made to the data, the second data may essentially refer to the same data as the first data, which is expressed as S1 in FIG. 10).

Whether the first rung 102 properly changes the data (step 1030) can be indirectly determined by the controller 101 reading data from the first rung 102 (1050) to determine whether the first data 1020 and the second data 1040 match by comparing the first data 1020 and second data 1040.

For example, when the first data 1020 differs from the second data 1040, the first circuit portion 102 may be recognized as operating normally. Also, when the first data 1020 differs from the second data 1040, the first rung 102 cannot change the data (step 1030). Thus, the first section 102 of the chain can be recognized as not working normally.

As disclosed above, the controller 101 and the first circuit section 102 can jointly determine whether a malfunction occurs by periodically transmitting data between the controller 101 and the first circuit section 102.

In other words, when a malfunction occurs in the controller 101, the first circuit section 102 can stop its operation by itself. When a fault occurs in the first circuit section 102, the controller 101 may stop the operation of the first circuit section 102 in order to preempt abnormal overheating or excessive current in the heater 105.

One embodiment of the invention may also be embodied in the form of a storage medium containing computer executable instructions, such as computer executable program modules. Computer-readable recording media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer and includes both non-retentive and non-retentive media, and removable and non-removable media. In addition, the computer-readable medium may include both computer storage media and communication media. The storage media of a computer comprises all of non-persistent and non-retentive media and removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media may contain computer readable instructions, data structures, other data in modulated data signals such as program modules, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any communication media.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes in form and detail may be made to the embodiments of the present specification without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The disclosed methods are to be considered in a descriptive sense only, and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims (48)

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a heater configured to heat the material to generate the aerosol; a battery configured to supply power to the heater; a controller configured to determine an operating state of the aerosol generating device as a heating state or a non-heating state; the first section of the circuit, configured to control the operation of the heater; And the second section of the circuit, configured to control the charging and discharging of the battery, in which the controller is configured to communicate with the first circuit section in a heating state, communicate with the second circuit section in a non-heating state, and determine, based on the communication result, whether a malfunction has occurred according to the operating state of the aerosol generating device, wherein the controller is configured to : obtaining first data on the amount of current passing through the first section of the circuit, based on the operating state of the device for generating aerosol, defined as a state of heating, obtaining second data on the amount of current passing through the second section of the circuit, based on the operating state of the device for generating aerosol, defined as the state of non-heating, determining whether a fault has occurred in the first circuit section based on at least one of the first current amount data and the second current amount data. 2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to monitor whether the amount of current passing through the first section of the circuit is greater than or equal to a predetermined value and, based on the monitoring result, to determine the operating state of the aerosol generating apparatus as a heating state or a non-heating state. 3. The device for generating an aerosol according to claim 1, in which the controller is configured to: determining whether a fault has occurred in the first section of the circuit, based on the first data on the amount of current, and determining whether a fault has occurred in the second circuit section based on the second current amount data. 4. The device for generating an aerosol according to claim 3, in which the controller is configured to: determining whether a fault has occurred in the first circuit section by comparing the first current amount data with the first threshold range, and determining whether a fault has occurred in the second circuit section by comparing the second current amount data with the second threshold value range. 5. An aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the controller is configured, upon determining that the operating state is a non-heating state, to determine that the operating state is a charging state or a standby state, and the controller designates the second threshold range differently when the operation state is determined to be the charging state compared to when the operation state is determined to be the standby state. 6. An aerosol generating device according to claim 3, further comprising: a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the heater, wherein the controller is configured, based on determining the operating state as a heating state, to receive temperature data from the temperature sensor, and determine whether a fault has occurred based on the first current amount data and temperature data. 7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured, based on determining that a malfunction has occurred in the aerosol generating device, to give one of the following commands: warning, stopping the operation of the first section of the circuit, and resetting the aerosol generating device . 8. The device for generating an aerosol according to claim 1, in which the controller is configured to communicate with the first section of the chain by entering data into the first section of the chain, and then, after a certain time, reading the second data from the first section of the chain. 9. An aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to: comparing the input of the first data into the first section of the chain and the reading of the second data from the first section of the chain, and based on the match of the first data and the second data, determine that a fault has occurred in the first section of the circuit and stop the operation of the first section of the circuit. 10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, in which the first section of the circuit is configured to determine, based on the failure to receive the first data from the controller, that a malfunction has occurred in the controller and independently stop the operation of the first section of the circuit. 11. A method for controlling an aerosol generating device, comprising: determining an operating state of the aerosol generating device as a heating state and a non-heating state; communication based on determining that the operating state is a heating state with the first circuit section of the aerosol generating device configured to control the operation of the heater of the aerosol generating device, and communication based on determining that the operating state is a non-heating state with the second section an aerosol generating device circuit configured to control charging or discharging a battery of the aerosol generating device; And determining, based on the communication result, whether a malfunction has occurred in connection with the operating state of the aerosol generating device; obtaining first data on the amount of current passing through the first circuit section based on the operating state of the aerosol generating device, determined as a heating state; obtaining second data on the amount of current passing through the second section of the circuit, based on the operating state of the device for generating aerosol, determined as a state of non-heating; determining whether a fault has occurred in the first circuit section based on at least one of the first current amount data and the second current amount data. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein determining whether a malfunction has occurred comprises: obtaining, in the first case, when the operating state is determined to be a heating state, first data on the amount of current passing through the first circuit section, and obtaining, in the second case, when the operating state of the aerosol generating device is determined to be a non-heating state, second data on the amount of current passing through the second section of the chain; And determining in the first case whether a fault has occurred in the first circuit section based on the first current amount data; or determining in the second case whether a fault has occurred in the second circuit section based on the second current amount data. 13. The method according to p. 11, further comprising: issuing, based on the determination that the aerosol generating device has a malfunction, one of warning, stopping the operation of the first section of the circuit, and resetting the aerosol generating device. 14. The method according to claim 11, in which communication based on determining that the operating state is a heating state or a non-heating state comprises: input of the first data in the first section of the chain; And communication with the first section of the chain by reading data from the first section of the chain after a certain time. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: comparing the input of the first data into the first section of the chain and the reading of the second data from the first section of the chain; And determining that a fault has occurred in the first section of the circuit; and stopping the operation of the first section of the circuit based on a match between the first data and the second data.