RU2844548C2 - Aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: tobacco industry.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to tobacco industry, in particular, to devices simulating the tobacco smoking process. Aerosol-generating device comprises a heater configured to heat an aerosol-generating substance. Power supply circuit is configured to supply power to the heater. Resistance recognition sensor is made with possibility of heater resistance recognition. Controller is configured to determine whether a predetermined stage is completed for the heater and calculate the temperature of the heater using the resistance recognition sensor based on the determination that the predetermined stage is completed. Predetermined step comprises a predetermined number of cycles. Control cycle of the power supply circuit so that the heater is heated to the first temperature in the first period. Control cycle of the power supply circuit so that the heater is heated to the second temperature differing from the first temperature in the second period, upon completion of the first period.

EFFECT: high accuracy of calculating temperature of the heater based on resistance of the heater and enabling constant calculation of resistance of the heater under certain conditions based on the result of heating the heater in accordance with several modes.

10 cl, 10 dwg

Description

Field of technology

[1] The present invention relates to a device for generating an aerosol.

State of the art

[2] An aerosol generating device is a device that extracts certain components from a medium or substance by forming an aerosol. The medium may contain a multi-component substance. The substance contained in the medium may be a multi-component flavoring substance. For example, the substance contained in the medium may contain a nicotine component, a plant component, and/or a coffee component. Recently, various studies have been conducted on aerosol generating devices.

The essence of the invention

Technical task

[3] The purpose of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned and other disadvantages.

[4] Another object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device that can accurately calculate the temperature of a heater based on the resistance of the heater.

[5] A further object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device that can continuously calculate the resistance of a heater under certain conditions based on the heating result of the heater in accordance with several modes.

Technical solution

[6] The above and other objects are solved by the aerosol generating device according to the first aspect of the present invention, which may comprise a heater configured to heat a substance for generating an aerosol, a power supply circuit configured to supply power to the heater, a resistance recognition sensor configured to recognize the resistance of the heater, and a controller. The controller can calculate the temperature of the heater by means of the resistance recognition sensor based on the completion of a predetermined step for the resistance of the heater, control the power supply circuit so that the heater is heated to a first temperature in a first period based on the non-completion of the predetermined step, control the power supply circuit so that the heater is heated to a second temperature different from the first temperature in a second period based on the end of the first period, and determine whether the predetermined step is completed based on the end of the second period.

Beneficial effects of the invention

[7] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the temperature of the heater can be accurately calculated based on the resistance of the heater.

[8] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to continuously calculate the resistance of the heater under certain conditions based on the result of heating the heater in accordance with multiple modes.

[9] Additional embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed disclosure. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention will undoubtedly be apparent to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed disclosure and specific embodiments of the invention, such as preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of example only.

Description of drawings

[10] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[11] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[12] FIGS. 2-4 are views illustrating an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present invention.

[13] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a stick according to embodiments of the present invention.

[14] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating configurations of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[15] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a method of operation of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[16] FIGS. 9-10 are diagrams illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Principle of the invention

[17] Examples of embodiments of the present invention are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals even if they are shown in different drawings, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[18] In the following disclosure, with respect to constituent elements used in the following disclosure, the terms "module" and "block" are used only for the purpose of facilitating disclosure. The terms "module" and "block" do not have mutually distinct meanings or functions.

[19] Furthermore, in the following disclosure of embodiments of the invention in this document, a detailed disclosure of known functions and configurations that are part of the present disclosure will be omitted if this may make the subject matter of the disclosed embodiments of the invention unclear. In addition, the accompanying drawings are provided only for a better understanding of the disclosed embodiments of the invention, and are not intended to limit the disclosed technical ideas. Therefore, it should be understood that the accompanying drawings contain all modifications, equivalents and replacements within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[20] It should be understood that the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used in this document to describe various components. However, these components should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[21] It should be understood that when a component is referred to as being "connected to" or "linked to" another component, it may be directly connected or linked to the other component. However, it should be understood that there may be intermediate components. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected to" or "directly linked to" another component, there are no intermediate components.

[22] The singular form implies both singular and plural nouns, except when the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[23] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[24] As shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 10 may comprise a data exchange interface 11, an input/output interface 12, an aerosol generating module 13, a memory 14, a sensor module 15, a battery 16 and/or a controller 17.

[25] In one embodiment of the invention, the aerosol generating device 10 may comprise only a main part. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be located in the main part. In another embodiment of the invention, the aerosol generating device 10 may comprise a cartridge that contains an aerosol generating substance and a main part. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be located in the main part and/or the cartridge.

[26] The data exchange interface 11 may comprise at least one data exchange module for communicating with an external device and/or a network. For example, the data exchange interface 11 may comprise a data exchange module for wired communication, such as a universal serial bus (USB). For example, the data exchange interface 11 may comprise a data exchange module for wireless communication, such as Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ZigBee, or near field communication (NFC).

[27] The input/output interface 12 may comprise an input device (not shown) for receiving a command from a user and/or an output device (not shown) for outputting information to a user. For example, the input device may comprise a touch panel, a physical button, a microphone, etc. For example, the output device may comprise a display for outputting visual information, such as a display or light-emitting diode (LED), an audio device for outputting audio information, such as a speaker or buzzer, a motor for outputting tactile information, such as a tactile effect, etc.

[28] The input/output interface 12 may transmit data corresponding to a command entered by a user through the input device to another component (or other components) of the aerosol generating device 100. The input/output interface 12 may output information corresponding to data received from the other component (or other components) of the aerosol generating device 10 through the output device.

[29] The aerosol generating module 13 may generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance. In this case, the aerosol generating substance may be a substance in a liquid state, a solid state, or a gel state capable of generating an aerosol, or a combination of two or more aerosol generating substances.

[30] In one embodiment of the invention, the liquid aerosol generating substance may be a liquid that includes a tobacco-containing material with a volatile tobacco flavoring component. In another embodiment of the invention, the liquid aerosol generating substance may be a liquid that includes a non-tobacco material. For example, the liquid aerosol generating substance may contain water, solvents, nicotine, plant extracts, flavorings, aromatic substances, vitamin mixtures, etc.

[31] The solid substance for generating an aerosol may comprise a solid material based on a tobacco raw material such as a reconstituted tobacco leaf, shredded tobacco or granulated tobacco. In addition, the solid substance for generating an aerosol may comprise a solid material containing a taste-adjusting substance and a flavoring material. Examples of the taste-adjusting substance may comprise calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium oxide, etc. For example, the flavoring material may comprise a natural material such as plant granules, or may comprise a material such as silicon dioxide, zeolite or dextrin that contains a flavoring ingredient.

[32] In addition, the aerosol generating substance may further comprise an aerosol forming substance such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

[33] The aerosol generating module 13 may comprise at least one heater (not shown).

[34] The aerosol generating module 13 may comprise an electrically resistive heater. For example, the electrically resistive heater may comprise at least one electrically conductive path. The electrically resistive heater may be heated by passing current through the electrically conductive path. In this case, the substance for generating the aerosol may be heated by means of the electrically resistive heater.

[35] The conductive path may comprise an electrically resistive material. In one example, the conductive path may be made of a metallic material. In another example, the conductive path may be made of a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite of a ceramic material and a metal.

[36] The electrically resistive heater may comprise a conductive path having any of a variety of shapes. For example, the conductive path may have any of the following shapes: a tube, a plate, a needle, a rod, and a coil.

[37] The aerosol generating module 13 may comprise a heater using an induction heating method. For example, the induction heater may comprise an electrically conductive winding. The induction heater may generate an alternating electromagnetic field that periodically changes direction by regulating the current passing through the electrically conductive winding. In this case, when the alternating electromagnetic field is applied to the magnetic body, energy losses may occur in the magnetic body due to eddy current losses and hysteresis. In addition, the lost energy may be released as thermal energy. Accordingly, the aerosol generating substance located near the magnetic body may be heated. In this document, an object that generates heat due to the electromagnetic field may be referred to as a current collector.

[38] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating module 13 can generate ultrasonic vibrations to thereby generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating substance.

[39] The aerosol generating device 10 may be referred to as a cartomizer, atomizer, or vaporizer.

[40] Memory 14 can store programs for processing and controlling each signal in controller 17. Memory 14 can store processed data and data to be processed.

[41] For example, memory 14 may store applications designed to perform various tasks that may be processed by controller 17. Memory 14 may selectively provide some of the stored applications in response to a request from controller 17.

[42] For example, the memory 14 may store data on the operating time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, the number of uses of the battery 16, at least one temperature profile, the inhalation pattern of the user, and charge/discharge data. In this document, "puff" means inhalation by the user. "Inhalation" means the action of the user to suck air or other substances into the oral cavity, nose, or lungs of the user through the mouth or nose of the user.

[43] Memory 14 may comprise at least one of the following: volatile memory (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), or synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM)), non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD).

[44] The sensor module 15 may comprise at least one sensor.

[45] For example, the sensor module 15 may comprise a sensor for recognizing a puff (hereinafter referred to as the "puff sensor"). In this case, the puff sensor may be implemented as a contactless sensor, such as an IR sensor, a pressure sensor, a microphone, a gyroscope, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, etc.

[46] For example, the sensor module 15 may comprise a sensor for recognizing a puff (hereinafter referred to as the “puff sensor”). In this case, the puff sensor may be implemented as a pressure sensor, a gyroscopic sensor, an acceleration sensor, an electromagnetic field sensor, etc.

[47] For example, the sensor module 15 may comprise a sensor for measuring the temperature of the heater included in the aerosol generating module 13 and the temperature of the aerosol generating substance (hereinafter referred to as the "temperature sensor"). In this case, the heater included in the aerosol generating module 13 may also serve as a temperature sensor. For example, the electrically resistive material of the heater may be a material having a predetermined temperature coefficient of resistance. The sensor module 15 may measure the resistance of the heater, which changes depending on the temperature, to thereby measure the temperature of the heater.

[48] For example, if the main part of the aerosol generating device 10 is designed in such a way that a stick can be inserted into it, the sensor module 15 may comprise a sensor for recognizing the insertion of a stick (hereinafter referred to as the “stick recognition sensor”).

[49] For example, if the aerosol generating device 10 comprises a cartridge, the sensor module 15 may comprise a sensor for recognizing the installation/removal of the cartridge, as well as the position of the cartridge (hereinafter referred to as a “cartridge recognition sensor”).

[50] In this case, the stick recognition sensor and/or the cartridge recognition sensor may be implemented as an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, or a Hall effect sensor (or an integrated circuit based on the Hall effect) using the Hall effect.

[51] For example, the sensor module 15 may comprise a voltage sensor for measuring a voltage applied to a component (e.g., a battery 16) provided in the aerosol generating device 10, and/or a current sensor for measuring a current.

[52] The battery 16 may supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 10 under the control of the controller 17. The battery 16 may supply power to other components provided in the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the battery 16 may supply power to a data exchange module included in the data exchange interface 11, an output device included in the input/output interface 12, and a heater included in the aerosol generating module 13.

[53] The battery 16 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 16 may be a lithium-ion (Li-ion) or a lithium-polymer (Li-polymer) battery. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, when the battery 16 is a rechargeable battery, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 16 may be 10 C, and the discharge rate (C-rate) may be from 10 C to 20 C. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. In addition, for stable use, the battery 16 may be configured such that 80% or more of the total capacity can be provided even after 2000 charge/discharge cycles.

[54] The aerosol generating device 10 may further comprise a protection circuit module (PCM) that is a protection circuit for the battery 16. The protection circuit module (PCM) may be located near the top surface of the battery 16. For example, in order to prevent overcharging and overdischarging of the battery 16, the protection circuit module (PCM) may disconnect the electrical circuit to the battery 16 when a short circuit occurs in the circuit connected to the battery 16, when excessive voltage is supplied to the battery 16, or when excessive current flows through the battery 16.

[55] The aerosol generating device 10 may further comprise a charging terminal to which electric power is supplied from the outside. For example, the charging terminal may be formed on one side of the main part of the aerosol generating device 100. The aerosol generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 with electric power supplied through the charging terminal. In this case, the charging terminal may be formed as a USB communication wire terminal, a spring contact, etc.

[56] The aerosol generating device 10 can receive power supply from outside via a wireless network through a data exchange interface 11. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 can receive power supply via wireless communication, using an antenna included in the data exchange module for wireless communication. The aerosol generating device 10 can charge the battery 16 using power supply supplied via a wireless network.

[57] The controller 17 may control the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 as a whole. The controller 17 may be connected to each of the components provided in the aerosol generating device 100. The controller 17 may transmit and/or receive a signal to and/or from each of the components, thereby controlling the operation of each of the components as a whole.

[58] The controller 17 may comprise at least one processor. The controller 17 may control the operation of the aerosol generating device 10 as a whole using a processor built into it. In this case, the processor may be a conventional processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU). Of course, the processor may be a specialized device, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or may be any other processor based on hardware.

[59] The controller 17 may perform any of the plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the controller 17 may perform any of the plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 10 (for example, a preheating function, a heating function, a charging function, and a cleaning function) in accordance with the state of each of the components provided in the aerosol generating device 10 and a user command received through the input/output interface 12.

[60] The controller 17 may control the operation of each of the components provided in the aerosol generating device 10 based on the data stored in the memory 14. For example, the controller 17 may control the supply of a predetermined amount of power from the battery 16 to the module 13 for generating an aerosol for a predetermined time based on the data about the temperature profile, the power profile and the inhalation pattern of the user stored in the memory 14.

[61] The controller 17 may determine the presence or absence of a puff using a puff sensor included in the sensor module 15. For example, the controller 17 may monitor a change in temperature, a change in flow rate, a change in pressure, and a change in voltage in the aerosol generating device 10 based on the values measured by the puff sensor. The controller 17 may determine the presence or absence of a puff based on the value measured by the puff sensor.

[62] The controller 17 may control the operation of each of the components provided in the aerosol generating device 10 in accordance with the presence or absence of a puff and/or the number of puffs. For example, the controller 17 may control in such a way that the temperature of the heater is changed or maintained in accordance with a temperature profile stored in the memory 14.

[63] The controller 17 may control such that the power supply to the heater is interrupted in accordance with a predetermined condition. For example, the controller 17 may control such that the power supply to the heater is interrupted when the stick is removed, when the cartridge is dismantled, when the number of puffs reaches a predetermined maximum number of puffs, when a puff is not recognized for a predetermined period of time or longer, or when the remaining capacity of the battery 16 is less than a predetermined value.

[64] The controller 17 may calculate the remaining capacity in relation to the total capacity of the battery 16. For example, the controller 17 may calculate the remaining capacity of the battery 16 based on values measured by a voltage sensor and/or a current sensor included in the sensor module 15.

[65] The controller 17 may perform control such that electrical power is supplied to the heater by means of pulse width modulation (PWM) and/or proportional integral derivative (PID) control.

[66] For example, the controller 17 may perform control so that a current pulse having a specified frequency and a specified duty cycle is supplied to the heater by means of a PWM method. In this case, the controller 17 may control the amount of electric power supplied to the heater by adjusting the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulse.

[67] For example, the controller 17 may determine a target temperature to be controlled based on a temperature profile. In this case, the controller 17 may control the amount of electric power supplied to the heater by means of PID control, which is a feedback control method using a difference value between the heater temperature and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[68] Although PWM and PID methods are described as examples of methods for controlling the supply of electrical power to a heater, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may use any of various control methods, such as a proportional-integral (PI) method or a proportional-derivative (PD) method.

[69] Meanwhile, the controller 17 may perform control so that the supply of electric power to the heater is interrupted in accordance with a predetermined condition. For example, when the cleaning function for cleaning the space into which the stick is inserted is selected in response to a command input by the user through the input/output interface 12, the controller 17 may perform control so as to supply a predetermined amount of electric power to the heater.

[70] FIGS. 2-4 are views illustrating an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present invention.

[71] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol generating device 10 may comprise a main portion 100 and/or a cartridge 200.

[72] As shown in FIG. 2, an aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment of the invention may comprise a main portion 100 and a cartridge 200. The main portion 100 may support the cartridge 200, and the cartridge 200 may contain a substance for generating an aerosol.

[73] In one embodiment of the invention, the cartridge 200 may be removably mounted on the main part 100. In another embodiment of the invention, the cartridge 200 may be formed as a single unit with the main part 100. For example, the cartridge 200 may be mounted on the main part 100 such that at least a portion of the cartridge 200 enters an insertion space defined by the body 101 of the main part 100.

[74] The main part 100 may be designed such that outside air can enter the main part 100 in a state in which the cartridge 200 is inserted therein. In this case, the outside air entering the main part 100 can enter the user's mouth through the cartridge 200.

[75] The controller 17 may determine whether the cartridge 200 is in an installed or removed state using a cartridge recognition sensor included in the sensor module 15. For example, the cartridge recognition sensor may transmit a pulse current through a first terminal connected to the cartridge 200. In this case, the controller 17 may determine whether the cartridge 200 is in a connected state based on whether the pulse current is received through another terminal.

[76] The cartridge 200 may comprise a reservoir 220 designed to contain an aerosol-generating substance and/or a heater 210 configured to heat the aerosol-generating substance in the reservoir 220. For example, a liquid delivery element impregnated with (containing) an aerosol-generating substance may be located inside the reservoir 220. The electrically conductive path of the heater 210 may be formed as a structure that is wound around the liquid delivery element. In this case, when the liquid delivery element is heated by the heater 210, an aerosol can be generated. The liquid delivery element may comprise a wick made of, for example, cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber or porous ceramic material.

[77] The cartridge 200 may comprise a mouthpiece 225. In this case, the mouthpiece 225 may be a portion designed to be inserted into the oral cavity of the user. The mouthpiece 225 may have an outlet through which the aerosol is released during puffing.

[78] As shown in FIG. 3, the cartridge 200 may comprise an insertion space 230 configured to insert the stick 20 therein. For example, the cartridge 200 may comprise an insertion space defined by an inner wall extending in a circumferential direction in the direction in which the stick 20 is inserted. In this case, the insertion space may be formed by opening the inner side of the inner wall upward and downward. The stick 20 may be inserted into the insertion space defined by the inner wall.

[79] The insertion space into which the stick 20 is inserted may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the portion of the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space. For example, if the stick 20 has a cylindrical shape, the insertion space may have a cylindrical shape.

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

[81] A portion of the stick 20 may be inserted into the insertion space and the remaining portion of the stick 20 may be pulled out.

[82] The user may inhale the aerosol by biting one end of the stick 20 with the mouth. The aerosol generated by the heater 210 may pass through the stick 20 and enter the user's mouth. In this case, when the aerosol passes through the stick 20, the material contained in the stick 20 may be added to the aerosol. The aerosol obtained from the material may enter the oral cavity of the user through one end of the stick 20.

[83] The controller 17 may monitor the number of puffs based on the value received by the puff sensor from the moment the stick 20 is inserted.

[84] When the stick 20 is removed, the controller 17 may initialize the current number of puffs stored in the memory 14.

[85] The cartridge 200 may comprise a second heater 215 configured to heat the stick 20. The second heater 215 may be located in the cartridge 200 in a position corresponding to the position of the stick 20 after insertion into the insertion space 230. The second heater 215 may be implemented as an electrically conductive heater and/or an induction heater. The second heater 215 may heat the inner and/or outer portion of the stick 20 using power supplied by the battery 16.

[86] As shown in FIG. 4, an aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment of the invention may comprise a main part 100 supporting a cartridge 200 and a cartridge 200 containing a substance for generating an aerosol. The main part 100 may be configured such that the stick 20 can be inserted into the insertion space 1300 inside the housing.

[87] The aerosol generating device 10 may comprise a first heater 210 for heating an aerosol generating substance stored in a cartridge 200 and/or a second heater 215 for heating a stick 20 inserted into the main part 100. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating substance stored in a cartridge 200 and a stick 20 using the first heater 210 and the second heater 115, respectively.

[88] The stick 20 may be similar to a conventional combustible cigarette. For example, the stick 20 may comprise a first portion containing an aerosol generating material and a second portion containing a filter or other similar element. Alternatively, the aerosol generating material may be located in the second portion of the stick 20. For example, a flavoring substance in the form of granules or capsules may be introduced into the second portion.

[89] Hereinafter, the present invention will be disclosed with reference to an embodiment of the invention in which the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 formed in the body 101 of the main part 100.

[90] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a stick according to embodiments of the present invention.

[91] As shown in FIG. 5, the stick 20 may comprise a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first part, disclosed above with reference to FIG. 4, may comprise a tobacco rod. The second part, disclosed above with reference to FIG. 4, may comprise a filter rod 22.

[92] FIG. 5 shows that the filter rod 22 comprises one segment. However, the design of the filter rod 22 is not limited to this embodiment. In other words, the filter rod 22 may comprise several segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may comprise a first segment configured to cool the aerosol and a second segment configured to filter a specific component contained in the aerosol. In addition, if necessary, the filter rod 22 may further comprise at least one segment configured to perform other functions.

[93] The diameter of the stick 20 may be from 5 to 9 mm, and its length may be about 48 mm, but embodiments of the invention are not limited to this embodiment. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 may be about 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 12 mm, but embodiments of the invention are not limited to this embodiment.

[94] The stick 20 may be wrapped with at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one opening through which outside air may enter or inside air may exit. For example, the stick 20 may be wrapped with one wrapper 24. In another example, the stick 20 may be wrapped with at least two wrappers 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped with the first wrapper 241. For example, the filter rod 22 may be wrapped with wrappers 242, 243, 244. The tobacco rod 21 and the filter rod 22 wrapped with wrappers may be combined. The stick 20 may be re-wrapped with a single wrapper 245. If the tobacco rod 21 and the filter rod 22 contain several segments, each segment may be wrapped with wrappers 242, 243, 244. The entire stick 20, consisting of several segments wrapped with wrappers, may be re-wrapped with another wrapper.

[95] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of general-purpose wrapping paper for filters. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of porous or non-porous wrapping paper. In addition, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of an oil-resistant paper sheet and an aluminum laminate packaging material.

[96] The third wrapper 243 may be made of rigid wrapping paper. For example, the density of the material of the third wrapper 243 may be, in particular, from 88 g/m ² to 96 g/m ² . For example, the density of the material of the third wrapper 243 may be, in particular, from 90 g/m ² to 94 g/m ² . In addition, the total thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be from 1200 μm to 1300 μm. For example, the total thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be 125 μm.

[97] The fourth wrapper 244 may be made of oil-resistant rigid wrapping paper. For example, the density of the material of the fourth wrapper 244 may be approximately from 88 g/ ^m2 to 96 g/ ^m2 . For example, the density of the material of the fourth wrapper 244 may be, in particular, from 90 g/ ^m2 to 94 g/ ^m2 . Thus, the total thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be from 1200 to 1300 μm. For example, the total thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be 125 μm.

[98] The fifth wrapper 245 may be made of sterilized paper (MFW). In this case, MFW is understood to mean paper specially manufactured to impart tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness and other similar properties, wherein these properties are improved in comparison with ordinary paper. For example, the density of the material of the fifth wrapper 245 may be, in particular, from 57 g/ ^m2 to 63 g/ ^m2 . For example, the density of the fifth wrapper 245 may be approximately 60 g/m2. Thus, the total thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be from 64 to 70 μm. For example, the total thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 67 μm.

[99] The fifth wrapper 245 may include a predetermined material. Here, an example of a predetermined material may be silicon; other options are also possible. For example, silicon has characteristics such as heat resistance with slight changes due to temperature, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, dielectric properties, etc. However, any material other than silicon may be applied (or coated) on the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation, provided that the material has the above-mentioned characteristics.

[100] 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 will ignite. More specifically, when the temperature rises to a temperature exceeding the ignition point of any of the materials included in the tobacco rod 21, the stick 20 may ignite. Even in this case, the stick 20 can be prevented from burning because the fifth wrapper 245 contains a non-combustible material.

[101] In addition, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the aerosol generating device 100 from being contaminated with substances generated by the stick 20. As a result of the user's puff, liquid substances can be generated in the stick 20. For example, when the aerosol generated by the stick 20 is cooled by outside air, liquid materials (such as moisture, etc.) can be generated. The fifth wrapper 245 wrapped around the stick 20 can prevent the liquid materials generated in the stick 20 from leaking out of the stick 20.

[102] The tobacco rod 21 may comprise an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may comprise at least one of the following components: glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol and oleyl alcohol, as well as other components. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may comprise other additives, in particular, flavoring agents, a humectant and/or an organic acid. Also, the tobacco rod 21 may comprise a flavored liquid, in particular, menthol or a humectant, injected into the tobacco rod 21.

[103] The tobacco rod 21 can be made in various shapes. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be formed in the form of a sheet or a strand. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 can be formed in the form of a pipe tobacco consisting of tiny pieces cut from a tobacco leaf. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 can be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material can be, among other things, a metal foil, such as, for example, aluminum foil. For example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can evenly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, which makes it possible to increase the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod and improve the taste of the tobacco. In addition, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can serve as a current collector heated by an induction heater. In this case, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 may comprise an additional current collector along with the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21.

[104] The filter rod 22 may comprise a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod 22 may have any shape. For example, the filter rod 22 may have the shape of a hollow cylinder or a hollow tube. In addition, the filter rod 22 may comprise a rod with a recess. If the filter rod 22 comprises multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may have a different shape.

[105] The first segment of the filter rod 22 may be a filter made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may have a structure in the form of a tube with a hollow interior. The first segment may prevent the internal material of the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed out when the heater 110 is inserted into the tobacco rod 21, and may also cool the aerosol. The diameter of the cavity of the first segment may be from 2 to 4.5 mm; other variations are also possible.

[106] The first segment may have a suitable length in the range from 4 to 30 mm; other variations are also possible. For example, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm; other variations are also possible.

[107] The second segment of the filter rod 22 can cool the aerosol generated by the heater 110 heating the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[108] The length or diameter of the second segment may vary depending on the shape of the stick 20. For example, the length of the second segment may be from 7 to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be approximately 14 mm; other variations are also possible.

[109] The second segment may be made by weaving a polymer fiber. In this case, the flavoring liquid may also be applied to the fiber formed from the polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be made by weaving an additional fiber coated with a flavoring liquid and a fiber formed from the polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be made from a corrugated polymer sheet.

[110] For example, the polymer may be selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactide (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[111] Since the second segment is formed by a woven polymer fiber or a corrugated polymer sheet, the second segment may contain one or more channels oriented in the longitudinal direction. In this case, a channel is understood to be a channel through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) flows.

[112] For example, the second segment made from a corrugated polymer sheet may be formed from a material having a thickness of about 5 to 300 μm, such as about 10 to 250 μm. In addition, the total surface area of the second segment may be about 300 mm ² /mm to 1000 mm ² /mm. In addition, the aerosol cooling element may be formed from a material having a specific surface area of about 10 mm ² /mg to 100 mm ² /mg.

[113] The second segment may comprise a thread containing volatile aromatic ingredients. In this case, the volatile aromatic ingredient may be, in particular, menthol. For example, the thread may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide a menthol content of 1.5 mg or more in the second segment.

[114] The third segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be from 4 to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be approximately 12 mm, but other variations are also possible.

[115] The filter rod 22 may be made with the possibility of obtaining aromas. For example, an aromatizing liquid may be injected into the filter rod 22. For example, additional fibers coated with an aromatizing liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 22.

[116] In addition, the filter rod 22 may contain at least one capsule 23. In this case, the capsule 23 may generate a fragrance. The capsule 23 may generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a configuration in which the liquid containing the fragrance material is wrapped in a film. The capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but other options are also possible.

[117] As shown in FIG. 6, the stick 30 may further comprise a front plug 33. The front plug 33 may be located on the side of the tobacco rod 31 opposite the filter rod 32. The front plug 33 may prevent the tobacco rod 31 from detaching and liquefied aerosol from entering the aerosol generating device 10 from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking.

[118] The filter rod 32 may comprise 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. 4. The segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 in FIG. 4.

[119] The diameter and overall length of the stick 30 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the stick 20 in FIG. 4. For example, the length of the front plug 33 may be approximately 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 may be approximately 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 may be approximately 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 may be approximately 14 mm, but embodiments of the invention are not limited to this embodiment.

[120] The stick 30 may be wrapped in at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may have at least one opening through which outside air may enter or inside air may exit. For example, the front plug 33 may be wrapped in the first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 in the second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 in the third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 in the fourth wrapper 354. In addition, the entire stick 30 may be re-wrapped in the fifth wrapper 355.

[121] In addition, the fifth wrapper 355 may have at least one perforation 36. For example, the perforation 36 may be formed, in particular, in the region of the fifth wrapper 355 surrounding the tobacco rod 31. For example, the perforation 36 may serve to transfer heat generated by the heater 210 shown in FIG. 3 to the tobacco rod 31.

[122] Also, the second segment 322 may contain at least one capsule 34. In this case, the capsule 34 may generate a fragrance. The capsule 34 may generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a configuration in which the liquid containing the fragrance material is wrapped in a film. The capsule 34 may have the shape of a sphere or a cylinder, but other options are also possible.

[123] The first wrapper 351 may be made by combining a general-purpose wrapping paper for filters and a metal foil, such as aluminum foil. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be from 45 to 55 μm. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be 50.3 μm. In addition, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be from 6 to 7 μm. For example, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be 6.3 μm. In addition, the density of the material of the first wrapper 351 may be from 50 g/m ² to 55 g/m ² . For example, the density of the first wrapper 351 may be 53 g/m ² .

[124] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be made of general-purpose wrapping paper for filters. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be made of porous or non-porous wrapping paper.

[125] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be 35,000 AU; other variations are also possible. In addition, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be from 70 to 80 μm. For example, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be 78 μm. The density of the material of the second wrapper 352 may be from 20 g/m ² to 25 g/m ² . For example, the density of the second wrapper 352 may be 23.5 g/m ² .

[126] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be 24,000 PU; other variations are also possible. In addition, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be approximately 60 to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be 68 mm. The density of the third wrapper 353 may be approximately 20 g/m ² to 25 g/m ² . For example, the density of the third wrapper 353 may be 21 g/m ² .

[127] The fourth wrapper 354 may be formed from polylactide-laminated paper. In this case, the polylactide-laminated paper refers to a three-layer paper comprising a paper layer, a polylactide layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 353 may be from 100 to 1200 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 353 may be 110 μm. In addition, the density of the fourth wrapper 354 may be from 80 g/m ² to 100 g/m ² . For example, the density of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 88 g/m ² .

[128] The fifth wrapper 355 may be made of sterilized paper (MFW). In this case, the sterilized paper (MFW) refers to paper that is specially made to improve tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., compared to ordinary paper. For example, the density of the material of the fifth wrapper 355 may be from 57 g/ ^m2 to 63 g/ ^m2 . For example, the density of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 60 g/ ^m2 . In addition, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be from 64 to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 67 μm.

[129] The fifth wrapper 355 may contain a specified material added thereto. An example of the material may be silicon, but other materials are also possible. Silicon has characteristics such as heat resistance, resistance to temperature conditions, oxidation resistance, resistance to the effects of various chemicals, water-repellent properties, dielectric properties, etc. In addition to silicon, any other materials having the characteristics disclosed above may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355, without limitation.

[130] The front plug 33 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the front plug 33 may be formed by adding a plasticizer (for example, triacetin) to a cellulose acetate fiber. The monodenier of the threads constituting the cellulose acetate fiber may be from 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the monodenier of the threads constituting the cellulose acetate fiber may be from 4.0 to 6.0. The monodenier of the threads of the front plug 33 may be 5.0. In addition, the cross-section of the threads of the front plug 33 may have a Y-shape. More preferably, the total denier of the front plug 33 may be from 20,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the front plug 33 may be from 25,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the front plug 33 may be 28,000.

[131] In addition, if necessary, the front plug 33 may comprise at least one channel. The cross-section of the channel may have various shapes.

[132] The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 disclosed above with reference to FIG. 4. Thus, hereinafter, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted.

[133] The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment 321 may be formed in the form of a tube with a hollow interior. For example, the first segment 321 may be formed by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to the cellulose acetate fiber. For example, the monodenier and the total denier of the first segment 321 may match the monodenier and the total denier of the front plug 33.

[134] The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The monodenier of the yarn of the second segment 322 may be from 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the monodenier of the yarn of the second segment 322 may be approximately 8.0 to 10.0. For example, the monodenier of the yarn of the second segment 322 may be 9.0. In addition, the cross-section of the yarn of the second segment 322 may have a Y-shape. The total denier of the second segment 322 may be from 20,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the second segment 322 may be 25,000.

[135] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[136] As shown in FIG. 7, the aerosol generating device 10 may comprise a heater 110, a resistance recognition sensor 150, a stick recognition sensor 155, a battery 16, and/or a power supply circuit 160.

[137] The resistance recognition sensor 150 may be electrically connected to the heater 110. The resistance recognition sensor 150 may be a current sensor for recognizing a current. In the present invention, a current sensor connected in series with the heater 110 is disclosed as an example of the resistance recognition sensor 150, but embodiments of the invention are not limited to this example. For example, the resistance recognition sensor 150 may be implemented as a voltage sensor that recognizes a voltage applied to the heater 110.

[138] The power supply circuit 160 may be electrically connected to the battery 16. The power supply circuit 160 may supply power to the heater 110 using the energy stored in the battery 16. In this case, the amount of power supplied from the power supply circuit 160 to the heater 110 may be adjusted under the control of the controller 17.

[139] The power supply circuit 160 may comprise at least one switching element operating under the control of the controller 17. In this case, power may be supplied to the heater 110 in response to the operation of the switching element. For example, the switching element may be implemented as a bipolar transistor (BJT), a field-effect transistor (FET), and other similar devices.

[140] When the heater 110 and the resistance recognition sensor 150 are electrically connected to each other, a current of the same magnitude can flow through the heater 110 and the resistance recognition sensor 150. In this case, the resistance Rs of the shunt resistor provided in the resistance recognition sensor 150 may not change with a change in temperature.

[141] The controller may determine the voltage V1 applied to the heater 110 and the resistance recognition sensor 150. For example, the controller 17 may determine the voltage V1 applied to the heater 110 and the resistance recognition sensor 150 based on the power supplied from the power supply circuit 160 to the heater 110 and the current flowing through the heater 110 and the resistance recognition sensor 150.

[142] The controller 17 may calculate the voltage V2 supplied to the shunt resistor of the resistance recognition sensor 150 based on the current flowing through the shunt resistor and the resistance Rs of the shunt resistor. In this case, the controller 17 may calculate the voltage applied to the heater 110 as the difference (V1-V2) between the voltage V1 applied to the heater 110 and the resistance recognition sensor 150 and the voltage V2 applied to the shunt resistor. The controller 17 may calculate the resistance Rh of the heater 110 based on the voltage applied to the heater 110 and the current flowing through the heater 110.

[143] Accordingly, the controller 17 can determine the temperature of the heater 110 based on the current flowing through the heater 110 and calculated by the resistance recognition sensor 150, even if the wick is heated by the heater 110.

[144] Meanwhile, the resistor of the heater 110 may be a material with a temperature coefficient of resistance. The resistance Rh of the heater 110 may change depending on the change in the temperature of the resistor. The controller 17 may calculate the temperature of the heater 110 based on the temperature coefficient of resistance of the heater 110, the resistance Rh of the heater 110, and the resistance of the heater 110 at a reference temperature, using a calculation formula for the temperature of the heater 110. In this case, the calculation formula used to calculate the temperature of the heater 110 may be the following formula 1.

[145] [Formula 1]

[146]

[147] In the above formula, 1 TCR represents the temperature coefficient of the resistance of the heater 110, T1 represents the temperature of the heater 110, R1 represents the resistance of the heater 110, T0 represents the reference temperature, and R0 represents the resistance of the heater 110 at the reference temperature. For example, T0 is 25°C, and R0 represents the resistance of the heater 110 at 25°C.

[148] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[149] As shown in FIG. 8, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine in step S810 whether the step of stabilizing the resistance of the heater 110 (hereinafter, the heater stabilizing step) has been completed. In this case, the step of stabilizing the heater may mean a step of stabilizing the state of the material contained in the electric resistance heater. The electric resistance heater, which serves as an example of the heater 110, may be made of a metal material, carbon, a metal alloy, a ceramic material, and/or a composite material containing two or more components. In this case, when the electric resistance heater is heated, at least a part of the crystal structure of the material contained in the electric resistance heater may be changed by the heat generated by the electric resistance heater. Furthermore, if the resistance of the heater 110 changes in response to the change in the crystal structure, the result of calculating the temperature of the heater 110 based on the resistance of the heater 110 under a certain condition may also change. Thus, the aerosol generating device 10 can accurately determine the temperature of the heater 110 by calculating the resistance of the heater 110 after stabilizing the state of the material contained in the electrical resistance heater in the heater stabilization step.

[150] If the step of stabilizing the heater is not completed, the aerosol generating device 10 may heat the heater 110 to a first temperature in a first period in step S820. In this case, the first period may correspond to a heating mode in which an aerosol is generated by heating an aerosol generating substance by means of the heater 110. The first temperature may be a temperature corresponding to the heating mode. For example, the first temperature may correspond to a maximum value of the temperature of the heater 110 in the heating mode (for example, 350°C). In this case, the maximum value of the temperature of the heater 110 in the heating mode may be determined based on a temperature profile related to the heating mode and stored in the memory 14.

[151] The aerosol generating device 10 in step S830 may heat the heater 110 to a second temperature different from the first temperature in a second period based on the end of the first period. In this case, the second period may correspond to a cleaning mode for removing waste adhered to the heater 110. The second temperature may be a temperature corresponding to the cleaning mode. For example, the second temperature may be a maximum value of the temperature of the heater 110 in the cleaning mode (for example, 550°C), higher than the first temperature. In this case, the maximum temperature of the heater 110 in the cleaning mode can be determined based on a temperature profile related to the cleaning mode and stored in the memory 14.

[152] In one embodiment of the invention, the time during which the heater 110 is heated to the first temperature in the first period (hereinafter the first time) may exceed the time during which the heater 110 is heated to the second temperature in the second period (hereinafter the second time). For example, the first time may correspond to the time required to use one stick 20 (e.g., 5 minutes), and the second time may correspond to the time required to remove waste stuck to the heater 110 (e.g., 15 seconds).

[153] The aerosol generating device 10 may determine in step S840 whether the number of times the first and second periods are completed (hereinafter, the number of times) is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, based on the completion of the second period. In this case, the predetermined number of times may be predetermined to be two or more. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may increase the number of times the completion corresponding to the end of the second period, and then determine whether the number of times the completion is greater than or equal to a predetermined number.

[154] The aerosol generating device 10 may start the first period if the number of completions is less than a predetermined number. In one embodiment of the invention, the aerosol generating device 10 may start the first period after a predetermined time has elapsed from the end of the second period. In this case, the predetermined time may be a time corresponding to the temperature of the heater 110 dropping to a level below the first temperature. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 is preset so that the temperature of the heater 110 drops below the first temperature after 45 seconds, which is the predetermined time from the end of the second period. This makes it possible to adjust the states of the heater 110 taking into account the general mode of use of the aerosol generating device 10 by the user.

[155] The aerosol generating device 10 may heat the heater 110 to a third temperature in a third period in step S850 if the number of completions is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. In this case, the third period may be a period during which the heater 110 is subjected to heat treatment in such a way as to stabilize the state of the electrical resistance heater repeatedly heated during the first and second periods. The third temperature may be higher than the first temperature and lower than the second temperature. In one embodiment of the invention, the time during which the heater 110 is heated to the third temperature in the third period (hereinafter, the third time) may be longer than the first and second times.

[156] In one embodiment of the invention, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine the completion of the heater stabilization step based on the results of the completion of the third period. In one embodiment of the invention, when the step corresponding to the third period is skipped, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine the completion of the heater stabilization step if the number of cases is greater than or equal to a predetermined number.

[157] As shown in FIG. 9, the heater 110 can be heated to the first temperature T1 until t1 corresponds to the first time. In addition, the heater 110 can be heated to the second temperature T2 from the time t1, at which the first period ends, until the time t2, at which the second time elapses. In addition, the heater 110 can be heated again to the first temperature T1 from the time t3, at which a predetermined time elapses, from the time t2, at which the second portion ends.

[158] If the predetermined number of cases is 5, then in the first through fifth steps (Sec1-Sec5), the heater 110 may be repeatedly heated to the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2. In addition, the heater 110 may be heated to the third temperature T3 from the time t4 upon completion of the fifth step Sec5.

[159] As shown in FIG. 10, when the heater 110 is heated to the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 in the heater stabilization step, the temperature of the heater 110 corresponding to the resistance of the heater 110 can be continuously calculated under a certain condition. For example, the certain condition may be a state in which a certain amount of power is supplied to the heater 110 for a certain period of time.

[160] The temperature of the heaters 110, respectively provided in the plurality of aerosol generating devices 1010 and 1020, calculated under a certain condition may exceed T4 if the heater stabilization step is not started. On the contrary, after the heater stabilization step is completed, all temperatures of the heater 110 may be calculated at a level lower than T4. That is, since the crystal structure of the material contained in the heater 110 changes due to the heating of the heater 110 in the heater stabilization step, a resistance may be calculated that differs from the resistance of the heater 110 calculated under the same conditions before the heater stabilization step is started.

[161] In addition, as the number of times the heater 110 is heated to the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 in the heater stabilization step increases, the resistance and temperature of the heater 110 calculated under a certain condition may become constant.

[162] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 10 may recognize the insertion of the stick 20 into the insertion space 130 in step S860 if the heater stabilizing step is completed. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may monitor whether the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 by means of the stick recognition sensor 155 after the heater stabilizing step is completed.

[163] The aerosol generating device 10 may, in step S870, calculate the temperature of the heater 110 in accordance with the resistance of the heater 110. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may recognize the resistance of the heater 110 by means of the resistance recognition sensor 150 based on the insertion of the stick 20. In this case, the aerosol generating device 10 may calculate the temperature of the heater 110 in accordance with the change in the resistance of the heater 110.

[164] As disclosed above, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, the temperature of the heater 110 can be accurately calculated based on the resistance of the heater 110.

[165] In addition, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to continuously calculate the resistance of the heater 110 in a certain state based on the heating result of the heater 110 in accordance with multiple modes.

[166] As shown in FIG. 1-10, the aerosol generating device 10 according to one aspect of the present invention may comprise a heater 110 configured to heat a substance for generating an aerosol, a power supply circuit 160 configured to supply power to the heater 110, a resistance recognition sensor 150 configured to recognize the resistance of the heater 110, and a controller 17. The controller 17 may calculate a temperature of the heater 110 by means of the resistance recognition sensor 150 based on the completion of a predetermined step for the resistance of the heater 110, control the power supply circuit 160 so that the heater 110 is heated to a first temperature T1 in a first period based on the completion of the predetermined step, control the power supply circuit 160 so that the heater 110 is heated to a second temperature T2 different from the first temperature T1 in a second period based on the end of the first period, and determine whether the predetermined step has been completed based on the end of the second period.

[167] Furthermore, in another aspect of the present invention, the aerosol generating device 10 may further comprise a housing 101 comprising an insertion space and a stick recognition sensor 155 configured to recognize a stick inserted into the insertion space. The controller 17 is configured to monitor the presence of a stick in the insertion space by means of the stick recognition sensor 155 upon completion of a predetermined step.

[168] Furthermore, in another aspect of the present invention, the second temperature T2 may be higher than the first temperature T1. The second period may be shorter than the first period.

[169] In addition, in another aspect of the present invention, the first temperature T1 may correspond to a first mode of generating an aerosol by heating the substance for generating an aerosol. The second temperature T2 may correspond to a second mode of removing waste adhered to the heater 110.

[170] In addition, in another aspect of the present invention, the first temperature T1 may be a maximum temperature of the heater 110 in the first mode. The second temperature T2 may be a maximum temperature of the heater 110 in the second mode.

[171] Furthermore, in another aspect of the present invention, the controller 17 may determine that the predetermined step is completed if the number of times the first period and the second period are completed is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of two or more.

[172] Furthermore, in another aspect of the present invention, the controller 17 may start the first period after a predetermined time has elapsed from the end of the second period if the number of times the first period and the second period are completed is less than the predetermined number of times.

[173] Furthermore, in another aspect of the present invention, the predetermined time may be a time corresponding to a decrease in the temperature of the heater 110 to a level below the first temperature T1.

[174] In addition, in another aspect of the present invention, the controller 17 may control the power supply circuit 160 so that the heater 110 is heated to the third temperature T3 in the second period if the number of times the first period and the second period are completed is equal to or exceeds a predetermined number, and determine the completion of the predetermined step based on the end of the third period. The third temperature T3 may be higher than the first temperature T1 and lower than the second temperature T2.

[175] Furthermore, in another aspect of the present invention, the third period may be longer than the first period and the second period.

[176] Some embodiments or other embodiments of the invention disclosed above are not mutually exclusive or different from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of the invention disclosed above may be combined with others or combined with each other in configuration or function.

[177] For example, configuration "A" disclosed in one embodiment of the invention and the drawings and configuration "B" disclosed in another embodiment of the invention and the drawings may be combined with each other. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not explicitly disclosed, the combination is possible, except for the case where it is disclosed that the combination is impossible.

[178] Although embodiments of the invention have been disclosed with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that those skilled in the art can devise many other modifications and embodiments of the invention that will fall within the scope of the principles of the present invention. In particular, various variations and changes in the components and/or arrangements of the contemplated combined device are possible within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and changes in the components and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Field of technology

[1] The present invention relates to a device for generating an aerosol.

State of the art

[2] An aerosol generating device is a device that extracts certain components from a medium or substance by forming an aerosol. The medium may contain a multi-component substance. The substance contained in the medium may be a multi-component flavoring substance. For example, the substance contained in the medium may contain a nicotine component, a plant component, and/or a coffee component. Recently, various studies have been conducted on aerosol generating devices.

The essence of the invention

Technical task

[3] The purpose of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned and other disadvantages.

[4] Another object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device that can accurately calculate the temperature of a heater based on the resistance of the heater.

[5] A further object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device that can continuously calculate the resistance of a heater under certain conditions based on the heating result of the heater in accordance with several modes.

Technical solution

[6] The above and other objects are solved by the aerosol generating device according to the first aspect of the present invention, which may comprise a heater configured to heat a substance for generating an aerosol, a power supply circuit configured to supply power to the heater, a resistance recognition sensor configured to recognize the resistance of the heater, and a controller. The controller can calculate the temperature of the heater by means of the resistance recognition sensor based on the completion of a predetermined step for the resistance of the heater, control the power supply circuit so that the heater is heated to a first temperature in a first period based on the non-completion of the predetermined step, control the power supply circuit so that the heater is heated to a second temperature different from the first temperature in a second period based on the end of the first period, and determine whether the predetermined step is completed based on the end of the second period.

Beneficial effects of the invention

[7] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the temperature of the heater can be accurately calculated based on the resistance of the heater.

[8] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to continuously calculate the resistance of the heater under certain conditions based on the result of heating the heater in accordance with multiple modes.

[9] Additional embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed disclosure. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention will undoubtedly be apparent to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed disclosure and specific embodiments of the invention, such as preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of example only.

Description of drawings

[10] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[11] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[12] FIGS. 2-4 are views illustrating an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present invention.

[13] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a stick according to embodiments of the present invention.

[14] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating configurations of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[15] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a method of operation of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[16] FIGS. 9-10 are diagrams illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Principle of the invention

[17] Examples of embodiments of the present invention are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals even if they are shown in different drawings, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[18] In the following disclosure, with respect to constituent elements used in the following disclosure, the terms "module" and "block" are used only for the purpose of facilitating disclosure. The terms "module" and "block" do not have mutually distinct meanings or functions.

[19] Furthermore, in the following disclosure of embodiments of the invention in this document, a detailed disclosure of known functions and configurations that are part of the present disclosure will be omitted if this may make the subject matter of the disclosed embodiments of the invention unclear. In addition, the accompanying drawings are provided only for a better understanding of the disclosed embodiments of the invention, and are not intended to limit the disclosed technical ideas. Therefore, it should be understood that the accompanying drawings contain all modifications, equivalents and replacements within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[20] It should be understood that the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used in this document to describe various components. However, these components should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[21] It should be understood that when a component is referred to as being "connected to" or "linked to" another component, it may be directly connected or linked to the other component. However, it should be understood that there may be intermediate components. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected to" or "directly linked to" another component, there are no intermediate components.

[22] The singular form implies both singular and plural nouns, except when the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[23] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[24] As shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 10 may comprise a data exchange interface 11, an input/output interface 12, an aerosol generating module 13, a memory 14, a sensor module 15, a battery 16 and/or a controller 17.

[25] In one embodiment of the invention, the aerosol generating device 10 may comprise only a main part. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be located in the main part. In another embodiment of the invention, the aerosol generating device 10 may comprise a cartridge that contains an aerosol generating substance and a main part. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be located in the main part and/or the cartridge.

[26] The data exchange interface 11 may comprise at least one data exchange module for communicating with an external device and/or a network. For example, the data exchange interface 11 may comprise a data exchange module for wired communication, such as a universal serial bus (USB). For example, the data exchange interface 11 may comprise a data exchange module for wireless communication, such as Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ZigBee, or near field communication (NFC).

[27] The input/output interface 12 may comprise an input device (not shown) for receiving a command from a user and/or an output device (not shown) for outputting information to a user. For example, the input device may comprise a touch panel, a physical button, a microphone, etc. For example, the output device may comprise a display for outputting visual information, such as a display or light-emitting diode (LED), an audio device for outputting audio information, such as a speaker or buzzer, a motor for outputting tactile information, such as a tactile effect, etc.

[28] The input/output interface 12 may transmit data corresponding to a command entered by a user through the input device to another component (or other components) of the aerosol generating device 100. The input/output interface 12 may output information corresponding to data received from the other component (or other components) of the aerosol generating device 10 through the output device.

[29] The aerosol generating module 13 may generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance. In this case, the aerosol generating substance may be a substance in a liquid state, a solid state, or a gel state capable of generating an aerosol, or a combination of two or more aerosol generating substances.

[30] In one embodiment of the invention, the liquid aerosol generating substance may be a liquid that includes a tobacco-containing material with a volatile tobacco flavoring component. In another embodiment of the invention, the liquid aerosol generating substance may be a liquid that includes a non-tobacco material. For example, the liquid aerosol generating substance may contain water, solvents, nicotine, plant extracts, flavorings, aromatic substances, vitamin mixtures, etc.

[31] The solid substance for generating an aerosol may comprise a solid material based on a tobacco raw material such as a reconstituted tobacco leaf, shredded tobacco or granulated tobacco. In addition, the solid substance for generating an aerosol may comprise a solid material containing a taste-adjusting substance and a flavoring material. Examples of the taste-adjusting substance may comprise calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium oxide, etc. For example, the flavoring material may comprise a natural material such as plant granules, or may comprise a material such as silicon dioxide, zeolite or dextrin that contains a flavoring ingredient.

[32] In addition, the aerosol generating substance may further comprise an aerosol forming substance such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

[33] The aerosol generating module 13 may comprise at least one heater (not shown).

[34] The aerosol generating module 13 may comprise an electrically resistive heater. For example, the electrically resistive heater may comprise at least one electrically conductive path. The electrically resistive heater may be heated by passing current through the electrically conductive path. In this case, the substance for generating the aerosol may be heated by means of the electrically resistive heater.

[35] The conductive path may comprise an electrically resistive material. In one example, the conductive path may be made of a metallic material. In another example, the conductive path may be made of a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite of a ceramic material and a metal.

[36] The electrically resistive heater may comprise a conductive path having any of a variety of shapes. For example, the conductive path may have any of the following shapes: a tube, a plate, a needle, a rod, and a coil.

[37] The aerosol generating module 13 may comprise a heater using an induction heating method. For example, the induction heater may comprise an electrically conductive winding. The induction heater may generate an alternating electromagnetic field that periodically changes direction by regulating the current passing through the electrically conductive winding. In this case, when the alternating electromagnetic field is applied to the magnetic body, energy losses may occur in the magnetic body due to eddy current losses and hysteresis. In addition, the lost energy may be released as thermal energy. Accordingly, the aerosol generating substance located near the magnetic body may be heated. In this document, an object that generates heat due to the electromagnetic field may be referred to as a current collector.

[38] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating module 13 can generate ultrasonic vibrations to thereby generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating substance.

[39] The aerosol generating device 10 may be referred to as a cartomizer, atomizer, or vaporizer.

[40] Memory 14 can store programs for processing and controlling each signal in controller 17. Memory 14 can store processed data and data to be processed.

[41] For example, memory 14 may store applications designed to perform various tasks that may be processed by controller 17. Memory 14 may selectively provide some of the stored applications in response to a request from controller 17.

[42] For example, the memory 14 may store data on the operating time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, the number of uses of the battery 16, at least one temperature profile, the inhalation pattern of the user, and charge/discharge data. In this document, "puff" means inhalation by the user. "Inhalation" means the action of the user to suck air or other substances into the oral cavity, nose, or lungs of the user through the mouth or nose of the user.

[43] Memory 14 may comprise at least one of the following: volatile memory (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), or synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM)), non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD).

[44] The sensor module 15 may comprise at least one sensor.

[45] For example, the sensor module 15 may comprise a sensor for recognizing a puff (hereinafter referred to as the "puff sensor"). In this case, the puff sensor may be implemented as a contactless sensor, such as an IR sensor, a pressure sensor, a microphone, a gyroscope, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, etc.

[46] For example, the sensor module 15 may comprise a sensor for recognizing a puff (hereinafter referred to as the “puff sensor”). In this case, the puff sensor may be implemented as a pressure sensor, a gyroscopic sensor, an acceleration sensor, an electromagnetic field sensor, etc.

[47] For example, the sensor module 15 may comprise a sensor for measuring the temperature of the heater included in the aerosol generating module 13 and the temperature of the aerosol generating substance (hereinafter referred to as the "temperature sensor"). In this case, the heater included in the aerosol generating module 13 may also serve as a temperature sensor. For example, the electrically resistive material of the heater may be a material having a predetermined temperature coefficient of resistance. The sensor module 15 may measure the resistance of the heater, which changes depending on the temperature, to thereby measure the temperature of the heater.

[48] For example, if the main part of the aerosol generating device 10 is designed in such a way that a stick can be inserted into it, the sensor module 15 may comprise a sensor for recognizing the insertion of a stick (hereinafter referred to as the “stick recognition sensor”).

[49] For example, if the aerosol generating device 10 comprises a cartridge, the sensor module 15 may comprise a sensor for recognizing the installation/removal of the cartridge, as well as the position of the cartridge (hereinafter referred to as a “cartridge recognition sensor”).

[50] In this case, the stick recognition sensor and/or the cartridge recognition sensor may be implemented as an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, or a Hall effect sensor (or an integrated circuit based on the Hall effect) using the Hall effect.

[51] For example, the sensor module 15 may comprise a voltage sensor for measuring a voltage applied to a component (e.g., a battery 16) provided in the aerosol generating device 10, and/or a current sensor for measuring a current.

[52] The battery 16 may supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 10 under the control of the controller 17. The battery 16 may supply power to other components provided in the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the battery 16 may supply power to a data exchange module included in the data exchange interface 11, an output device included in the input/output interface 12, and a heater included in the aerosol generating module 13.

[53] The battery 16 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 16 may be a lithium-ion (Li-ion) or a lithium-polymer (Li-polymer) battery. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, when the battery 16 is a rechargeable battery, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 16 may be 10 C, and the discharge rate (C-rate) may be from 10 C to 20 C. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. In addition, for stable use, the battery 16 may be configured such that 80% or more of the total capacity can be provided even after 2000 charge/discharge cycles.

[54] The aerosol generating device 10 may further comprise a protection circuit module (PCM) that is a protection circuit for the battery 16. The protection circuit module (PCM) may be located near the top surface of the battery 16. For example, in order to prevent overcharging and overdischarging of the battery 16, the protection circuit module (PCM) may disconnect the electrical circuit to the battery 16 when a short circuit occurs in the circuit connected to the battery 16, when excessive voltage is supplied to the battery 16, or when excessive current flows through the battery 16.

[55] The aerosol generating device 10 may further comprise a charging terminal to which electric power is supplied from the outside. For example, the charging terminal may be formed on one side of the main part of the aerosol generating device 100. The aerosol generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 with electric power supplied through the charging terminal. In this case, the charging terminal may be formed as a USB communication wire terminal, a spring contact, etc.

[56] The aerosol generating device 10 can receive power supply from outside via a wireless network through a data exchange interface 11. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 can receive power supply via wireless communication, using an antenna included in the data exchange module for wireless communication. The aerosol generating device 10 can charge the battery 16 using power supply supplied via a wireless network.

[57] The controller 17 may control the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 as a whole. The controller 17 may be connected to each of the components provided in the aerosol generating device 100. The controller 17 may transmit and/or receive a signal to and/or from each of the components, thereby controlling the operation of each of the components as a whole.

[58] The controller 17 may comprise at least one processor. The controller 17 may control the operation of the aerosol generating device 10 as a whole using a processor built into it. In this case, the processor may be a conventional processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU). Of course, the processor may be a specialized device, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or may be any other processor based on hardware.

[59] The controller 17 may perform any of the plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the controller 17 may perform any of the plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 10 (for example, a preheating function, a heating function, a charging function, and a cleaning function) in accordance with the state of each of the components provided in the aerosol generating device 10 and a user command received through the input/output interface 12.

[60] The controller 17 may control the operation of each of the components provided in the aerosol generating device 10 based on the data stored in the memory 14. For example, the controller 17 may control the supply of a predetermined amount of power from the battery 16 to the module 13 for generating an aerosol for a predetermined time based on the data about the temperature profile, the power profile and the inhalation pattern of the user stored in the memory 14.

[61] The controller 17 may determine the presence or absence of a puff using a puff sensor included in the sensor module 15. For example, the controller 17 may monitor a change in temperature, a change in flow rate, a change in pressure, and a change in voltage in the aerosol generating device 10 based on the values measured by the puff sensor. The controller 17 may determine the presence or absence of a puff based on the value measured by the puff sensor.

[62] The controller 17 may control the operation of each of the components provided in the aerosol generating device 10 in accordance with the presence or absence of a puff and/or the number of puffs. For example, the controller 17 may control in such a way that the temperature of the heater is changed or maintained in accordance with a temperature profile stored in the memory 14.

[63] The controller 17 may control such that the power supply to the heater is interrupted in accordance with a predetermined condition. For example, the controller 17 may control such that the power supply to the heater is interrupted when the stick is removed, when the cartridge is dismantled, when the number of puffs reaches a predetermined maximum number of puffs, when a puff is not recognized for a predetermined period of time or longer, or when the remaining capacity of the battery 16 is less than a predetermined value.

[64] The controller 17 may calculate the remaining capacity in relation to the total capacity of the battery 16. For example, the controller 17 may calculate the remaining capacity of the battery 16 based on values measured by a voltage sensor and/or a current sensor included in the sensor module 15.

[65] The controller 17 may perform control such that electrical power is supplied to the heater by means of pulse width modulation (PWM) and/or proportional integral derivative (PID) control.

[66] For example, the controller 17 may perform control so that a current pulse having a specified frequency and a specified duty cycle is supplied to the heater by means of a PWM method. In this case, the controller 17 may control the amount of electric power supplied to the heater by adjusting the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulse.

[67] For example, the controller 17 may determine a target temperature to be controlled based on a temperature profile. In this case, the controller 17 may control the amount of electric power supplied to the heater by means of PID control, which is a feedback control method using a difference value between the heater temperature and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[68] Although PWM and PID methods are described as examples of methods for controlling the supply of electrical power to a heater, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may use any of various control methods, such as a proportional-integral (PI) method or a proportional-derivative (PD) method.

[69] Meanwhile, the controller 17 may perform control so that the supply of electric power to the heater is interrupted in accordance with a predetermined condition. For example, when the cleaning function for cleaning the space into which the stick is inserted is selected in response to a command input by the user through the input/output interface 12, the controller 17 may perform control so as to supply a predetermined amount of electric power to the heater.

[70] FIGS. 2-4 are views illustrating an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present invention.

[71] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol generating device 10 may comprise a main portion 100 and/or a cartridge 200.

[72] As shown in FIG. 2, an aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment of the invention may comprise a main portion 100 and a cartridge 200. The main portion 100 may support the cartridge 200, and the cartridge 200 may contain a substance for generating an aerosol.

[73] In one embodiment of the invention, the cartridge 200 may be removably mounted on the main part 100. In another embodiment of the invention, the cartridge 200 may be formed as a single unit with the main part 100. For example, the cartridge 200 may be mounted on the main part 100 such that at least a portion of the cartridge 200 enters an insertion space defined by the body 101 of the main part 100.

[74] The main part 100 may be designed such that outside air can enter the main part 100 in a state in which the cartridge 200 is inserted therein. In this case, the outside air entering the main part 100 can enter the user's mouth through the cartridge 200.

[75] The controller 17 may determine whether the cartridge 200 is in an installed or removed state using a cartridge recognition sensor included in the sensor module 15. For example, the cartridge recognition sensor may transmit a pulse current through a first terminal connected to the cartridge 200. In this case, the controller 17 may determine whether the cartridge 200 is in a connected state based on whether the pulse current is received through another terminal.

[76] The cartridge 200 may comprise a reservoir 220 designed to contain an aerosol-generating substance and/or a heater 210 configured to heat the aerosol-generating substance in the reservoir 220. For example, a liquid delivery element impregnated with (containing) an aerosol-generating substance may be located inside the reservoir 220. The electrically conductive path of the heater 210 may be formed as a structure that is wound around the liquid delivery element. In this case, when the liquid delivery element is heated by the heater 210, an aerosol can be generated. The liquid delivery element may comprise a wick made of, for example, cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber or porous ceramic material.

[77] The cartridge 200 may comprise a mouthpiece 225. In this case, the mouthpiece 225 may be a portion designed to be inserted into the oral cavity of the user. The mouthpiece 225 may have an outlet through which the aerosol is released during puffing.

[78] As shown in FIG. 3, the cartridge 200 may comprise an insertion space 230 configured to insert the stick 20 therein. For example, the cartridge 200 may comprise an insertion space defined by an inner wall extending in a circumferential direction in the direction in which the stick 20 is inserted. In this case, the insertion space may be formed by opening the inner side of the inner wall upward and downward. The stick 20 may be inserted into the insertion space defined by the inner wall.

[79] The insertion space into which the stick 20 is inserted may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the portion of the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space. For example, if the stick 20 has a cylindrical shape, the insertion space may have a cylindrical shape.

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

[81] A portion of the stick 20 may be inserted into the insertion space and the remaining portion of the stick 20 may be pulled out.

[82] The user may inhale the aerosol by biting one end of the stick 20 with the mouth. The aerosol generated by the heater 210 may pass through the stick 20 and enter the user's mouth. In this case, when the aerosol passes through the stick 20, the material contained in the stick 20 may be added to the aerosol. The aerosol obtained from the material may enter the oral cavity of the user through one end of the stick 20.

[83] The controller 17 may monitor the number of puffs based on the value received by the puff sensor from the moment the stick 20 is inserted.

[84] When the stick 20 is removed, the controller 17 may initialize the current number of puffs stored in the memory 14.

[85] The cartridge 200 may comprise a second heater 215 configured to heat the stick 20. The second heater 215 may be located in the cartridge 200 in a position corresponding to the position of the stick 20 after insertion into the insertion space 230. The second heater 215 may be implemented as an electrically conductive heater and/or an induction heater. The second heater 215 may heat the inner and/or outer portion of the stick 20 using power supplied by the battery 16.

[86] As shown in FIG. 4, an aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment of the invention may comprise a main part 100 supporting a cartridge 200 and a cartridge 200 containing a substance for generating an aerosol. The main part 100 may be configured such that the stick 20 can be inserted into the insertion space 1300 inside the housing.

[87] The aerosol generating device 10 may comprise a first heater 210 for heating an aerosol generating substance stored in a cartridge 200 and/or a second heater 215 for heating a stick 20 inserted into the main part 100. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating substance stored in a cartridge 200 and a stick 20 using the first heater 210 and the second heater 115, respectively.

[88] The stick 20 may be similar to a conventional combustible cigarette. For example, the stick 20 may comprise a first portion containing an aerosol generating material and a second portion containing a filter or other similar element. Alternatively, the aerosol generating material may be located in the second portion of the stick 20. For example, a flavoring substance in the form of granules or capsules may be introduced into the second portion.

[89] Hereinafter, the present invention will be disclosed with reference to an embodiment of the invention in which the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 formed in the body 101 of the main part 100.

[90] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a stick according to embodiments of the present invention.

[91] As shown in FIG. 5, the stick 20 may comprise a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first part, disclosed above with reference to FIG. 4, may comprise a tobacco rod. The second part, disclosed above with reference to FIG. 4, may comprise a filter rod 22.

[92] FIG. 5 shows that the filter rod 22 comprises one segment. However, the design of the filter rod 22 is not limited to this embodiment. In other words, the filter rod 22 may comprise several segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may comprise a first segment configured to cool the aerosol and a second segment configured to filter a specific component contained in the aerosol. In addition, if necessary, the filter rod 22 may further comprise at least one segment configured to perform other functions.

[93] The diameter of the stick 20 may be from 5 to 9 mm, and its length may be about 48 mm, but embodiments of the invention are not limited to this embodiment. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 may be about 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 12 mm, but embodiments of the invention are not limited to this embodiment.

[94] The stick 20 may be wrapped with at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one opening through which outside air may enter or inside air may exit. For example, the stick 20 may be wrapped with one wrapper 24. In another example, the stick 20 may be wrapped with at least two wrappers 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped with the first wrapper 241. For example, the filter rod 22 may be wrapped with wrappers 242, 243, 244. The tobacco rod 21 and the filter rod 22 wrapped with wrappers may be combined. The stick 20 may be re-wrapped with a single wrapper 245. If the tobacco rod 21 and the filter rod 22 contain several segments, each segment may be wrapped with wrappers 242, 243, 244. The entire stick 20, consisting of several segments wrapped with wrappers, may be re-wrapped with another wrapper.

[95] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of general-purpose wrapping paper for filters. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of porous or non-porous wrapping paper. In addition, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of an oil-resistant paper sheet and an aluminum laminate packaging material.

[96] The third wrapper 243 may be made of rigid wrapping paper. For example, the density of the material of the third wrapper 243 may be, in particular, from 88 g/m ² to 96 g/m ² . For example, the density of the material of the third wrapper 243 may be, in particular, from 90 g/m ² to 94 g/m ² . In addition, the total thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be from 1200 μm to 1300 μm. For example, the total thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be 125 μm.

[97] The fourth wrapper 244 may be made of oil-resistant rigid wrapping paper. For example, the density of the material of the fourth wrapper 244 may be approximately from 88 g/ ^m2 to 96 g/ ^m2 . For example, the density of the material of the fourth wrapper 244 may be, in particular, from 90 g/ ^m2 to 94 g/ ^m2 . Thus, the total thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be from 1200 to 1300 μm. For example, the total thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be 125 μm.

[98] The fifth wrapper 245 may be made of sterilized paper (MFW). In this case, MFW is understood to mean paper specially manufactured to impart tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness and other similar properties, wherein these properties are improved in comparison with ordinary paper. For example, the density of the material of the fifth wrapper 245 may be, in particular, from 57 g/ ^m2 to 63 g/ ^m2 . For example, the density of the fifth wrapper 245 may be approximately 60 g/m2. Thus, the total thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be from 64 to 70 μm. For example, the total thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 67 μm.

[99] The fifth wrapper 245 may include a predetermined material. Here, an example of a predetermined material may be silicon; other options are also possible. For example, silicon has characteristics such as heat resistance with slight changes due to temperature, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, dielectric properties, etc. However, any material other than silicon may be applied (or coated) on the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation, provided that the material has the above-mentioned characteristics.

[100] 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 will ignite. More specifically, when the temperature rises to a temperature exceeding the ignition point of any of the materials included in the tobacco rod 21, the stick 20 may ignite. Even in this case, the stick 20 can be prevented from burning because the fifth wrapper 245 contains a non-combustible material.

[101] In addition, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the aerosol generating device 100 from being contaminated with substances generated by the stick 20. As a result of the user's puff, liquid substances can be generated in the stick 20. For example, when the aerosol generated by the stick 20 is cooled by outside air, liquid materials (such as moisture, etc.) can be generated. The fifth wrapper 245 wrapped around the stick 20 can prevent the liquid materials generated in the stick 20 from leaking out of the stick 20.

[102] The tobacco rod 21 may comprise an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may comprise at least one of the following components: glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol and oleyl alcohol, as well as other components. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may comprise other additives, in particular, flavoring agents, a humectant and/or an organic acid. Also, the tobacco rod 21 may comprise a flavored liquid, in particular, menthol or a humectant, injected into the tobacco rod 21.

[103] The tobacco rod 21 can be made in various shapes. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be formed in the form of a sheet or a strand. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 can be formed in the form of a pipe tobacco consisting of tiny pieces cut from a tobacco leaf. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 can be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material can be, among other things, a metal foil, such as, for example, aluminum foil. For example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can evenly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, which makes it possible to increase the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod and improve the taste of the tobacco. In addition, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can serve as a current collector heated by an induction heater. In this case, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 may comprise an additional current collector along with the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21.

[104] The filter rod 22 may comprise a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod 22 may have any shape. For example, the filter rod 22 may have the shape of a hollow cylinder or a hollow tube. In addition, the filter rod 22 may comprise a rod with a recess. If the filter rod 22 comprises multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may have a different shape.

[105] The first segment of the filter rod 22 may be a filter made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may have a structure in the form of a tube with a hollow interior. The first segment may prevent the internal material of the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed out when the heater 110 is inserted into the tobacco rod 21, and may also cool the aerosol. The diameter of the cavity of the first segment may be from 2 to 4.5 mm; other variations are also possible.

[106] The first segment may have a suitable length in the range from 4 to 30 mm; other variations are also possible. For example, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm; other variations are also possible.

[107] The second segment of the filter rod 22 can cool the aerosol generated by the heater 110 heating the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[108] The length or diameter of the second segment may vary depending on the shape of the stick 20. For example, the length of the second segment may be from 7 to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be approximately 14 mm; other variations are also possible.

[109] The second segment may be made by weaving a polymer fiber. In this case, the flavoring liquid may also be applied to the fiber formed from the polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be made by weaving an additional fiber coated with a flavoring liquid and a fiber formed from the polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be made from a corrugated polymer sheet.

[110] For example, the polymer may be selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactide (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[111] Since the second segment is formed by a woven polymer fiber or a corrugated polymer sheet, the second segment may contain one or more channels oriented in the longitudinal direction. In this case, a channel is understood to be a channel through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) flows.

[112] For example, the second segment made from a corrugated polymer sheet may be formed from a material having a thickness of about 5 to 300 μm, such as about 10 to 250 μm. In addition, the total surface area of the second segment may be about 300 mm ² /mm to 1000 mm ² /mm. In addition, the aerosol cooling element may be formed from a material having a specific surface area of about 10 mm ² /mg to 100 mm ² /mg.

[113] The second segment may comprise a thread containing volatile aromatic ingredients. In this case, the volatile aromatic ingredient may be, in particular, menthol. For example, the thread may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide a menthol content of 1.5 mg or more in the second segment.

[114] The third segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be from 4 to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be approximately 12 mm, but other variations are also possible.

[115] The filter rod 22 may be made with the possibility of obtaining aromas. For example, an aromatizing liquid may be injected into the filter rod 22. For example, additional fibers coated with an aromatizing liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 22.

[116] In addition, the filter rod 22 may contain at least one capsule 23. In this case, the capsule 23 may generate a fragrance. The capsule 23 may generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a configuration in which the liquid containing the fragrance material is wrapped in a film. The capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but other options are also possible.

[117] As shown in FIG. 6, the stick 30 may further comprise a front plug 33. The front plug 33 may be located on the side of the tobacco rod 31 opposite the filter rod 32. The front plug 33 may prevent the tobacco rod 31 from detaching and liquefied aerosol from entering the aerosol generating device 10 from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking.

[118] The filter rod 32 may comprise 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. 4. The segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 in FIG. 4.

[119] The diameter and overall length of the stick 30 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the stick 20 in FIG. 4. For example, the length of the front plug 33 may be approximately 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 may be approximately 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 may be approximately 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 may be approximately 14 mm, but embodiments of the invention are not limited to this embodiment.

[120] The stick 30 may be wrapped in at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may have at least one opening through which outside air may enter or inside air may exit. For example, the front plug 33 may be wrapped in the first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 in the second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 in the third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 in the fourth wrapper 354. In addition, the entire stick 30 may be re-wrapped in the fifth wrapper 355.

[121] In addition, the fifth wrapper 355 may have at least one perforation 36. For example, the perforation 36 may be formed, in particular, in the region of the fifth wrapper 355 surrounding the tobacco rod 31. For example, the perforation 36 may serve to transfer heat generated by the heater 210 shown in FIG. 3 to the tobacco rod 31.

[122] Also, the second segment 322 may contain at least one capsule 34. In this case, the capsule 34 may generate a fragrance. The capsule 34 may generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a configuration in which the liquid containing the fragrance material is wrapped in a film. The capsule 34 may have the shape of a sphere or a cylinder, but other options are also possible.

[123] The first wrapper 351 may be made by combining a general-purpose wrapping paper for filters and a metal foil, such as aluminum foil. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be from 45 to 55 μm. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be 50.3 μm. In addition, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be from 6 to 7 μm. For example, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be 6.3 μm. In addition, the density of the material of the first wrapper 351 may be from 50 g/m ² to 55 g/m ² . For example, the density of the first wrapper 351 may be 53 g/m ² .

[124] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be made of general-purpose wrapping paper for filters. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be made of porous or non-porous wrapping paper.

[125] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be 35,000 AU; other variations are also possible. In addition, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be from 70 to 80 μm. For example, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be 78 μm. The density of the material of the second wrapper 352 may be from 20 g/m ² to 25 g/m ² . For example, the density of the second wrapper 352 may be 23.5 g/m ² .

[126] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be 24,000 PU; other variations are also possible. In addition, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be approximately 60 to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be 68 mm. The density of the third wrapper 353 may be approximately 20 g/m ² to 25 g/m ² . For example, the density of the third wrapper 353 may be 21 g/m ² .

[127] The fourth wrapper 354 may be formed from polylactide-laminated paper. In this case, the polylactide-laminated paper refers to a three-layer paper comprising a paper layer, a polylactide layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 353 may be from 100 to 1200 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 353 may be 110 μm. In addition, the density of the fourth wrapper 354 may be from 80 g/m ² to 100 g/m ² . For example, the density of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 88 g/m ² .

[128] The fifth wrapper 355 may be made of sterilized paper (MFW). In this case, the sterilized paper (MFW) refers to paper that is specially made to improve tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., compared to ordinary paper. For example, the density of the material of the fifth wrapper 355 may be from 57 g/ ^m2 to 63 g/ ^m2 . For example, the density of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 60 g/ ^m2 . In addition, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be from 64 to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 67 μm.

[129] The fifth wrapper 355 may contain a specified material added thereto. An example of the material may be silicon, but other materials are also possible. Silicon has characteristics such as heat resistance, resistance to temperature conditions, oxidation resistance, resistance to the effects of various chemicals, water-repellent properties, dielectric properties, etc. In addition to silicon, any other materials having the characteristics disclosed above may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355, without limitation.

[130] The front plug 33 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the front plug 33 may be formed by adding a plasticizer (for example, triacetin) to a cellulose acetate fiber. The monodenier of the threads constituting the cellulose acetate fiber may be from 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the monodenier of the threads constituting the cellulose acetate fiber may be from 4.0 to 6.0. The monodenier of the threads of the front plug 33 may be 5.0. In addition, the cross-section of the threads of the front plug 33 may have a Y-shape. More preferably, the total denier of the front plug 33 may be from 20,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the front plug 33 may be from 25,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the front plug 33 may be 28,000.

[131] In addition, if necessary, the front plug 33 may comprise at least one channel. The cross-section of the channel may have various shapes.

[132] The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 disclosed above with reference to FIG. 4. Thus, hereinafter, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted.

[133] The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment 321 may be formed in the form of a tube with a hollow interior. For example, the first segment 321 may be formed by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to the cellulose acetate fiber. For example, the monodenier and the total denier of the first segment 321 may match the monodenier and the total denier of the front plug 33.

[134] The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The monodenier of the yarn of the second segment 322 may be from 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the monodenier of the yarn of the second segment 322 may be approximately 8.0 to 10.0. For example, the monodenier of the yarn of the second segment 322 may be 9.0. In addition, the cross-section of the yarn of the second segment 322 may have a Y-shape. The total denier of the second segment 322 may be from 20,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the second segment 322 may be 25,000.

[135] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[136] As shown in FIG. 7, the aerosol generating device 10 may comprise a heater 110, a resistance recognition sensor 150, a stick recognition sensor 155, a battery 16, and/or a power supply circuit 160.

[137] The resistance recognition sensor 150 may be electrically connected to the heater 110. The resistance recognition sensor 150 may be a current sensor for recognizing a current. In the present invention, a current sensor connected in series with the heater 110 is disclosed as an example of the resistance recognition sensor 150, but embodiments of the invention are not limited to this example. For example, the resistance recognition sensor 150 may be implemented as a voltage sensor that recognizes a voltage applied to the heater 110.

[138] The power supply circuit 160 may be electrically connected to the battery 16. The power supply circuit 160 may supply power to the heater 110 using the energy stored in the battery 16. In this case, the amount of power supplied from the power supply circuit 160 to the heater 110 may be adjusted under the control of the controller 17.

[139] The power supply circuit 160 may comprise at least one switching element operating under the control of the controller 17. In this case, power may be supplied to the heater 110 in response to the operation of the switching element. For example, the switching element may be implemented as a bipolar transistor (BJT), a field-effect transistor (FET), and other similar devices.

[140] When the heater 110 and the resistance recognition sensor 150 are electrically connected to each other, a current of the same magnitude can flow through the heater 110 and the resistance recognition sensor 150. In this case, the resistance Rs of the shunt resistor provided in the resistance recognition sensor 150 may not change with a change in temperature.

[141] The controller may determine the voltage V1 applied to the heater 110 and the resistance recognition sensor 150. For example, the controller 17 may determine the voltage V1 applied to the heater 110 and the resistance recognition sensor 150 based on the power supplied from the power supply circuit 160 to the heater 110 and the current flowing through the heater 110 and the resistance recognition sensor 150.

[142] The controller 17 may calculate the voltage V2 supplied to the shunt resistor of the resistance recognition sensor 150 based on the current flowing through the shunt resistor and the resistance Rs of the shunt resistor. In this case, the controller 17 may calculate the voltage applied to the heater 110 as the difference (V1-V2) between the voltage V1 applied to the heater 110 and the resistance recognition sensor 150 and the voltage V2 applied to the shunt resistor. The controller 17 may calculate the resistance Rh of the heater 110 based on the voltage applied to the heater 110 and the current flowing through the heater 110.

[143] Accordingly, the controller 17 can determine the temperature of the heater 110 based on the current flowing through the heater 110 and calculated by the resistance recognition sensor 150, even if the wick is heated by the heater 110.

[144] Meanwhile, the resistor of the heater 110 may be a material with a temperature coefficient of resistance. The resistance Rh of the heater 110 may change depending on the change in the temperature of the resistor. The controller 17 may calculate the temperature of the heater 110 based on the temperature coefficient of resistance of the heater 110, the resistance Rh of the heater 110, and the resistance of the heater 110 at a reference temperature, using a calculation formula for the temperature of the heater 110. In this case, the calculation formula used to calculate the temperature of the heater 110 may be the following formula 1.

[145] [Formula 1]

[146]

[147] In the above formula, 1 TCR represents the temperature coefficient of the resistance of the heater 110, T1 represents the temperature of the heater 110, R1 represents the resistance of the heater 110, T0 represents the reference temperature, and R0 represents the resistance of the heater 110 at the reference temperature. For example, T0 is 25°C, and R0 represents the resistance of the heater 110 at 25°C.

[148] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[149] As shown in FIG. 8, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine in step S810 whether the step of stabilizing the resistance of the heater 110 (hereinafter, the heater stabilizing step) has been completed. In this case, the step of stabilizing the heater may mean a step of stabilizing the state of the material contained in the electric resistance heater. The electric resistance heater, which serves as an example of the heater 110, may be made of a metal material, carbon, a metal alloy, a ceramic material, and/or a composite material containing two or more components. In this case, when the electric resistance heater is heated, at least a part of the crystal structure of the material contained in the electric resistance heater may be changed by the heat generated by the electric resistance heater. Furthermore, if the resistance of the heater 110 changes in response to the change in the crystal structure, the result of calculating the temperature of the heater 110 based on the resistance of the heater 110 under a certain condition may also change. Thus, the aerosol generating device 10 can accurately determine the temperature of the heater 110 by calculating the resistance of the heater 110 after stabilizing the state of the material contained in the electrical resistance heater in the heater stabilization step.

[150] If the step of stabilizing the heater is not completed, the aerosol generating device 10 may heat the heater 110 to a first temperature in a first period in step S820. In this case, the first period may correspond to a heating mode in which an aerosol is generated by heating an aerosol generating substance by means of the heater 110. The first temperature may be a temperature corresponding to the heating mode. For example, the first temperature may correspond to a maximum value of the temperature of the heater 110 in the heating mode (for example, 350°C). In this case, the maximum value of the temperature of the heater 110 in the heating mode may be determined based on a temperature profile related to the heating mode and stored in the memory 14.

[151] The aerosol generating device 10 in step S830 may heat the heater 110 to a second temperature different from the first temperature in a second period based on the end of the first period. In this case, the second period may correspond to a cleaning mode for removing waste adhered to the heater 110. The second temperature may be a temperature corresponding to the cleaning mode. For example, the second temperature may be a maximum value of the temperature of the heater 110 in the cleaning mode (for example, 550°C), higher than the first temperature. In this case, the maximum temperature of the heater 110 in the cleaning mode can be determined based on a temperature profile related to the cleaning mode and stored in the memory 14.

[152] In one embodiment of the invention, the time during which the heater 110 is heated to the first temperature in the first period (hereinafter the first time) may exceed the time during which the heater 110 is heated to the second temperature in the second period (hereinafter the second time). For example, the first time may correspond to the time required to use one stick 20 (e.g., 5 minutes), and the second time may correspond to the time required to remove waste stuck to the heater 110 (e.g., 15 seconds).

[153] The aerosol generating device 10 may determine in step S840 whether the number of times the first and second periods are completed (hereinafter, the number of times) is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, based on the completion of the second period. In this case, the predetermined number of times may be predetermined to be two or more. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may increase the number of times the completion corresponding to the end of the second period, and then determine whether the number of times the completion is greater than or equal to a predetermined number.

[154] The aerosol generating device 10 may start the first period if the number of completions is less than a predetermined number. In one embodiment of the invention, the aerosol generating device 10 may start the first period after a predetermined time has elapsed from the end of the second period. In this case, the predetermined time may be a time corresponding to the temperature of the heater 110 dropping to a level below the first temperature. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 is preset so that the temperature of the heater 110 drops below the first temperature after 45 seconds, which is the predetermined time from the end of the second period. This makes it possible to adjust the states of the heater 110 taking into account the general mode of use of the aerosol generating device 10 by the user.

[155] The aerosol generating device 10 may heat the heater 110 to a third temperature in a third period in step S850 if the number of completions is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. In this case, the third period may be a period during which the heater 110 is subjected to heat treatment in such a way as to stabilize the state of the electrical resistance heater repeatedly heated during the first and second periods. The third temperature may be higher than the first temperature and lower than the second temperature. In one embodiment of the invention, the time during which the heater 110 is heated to the third temperature in the third period (hereinafter, the third time) may be longer than the first and second times.

[156] In one embodiment of the invention, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine the completion of the heater stabilization step based on the results of the completion of the third period. In one embodiment of the invention, when the step corresponding to the third period is skipped, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine the completion of the heater stabilization step if the number of cases is greater than or equal to a predetermined number.

[157] As shown in FIG. 9, the heater 110 can be heated to the first temperature T1 until t1 corresponds to the first time. In addition, the heater 110 can be heated to the second temperature T2 from the time t1, at which the first period ends, until the time t2, at which the second time elapses. In addition, the heater 110 can be heated again to the first temperature T1 from the time t3, at which a predetermined time elapses, from the time t2, at which the second portion ends.

[158] If the predetermined number of cases is 5, then in the first through fifth steps (Sec1-Sec5), the heater 110 may be repeatedly heated to the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2. In addition, the heater 110 may be heated to the third temperature T3 from the time t4 upon completion of the fifth step Sec5.

[159] As shown in FIG. 10, when the heater 110 is heated to the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 in the heater stabilization step, the temperature of the heater 110 corresponding to the resistance of the heater 110 can be continuously calculated under a certain condition. For example, the certain condition may be a state in which a certain amount of power is supplied to the heater 110 for a certain period of time.

[160] The temperature of the heaters 110, respectively provided in the plurality of aerosol generating devices 1010 and 1020, calculated under a certain condition may exceed T4 if the heater stabilization step is not started. On the contrary, after the heater stabilization step is completed, all temperatures of the heater 110 may be calculated at a level lower than T4. That is, since the crystal structure of the material contained in the heater 110 changes due to the heating of the heater 110 in the heater stabilization step, a resistance may be calculated that differs from the resistance of the heater 110 calculated under the same conditions before the heater stabilization step is started.

[161] In addition, as the number of times the heater 110 is heated to the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 in the heater stabilization step increases, the resistance and temperature of the heater 110 calculated under a certain condition may become constant.

[162] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 10 may recognize the insertion of the stick 20 into the insertion space 130 in step S860 if the heater stabilizing step is completed. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may monitor whether the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 by means of the stick recognition sensor 155 after the heater stabilizing step is completed.

[163] The aerosol generating device 10 may, in step S870, calculate the temperature of the heater 110 in accordance with the resistance of the heater 110. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may recognize the resistance of the heater 110 by means of the resistance recognition sensor 150 based on the insertion of the stick 20. In this case, the aerosol generating device 10 may calculate the temperature of the heater 110 in accordance with the change in the resistance of the heater 110.

[164] As disclosed above, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, the temperature of the heater 110 can be accurately calculated based on the resistance of the heater 110.

[165] In addition, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to continuously calculate the resistance of the heater 110 in a certain state based on the heating result of the heater 110 in accordance with multiple modes.

[166] As shown in FIG. 1-10, the aerosol generating device 10 according to one aspect of the present invention may comprise a heater 110 configured to heat a substance for generating an aerosol, a power supply circuit 160 configured to supply power to the heater 110, a resistance recognition sensor 150 configured to recognize the resistance of the heater 110, and a controller 17. The controller 17 may calculate a temperature of the heater 110 by means of the resistance recognition sensor 150 based on the completion of a predetermined step for the resistance of the heater 110, control the power supply circuit 160 so that the heater 110 is heated to a first temperature T1 in a first period based on the completion of the predetermined step, control the power supply circuit 160 so that the heater 110 is heated to a second temperature T2 different from the first temperature T1 in a second period based on the end of the first period, and determine whether the predetermined step has been completed based on the end of the second period.

[167] Furthermore, in another aspect of the present invention, the aerosol generating device 10 may further comprise a housing 101 comprising an insertion space and a stick recognition sensor 155 configured to recognize a stick inserted into the insertion space. The controller 17 is configured to monitor the presence of a stick in the insertion space by means of the stick recognition sensor 155 upon completion of a predetermined step.

[168] Furthermore, in another aspect of the present invention, the second temperature T2 may be higher than the first temperature T1. The second period may be shorter than the first period.

[169] In addition, in another aspect of the present invention, the first temperature T1 may correspond to a first mode of generating an aerosol by heating the substance for generating an aerosol. The second temperature T2 may correspond to a second mode of removing waste adhered to the heater 110.

[170] In addition, in another aspect of the present invention, the first temperature T1 may be a maximum temperature of the heater 110 in the first mode. The second temperature T2 may be a maximum temperature of the heater 110 in the second mode.

[171] Furthermore, in another aspect of the present invention, the controller 17 may determine that the predetermined step is completed if the number of times the first period and the second period are completed is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of two or more.

[172] Furthermore, in another aspect of the present invention, the controller 17 may start the first period after a predetermined time has elapsed from the end of the second period if the number of times the first period and the second period are completed is less than the predetermined number of times.

[173] Furthermore, in another aspect of the present invention, the predetermined time may be a time corresponding to a decrease in the temperature of the heater 110 to a level below the first temperature T1.

[174] In addition, in another aspect of the present invention, the controller 17 may control the power supply circuit 160 so that the heater 110 is heated to the third temperature T3 in the second period if the number of times the first period and the second period are completed is equal to or exceeds a predetermined number, and determine the completion of the predetermined step based on the end of the third period. The third temperature T3 may be higher than the first temperature T1 and lower than the second temperature T2.

[175] Furthermore, in another aspect of the present invention, the third period may be longer than the first period and the second period.

[176] Some embodiments or other embodiments of the invention disclosed above are not mutually exclusive or different from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of the invention disclosed above may be combined with others or combined with each other in configuration or function.

[177] For example, configuration "A" disclosed in one embodiment of the invention and the drawings and configuration "B" disclosed in another embodiment of the invention and the drawings may be combined with each other. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not explicitly disclosed, the combination is possible, except for the case where it is disclosed that the combination is impossible.

[178] Although embodiments of the invention have been disclosed with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that those skilled in the art can devise many other modifications and embodiments of the invention that will fall within the scope of the principles of the present invention. In particular, various variations and changes in the components and/or arrangements of the contemplated combined device are possible within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and changes in the components and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (24)

1. An aerosol generating device comprising: a heater configured to heat a substance to generate an aerosol; a power supply circuit configured to supply power to the heater; a resistance recognition sensor configured to recognize the resistance of the heater; and a controller configured to: determining whether a predetermined stage for the heater has been completed; and calculating the temperature of the heater using a resistance recognition sensor based on determining that a predetermined step has been completed, in which a predetermined stage contains a predetermined number of cycles: controlling the power supply circuit so that the heater is heated to the first temperature in the first period; and controlling the power supply circuit so that the heater is heated to a second temperature, different from the first temperature, in a second period, upon completion of the first period. 2. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising: a housing containing a space for insertion; and a stick recognition sensor configured to recognize a stick inserted into the insertion space, in which the controller is further configured to monitor the presence of the stick in the insertion space by means of a stick recognition sensor upon completion of a predetermined step. 3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the second temperature is greater than the first temperature, and wherein the second period is shorter than the first period. 4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first temperature corresponds to the temperature of the heater in the first mode for generating the aerosol by heating the substance for generating the aerosol, and wherein the second temperature corresponds to the temperature of the heater in the second mode for removing waste adhered to the heater. 5. The aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein the first temperature is the maximum temperature of the heater in the first mode, wherein the second temperature is the maximum temperature of the heater in the second mode. 6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined step is considered complete when the number of completed cycles of the first period and the second period is greater than or equal to the predetermined number of cycles, and wherein the predetermined number is two or more. 7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to begin the next first period after a predetermined time has elapsed following the completion of the previous second period. 8. The aerosol generating device of claim 7, wherein the temperature of the heater is reduced to a level below the first temperature for a predetermined time. 9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined step further comprises the following steps: controlling the power supply circuit so that the heater is heated to a third temperature in a third period upon completion of a number of cycles of the first period and the second period greater than or equal to a predetermined number, and in which the third temperature is higher than the first temperature and lower than the second temperature. 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 9, wherein the third period is longer than the first period and the second period.