WO2025048420A1 - Aerosol-generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

This aerosol-generating device comprises: a heater structure comprising an insulating substrate comprising at least one layer and a plurality of heating elements disposed on the layer; a battery for supplying power to the plurality of heating elements; and a control unit for independently controlling the power supplied to the plurality of heating elements.

Description

Aerosol generating device

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device capable of independently controlling a plurality of heating elements according to the medium length of an aerosol generating substrate, while improving the sustainability of a taste.

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for alternative methods that overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there has been a growing demand for methods of producing an aerosol by heating an aerosol-producing substance within a cigarette or liquid storage unit (e.g., a cartridge) rather than by burning the cigarette to produce the aerosol.

Meanwhile, conventional aerosol generating devices include only one heating element. In contrast, aerosol generating substrates may have different medium lengths depending on their types. If the aerosol generating substrate is heated by only one heating element despite the different medium lengths, it is impossible to provide optimal taste sensation. In addition, although some of conventional aerosol generating devices include multiple heating elements, there is a lack of consideration for a temperature profile that can sustain taste sensation until the latter half of the heating.

The technical challenge of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device capable of independently controlling a plurality of heating elements in order to solve the above problems.

The technical problems of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other technical problems can be inferred from the following examples.

An aerosol generating device according to one aspect comprises: an insulating substrate including at least one layer; a heater structure including a plurality of heating elements arranged in the layer; a battery supplying power to the plurality of heating elements; and a control unit independently controlling power supplied to the plurality of heating elements.

The aerosol generating device of the present disclosure independently controls a plurality of heating elements according to the length of the medium, thereby increasing the amount of aerosol generating substrate transferred, thereby providing an optimal taste sensation.

Additionally, the aerosol generating device independently controls the temperature profiles of multiple heating elements to maintain the savory sensation until the latter half of the heating period.

In addition, when arranging a plurality of heating elements in one layer, the plurality of heating elements may be arranged close together in order to increase heating efficiency. In this case, interference (e.g., short circuit, etc.) between the plurality of heating elements may cause device failure. In order to solve this problem, the aerosol generating device of the present disclosure may arrange some of the plurality of heating elements on a part of an insulating substrate including the plurality of layers so that the plurality of heating elements do not electrically contact each other.

In addition, the aerosol generating device can have at least some heating elements configured as planar heating elements, so that the medium can be heated evenly over the entire surface.

In addition, the aerosol generating device uses a graphene element as a planar heating element, and since the graphene element heats the medium in a low-resistance, high-current manner, the heating efficiency is excellent and power consumption can be significantly reduced.

The effects of the invention are not limited to those exemplified above, and further diverse effects are included in the present specification.

FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the internal structure of an aerosol generator including an insulator and a printed circuit board according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the internal structure of an aerosol generating device including a battery according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a rear exploded perspective view of the internal structure of one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a heater structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a heater structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a heater structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a heater structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a heater structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a heater structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a temperature profile of a heater structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a temperature profile of a heater structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

An aerosol generating device according to one aspect comprises: an insulating substrate including at least one layer; a heater structure including a plurality of heating elements arranged in the layer; a battery supplying power to the plurality of heating elements; and a control unit independently controlling power supplied to the plurality of heating elements.

Additionally, the insulating substrate includes a first layer, and the plurality of heating elements include a first heating element disposed in a first region of the first layer and a second heating element disposed in a second region of the first layer different from the first region.

Additionally, the first heating element is a conductive track, and the second heating element includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a graphene element disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Additionally, the first heating element includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a first graphene element disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the second heating element includes a third electrode, a fourth electrode, and a second graphene element disposed between the third electrode and the fourth electrode.

Additionally, the first electrode, the second electrode, and the first graphene element are disposed on a first surface of the first layer, and the third electrode, the fourth electrode, and the second graphene element are disposed on a second surface opposite to the first surface.

Additionally, the insulating substrate includes a first layer and a second layer, and the plurality of heating elements include a first conductive track and a second conductive track, the first conductive track being disposed in the first layer, a portion of the second conductive track being disposed in the first layer, and another portion of the second conductive track being disposed in the second layer.

Additionally, the plurality of heating elements further include a first electrode, a second electrode, and a graphene element disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the first conductive track and the second conductive track are disposed in a first region of the insulating substrate, and the first electrode, the second electrode, and the graphene element are disposed in a second region of the insulating substrate different from the first region.

In addition, the plurality of heating elements include a first heating element and a second heating element that is not in electrical contact with the first heating element, and the control unit, in a state where power supply to the first heating element is initiated, starts supplying power to the second heating element after a preset time, and when power supply to the second heating element is initiated, supplies power to the second heating element based on a second target temperature that is the same as the first target temperature of the first heating element.

In addition, the plurality of heating elements include a first heating element and a second heating element that is not in electrical contact with the first heating element, and the control unit initiates power supply to the first heating element and the second heating element at the same time, but when the power supply is initiated, sets the first temperature profile of the first heating element and the second temperature profile of the second heating element to be different from each other.

Additionally, the aerosol generating device further includes a substrate detection unit that identifies the type of aerosol generating substrate accommodated in the cavity.

The terms used in the examples are selected from the most widely used general terms possible while considering the functions in the present invention, but this may vary depending on the intention of engineers working in the field, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meanings thereof will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall contents of the present invention, rather than simply the names of the terms.

When a part of the specification is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that other components are excluded, but rather that other components may be included, unless otherwise specifically stated. In addition, terms such as "-unit", "-module", etc. described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

When it is said that a component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is said that a component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

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

Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Regardless of the drawing symbol, identical or similar components are given the same reference number and duplicate descriptions thereof are omitted.

FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol generating system including an aerosol generating device (1) and an aerosol generating article (S) according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (1) may include at least one of a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor (13), and a heater (18). At least one of the power source (11), the control unit (12), the sensor (13), and the heater (18) may be disposed inside a body (10) of the aerosol generating device (1). The body (10) may provide a space opened upwardly so that an aerosol generating article (S) may be inserted. The aerosol generating article (S) may be referred to as a stick, a cigarette, or the like, but is not limited thereto. The aerosol generating article (S) includes an aerosol generating material and may generate an aerosol by the aerosol generating device (1). The aerosol generating system may include the aerosol generating device (1) and the aerosol generating article (S), but is not limited thereto.

The open space of the aerosol generating device (1) may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by being sunken into the interior of the body (10) to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol generating article (S) can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of a region of the aerosol generating article (S) containing an aerosol generating material and/or medium. The lower end of the aerosol generating article (S) may be inserted into the interior of the body (10), and the upper end of the aerosol generating article (S) may protrude to the outside of the body (10). A user may hold the upper end of the aerosol generating article (S) exposed to the outside in his/her mouth and inhale air.

The heater (18) can heat the aerosol generating article (S). When the aerosol generating article (S) is heated, an aerosol can be generated. That is, the heater (18) can heat the aerosol generating article (S) to generate an aerosol. The heater (18) can be extended upwardly around the space in which the aerosol generating article (S) is inserted. For example, the heater (18) can be in the form of a tube including a hollow portion therein. The heater (18) can be arranged around the periphery of the insertion space. The heater (18) can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater (18) can heat the insertion space or the aerosol generating article (S) inserted into the insertion space. The heater (18) can include an electrical resistance heater and/or an induction heating heater.

For example, referring to FIG. 1, the heater (18) may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater (18) may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater (18) may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heater (18) may be electrically connected to a power source (11). The power source (11) may supply power to the heater (18). The heater (18) may receive current from the power source (11) and may be directly heated. The heater (18) may be a hollow heater that is arranged to surround at least a portion of an aerosol generating article (S) inserted into an insertion space to heat the outside of the inserted aerosol generating article (S), or may be a heater in a shape such as a needle, rod, or tube that is inserted into the inside of an aerosol generating article (S) inserted into an insertion space to heat the inside.

For example, the heater (18) may be a multi-heater. The heater (18) may include a first heater and a second heater. The first and second heaters may be arranged side by side along the length direction. The first and second heaters may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

The power source (11) can supply power to operate components of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (11) can be referred to as a battery. The power source (11) can supply power to at least one of the control unit (12), the sensor (13), and the heater (18). If the heater (18) includes an electrically conductive track, the power source (11) can supply power to the electrically conductive track.

The control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device. The control unit (12) can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit (12) can control the operation of at least one of the power supply (11) and the sensor (13). The control unit (12) can control the operation of the heater (18). The control unit (12) can control the operation of the display, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (12) can check the status of each of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) to determine whether the aerosol generating device (1) is in an operable state.

The control unit (12) can analyze the results detected by the sensor (13) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) so that the operation of the heater (18) is started or ended based on the results detected by the sensor (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the amount of power supplied to the heater (18) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater (18) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensor (13).

The sensor (13) may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, and an insertion detection sensor. For example, the sensor (13) may sense at least one of a temperature of the heater (18), a temperature of the power source (11), and a temperature inside and outside the body (10). For example, the sensor (13) may sense a puff of the user. For example, the sensor (13) may sense whether an aerosol generating article (S) is inserted into the insertion space.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of a power source (11), a control unit (12), and a sensor (13). At least one of the power source (11), the control unit (12), and the sensor (13) may be disposed inside the body (10) of the aerosol generating device (1). The features of the power source (11), the control unit (12), and the sensor (13) may be applied in the same manner as the contents of the power source (11), the control unit (12), and the sensor (13) described above in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The body (10) forms the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device (1) and may include an internal space in which components of the aerosol generating device (1) may be arranged. In the drawing, only an embodiment in which the body (10) is formed in a semicircular cross-section is shown, but the shape of the body (10) is not limited thereto. For example, the body (10) may be formed in a cylindrical shape overall or in a polygonal pillar shape.

The body (10) may include a first body surface (10A) (e.g., a body front surface), a second body surface (10B) opposite to the first body surface (10A) (e.g., a body rear surface), and at least one third body surface (10C) (e.g., a body side surface) between the first body surface (10A) and the second body surface (10B).

Referring to FIG. 3, the body (10) may have an insertion space (102) formed therein. The insertion space (102) may be formed at an upper portion of the body (10). The insertion space (102) may be opened upward. The insertion space (102) may have a cylindrical shape that is elongated vertically, but is not limited thereto. At least a portion of an aerosol generating article (S) may be inserted into the body (10) through the opening (101) at an upper portion of the insertion space (102). The depth of the insertion space (102) may correspond to the length of a region in the aerosol generating article (S) that includes an aerosol generating material or medium.

The heater (240) can surround at least a portion of the outside of the insertion space (102). The heater (240) can extend vertically along the insertion space (102). For example, the heater (240) can be a cylindrical electrical resistance heater surrounding at least a portion of the insertion space (102). The heater (240) can heat the outside of an aerosol generating article (S) accommodated in the insertion space (102). At least a region of the aerosol generating article (S) accommodated in the insertion space (102) can be heated by the heater (240), and vaporized particles generated by the heating of the aerosol generating article (S) and air introduced into the internal space of the body (10) through the opening (101) can be mixed to generate an aerosol. The heater (240) can have a configuration corresponding to the heater (18) of FIG. 1.

A display (141) may be placed on one side of the body (10). At least a portion of the display (141) may be exposed to the outside of the body (10).

The display (141) can provide various visual information to the user. The display (141) can include a display panel and/or a touch panel. The display (141) can include a cover glass.

The cover glass can form the exterior of the aerosol generating device (1) together with the body (10). The cover glass can come into contact with a part of the user's body. The cover glass can protect the display panel and/or the touch panel from external impact.

The display panel can be arranged in a direction toward the inside of the body (10) from the cover glass. The display panel can be arranged parallel to the cover glass.

The touch panel can detect a touch corresponding to contact with an object. For example, the touch panel can detect a touch corresponding to contact with a part of the user's body. The touch panel can receive a user's input.

A cover (104) may be provided on the upper side of the body (10). The cover (104) may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the opening (101) of the body (10). For example, the opening (101) of the body (10) may be circular, and the cover (104) may be circular with a diameter larger than the diameter of the opening (101).

The cover (104) can be movably connected to a guide (103) formed on the body (10). The cover (104) can move along the guide (103). For example, the guide (103) can be a groove formed on one side of the body (10), and the cover (104) can include a projection that slides while being inserted into the groove of the body (10). For example, the guide (103) can be a projection protruding from one side of the body (10), and the cover (104) has a groove that is inserted into the projection, and can slide along the projection.

The cover (104) can open and close the opening (101) of the body (10) by moving along the guide (103). For example, the cover (104) can close the opening (101) at a first position and open the opening (101) at a second position. The cover (104) can be manually moved in position by a user. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device (1) may be provided with a driving device, and the position of the cover (104) may be moved by the driving device.

The body (10) may include a connection terminal (not shown). The connection terminal may include a connector by which the aerosol generating device (1) may be physically connected to an external electronic device. For example, the connection terminal may include at least one or a combination of an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the internal structure of an aerosol generating device including an insulator and a printed circuit board according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an insulator (220). The insulator (220) may be configured to thermally insulate a heater (240). The insulator (220) may include a heater (240) inside the insulator (220). The insulator (220) may include an antenna (not shown) (e.g., an LCD antenna) inside the insulator (220).

The insulator (220) is arranged to surround the heater (240) to seal the heater (240) and prevent droplets generated during the aerosol generation process through the heater (240) from leaking to the outside, thereby preventing components of the aerosol generation device (1) from malfunctioning or being damaged by the droplets.

The insulator (220) seals the heater (240) to prevent heat generated from the heater (240) from being transferred to the outer surface of the body (10), thereby preventing high-temperature heat from being transferred to the body (e.g., palm) of the user holding the body (10) even when the temperature of the heater (240) is maintained at a high temperature.

The aerosol generating device (1) may include a printed circuit board (230). For example, the printed circuit board (230) may include at least one or a combination of a control unit (12), a sensor (13), a memory (17 of FIG. 15), or a communication unit (16 of FIG. 15).

The aerosol generating device (1) may include a plurality of electrical lines (E1, E2, E3, E4). For example, a first electrical line (E1) may be configured to connect a heater (240) and a temperature sensor (131 of FIG. 15). A second electrical line (E2) may be configured to connect a heater (240) and a printed circuit board (230). At least one third electrical line (E3) may be configured to connect at least one sensor and a printed circuit board (230). A fourth electrical line (E4) may be configured to connect a heater housing of a heater (240) and a printed circuit board (230). The fourth electrical line (E4) may include a flexible printed circuit board.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the internal structure of an aerosol generating device including a battery according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 6 is a rear exploded perspective view of the internal structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the body (10) of the aerosol generating device (1) may include a first portion (A1). The first portion (A1) may include a portion adjacent to a first body surface (10A) of the body (10). The body (10) may include a second portion (A2). The second portion (A2) may be at least partially different from the first portion (A1). The second portion (A2) may include a portion adjacent to a second body surface (10B) of the body.

The body (10) may include a wall. The wall may separate the first portion (A1) and the second portion (A2). The wall may extend from the interior surface (10D) of the body (10) in a direction perpendicular to the interior surface (10D). The wall (A3) may extend across the interior surface (10D) in a direction (e.g., a width direction of the body (10)) that intersects a direction perpendicular to the interior surface (10D) of the body (10) (e.g., a thickness direction of the body (10)). The direction may intersect a direction from the first body surface (10A) of the body (10) to the second body surface (10B) (e.g., a length direction of the body (10)).

The power supply (250) may be placed in the second portion (A2) of the body (10). The power supply (250) may have a configuration corresponding to the power supply (11) of FIG. 1. The power supply (250) may include a pouch-type battery. The power supply (250) may be placed adjacent to the printed circuit board (230). For example, the power supply (250) may be placed on one side of the inner surface (10D) of the body (10), and the printed circuit board (230) may be placed on the other side of the power supply (250) opposite to one side of the inner surface (10D). However, the placement of the printed circuit board (230) and the power supply (250) is not limited thereto.

A heater (240) can be placed in the first part (A1) of the body (10).

The insulator (220) can insulate the heater (240). The insulator (220) can be placed on the first portion (A1) of the body (10). The insulator (220) can surround the heater (240).

The aerosol generating device (1) may include a buffer structure (not shown). The buffer structure may be configured to buffer the power source (250). The buffer structure may be arranged on at least a portion of the inner surface (10D) of the second portion (A2) of the body (10). The buffer structure may reduce or prevent a shock applied to the power source (250) when an external shock is applied to the aerosol generating device (1).

FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a heater structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7, the heater structure (700) of the present disclosure includes an insulating substrate (710) including at least one layer, and a plurality of heating elements (720) arranged in at least one layer. The heater structure (700) may have a configuration corresponding to the heater (18) of FIGS. 1 to 6.

The insulating substrate (710) may perform an electrical insulating function and may include a flexible material. The insulating substrate (710) may be a green sheet made of a ceramic composite material. Here, the ceramic may include a compound such as alumina or zirconia, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the insulating substrate (710) may be made of paper, glass, ceramic, anodized metal, coated metal, or polyimide.

The plurality of heating elements (720) may include a first heating element (721) and a second heating element (722). However, the number of the plurality of heating elements (720) is not limited thereto, and additional heating elements may be further included depending on the embodiment.

The first heating element (721) and the second heating element (722) may be disposed on the insulating substrate (710). Depending on the embodiment, the first heating element (721) and the second heating element (722) may be embedded in the insulating substrate (710) or laminated on the insulating substrate (710). Additionally, the first heating element (721) and the second heating element (722) may be patterned on the insulating substrate (710).

According to an embodiment, at least one coating layer may be additionally formed to protect the first heating element (721) and the second heating element (722). The coating layer may surround the first heating element (721) and the second heating element (722). The coating layer may include a heat-resistant composition. For example, the coating layer may be composed of a coating layer of a glass film coating layer, a Teflon coating layer, and a Dermolon coating layer, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the coating layer may include a composition for preventing contamination. For example, the coating layer may additionally include an anti-fouling coating layer. The anti-fouling coating layer may be located at the outermost part of the heater structure (700) to protect the heater structure (700) from contaminants. The anti-fouling coating layer may have a thickness smaller than that of the heat-resistant coating layer.

A plurality of heating elements (720) may be arranged on one surface of the insulating substrate (710), or may be arranged separately on both surfaces of the insulating substrate (710). FIG. 7 illustrates an example in which a plurality of heating elements (720) are arranged on one surface of the insulating substrate (710), but according to an embodiment, a first heating element (721) may be arranged on the first surface of the insulating substrate (710), and a second heating element (722) may be arranged on the second surface of the insulating substrate (710).

As shown in FIG. 7, in an embodiment in which a plurality of heating elements (720) are arranged on one surface of an insulating substrate (710), a first heating element (721) may be arranged in a first region (711) of the insulating substrate (710), and a second heating element (722) may be arranged in a second region (712) different from the first region (711). The first region (711) and the second region (712) may not overlap each other. The first region (711) may mean a region in one direction based on the longitudinal center line of the insulating substrate (710). The second region (712) may mean a region in the other direction based on the longitudinal center line of the insulating substrate (710). According to an embodiment, the first heating element (721) and the second heating element (722) may be arranged in the same area, but a portion of the second heating element (722) may be arranged in an n+1 layer (n is a natural number) so as not to be in electrical contact with the first heating element (721).

The plurality of heating elements (720) may be configured as electrically resistive heaters. For example, the electrically resistive heaters may be at least one of a conductive track and a graphene heater. FIG. 7 illustrates an example in which all of the plurality of heating elements (720) are configured as conductive tracks, but it is also possible for the first heating element (721) to be configured as a graphene heater and the second heating element (722) to be configured as a conductive track according to an embodiment. It is also possible for both the first heating element (721) and the second heating element (722) to be configured as graphene heaters.

The conductive track includes an electrically resistive material. For example, the conductive track may be made of a metal material. As another example, the conductive track may be made of an electrically conductive ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite material of a ceramic material and a metal. When both the first heating element (721) and the second heating element (722) are composed of conductive tracks, each of the first heating element (721) and the second heating element (722) may be optionally made of the same group of materials, for example, tungsten, gold, platinum, silver copper, nickel palladium, or a combination thereof. In this case, even when the constituent materials of the first heating element (721) and the second heating element (722) are the same, the resistance values of the first heating element (721) and the second heating element (722) may be different from each other due to differences in the length, width, or pattern of the conductive tracks.

The conductive tracks can be formed in various patterns, such as curved or mesh-shaped. For example, at least a portion of the first conductive track can include a first pattern region whose extending direction changes regularly. Similarly, at least a portion of the second conductive track can include a second pattern region whose extending direction changes regularly. The patterns or shapes of the first conductive track and the second conductive track can be implemented in various ways, such as a curved shape or an irregular shape rather than an angular shape. For example, the first conductive track and the second conductive track can be implemented in a 'U' shape or a hairpin shape. In an embodiment where the first conductive track and the second conductive track are spaced apart from each other, as shown in FIG. 7, the spacing between the patterns of each conductive track can be at least 0.5 mm. In addition, the spacing between the first conductive track and the second conductive track can be at least 2.5 mm. However, these are only exemplary values, and the above-described values can be changed due to changes in parameters, such as the width and thickness of each conductive track.

Each of the first conductive track and the second conductive track may be formed on the insulating substrate (710) in a path of the same pattern having a size of the same ratio. However, without being limited thereto, each of the first conductive track and the second conductive track may be formed on the insulating substrate (710) in a path of a different pattern having a size of a different ratio.

The first conductive track and the second conductive track can be electrically conductive elements having the same thermal coefficient of resistance (TCR) and/or the same resistance value. For example, the first conductive track and the second conductive track can have a temperature coefficient of resistance between 1200 and 1800 ppm/°C. Alternatively, the first conductive track and the second conductive track can have a temperature coefficient of resistance between 3500 and 41000 ppm/°C. Furthermore, the first conductive track and the second conductive track can have a resistance value between 0.7Ω and 0.85Ω at a room temperature of 25°C. Alternatively, the first conductive track and the second conductive track can have a resistance value between 12Ω and 14Ω at a room temperature of 25°C. In some embodiments, the first conductive track and the second conductive track can be electrically conductive elements having different thermal coefficients of resistance (TCR) and/or different resistance values.

The graphene heater may include a plurality of electrodes and a graphene element disposed between the plurality of electrodes. The graphene element may be a polymeric carbon isotrope in which carbon atoms are interconnected in a hexagonal honeycomb shape to form a two-dimensional planar structure. The graphene element may have excellent electrical conductivity in the form of a thin film. In addition, the graphene element may surface-heat an aerosol generating substrate.

The plurality of electrodes can be composed of an electrically conductive material. For example, the plurality of electrodes can be made of stainless steel, tungsten, gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel, chromium, palladium, or a combination thereof. When power is applied between the plurality of electrodes, heat can be generated in the atomic layers of the graphene element.

The first heating element (721) and the second heating element (722) are connected to a battery and supplied with power. The battery may refer to the power source (11) of FIGS. 1 to 6. According to an embodiment, a power converter may be further arranged to supply AC power between the battery and the plurality of heating elements (720). In one embodiment, the first heating element (721) and the second heating element (722) may be supplied with power from the same battery. For example, the first heating element (721) and the second heating element (722) may be connected in parallel with the battery and supplied with power from the battery. To this end, the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure may include at least one switching element between the battery and the plurality of heating elements (720). In another embodiment, the first heating element (721) and the second heating element (722) may be supplied with power from different batteries. For example, the first heating element (721) may be powered by a first battery connected to the first heating element (721), and the second heating element (722) may be powered by a second battery connected to the second heating element (722).

The power supplied to the plurality of heating elements (720) can be controlled by a microprocessor. The microprocessor may be the control unit (12) of FIGS. 1 to 6. The control unit (12) can independently control the power supplied to the plurality of heating elements (720) by controlling the battery. The control unit (12) can identify a type of an aerosol generating substrate and supply power to the plurality of heating elements (720) according to a temperature profile corresponding to the identified aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating substrate may have a configuration corresponding to the aerosol generating article (S) of FIGS. 1 to 6. The control unit (120) can supply power to the plurality of heating elements (720) based on a medium length according to the aerosol generating substrate. A first temperature profile for controlling the first heating element (721) and a second temperature profile for controlling the second heating element (722) can be stored in the memory (17). Each of the first temperature profile and the second temperature profile may store information on a target temperature over time. The aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure is provided with a separate temperature sensor (131) and may measure the temperature of each of the plurality of heating elements (720) using the temperature sensor (131). In addition, the control unit (12) heats the first heating element (721) based on the first temperature profile and heats the second heating element (722) based on the second temperature profile.

In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may set the timing of power supply initiation of the first heating element (721) and the timing of power supply initiation of the second heating element (722) to be different from each other. For example, the control unit (12) may start power supply to the first heating element (721) and then start power supply to the second heating element (722) after a preset time. When power supply to the second heating element (722) is started, power may be supplied to the second heating element (722) based on a second target temperature that is the same as the first target temperature of the first heating element (721).

In another embodiment, the control unit (12) may set the timing of power supply initiation of the first heating element (721) and the timing of power supply initiation of the second heating element (722) to be the same. For example, the control unit (12) may start power supply to the first heating element (721) and the second heating element (722) at the same timing, but when power supply is started, the first temperature profile of the first heating element (721) and the second temperature profile of the second heating element (722) may be set to be different from each other.

The description of the first heating element (721), the second heating element (722), the insulating substrate (710), and the temperature profiles described above can also be applied to the descriptions below. Descriptions of the same content are omitted below.

FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a heater structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 8, the heater structure (800) includes an insulating substrate (810) and a plurality of heating elements (821, 822). The heater structure (800) may have a configuration corresponding to the heater (18) of FIGS. 1 to 6.

The insulating substrate (810) includes one layer (the first layer) and can perform an electrical insulation function. According to an embodiment, the insulating substrate (810) can also perform a thermal conductivity function of simultaneously conducting heat emitted from a plurality of heating elements (821, 822).

The plurality of heating elements (821, 822) may include a first heating element (821) and a second heating element (822). The first heating element (821) may be disposed in a first region (811) of the first layer, and the second heating element (822) may be disposed in a second region (812) different from the first region (811).

The first region (811) may mean a region in one direction based on the longitudinal center line of the first layer. The second region (812) may mean a region in the other direction based on the longitudinal center line of the first layer.

The first heating element (821) may be a graphene heater, and the second heating element (822) may be a conductive track.

The graphene heater may include a first electrode (821a), a second electrode (821b), and a graphene element (821c) between the first electrode (821a) and the second electrode (821b). The first electrode (821a) and the second electrode (821b) are made of an electrically conductive material, and each may be connected to a battery. As power is supplied to the first electrode (821a) and the second electrode (821b), the graphene element (821c) may be heated to heat an aerosol generating substrate.

The conductive track includes an electrically resistive material, and both ends of the conductive track can be electrically connected to a battery. The conductive track can be heated by power supplied from the battery to heat the aerosol generating substrate.

The heater structure (800) can be rolled so that both ends of the conductive track and both electrodes of the graphene heater come close to each other. The rolled heater structure (800) can wrap the aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating substrate is inserted from the conductive track toward the graphene heater, and the control unit can independently control the conductive track and the graphene heater.

Meanwhile, the length of the tobacco medium may vary depending on the type of the aerosol generating substrate. Depending on the length of the tobacco medium, the tobacco medium may be disposed beyond the conductive track or within the conductive track. In contrast, the graphene heater disposed in the first region (711) is disposed in an area in contact with the lower portion of the aerosol generating substrate, and therefore has little correlation with the length of the medium. In other words, the tobacco medium in contact with the graphene heater must be continuously heated regardless of the length of the tobacco medium, and the present disclosure increases heating efficiency by planar heating and exhibits the effect of reducing power consumption by disposing the graphene heater in the lower portion of the aerosol generating substrate.

FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a heater structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 9, the heater structure (900) includes an insulating substrate (910) and a plurality of heating elements (921, 922). The heater structure (900) may have a configuration corresponding to the heater (18) of FIGS. 1 to 6. The difference from FIG. 8 is that all of the plurality of heating elements (921, 922) are composed of graphene heaters.

The insulating substrate (910) includes one layer (the first layer) and can perform an electrical insulation function. According to an embodiment, the insulating substrate (910) can also simultaneously perform a thermally conductive function of conducting heat emitted from a plurality of heating elements (921, 922).

The plurality of heating elements (921, 922) may include a first heating element (921) and a second heating element (922). The first heating element (921) may be disposed in a first region (911) of the first layer, and the second heating element (922) may be disposed in a second region (912) different from the first region (911).

The first region (911) may mean a region in one direction based on the longitudinal center line of the first layer. The second region (912) may mean a region in the other direction based on the longitudinal center line of the first layer.

The first heating element (921) and the second heating element (922) may be a first graphene heating body and a second graphene heating body, respectively.

The first graphene heater may include a first electrode (921a), a second electrode (921b), and a first graphene element (921c) between the first electrode (921a) and the second electrode (921b). The first electrode (921a) and the second electrode (921b) are made of an electrically conductive material, and each may be connected to a battery. As power is supplied to the first electrode (921a) and the second electrode (921b), the first graphene element (921c) may be heated to heat the aerosol generating substrate.

The second graphene heater may include a third electrode (922a), a fourth electrode (922b), and a second graphene element (922c) between the third electrode (922a) and the fourth electrode (922b). The third electrode (922a) and the fourth electrode (922b) are made of an electrically conductive material, and each may be connected to a battery. As power is supplied to the third electrode (922a) and the fourth electrode (922b), the second graphene element (922c) may be heated to heat the aerosol generating substrate.

The heater structure (900) can be rolled so that the two electrodes included in each of the first graphene heater and the second graphene heater come close to each other. The rolled heater structure (900) can wrap an aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating substrate is inserted from the second graphene heater toward the first graphene heater, and the control unit can independently control the first graphene heater and the second graphene heater.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure heats the aerosol generating substrate with low power by configuring all of the plurality of heating elements (921, 922) as graphene heating elements, thereby increasing the amount of aerosol transferred by surface heating.

FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a heater structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 10, a heater structure (1000) includes an insulating substrate (1010) and a plurality of heating elements (1021, 1022). The heater structure (1000) may have a configuration corresponding to the heater (18) of FIGS. 1 to 6. As shown in FIG. 9, all of the plurality of heating elements (1021, 1022) are configured as graphene heaters. The difference from FIG. 9 is that the graphene heaters are separately arranged on both sides of the insulating substrate (1010).

The insulating substrate (1010) includes one layer (the first layer) and can perform an electrical insulation function. According to an embodiment, the insulating substrate (1010) can also simultaneously perform a thermally conductive function of conducting heat emitted from a plurality of heating elements (1021, 1022).

The plurality of heating elements (1021, 1022) may include a first heating element (1021) and a second heating element (1022). The first heating element (1021) and the second heating element (1022) may be a first graphene heater and a second graphene heater, respectively. Each of the first graphene heater and the second graphene heater may include a plurality of electrodes and a graphene element between the plurality of electrodes.

The first heating element (1021) may be arranged on a first surface of the first layer, and the second heating element (1022) may be arranged on a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first heating element (1021) and the second heating element (1022) may be arranged so as not to overlap each other. In other words, the first region (1011) heated by the first heating element (1021) and the second region (1012) heated by the second heating element (1022) may not overlap each other.

The heater structure (1000) can be rolled so that the two electrodes included in each of the first graphene heater and the second graphene heater come close to each other. The rolled heater structure (1000) can be inserted into an aerosol generating substrate or can wrap the aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating substrate is inserted from the second graphene heater toward the first graphene heater, and the control unit can independently control the first graphene heater and the second graphene heater.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure heats the aerosol generating substrate with low power by configuring all of the plurality of heating elements (1021, 1022) as graphene heating bodies, thereby increasing the amount of aerosol transferred by surface heating.

FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a heater structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 11, a heater structure (1100) includes an insulating substrate (1110) including a plurality of layers (1111, 1112) and a plurality of heating elements (1121, 1122). The heater structure (1100) may have a configuration corresponding to the heater (18) of FIGS. 1 to 6. A difference from FIGS. 7 to 10 is that the insulating substrate (1110) includes a plurality of layers, and some of the heating elements (1121, 1122) are arranged by changing the layers so that they do not overlap each other.

The insulating substrate (1110) includes a first layer (1111) and a second layer (1112) and can perform an electrical insulation function. According to an embodiment, the insulating substrate (1110) can also simultaneously perform a thermal conductivity function of conducting heat emitted from a plurality of heating elements (1121, 1122).

The plurality of heating elements (1121, 1122) can include a first heating element (1121) and a second heating element (1122). Both the first heating element (1121) and the second heating element (1122) can be conductive tracks. In one embodiment, the first heating element (1121) can be a first conductive track and the second heating element (1122) can be a second conductive track. Each of the first conductive track and the second conductive track includes an electrically resistive material and can have opposite ends electrically connected to a battery. Each of the first conductive track and the second conductive track can be heated by power supplied from the battery to heat the aerosol generating substrate.

The first heating element (1121) may be placed in the first layer (1111). The second heating element (1122) may be placed in the first layer (1111), but may be partially placed in the second layer (1112) so as not to be in electrical contact with the first heating element (1121). More specifically, most of the second heating element (1122) may be placed in the first layer (1111), and some may be placed on the second layer (1112) by penetrating the second layer (1112). To this end, the second layer (1112) may include a via hole through which the second heating element (1122) passes.

Most of the second heating element (1122) is disposed on the first layer (1111) and may be referred to as the first portion. In addition, the second heating element (1122) may include a second portion penetrating the second layer (1112) and a third portion disposed on the second layer (1112).

The first portion of the second heating element (1122) can be disposed spaced apart from the first heating element (1121) by a predetermined interval. For example, the first portion of the second heating element (1122) can be disposed parallel to the first heating element (1121). The second portion of the second heating element (1122) can penetrate the second layer (1112). According to an embodiment, the second portion of the second heating element (1122) can also be embedded in the second layer (1112). The third portion of the second heating element (1122) is disposed in the second layer (1112) and can intersect the first heating element (1121) when viewed from the top surface of the insulating substrate (1110).

The heater structure (1100) can be rolled so that the ends of each of the conductive tracks come closer to each other. The rolled heater structure (800) can wrap the aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating substrate is inserted from the second heating element (1122) toward the first heating element (1121), and the control unit can independently control the first heating element (1121) and the second heating element (1122).

Meanwhile, when both the first heating element (1121) and the second heating element (1122) are formed of conductive tracks, if all the conductive tracks are arranged in only one layer, the conductive tracks cannot be arranged densely due to interference (e.g., short circuit, etc.) between the two conductive tracks. In contrast, the heater structure (1100) of the present disclosure arranges some of the conductive tracks by changing the layer to prevent electrical contact, thereby preventing interference between the conductive tracks while increasing the heating density.

FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a heater structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 12, a heater structure (1200) includes an insulating substrate (1210) including a plurality of layers (1211, 1212) and a plurality of heating elements (1221, 1230). The heater structure (1200) may have a configuration corresponding to the heater (18) of FIGS. 1 to 6. The difference from FIGS. 7 to 10 is that the insulating substrate (1210) includes a plurality of layers, and some of the heating elements (1231, 1232) are arranged by changing the layers so that they do not overlap each other. In addition, the difference from FIG. 11 is that some of the heating elements (1221) are composed of a graphene heater.

The insulating substrate (1210) includes a first layer (1211) and a second layer (1212) and may perform an electrical insulation function. According to an embodiment, the insulating substrate (1210) may also simultaneously perform a thermal conductivity function of conducting heat emitted from a plurality of heating elements (1221, 1230).

The plurality of heating elements (1221, 1230) may include a first heating element (1221) and a second heating element (1230). The first heating element (1221) may be formed of a graphene heater, and the second heating element (1230) may be formed of a conductive track. The first heating element (1221) may be disposed in a first region (1213) of the first layer, and the second heating element (1230) may be disposed in a second region (1214) different from the first region (1214). The first region (1213) may refer to a region in one direction based on a longitudinal center line when the insulating substrate (1210) is viewed from the top. The second region (1214) may refer to a region in the other direction based on the longitudinal center line.

The first heating element (1221) may include a first electrode (1221a), a second electrode (1221b), and a graphene element (1221c) between the first electrode (1221a) and the second electrode (1221b). The first electrode (1221a) and the second electrode (1221b) are made of an electrically conductive material, and each may be connected to a battery. As power is supplied to the first electrode (1221a) and the second electrode (1221b), the graphene element (1221c) may be heated to heat the aerosol generating substrate.

The second heating element (1230) includes a first conductive track (1231) and a second conductive track (1232). Each of the first conductive track (1231) and the second conductive track (1232) includes an electrically resistive material, and both ends thereof can be electrically connected to a battery. Each of the first conductive track (1231) and the second conductive track (1232) can be heated by power supplied from the battery to heat an aerosol generating substrate. The arrangement of the first conductive track (1231) and the second conductive track (1232) included in the second heating element (1230) is as shown in FIG. 11. In other words, the first conductive track (1231) may be arranged in the first layer (1211), and a portion of the second conductive track (1232) may be arranged in the second layer (1212) so as not to be in electrical contact with the first conductive track (1231). The arrangement of the first conductive track (1231) and the second conductive track (1232) refers to FIG. 11.

The heater structure (1200) can be rolled so that both ends of the conductive track and both electrodes of the graphene heater come close to each other. The rolled heater structure (1200) can wrap the aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating substrate is inserted from the conductive track toward the graphene heater, and the control unit can independently control the conductive track and the graphene heater.

Meanwhile, the heater structure (1200) of Fig. 12 has all the advantages of Figs. 8 and 11. In other words, the heater structure (1200) increases heating efficiency by surface heating and reduces power consumption by arranging a graphene heater under an aerosol generating substrate. In addition, the heater structure (1200) can densely arrange conductive tracks (1231, 1232) while preventing interference between conductive tracks (1231, 1232).

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a temperature profile of a heater structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 13, a microprocessor can control power supplied to a plurality of heating elements. The microprocessor can be the control unit (12) of FIGS. 1 to 6. In addition, the plurality of heating elements can be heating elements (721, 722, 821, 822, 921, 922, 1021, 1022, 1121, 1122, 1221, 1230) of FIGS. 7 to 12. The control unit controls power supplied to a plurality of heating elements that are not in electrical contact with each other based on a preset temperature profile.

The control unit (12) controls power supplied to the first heating element (721, 821, 921, 1021, 1121, 1221, hereinafter referred to as 721 when no distinction is necessary) based on the first temperature profile (1310). In addition, the control unit (12) controls power supplied to the second heating element (722, 822, 922, 1022, 1122, 1230, hereinafter referred to as 722 when no distinction is necessary) based on the second temperature profile (1320).

The control unit (12) may start supplying power to the second heating element (722) after a preset time while starting to supply power to the first heating element (721). When the supply of power to the second heating element (722) is started, power is supplied to the second heating element (722) according to a target temperature that is the same as the target temperature of the first heating element (721). The preset time may be the same as the preheating completion time of the first heating element (721). For example, the preset time may be 40 seconds, but is not limited thereto.

The control unit can control the power supplied to the first heating element (721) based on the first target temperature (Te1) for a first time period (T1). The temperature of the first heating element (721) can reach the first target temperature (Te1) within the first time period (T1). For example, the first time period (T1) can be 40 seconds, and the first target temperature can be any temperature selected from 270 degrees to 290 degrees.

The control unit can control the power supplied to the first heating element (721) according to a second target temperature (Te2) lower than the first target temperature (Te1) for a second time (T2) after a first time (T1). For example, the second time (T2) can be 3 minutes, and the second target temperature (Te2) can be any temperature selected from 240 degrees to 260 degrees.

The control unit can control the power supplied to the first heating element (721) according to a third target temperature (Te3) lower than the second target temperature (Te2) for a third time (T3) after a second time (T2). For example, the third time (T3) can be 40 seconds, and the third target temperature (Te3) can be any temperature selected from 235 degrees to 240 degrees.

The control unit may control the power supplied to the first heating element (721) according to a fourth target temperature (Te4) lower than the third target temperature (Te3) during a fourth time (T4) after a third time (T3), and may cut off the power supplied to the first heating element (721) after the fourth time (T4). For example, the fourth time (T4) may be 40 seconds, and the fourth target temperature (Te4) may be any one temperature selected from 220 degrees to 235 degrees.

The control unit may start supplying power to the second heating element (722) after a first time period (T1), and after starting to supply power to the second heating element (722), control the power supplied to the second heating element (722) according to a target temperature that is the same as the target temperature of the first heating element (721). In other words, the control unit may control the power supplied to the second heating element (722) according to the second target temperature (Te2) during the second time period (T2), control the power supplied to the second heating element (722) according to the third target temperature (Te3) during the third time period (T3), and control the power supplied to the second heating element (722) according to the fourth target temperature (Te4) during the fourth time period (T4).

Meanwhile, the substrate detection unit can identify the type of aerosol generating substrate accommodated in the cavity, and the control unit (12) can change the heating time, the target temperature, and the power supply start time of the second heating element (722) according to the identified aerosol generating substrate. The substrate detection function can be performed by the insertion detection sensor (133) of FIG. 15. Since the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure independently controls a plurality of heating elements according to the type of aerosol generating substrate, the amount of the aerosol generating substrate transferred is increased, thereby providing an optimal taste sensation. In addition, the aerosol generating device (1) preheats the aerosol generating substrate with only one heating element at the beginning of heating, and heats the aerosol generating substrate using all of the plurality of heating elements after the preheating is completed, so that the amount of the aerosol generating substrate transferred is sustained until the latter half of the heating. Therefore, there is an advantage in that the taste sensation is maintained until the latter half of the heating.

Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating a temperature profile of a heater structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The difference from Fig. 13 is that power supply to the first heating element and the second heating element is initiated at the same time.

Referring to FIG. 14, a microprocessor can control power supplied to a plurality of heating elements. The microprocessor can be the control unit (12) of FIGS. 1 to 6. In addition, the plurality of heating elements can be heating elements (721, 722, 821, 822, 921, 922, 1021, 1022, 1121, 1122, 1221, 1230) of FIGS. 7 to 12. The control unit (12) controls power supplied to a plurality of heating elements that are not in electrical contact with each other based on a preset temperature profile.

The control unit (12) controls power supplied to the first heating element (721) based on the first temperature profile (1410). In addition, the control unit (12) controls power supplied to the second heating element (722) based on the second temperature profile (1420). The first temperature profile (1410) and the second temperature profile (1420) may be different from each other. In one embodiment, the first temperature profile (1410) may gradually increase as time increases. The second temperature profile (1420) may gradually decrease as time increases.

The first temperature profile (1410) can decrease from a first target temperature (Te1) to a second target temperature (Te2). The second temperature profile (1420) can increase from a third target temperature (Te3) to a fourth target temperature (Te4). The first temperature profile (1410) and the second temperature profile (1420) can be symmetrical with respect to the x-axis. In other words, the second temperature profile (1420) can compensate for the temperature decrease of the first temperature profile (1410).

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure has an advantage in that the amount of aerosol generating substrate transferred continues until the latter half of the heating period as the second temperature profile (1420) of the second heating element (722) gradually increases and decreases. In addition, since the temperature profiles of the plurality of heating elements of the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure are mutually complementary, a uniform taste sensation can be provided throughout the entire heating section.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

The aerosol generating device (1) may include a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), a memory (17), and at least one heater (18, 24). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (1) is not limited to that illustrated in Fig. 15. That is, a person having ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that some of the components illustrated in Fig. 15 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1).

The sensor (13) can detect the status of the aerosol generating device (1) or the status around the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (12). Based on the detected information, the control unit (12) can control the aerosol generating device (1) so that various functions such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18), restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating article (S) and/or a cartridge (19) is inserted, and displaying a notification are performed.

The sensor (13) may include at least one of a temperature sensor (131), a puff sensor (132), an insertion detection sensor (133), a reuse detection sensor (134), a cartridge detection sensor (135), a cap detection sensor (136), and a movement detection sensor (137).

The temperature sensor (131) can detect the temperature at which the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18), or the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18) itself may serve as the temperature sensor.

The temperature sensor (131) can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18). For example, the temperature sensor (131) can include a resistance element whose resistance value changes in response to a change in the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18). It can be implemented by a thermistor, which is an element that utilizes the property of changing resistance depending on temperature. At this time, the temperature sensor (131) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18). For example, the temperature sensor (131) can be configured as a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18). At this time, the temperature sensor (131) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18) as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18).

A temperature sensor (131) may be placed around the power source (11) to monitor the temperature of the power source (11). The temperature sensor (131) may be placed adjacent to the power source (11). For example, the temperature sensor (131) may be attached to one side of a battery, which is the power source (11). For example, the temperature sensor (131) may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

A temperature sensor (131) is placed inside the body (10) and can detect the internal temperature of the body (10).

The puff sensor (132) can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor (132) can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor (132) can be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor (132) can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1). Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1) can correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor (132) can be arranged corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows in the aerosol generating device (1).

The insertion detection sensor (133) can detect insertion and/or removal of an aerosol generating article (S). The insertion detection sensor (133) can detect a signal change according to the insertion and/or removal of the aerosol generating article (S). The insertion detection sensor (133) can be installed around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor (133) can detect the insertion and/or removal of the aerosol generating article (S) according to a change in permittivity inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor (133) can be an inductive sensor and/or a capacitance sensor.

The inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be arranged adjacent to the insertion space. For example, when a magnetic field changes around a coil through which current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.

An inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil. For example, an inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

The capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be arranged adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to an electromagnetic characteristic of the surroundings, for example, an electrostatic capacitance of the surroundings of the conductor. For example, when an aerosol-generating article (S) including a wrapper made of a metal material is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic characteristic of the surroundings of the conductor may be changed by the wrapper of the aerosol-generating article (S).

The reuse detection sensor (134) can detect whether the aerosol generating article (S) is reused. The reuse detection sensor (134) can be a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the color of the aerosol generating article (S). The color sensor can detect the color of a part of a wrapper that wraps the outside of the aerosol generating article (S). The color sensor can detect a value for an optical characteristic corresponding to the color of the object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristic can be a wavelength of light. The color sensor can be implemented as a single configuration with the proximity sensor, or can be implemented as a separate configuration distinct from the proximity sensor.

At least some of the wrappers constituting the aerosol-generating article (S) may change color due to the aerosol. The reuse detection sensor (134) may be arranged in response to a position where at least some of the wrappers whose color changes due to the aerosol are arranged when the aerosol-generating article (S) is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the aerosol-generating article (S) is used by a user, the color of at least some of the wrappers may be a first color. At this time, as the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device (1) passes through the aerosol-generating article (S), the color of at least some of the wrappers may change to a second color as at least some of the wrappers are wetted by the aerosol. Meanwhile, the color of at least some of the wrappers may be maintained as the second color after changing from the first color to the second color.

The cartridge detection sensor (135) can detect the mounting and/or removal of the cartridge (19). The cartridge detection sensor (135) can be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc.

The cap detection sensor (136) can detect the attachment and/or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the body (10), a portion of the cartridge (19) and the body (10) covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor (136) can be implemented by a contact sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

The motion detection sensor (137) can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device (1). The motion detection sensor (137) can be implemented with at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

In addition to the sensors (131 to 137) described above, the sensor (13) may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred from its name by a person skilled in the art, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

The output unit (14) can output information on the status of the aerosol generating device (1) and provide it to the user. The output unit (14) can include at least one of a display (141), a haptic unit (142), and an audio output unit (143), but is not limited thereto. When the display (141) and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display (141) can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display (141) can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (1) can mean various information such as the charging/discharging status of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), the preheating status of the heater (18), the insertion/removal status of the aerosol generating article (S) and/or the cartridge (19), the mounting/removal status of the cap, or the status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article), and the display (141) can output the information to the outside. For example, the display (141) can be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display (141) can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

The haptic unit (142) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus to provide tactile information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the haptic unit (142) can generate a vibration corresponding to the completion of the initial preheating when the initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18) for a set period of time. The haptic unit (142) can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The acoustic output unit (143) can provide information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit (143) can convert an electric signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

The power source (11) can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (11) can supply power so that the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18) can be heated. In addition, the power source (11) can supply power required for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device (1), such as a sensor (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), and a memory (17). The power source (11) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (11) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

Although not shown in FIG. 15, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power source (11) and may include a switching element.

The power protection circuit can block the power path to the power source (11) according to a predetermined condition. For example, the power protection circuit can block the power path to the power source (11) when the voltage level of the power source (11) is equal to or higher than a first voltage corresponding to overcharge. For example, the power protection circuit can block the power path to the power source (11) when the voltage level of the power source (11) is lower than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarge.

The heater (18) can receive power from the power source (11) to heat the medium or aerosol generating material within the aerosol generating article (S). Although not illustrated in FIG. 15, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC/DC converter) that converts power from the power source (11) and supplies it to the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18). In addition, when the aerosol generating device (1) generates the aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a DC/AC converter that converts direct current power of the power source (11) into alternating current power.

The control unit (12), the sensor (13), the output unit (14), the input unit (15), the communication unit (16), and the memory (17) can receive power from the power supply (11) and perform their functions. Although not illustrated in FIG. 15, a power conversion circuit, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power of the power supply (11) and supplies it to each component, may be further included. Also, although not illustrated in the drawing, a noise filter may be provided between the power supply (11) and the heater (18). The noise filter may be a low pass filter. The low pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low pass filter may correspond to the frequency of the high frequency switching current applied from the power supply (11) to the heater (18). By the low pass filter, it is possible to prevent high frequency noise components from being applied to a sensor (13), such as an insertion detection sensor (133).

In one embodiment, the cartridge heater (24) and/or heater (18) may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, and the like. Additionally, the heater (18) may be implemented as, but is not limited to, a metal wire, a metal plate having tracks (242) arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, and the like.

The input unit (15) can receive information input from a user or output information to the user. For example, the input unit (15) can be a touch panel. The touch panel can include at least one touch sensor that detects touch. For example, the touch sensor can include, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc.

The display (141) and the touch panel may be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted (on-cell type or in-cell type) into the display (141). For example, the touch panel may be added-on (add-on type) on the display (141) panel.

Meanwhile, the input unit (15) may include, but is not limited to, buttons, key pads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

The memory (17) is a hardware that stores various data processed in the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (12). The memory (17) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (for example, an SD or XD memory, etc.), a RAM (random access memory), a SRAM (static random access memory), a ROM (read-only memory), an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), a PROM (programmable read-only memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory (17) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generating device (1), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

The communication unit (16) may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit (16) may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

The short-range wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

The wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

Although not shown in FIG. 15, the aerosol generating device (1) further includes a connection interface, such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can transmit and receive information or charge a power source (11) by connecting to another external device through a connection interface, such as a USB interface.

The control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can include at least one processor. The processor can be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed in the microprocessor. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment belongs that the processor can be implemented as other types of hardware.

The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (11) to the heater (18). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18) based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18) sensed by the temperature sensor (131). The control unit (12) can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18) based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18). For example, the control unit (12) can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18) based on a temperature profile stored in the memory (17).

The aerosol generating device (1) may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply (11) between the power supply (11) and the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18). The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater (24) or the heater (18). The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit (12) may control the power supply circuit.

The control unit (12) can control power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit may be an inverter that converts direct current power output from the power source (11) into alternating current power. For example, the inverter may be configured as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.

The control unit (12) can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power source (11) to the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18). The control unit (12) can turn off the switching element so that power is cut off to the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18). The control unit (12) can control the current supplied from the power source (11) by controlling the frequency and/or duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element.

The control unit (12) can control the voltage output from the power source (11) by controlling the switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power source (11). For example, the power conversion circuit can include a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the power source (11). For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented through a buck-boost converter, a zener diode, etc.

The control unit (12) can control the on/off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit to adjust the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit. When the on state of the switching element continues, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the level of the voltage output from the power source (11). The duty ratio for the on/off operation of the switching element may correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power source (11). As the duty ratio for the on/off operation of the switching element decreases, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may decrease. The heater (18) can be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

The control unit (12) can control power to be supplied to the heater (18) by using at least one of the pulse width modulation (PWM) method and the proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

For example, the control unit (12) can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater (18) using the PWM method. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

For example, the control unit (12) can determine a target temperature that is a target of control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) by using a PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference value between the temperature of the heater (18) 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.

The control unit (12) can prevent the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18) from overheating. For example, the control unit (12) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit so that the supply of power to the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18) is cut off based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (12) can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18) by a predetermined ratio based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge (19) is exhausted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) exceeding the limit temperature, and can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (24).

The control unit (12) can control the charging and discharging of the power supply (11). The control unit (12) can check the temperature of the power supply (11) based on the output signal of the temperature sensor (131).

When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device (1), the control unit (12) can check whether the temperature of the power source (11) is equal to or higher than the first limit temperature, which is a criterion for blocking charging of the power source (11). When the temperature of the power source (11) is lower than the first limit temperature, the control unit (12) can control the power source (11) to be charged based on a preset charging current. When the temperature of the power source (11) is equal to or higher than the first limit temperature, the control unit (12) can block charging of the power source (11).

When the power of the aerosol generating device (1) is turned on, the control unit (12) can check whether the temperature of the power source (11) is equal to or higher than the second limit temperature, which is a criterion for blocking discharge of the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is lower than the second limit temperature, the control unit (12) can control to use the power stored in the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is equal to or higher than the second limit temperature, the control unit (12) can stop using the power stored in the power source (11).

The control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source (11). For example, the control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power source (11) based on the voltage and/or current sensing values of the power source (11).

The control unit (12) can determine whether an aerosol generating article (S) is inserted into the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (133). The control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol generating article (S) is inserted based on the output signal of the insertion detection sensor (133). If it is determined that the aerosol generating article (S) is inserted into the insertion space, the control unit (12) can control to supply power to the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18). For example, the control unit (12) can supply power to the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18) based on the temperature profile stored in the memory (17).

The control unit (12) can determine whether the aerosol-generating article (S) is removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether the aerosol-generating article (S) is removed from the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (133). For example, the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol-generating article (S) is removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater (18) is equal to or higher than a limited temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater (18) is equal to or higher than a set slope. When it is determined that the aerosol-generating article (S) is removed from the insertion space, the control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18).

The control unit (12) can control the power supply time and/or power supply amount to the heater (18) according to the state of the aerosol generating article (S) detected by the sensor (13). The control unit (12) can check the level range that includes the level of the signal of the capacitance sensor based on a lookup table. The control unit (12) can determine the moisture content of the aerosol generating article (S) according to the checked level range.

When the aerosol generating article (S) is in a hyper-humidified state, the control unit (12) can control the power supply time to the heater (18) to increase the preheating time of the aerosol generating article (S) compared to the normal state.

The control unit (12) can determine whether the aerosol generating article (S) inserted into the insertion space has been reused through the reuse detection sensor (134). For example, the control unit (12) can compare the sensing value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range that includes a first color, and if the sensing value is included in the first reference range, it can determine that the aerosol generating article (S) has not been used. For example, the control unit (12) can compare the sensing value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor with a second reference range that includes a second color, and if the sensing value is included in the second reference range, it can determine that the aerosol generating article (S) has been used. If it is determined that the aerosol generating article (S) has been used, the control unit (12) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18).

The control unit (12) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is coupled and/or removed through the cartridge detection sensor (135). For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is coupled and/or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cartridge detection sensor.

The control unit (12) can determine whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted. For example, the control unit (12) can preheat the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18) by applying power, and determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) exceeds a limit temperature during the preheating section. If the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) exceeds the limit temperature, the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted. If the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted, the control unit (12) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18).

The control unit (12) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is usable. For example, the control unit (12) can determine that the cartridge (19) cannot be used if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge (19) based on data stored in the memory (17). For example, the control unit (12) can determine that the cartridge (19) cannot be used if the total time that the heater (24) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the heater (24) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power.

The control unit (12) can perform a judgment regarding the user's inhalation through the puff sensor (132). For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether a puff has occurred based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor. For example, the control unit (12) can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor (132). If the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or if no puffs are detected for a preset time or longer, the control unit (12) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (24) and/or heater (18).

The control unit (12) can determine whether the cap is attached and/or removed through the cap detection sensor (136). For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether the cap is attached and/or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cap detection sensor.

The control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) based on the result detected by the sensor (13). For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor (132) reaches a preset number, the control unit (12) can notify the user through at least one of the display (141), the haptic unit (142), and the sound output unit (143) that the aerosol generating device (1) will soon be terminated. For example, the control unit (12) can notify the user through the output unit (14) based on a determination that no aerosol generating article (S) exists in the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can notify the user through the output unit (14) based on a determination that the cartridge (19) and/or the cap is not mounted. For example, the control unit (12) can transmit information on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18) to the user through the output unit (14).

The control unit (12) can store and update the history of the event that occurred in the memory (17) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. The event can include operations such as detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article (S), initiation of heating of the aerosol generating article (S), puff detection, puff termination, overheating detection of the cartridge heater (24) and/or heater (18), overvoltage application detection to the cartridge heater (24) and/or heater (18), termination of heating of the aerosol generating article (S), power on/off of the aerosol generating device (1), initiation of charging of the power supply (11), overcharge detection of the power supply (11), termination of charging of the power supply (11), etc., performed in the aerosol generating device (1). The history of the event can include the time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a given event is detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article (S), log data corresponding to the event may include data on a sensing value of an insertion detection sensor (133), etc. For example, if a given event is detection of overheating of a cartridge heater (24) and/or a heater (18), log data corresponding to the event may include data on a temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and/or a heater (18), a voltage applied to the cartridge heater (24) and/or a heater (18), a current flowing through the cartridge heater (24) and/or a heater (18), etc.

The control unit (12) can control to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. When data regarding authentication is received from the external device through the communication link, the control unit (12) can release the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device (1). Here, the data regarding authentication can include data indicating completion of user authentication for a user corresponding to the external device. The user can perform user authentication through the external device. The external device can determine whether user data is valid based on the user's birthday, a unique number indicating the user, etc., and can receive data regarding the use authority of the aerosol generating device (1) from an external server. The external device can transmit data indicating completion of user authentication to the aerosol generating device (1) based on the data regarding the use authority. When the user authentication is completed, the control unit (12) can release the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the control unit (12) can release the restriction on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the heater (18) when user authentication is completed.

The control unit (12) can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the external device through a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), the operation mode, etc. through the display of the external device.

The external device can transmit a location search request to the aerosol generating device (1) based on an input that initiates location search of the aerosol generating device (1). When receiving a location search request from the external device, the control unit (12) can control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, the haptic unit (142) can generate vibration in response to the location search request. For example, the display (141) can output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search in response to the location search request.

The control unit (12) can control to perform a firmware update when receiving firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generating device (1) and determine whether a new version of the firmware exists. When an input requesting firmware download is received, the external device can receive a new version of the firmware data and transmit the new version of the firmware data to the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (12) can control to perform a firmware update of the aerosol generating device (1) when receiving a new version of the firmware data.

The control unit (12) can transmit data on the sensing value of at least one sensor (13) to an external server (not shown) through the communication unit (16), and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing value through machine learning such as deep learning from the server. The control unit (12) can perform an operation for determining a user's inhalation pattern, an operation for generating a temperature profile, etc., using the learning model received from the server. The control unit (12) can store, in the memory (17), the sensing value data of at least one sensor (13) and data for learning an artificial neural network (ANN). For example, the memory (17) can store a database for each component equipped in the aerosol generating device (1) for learning the artificial neural network (ANN), and weights and biases forming the artificial neural network (ANN) structure. The control unit (12) can learn data on the sensing values of at least one sensor (13), the user's suction pattern, temperature profile, etc., stored in the memory (17), and generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's suction pattern, generating a temperature profile, etc.

Any of the embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Any of the embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may have their respective components or functions combined or used together.

For example, it means that a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and/or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and/or drawing. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that a combination is possible, except in cases where a combination is described as impossible.

The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in all respects but should be considered as illustrative. The scope of the invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes coming within the equivalent scope of the invention are intended to be embraced within the scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

In an aerosol generating device, A heater structure comprising an insulating substrate including at least one layer and a plurality of heating elements disposed in the layer; A battery for supplying power to the plurality of heating elements; and An aerosol generating device comprising a control unit that independently controls power supplied to the plurality of heating elements. In the first paragraph, The above insulating substrate comprises a first layer, An aerosol generating device wherein the plurality of heating elements include a first heating element disposed in a first region of the first layer and a second heating element disposed in a second region of the first layer different from the first region. In the second paragraph, The above first heating element is a conductive track, An aerosol generating device wherein the second heating element comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, and a graphene element disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. In the second paragraph, The first heating element comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, and a first graphene element disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, An aerosol generating device, wherein the second heating element comprises a third electrode, a fourth electrode, and a second graphene element disposed between the third electrode and the fourth electrode. In paragraph 4, The first electrode, the second electrode and the first graphene element are arranged on the first surface of the first layer, An aerosol generating device wherein the third electrode, the fourth electrode, and the second graphene element are disposed on a second surface opposite the first surface. In the first paragraph, The above insulating substrate comprises a first layer and a second layer, The above plurality of heating elements include a first conductive track and a second conductive track, The first conductive track is arranged in the first layer, An aerosol generating device wherein a portion of said second conductive track is disposed in said first layer and another portion of said second conductive track is disposed in said second layer. In Article 6, The above plurality of heating elements further include a first electrode, a second electrode, and a graphene element disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, The first conductive track and the second conductive track are arranged in the first region of the insulating substrate, An aerosol generating device wherein the first electrode, the second electrode, and the graphene element are disposed in a second region of the insulating substrate that is different from the first region. In the first paragraph, The plurality of heating elements include a first heating element and a second heating element that is not in electrical contact with the first heating element, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that starts supplying power to the second heating element after a preset time while supplying power to the first heating element, and when starting supplying power to the second heating element, supplies power to the second heating element based on a second target temperature that is the same as the first target temperature of the first heating element. In the first paragraph, The plurality of heating elements include a first heating element and a second heating element that is not in electrical contact with the first heating element, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that starts supplying power to the first heating element and the second heating element at the same time, but when the supply of power is started, sets the first temperature profile of the first heating element and the second temperature profile of the second heating element to be different from each other. In the first paragraph, An aerosol generating device further comprising a substrate detection unit for identifying the type of aerosol generating substrate accommodated in the cavity.

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