WO2025005589A1 - Aerosol-generating device and operation method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

According to one embodiment, an aerosol-generating device comprises: a main body; and a cartridge detachably coupled to the main body. The cartridge comprises: a reservoir for storing an aerosol-generating material; a heating structure for heating the aerosol-generating material; and a wick for supplying the aerosol-generating material stored in the reservoir to the heating structure. The main body comprises: a cartridge sensing circuit for detecting the temperature of the heating structure of the cartridge, wherein a capacitor is not connected to an output terminal of the cartridge detection circuit; and a processor electrically connected to the cartridge detection circuit. The processor may detect the temperature of the heating structure through the cartridge detection circuit, and control the supply of power to the cartridge on the basis of the detected temperature of the heating structure.

Description

Aerosol generating device and its operating method

Various embodiments according to the present disclosure relate to an aerosol generating device and an operating method for controlling power supply by detecting the temperature of a heating structure through a cartridge sensing circuit to which a capacitor is not connected.

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods that overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for systems that generate aerosols by heating cigarettes or aerosol generating materials using an aerosol generating device, rather than by burning cigarettes to generate aerosols.

The use of electronic cigarettes, in which a liquid composition containing an aerosol generating agent is heated to generate an aerosol, is gradually increasing. The liquid composition in the cartridge can be supplied to a wick through a predetermined path, and an aerosol can be generated as the wick is heated by a heater.

Recently, with respect to cartridges containing liquid compositions, research is actively being conducted on methods for detecting whether the liquid composition in the cartridge is exhausted and the remaining amount. In particular, when heating is continued while the liquid composition in the cartridge is exhausted, the aerosol-generating substance impregnated in the wick may be completely vaporized, and thus only the dry wick, not the aerosol-generating substance, may be heated. In this case, the aerosol is not generated as the aerosol-generating substance is vaporized, and the wick and/or foreign substances, etc. may be heated, and thus an undesirable burnt taste may be provided to the user.

Accordingly, the aerosol generating device can determine whether the liquid composition in the cartridge is exhausted, and if the liquid composition is exhausted, can stop supplying power to the heater so that further heating does not proceed.

When the aerosol generating device determines whether the liquid composition in the cartridge is exhausted and controls the power supply to the heater of the cartridge, the control speed and the accuracy of the control may vary depending on the speed of detecting the heater temperature of the cartridge. That is, the faster the heater temperature of the cartridge is detected, the faster the exhaustion of the liquid composition can be determined, and when it is determined that the liquid composition in the cartridge is exhausted, the aerosol generating device can prevent carbonization, etc., inside the cartridge by quickly cutting off the power supply to the heater of the cartridge.

In the case of conventional aerosol generating devices, there may be a rather long time difference between the time of receiving a command for temperature sensing of the cartridge and the time of sensing the actual temperature, which may reduce the speed of sensing the heater temperature of the cartridge.

Various embodiments according to the present disclosure provide an aerosol generating device having an increased temperature sensing speed by reducing the time it takes for a component for sensing a heater temperature within a cartridge to charge to saturation current.

The problems to be solved through the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

In one embodiment, an aerosol generating device includes a main body and a cartridge detachably coupled to the main body, the cartridge including a storage tank in which an aerosol generating material is stored, a heating structure that heats the aerosol generating material, and a wick that supplies the aerosol generating material stored in the storage tank to the heating structure, the main body includes a cartridge detection circuit that detects a temperature of the heating structure of the cartridge, a capacitor is not connected to an output terminal of the cartridge detection circuit, and a processor that is electrically connected to the cartridge detection circuit, the processor can detect the temperature of the heating structure through the cartridge detection circuit and control power supply to the cartridge based on the detected temperature of the heating structure.

In one embodiment, a method of operating an aerosol generating device may include the step of detecting a temperature of a heating structure included in a cartridge through a cartridge detection circuit having no capacitor connected to an output terminal, and the step of controlling power supply to the cartridge based on the detected temperature of the heating structure.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the charging speed of the cartridge sensing circuit can be increased by not connecting a separate capacitor to the output terminal of the cartridge sensing circuit, and as the charging speed increases, the temperature sensing speed for the heater in the cartridge can be increased.

Additionally, as the temperature sensing speed for the heater within the cartridge increases, the status of the heater can be acquired substantially faster and more accurately, thereby enabling faster and more accurate temperature control operation for the heater.

However, the effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

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

FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the body, cartridge, and cap of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the body, cartridge, and cap of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

Figure 12a is a block diagram of a conventional aerosol generating device.

FIG. 12b is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention controlling power supply to a cartridge.

Figure 14a is a graph showing the time it takes for the aerosol generating device of Figure 12a to reach saturation current.

Figure 14b is a graph showing the time it takes for the aerosol generating device of Figure 12b to reach saturation current.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention for stopping power supply to a cartridge.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are given or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves.

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 including 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.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an aerosol generating device (1) 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), a heater (18), and a cartridge (19). 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. The body (10) may provide a space opened upwardly so that a stick (S), which is an aerosol generating article, may be inserted. The space opened upwardly may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by being sunken toward the inside of the body (10) to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the stick (S) may be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of a region of the stick (S) containing an aerosol generating material and/or a medium. The lower end of the stick (S) may be inserted into the inside of the body (10), and the upper end of the stick (S) may protrude outside the body (10). The user can inhale air by placing the top of the stick (S) exposed to the outside in their mouth.

The heater (18) can heat the stick (S). The heater (18) can be extended upwardly around the space where the stick (S) is inserted. For example, the heater (18) can be in the form of a tube having 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 stick (S) inserted into the insertion space. The heater (18) can include an electrical resistance heater and/or an induction heating heater.

For example, 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 heater (18) may be directly heated by receiving current from the power source (11).

For example, the aerosol generator (1) may include an induction coil surrounding a heater (18). The induction coil may heat the heater (18). The heater (18) may be a susceptor, and the heater (18) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field may pass through the heater (18) and generate an eddy current within the heater (18). The current may generate heat in the heater (18).

Meanwhile, a susceptor may be included inside the stick (S), and the susceptor inside the stick (S) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil.

The cartridge (19) may contain an aerosol generating material having any one of a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state therein. The aerosol generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavoring component, or may be a liquid including a non-tobacco material.

The cartridge (19) may be formed integrally with the body (10) or may be detachably coupled to the body (10).

For example, referring to FIG. 1, the cartridge (19) is formed integrally with the body (10) and can communicate with the insertion space through an airflow channel (CN).

For example, referring to FIG. 2, a space is formed on one side of the body (10), and at least a portion of the cartridge (19) is inserted into the space formed on one side of the body (10) so that the cartridge (19) can be mounted on the body (10). The airflow channel (CN) can be defined by a portion of the cartridge and/or a portion of the body (10), and the cartridge (19) can communicate with the insertion space through the airflow channel (CN).

The body (10) can be formed in a structure in which outside air can flow into the interior of the body (10) while the cartridge (19) is inserted. At this time, the outside air that flows into the body (10) can pass through the cartridge (19) and flow into the user's oral cavity.

The cartridge (19) may include a storage portion (C0) containing an aerosol generating material and/or a heater (24) for heating the aerosol generating material in the storage portion (C0). A liquid delivery means impregnating (containing) the aerosol generating material may be disposed inside the storage portion (C0). Here, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc. The electrically conductive track of the heater (24) may be formed as a coil-shaped structure that winds the liquid delivery means or a structure that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means. The heater (24) may be referred to as a cartridge heater (24).

The cartridge (19) can generate an aerosol. As the liquid delivery means is heated by the cartridge heater (24), the aerosol can be generated. The aerosol can be generated by heating the stick (S) by the heater (18). While the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (24) and the heater (18) passes through the stick (S), tobacco material can be added to the aerosol, and the aerosol added with the tobacco material can be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick (S).

The aerosol generator (1) may be equipped with only a cartridge heater (24) and the body (10) may not be equipped with a heater (18). At this time, the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (24) may pass through the stick (S) and be inhaled into the user's mouth with tobacco material added thereto.

The aerosol generator (1) may include a cap (not shown). The cap may be detachably coupled to the body (10) so as to cover at least a portion of a cartridge (19) coupled to the body (10). A stick (S) may be inserted into the body (10) through the cap.

The power source (11) can supply power to operate components of the aerosol generator. 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), the cartridge heater (24), and the heater (18). When the aerosol generator (1) includes an induction coil, the power source (11) can supply power to the induction coil.

The control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator. The control unit 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), the sensor (13), the heater (18), and the cartridge (19). The control unit (12) can control the operation of a display, a motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generator. The control unit (12) can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator to determine whether the aerosol generator 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 cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18) so that the operation of the cartridge heater (24) and/or 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 cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the cartridge heater (24) and/or 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, an insertion detection sensor, a color sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, and a cap detection sensor. For example, the sensor (13) may sense at least one of a temperature of a heater (18), a temperature of a power source (11), and a temperature inside and outside the body (10). For example, the sensor (13) may sense a puff of a user. For example, the sensor (13) may sense whether a stick (S) is inserted into an insertion space. For example, the sensor (13) may sense whether a cartridge (19) is mounted. For example, the sensor (13) may sense whether a cap is mounted.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 4 is a combined perspective view of a body, a cartridge, and a cap of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3, an aerosol generating device (A100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a body (A3). The aerosol generating device (A100) may include a cap (A30). The aerosol generating device (A100) may include a cartridge (A40). The cartridge (A40) may be detachably coupled to one side of the body (A3). The cap (A30) may be detachably coupled to the body (A3) to cover the cartridge (A40). The stick (S) may be inserted into the body (A3) by penetrating the cap (A30).

Referring to FIG. 4, the body (A3) may include a lower body (A1) and an upper body (A2). Components of an aerosol generating device (A100), such as a battery and a control unit, may be installed inside the lower body (A1). The upper body (A2) may be coupled to the upper side of the lower body (A1).

The upper body (A2) may include a column (A10) and a mounting portion (A20). The column (A10) may be extended in a vertical direction. The column (A10) may have an outer wall (A11), an inner wall (A12), and an upper wall (A13).

The mounting portion (A20) may protrude from the lower portion of the inner wall (A12) of the column (A10). The mounting portion (A20) may face the upper side. The cartridge area (A24) may be formed between the inner wall (A12) of the column (A10) and the mounting portion (A20). The cartridge area (A24) may be located on one side of the inner wall (A12) of the column (A10) and may be located on the upper side of the mounting portion (A20).

The column (A10) may have an insertion space (A142). The insertion space (A142) may extend vertically within the interior of the column (A10) and may be opened upward so that the upper wall (A13) is open.

The body inlet (A141) may be formed on one side of the column (A10). The body inlet (A141) may be formed by opening the inner wall (A12). The body inlet (A141) may be opened to the outside of the column (A10). The body inlet (A141) may be communicated with the insertion space (A142). The body inlet (A141) may be arranged to face the cartridge area (A24). The body inlet (A141) may be communicated with the cartridge area (A24).

The cartridge (A40) can be detachably coupled to the upper body (A2) in the cartridge area (A24). The cartridge (A40) is coupled to the inner wall (A12) of the column (A10) and can be supported on the bottom by being mounted on the mounting portion (A20). The cartridge (A40) can have a first container (A41) and a second container (A42). The first container (A41) can be arranged on the upper side of the second container (A42). The first container (A41) can store a liquid.

The cap (A30) covers the upper body (A2) and can be detachably coupled to the body (A3). The cap (A30) can cover the upper body (A2) and the cartridge (A40) coupled to the upper body (A2). The cap (A30) can have a space formed therein into which the upper body (A2) and the cartridge (A40) are inserted. The space inside the cap (A30) can be opened downward. The side wall (A31) of the cap (A30) can surround a side of the space inside the cap (A30). The upper wall (A33) of the cap (A30) can cover an upper portion of the space inside the cap (A30). The insertion port (A34) can be formed by opening the upper wall (A33). When the cap (A30) is coupled to the body (A3), the insertion port (A34) can be communicated with the insertion space (A142) from the upper side of the insertion space (A142). The cover (A35) can be movably installed on the upper wall (A33). The cover (A35) can slide on the upper wall (A33). The cover (A35) can open and close the insertion port (A34).

Referring to FIG. 5, a first chamber (AC1) may be formed inside a first container (A41). Liquid may be stored in the first chamber (AC1). A second chamber (AC2) may be formed inside a second container (A42).

The cartridge inlet (A441) may be formed by opening the cartridge (A40). The cartridge outlet (A442) may be formed by opening the cartridge (A40). The cartridge path (A443) may connect the cartridge inlet (A441) and the second chamber (AC2). The cartridge outlet (A442) may be communicated with the second chamber (AC2).

The cartridge discharge port (A442) may be formed by opening one side of the second container (A42). The discharge port (A422) may surround the cartridge discharge port (A442). The discharge port (A422) may protrude from one side of the second container (A42). When the cartridge (A40) is coupled to the upper body (A2), the discharge port (A422) is inserted into the body inlet (A141), and the cartridge discharge port (A442) and the body inlet (A141) may be communicated.

The wick (A45) may be installed in the second chamber (AC2). The wick (A45) may be connected to the first chamber (AC1). The wick (A45) may be supplied with liquid from the first chamber (AC1). The heater (A46) may be heated to heat the wick (A45). The heater (A46) may be placed in the second chamber (AC2). The heater (A46) may wind the wick (A45). When the heater (A46) heats the wick (A45), an aerosol may be generated around the wick (A45) in the second chamber (AC2).

The heater terminal (A47) may be exposed to the lower part of the cartridge (A40). The heater terminal (A47) may be formed at the bottom of the second container (A42). The heater terminal (A47) may be electrically connected to the heater (A46). When the cartridge (A40) is coupled to the upper body (A2), the heater terminal (A47) may be brought into contact with the first pin (A50) and electrically connected thereto. At this time, the heater terminal (A47) may be referred to as the second pin (A47).

The first pin (A50) may protrude outside the mounting portion (A20). The first pin (A50) may receive power from a battery installed inside the lower body (A1) through a connector (A97) and provide it to the heater terminal (A47) and the heater (A46). The heater (A46) may receive power and generate heat.

Air outside the cartridge (A40) can be introduced into the interior of the cartridge (A40) through the cartridge inlet (A441). The air can sequentially flow through the cartridge inlet (A441), the cartridge passage (A443), the second chamber (AC2), and the cartridge outlet (A442). The air inside the cartridge (A40) can be discharged to the exterior of the cartridge (A40) through the cartridge outlet (A442). The air introduced into the interior of the cartridge (A40) can be discharged to the exterior of the cartridge (A40) through the cartridge outlet (A442) along with the aerosol generated in the second chamber (AC2).

The first pin (A50) is arranged on the inside of the body (A3), but may protrude outwardly from the body (A3). The body (A3) may include a fixing portion (A20).

The mounting portion (A20) may have an outer recessed groove (A25). The outer recessed groove (A25) may be formed by the upper surface (A21) of the mounting portion (A20) being recessed downward. The outer recessed groove (A25) may be located on the lower side of the cartridge area (A24). The upper surface (A21) of the mounting portion (A20) may be referred to as the outer surface of the body (A3). The outer recessed groove (A25) may be formed on the outer surface of the body (A3).

The lower part of the outer recessed groove (A25) may be covered with a bottom part (A251), and the side part may be covered with a peripheral part (A252). The upper part of the outer recessed groove (A25) may be open. One side of the outer recessed groove (A25) may be open without being covered with the peripheral part (A252). When the x direction indicated in the coordinate system is defined as the front, the front of the outer recessed groove (A25) may be open. The upper part of the first pin (A50) may be convexly protruded or exposed upward from the bottom part (A251) of the outer recessed groove (A25) toward the outer recessed groove (A25).

The bottom of the cartridge (A40) may have a shape corresponding to the mounting portion (A20) and the outer recessed groove (A25). When the cartridge (A40) is coupled to the upper body (A2), the bottom of the cartridge (A40) is mounted on the mounting portion (A20), and the first pin (A50) and the second pin (A47) may be electrically connected to each other.

The guide portion (A253) may be provided in multiple forms. The guide portion (A253) may be extended from the front to the rear. The guide portion (A253) may be formed to be inclined so as to gradually increase in height from the front to the rear. Each of the plurality of guide portions (A253) may be arranged in front of each of the plurality of first fins (A50). The height of the rear end of the guide portion (A253) adjacent to the first fin (A50) may be the same as or similar to the height of the first fin (A50).

Accordingly, when the cartridge (A40) is coupled to the upper body (A2), the guide portion (A253) can guide the placement of the cartridge (A40) so that the first pin (A50) and the second pin (A47) come into contact.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 7 is a combined perspective view of a body, a cartridge, and a cap of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a body (B100) having an upper body (B120) and a lower body (B110). The upper body (B120) may be located above the lower body (B110). The lower body (B110) may be extended vertically. The body (B100) may accommodate components for driving the aerosol generating device therein. The upper body (B120) may provide an insertion space (B134) that is opened upwardly. The insertion space (B134) may be located inside the upper body (B120). The insertion space (B134) may be extended vertically. The insertion space (B134) can be formed in a pipe (B130) located inside the upper body (B120).

The upper case (B200) may have a hollow shape with an open bottom. The upper body (B120) may be inserted into the hollow portion of the upper case (B200). The upper case (B200) may be detachably coupled to the body (B100). The upper case (B200) may cover the upper body (B120) so as to surround it. A lateral portion (B211) of the upper case (B200) may surround and cover a side wall (B121) of the upper body (B120). An upper portion (B212) of the upper case (B200) may cover an upper portion (B180) or an outer cover (B180) of the upper body (B120). When the upper case (B200) is combined with the body (B100), the upper case (B200) can cover the body (B100) and the cartridge (B300) together. The cartridge (B300) can be placed inside the upper case (B200).

The insertion port (B214) may be formed by opening the upper portion (B212) of the upper case (B200). The insertion port (B214) may correspond to the opening of the insertion space (B134). The cap (B215) may be movably installed in the upper portion (B212) of the upper case (B200). The slide hole (B213) may be formed by extending to one side from the insertion port (B214) in the upper portion (B212) of the upper case (B200). The cap (B215) may be movable along the slide hole (B213). The cap (B215) may open and close the insertion port (B214) and the insertion space (B134). The stick (S) may be inserted into the insertion space (B134) through the insertion port (B214). For example, the stick (S) may be a cigarette.

The outer wall (B121) and the partition wall (B125) can form a lateral portion of the upper body (B120). The outer wall (B121) and the partition wall (B125) can be connected. The outer wall (B121) can be covered by the inner surface of the upper case (B200). The partition wall (B125) can separate the cartridge coupling space (B124a) and the insertion space (B134).

The upper body (B120) may include a mounting portion (B122). The mounting portion (B122) may extend from the lower portion of the bulkhead (B125) to one side. The mounting portion (B122) may be formed on the upper portion of the lower body (B110). The mounting portion (B122) may cover the lower portion of the cartridge coupling space (B124a). The bottom surface of the cartridge (B300) may be supported by being mounted on the mounting portion (B122).

The upper body (B120) may include an extension (B140). The extension (B140) may extend from the upper portion of the bulkhead (B125) to one side. The extension (B140) may extend in a direction in which the mounting portion (B122) is formed. The extension (B140) may cover the upper portion of the cartridge coupling space (B124a). The extension (B140) may cover the upper surface of the cartridge (B300). The extension (B140) may cover a cartridge inlet (B301) formed in the cartridge (B300). A gap through which air can flow may be formed between the extension (B140) and the cartridge inlet (B301).

The cartridge coupling space (B124a) may be formed on one side of the upper body (B120). The cartridge coupling space (B124a) may be defined by the mounting portion (B122), the partition wall (B125), and the extension portion (B140) of the upper body (B120). The bottom of the cartridge coupling space (B124a) may be covered by the mounting portion (B122). One side of the cartridge coupling space (B124a) may be covered by the partition wall (B125) of the upper body (B120). The upper side of the cartridge coupling space (B124a) may be covered by the extension portion (B140). The cartridge coupling space (B124a) may be opened outward between the mounting portion (B122) and the extension portion (B140).

The cartridge (B300) can be inserted into the cartridge coupling space (B124a) and coupled to the body (B100). The cartridge (B300) can be detachably coupled to the body (B100). A lateral surface (B311) of the cartridge (B300) can face the partition wall (B125). An upper surface (B312) of the cartridge (B300) can be covered by an extension portion (B140). A bottom surface (B322) of the cartridge (B300) can be mounted on a mounting portion (B122). A cartridge terminal (B128) can be connected to the cartridge (B300) to supply power to a heater (B342) inside the cartridge (B300).

The coupling hook (B125a) may be formed on the upper body (B120). The pusher (B125b) may be formed on the upper body (B120). The coupling hook (B125a) and the pusher (B125b) may be formed as a pair on both sides and may be arranged at opposing positions. The cartridge (B300) may include a hook coupling groove (B315). The hook coupling groove (B315) may be formed at a position corresponding to the coupling hook (B125a). When the cartridge (B300) is inserted into the cartridge coupling space (B124a), the coupling hook (B125a) may be coupled to the hook coupling groove (B315) to couple the cartridge (B300) and the body (B100). The pusher (B125b) and the coupling hook (B125a) may move in conjunction with each other. When the pusher (B125b) is pressed, the coupling hook (B125a) moves in a direction that separates it from the hook coupling groove (B315), and the cartridge (B300) can be separated from the body (B100).

The connecting passage (B133) may be formed at the lower portion of the bulkhead (B125). The connecting passage (B133) may be communicated with the insertion space (B134). The connecting passage (B133) may be opened to one side of the upper body (B120). When the cartridge (B300) is coupled to the body (B100), the discharge port (B323) is inserted into the connecting passage (B133), and the connecting passage (B133) and the cartridge discharge port (B304) may be communicated with each other.

Referring to FIG. 8, the cartridge (B300) may include a first container (B31) and a second container (B32). The first container (B31) may be coupled to an upper side of the second container (B32). The plate (B35) may be coupled between the first container (B31) and the second container (B32) or between the first container (B31) and the frame (B33).

The first container (B31) may have a first chamber (BC1) capable of storing liquid therein. The first container (B31) surrounds the first chamber (BC1), and the lower portion of the first chamber (BC1) may be opened. The opening of the first chamber (BC1) may be covered by a plate (B35).

Referring to Fig. 9, the first container (B31) may have an inflow path (B302) through which air passes. The first chamber (BC1) and the inflow path (B302) may be separated from each other. The inflow path (B302) may be extended vertically on one side of the first container (B31).

The first container (B31) may be provided with a cartridge inlet (B301). The cartridge inlet (B301) is formed by opening the upper portion of the first container (B31) and may be communicated with the inlet path (B302). The cartridge inlet (B301) may be communicated with the upper portion of the inlet path (B302). The lower portion of the inlet path (B302) may be communicated with the connecting hole (B351) and the chamber inlet (B303).

The second container (B32) can be coupled to the lower portion of the first container (B31). The second container (B32) can have a space (B324) with an open upper portion and a covered lower portion. The frame (B33) can be accommodated inside the space (B324) of the second container (B32).

The second container (B32) may have a cartridge discharge port (B304). The cartridge discharge port (B304) may be formed on a lateral portion (B321) of the second container (B32). The cartridge discharge port (B304) may be formed on the inside of a port protruding in the thickness direction from the lateral portion of the second container (B32). The cartridge discharge port (B304) may be communicated with the space (B324). The second container (B32) may include a discharge port (B323). The discharge port (B323) may form a cartridge discharge port (B304) therein. The discharge port (B323) may protrude from the lateral portion (B321) of the second container (B32) to one side. The discharge port (B323) may surround the cartridge discharge port (B304). The cartridge discharge port (B304) may be named discharge port (B304).

The frame (B33) can be inserted into the space (B324) inside the second container (B32) and combined with the second container (B32). A fastening member (B326) protruding from the side wall of the second container (B32) into the space (B324) can be fastened to the frame (B33) and secure the frame (B33).

The frame (B33) may have a second chamber (BC2) therein. The frame (B33) surrounds the second chamber (BC2), and the upper portion of the second chamber (BC2) may be open. The upper portion of the second chamber (BC2) may be covered by a plate (B35).

The frame (B33) may have a chamber inlet (B303). The chamber inlet (B303) may be formed by opening one side of a side wall surrounding the second chamber (BC2). The chamber inlet (B303) may extend upwardly from the second chamber (BC2) toward the inlet path (B302). One end of the chamber inlet (B303) may be connected to the second chamber (BC2), and the other end of the chamber inlet (B303) may be connected to the inlet path (B302) and the connecting hole (B351).

The frame (B33) may have a chamber outlet (B332). The chamber outlet (B332) may be formed on a lateral portion of the frame (B33). The chamber outlet (B332) may be communicated with the second chamber (BC2). The chamber outlet (B332) may be formed on the inner side of a port protruding in the thickness direction from the lateral portion of the frame (B33). The chamber outlet (B332) may be communicated with the second chamber (BC2). The chamber outlet (B332) may be formed at a position corresponding to the cartridge outlet (B304). The chamber outlet (B332) may be formed at a position opposite to the chamber inlet (B303) with respect to the second chamber (BC2). When the frame (B33) is combined with the second container (B32), the chamber outlet (B332) and the cartridge outlet (B304) can be communicated with each other.

The frame (B33) may have a wick coupling groove (B334) therein. The wick coupling groove (B334) may be communicated with the second chamber (BC2). The wick coupling groove (B334) may be formed by the second chamber (BC2) being sunken to one side. The wick coupling grooves (B334) are formed in a pair, and the pair of wick coupling grooves (B334) may be formed to be positioned opposite to each other in the second chamber (BC2). The upper part of the wick coupling groove (B334) may be open.

The wick (B341) may have a cylindrical shape that is extended transversely in the second chamber (BC2). The two ends of the wick (B341) may be inserted and positioned in each of a pair of wick coupling grooves (B334). The center of the wick (B341) may be positioned in the second chamber (BC2). The wick (B341) may be connected to the first chamber (BC1) and may receive liquid from the first chamber (BC1). The wick (B341) may be fixed in the wick coupling groove (B334) by the frame (B33) and the plate (B35).

The heater (B342) can wind around the center of the wick (B341). The heater (B342) can be heated to heat the wick (B341). For example, the heater (B342) can be a resistive heater. The heater (B342) can be placed in the second chamber (BC2). An end of the heater (B342) can be electrically connected to an electrode placed on the bottom of the second container (B32) by penetrating the bottom of the frame (B33).

The plate (B35) can be coupled between the first container (B31) and the second container (B32) or between the first container (B31) and the frame (B33). The plate (B35) of the frame (B33) can cover and seal an open portion of the first chamber (BC1). The plate (B35) can cover an upper portion of the frame (B33). The plate (B35) can cover and seal an open portion of the second chamber (BC2).

The plate (B35) may have a connecting hole (B351) on one side. The connecting hole (B351) may be located between the inlet passage (B302) and the chamber inlet (B303). The connecting hole (B351) may connect the inlet passage (B302) and the chamber inlet (B303).

The plate (B35) may be provided with a liquid inlet hole (B354). The liquid inlet holes (B354) may be formed in a pair at positions corresponding to the wick coupling grooves (B334). The pair of liquid inlet holes (B354) may be located on the upper side of both ends of the wick (B341). The liquid inlet holes (B354) may connect the first chamber (BC1) and the wick coupling groove (B334). The wick (B341) may be connected to the first chamber (BC1) through the liquid inlet holes (B354).

The hook home (B353) may be formed on the upper side of the chamber outlet (B332) at a position adjacent to the chamber outlet (B332). The hook (B335) may protrude downward from one side of the plate (B35). The hook (B353) may be inserted into and fastened to the hook home (B353) formed on the upper side of the frame (B33). The plate (B35) is fastened to the frame (B33), and the first container (B31) coupled to the second container (B32) may press an edge portion of the plate (B35) toward the frame (B33).

The user can hold the stick (S) inserted into the insertion space (B134) in his mouth and inhale air. When the upper case (B200) is connected to the body (B100), air can flow into the cartridge inlet (B301) through the opening (B201) formed in the upper case (B200). The air can flow into the interior of the cartridge (B300) through the cartridge inlet (B301) and be discharged to the exterior of the cartridge (B300) through the cartridge discharge outlet (B304). The air that has flowed into the interior of the cartridge (B300) can be discharged to the exterior by sequentially passing through the inlet path (B302), the connecting hole (B351), the chamber inlet (B303), the second chamber (BC2), the chamber discharge outlet (B332), and the cartridge discharge outlet (B304).

When the heater (B342) heats the wick (B341), an aerosol may be formed from the wick (B341) within the second chamber (BC2). Air passing through the cartridge (B300) may be discharged from the second chamber (BC2) through the cartridge discharge port (B304) accompanied by the aerosol. The air discharged through the cartridge discharge port (B304) may be supplied to the insertion space (B134) and the stick (S) inserted into the insertion space (B134) through the connecting passage (B133).

Referring to Fig. 10, the upper body (B120) may have an outer wall (B121) and a partition wall (B125). The outer wall (B121) and the partition wall (B125) may be connected. The partition wall (B125) may be formed to extend vertically between the pipe (B130) and the cartridge coupling space (B124a).

The extension (B140) may be formed to extend to one side from the upper part of the upper body (B120). The upper surface (B312) of the cartridge (B300) may be covered by the extension (B140). The extension (B140) may cover the cartridge inlet (B301) and its surroundings. A gap may be formed between the extension (B140) and the cartridge inlet (B301) and between the lower part of the extension (B140) and the upper surface (B312) of the cartridge (B300). The gap may connect the cartridge inlet (B301) with the outside.

The pipe (B130) can be formed to be long in the vertical direction. The pipe (B130) can be formed hollow. The insertion space (B134) can be formed inside the pipe (B130). The insertion space (B134) can be opened upward. The insertion space (B134) can extend upwardly. The connection path (B133) can be formed inside the pipe (B130). The connection path (B133) can be formed at the lower side of the insertion space (B134). One end of the connection path (B133) can be connected to the outside of the pipe (B130), and the other end can be connected to the insertion space (B134). The connection path (B133) can be bent to one side from the lower part of the insertion space (B134).

The first sensor (B161) may be installed inside the extension (B140). The first sensor (B161) may face the upper surface (B312) of the cartridge (B300) or the cartridge inlet (B301). The first sensor (B161) may be installed adjacent to the cartridge inlet (B301). The first sensor (B161) may be located above the cartridge inlet (B301). The first sensor (B161) may overlap the cartridge inlet (B301) in the up-down direction.

The first sensor (B161) can sense the surrounding air flow. The first sensor (B161) may be an air flow sensor or a pressure sensor. The first sensor (B161) can sense the air flow through a change in the surrounding air pressure. At a location adjacent to the cartridge inlet (B301), the extension (B140) may be provided with a first sensing hole (B144) for sensing the air flow. The first sensor (B161) may be mounted on a substrate arranged inside the extension (B140) and may be electrically connected to a control unit (not shown). The control unit may control the operations of various connected components based on the first sensor (B161) detecting the air flow.

The first sealing portion (B151) can be arranged between the first bulkhead portion (B1251) and the inner plate (B171). The first sealing portion (B151) can be tightly attached to the upper portion of the first bulkhead portion (B1251). The first sealing portion (B151) can be tightly attached to the lower portion of the inner plate (B171).

The sensor receiving portion (B156) of the second sealing portion can seal the periphery of the first sensing hole (B144). The sensor receiving portion (B156) can be closely attached to the extension plate around the first sensing hole (B144). The second sensing hole formed in the sensor receiving portion (B156) can be communicated with the first sensing hole (B144). The sensor receiving portion (B156) can be closely attached while surrounding the first sensor (B161).

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent failure of the substrate or sensor due to foreign substances or aerosol discharged around the opening of the pipe (B130) or foreign substances through the first sensing hole (B144).

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11, the aerosol generating device (1100) may include a cartridge (1120) and a main body (1110) that is detachably coupled with the cartridge (1120). However, the hardware components inside the aerosol generating device (1100) are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 11. Those skilled in the art will understand that some of the hardware configurations illustrated in FIG. 11 may be omitted or new configurations may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1100).

Below, the operation of each component included in the aerosol generating device (1100) will be described without limiting the space in which the components are located.

In one embodiment, the cartridge (1120) may include a housing (1122), a reservoir (1124), a heating structure (1126), and a wick (1128).

In one embodiment, the housing (1122) may form the overall appearance of the cartridge (1120), and an internal space (or, 'mounting space') in which components of the cartridge (1120) may be arranged may be formed within the housing (1122).

In one embodiment, the storage tank (1124) may be placed inside the housing (1122), and an aerosol generating material may be stored inside the storage tank (1124). The aerosol generating material stored in the storage tank (1124) may move toward the wick (1128) by gravity.

At this time, the aerosol generating material may include a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may include a liquid composition including a non-tobacco material.

In one embodiment, the liquid composition may include any one of water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a flavor, a flavoring agent, and a vitamin mixture, or a mixture of these ingredients. The flavoring agent may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit-flavored ingredients, and the like. The flavoring agent may include ingredients that can provide a variety of flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may include, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. In addition, the liquid composition may include an aerosol forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

For example, the liquid composition can comprise any weight ratio of a solution of glycerin and propylene glycol to which a nicotine salt is added. The liquid composition can also comprise two or more nicotine salts. The nicotine salt can be formed by adding a suitable acid, including an organic acid or an inorganic acid, to nicotine. The nicotine can be naturally occurring nicotine or synthetic nicotine, and can have any suitable weight concentration relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

The acid for forming the nicotine salt may be appropriately selected in consideration of the blood nicotine absorption rate, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device (1100), flavor or taste, solubility, etc. For example, the acid for forming the nicotine salt may be a single acid selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharic acid, malonic acid, or malic acid, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the above group, but is not limited thereto.

In one embodiment, the wick (1128) can absorb an aerosol generating material supplied from the reservoir (1124). For example, the wick (1128) can be a cotton wick capable of absorbing an aerosol generating material, but the type of the wick is not limited thereto. For another example, the wick (1128) can be a ceramic wick.

In one embodiment, the heating structure (1126) can heat an aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick (1128) to generate an aerosol. For example, the heating structure (1126) can be formed in a coil shape and arranged to surround at least a portion of the wick (1128), but is not limited thereto. As another example, the heating structure (1126) can be formed in a plate shape and arranged to be attached to at least one surface of the wick (1128).

In one embodiment, the body (1110) may include a body housing (1115), a processor (1130), a battery (1140), and a cartridge detection circuit (1150).

In one embodiment, the main body housing (1115) may form the overall appearance of the main body (1110), and an internal space may be formed inside the main body housing (1115) in which components of the main body (1110) may be arranged.

In one embodiment, the battery (1140) can supply power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1100). For example, based on the state of the cartridge (1120) connected to the main body (1110) (e.g., overheated state, preheated state, etc.), the battery (1140) can supply power to a heating structure (1126) disposed within the cartridge (1120). In another example, the battery (1140) can supply power necessary for the operation of the processor (1130).

At this time, the battery (1140) may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery (1140) may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but the type of the battery (1140) is not limited thereto.

In one embodiment, the processor (1130) can control power supply from the battery (1140) to the heat generating structure (1126) based on the state of the cartridge (1120).

For example, when the aerosol generating material in the storage tank (1124) of the cartridge (1120) is depleted, the processor (1130) can prevent overheating of the heating structure (1126) by stopping power supply to the heating structure (1126).

In one embodiment, the cartridge detection circuit (1150) can detect electrical characteristics of the cartridge (1120). For example, the electrical characteristics can include, but are not limited to, resistance, current, voltage, and variations thereof of the heating structure (1126) within the cartridge (1120).

The processor (1130) can determine the state of the cartridge (1120) by detecting the electrical characteristics of the cartridge (1120) through the cartridge detection circuit (1150). For example, if the resistance value of the heating structure (1126) detected through the cartridge detection circuit (1150) exceeds a threshold value, the processor (1130) can determine that the aerosol generating material in the cartridge (1120) is depleted. For another example, if the resistance value of the heating structure (1126) detected through the cartridge detection circuit (1150) is lower than the threshold value, the processor (1130) can determine that the aerosol generating material in the cartridge (1120) is sufficient.

Figure 12a is a block diagram of a conventional aerosol generating device.

Referring to FIG. 12A, a conventional aerosol generating device may include a cartridge (1120) and a body (1210) that is detachably coupled with the cartridge (1120). At this time, the cartridge (1120) may include a heating structure (1226), and the body (1210) may include a processor (1230), a battery (1240), and a cartridge detection circuit (1250). In addition, the cartridge detection circuit (1250) may be electrically connected to the heating structure (1226) of the cartridge (1120), and thus may detect electrical characteristics of the heating structure (1226).

A cartridge detection circuit (1250) included in a main body (1210) of a conventional aerosol generating device may include a capacitor (1200) at an output terminal. Since a capacitor (1200) having a predetermined capacitor capacity (e.g., 100 nF) is included at the output terminal, ripple and noise of input/output power existing in the aerosol generating device can be eliminated.

For example, when rectifying alternating current (AC) power and converting it into direct current (DC) power, some AC signals may remain, and the remaining AC signals may be referred to as ripple voltage. In general circuit design, in order to prevent power from being supplied unstably or noise from being generated due to ripple voltage, it is common to ground a capacitor (1200) having an appropriate capacitor capacity in parallel with the output terminal.

FIG. 12b is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12b, the aerosol generating device (1100) may include a cartridge (1120) and a body (1110) that is detachably coupled with the cartridge (1120). At this time, the cartridge (1120) may include a heating structure (1126), and the body (1110) may include a processor (1130), a battery (1140), and a cartridge detection circuit (1150). In addition, the cartridge detection circuit (1150) may be electrically connected to the heating structure (1126) of the cartridge (1120), and thus may detect electrical characteristics of the heating structure (1126).

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1100) may not include a capacitor (e.g., a capacitor (1200) of FIG. 12a) included in a conventional aerosol generating device. For example, the aerosol generating device (1100) may not include a capacitor (1200) grounded to an output terminal of a cartridge detection circuit (e.g., a cartridge detection circuit (1250) of FIG. 12a) for stabilizing input/output power and eliminating noise.

As in a conventional aerosol generating device, when a capacitor (1200) is connected in parallel to the output terminal of the cartridge detection circuit (1250), unstable power supply and noise generation due to ripple voltage can be prevented, but the charging/discharging speed of the cartridge detection circuit (1250) can be reduced due to the connected capacitor (1200).

In one embodiment, the cartridge detection circuit (1150) can detect electrical characteristics through electrical connection with the heating structure (1126). At this time, the electrical characteristics can include, but are not limited to, resistance, current, voltage, and variation thereof of the heating structure (1126) in the cartridge (1120). That is, the processor (1130) can detect the temperature of the heating structure (1126) based on the electrical characteristics detected through the cartridge detection circuit (1150).

At this time, in order to perform accurate and fast control of the cartridge (1120), the processor (1130) must detect the temperature of the heating structure (1126) quickly and without delay. For example, when the aerosol generating material in the cartridge (1120) is exhausted and the temperature of the heating structure (1126) is higher than the critical temperature, the processor (1130) must detect that the temperature of the heating structure (1126) is higher than the critical temperature without delay and stop supplying power to the heating structure (1126).

If, even though the temperature of the heating structure (1126) is higher than the critical temperature, the power supply to the heating structure (1126) is delayed, the heating structure (1126) is heated as the dry wick (e.g., the wick (1128) of FIG. 11) is continuously heated, and unintended substances (e.g., foreign substances, wick, etc.) may be heated and/or carbonized, thereby providing an undesirable burning sensation to the user.

However, if a capacitor (1200) is included in the output terminal of the cartridge detection circuit (1250) like a conventional aerosol generating device, the capacitor (1200) can allow the cartridge detection circuit (1250) to be slowly charged while removing ripple and noise through low-speed voltage changes. Accordingly, when the temperature of the heating structure (e.g., the heating structure (1226) of FIG. 12a) is higher than a critical temperature, the processor (e.g., the processor (1230) of FIG. 12a) cannot immediately detect that the temperature of the heating structure (1226) is higher than the critical temperature.

Accordingly, in the aerosol generating device (1100) of the present disclosure, since a separate capacitor (1200) is not connected to the output terminal of the cartridge detection circuit (1150), the charging speed of the cartridge detection circuit (1150) can increase compared to the cartridge detection circuit (1150) to which the capacitor (1200) is connected, and as the charging speed of the cartridge detection circuit (1150) increases, the temperature sensing speed for the heat generating structure (1126) of the cartridge detection circuit (1150) can also increase. Through the cartridge detection circuit (1150) with an increased temperature sensing speed, the processor (1130) can substantially quickly and accurately acquire the state of the heat generating structure (1126), and thus a faster and more accurate temperature control operation will be possible.

Fig. 13 is a flow chart of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention controlling power supply to a cartridge. In the description of Fig. 13, descriptions corresponding to, identical to, or similar to those described above may be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 13, a processor (e.g., processor (1130) of FIG. 11) can detect a temperature of a heat generating structure (e.g., heat generating structure (1126) of FIG. 11) through a cartridge detection circuit (e.g., cartridge detection circuit (1150) of FIG. 11) in operation 1301. Specifically, the cartridge detection circuit (1150) can obtain electrical characteristics of the heat generating structure (1126) by being electrically connected to the heat generating structure (1126), and can detect a temperature of the heat generating structure (1126) based on the obtained electrical characteristics.

In one embodiment, the cartridge detection circuit (1150) may include a temperature sensor (not shown) electrically connected to the heating structure (1126). In this case, the temperature sensor (not shown) may be in the form of a resistor having a fixed resistance value, but is not limited thereto.

For example, if the cartridge detection circuit (1150) includes a temperature sensor in the form of a resistor, the temperature sensor can output a voltage corresponding to the resistance value of the heating structure (1126). The processor (1130) can calculate the resistance value of the heating structure (1126) based on the voltage output from the temperature sensor, and can obtain the temperature of the heating structure (1126) based on the calculated resistance value.

Additionally, when the temperature sensor in the cartridge detection circuit (1150) is of a resistance type, the temperature sensor may have a resistance value sufficient to sense the temperature of the heating structure (1126). For example, the temperature sensor may have a resistance value of about 0.05 Ω or less, and preferably, may have a resistance value of about 0.02 Ω or less.

In one embodiment, the main body (e.g., main body (1110) of FIG. 11) may further include a puff sensor (not shown) for detecting a user's puff, and the processor (1130) may detect the temperature of the heating structure (1126) through the cartridge detection circuit (1150) when a user's puff is detected through the puff sensor.

For example, the processor (1130) may repeatedly detect the temperature of the heating structure (1126) through the cartridge detection circuit (1150) whenever a user puff is detected through the puff sensor.

If heating of the cartridge (1120) continues even after the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (e.g., cartridge (1120) of FIG. 11) is exhausted, there is a possibility of failure of the device due to overheating of the heating structure (1126), and a user's smoking satisfaction may be reduced as unintended materials (e.g., foreign substances, wick, etc.) are heated and/or carbonized. Accordingly, the processor (1130) of the present disclosure can repeatedly detect the exhaustion state of the cartridge (1120) by detecting the temperature of the heating structure (1126) whenever a user puff is detected, thereby resolving the problems of possibility of failure of the device and reduction in the user's smoking satisfaction.

According to one embodiment, the processor (1130) may control power supply to the cartridge (1120) based on the temperature of the heat generating structure (1126) detected in operation 1303. For example, the processor (1130) may determine the state of the cartridge (1120) based on the temperature of the heat generating structure (1126), and determine the power supply according to the determined state of the cartridge (1120).

At this time, the state of the cartridge (1120) may mean the state of the cartridge (1120) according to the remaining amount of the aerosol generating material included in the cartridge (1120). For example, when the remaining amount of the aerosol generating material is sufficient, the temperature of the heating structure (1126) may fall within the normal heating temperature range, and the processor (1130) may determine the state of the cartridge (1120) as a 'normal state'. For another example, when the remaining amount of the aerosol generating material is insufficient (i.e., depleted), the temperature of the heating structure (1126) may exceed the normal heating temperature range, and the processor (1130) may determine the state of the cartridge (1120) as a 'liquid depletion state'.

Figure 14a is a graph showing the time it takes for the aerosol generating device of Figure 12a to reach saturation current.

Referring to FIG. 14A, a conventional aerosol generating device can detect a user's puff at a first point in time (1400). For example, the conventional aerosol generating device can include a puff sensor. As a user's puff is detected at the first point in time (1400), a cartridge detection circuit (e.g., cartridge detection circuit (1250) of FIG. 12A) can initiate charging by receiving power from a battery (e.g., battery (1240) of FIG. 12A).

At this time, the cartridge detection circuit (1250) can sense the temperature of the heating structure (e.g., the heating structure (1226) of FIG. 12a) after being charged to the saturation current (1430). At this time, the saturation current (1430) means the final current value when the increasing current value no longer increases. The cartridge detection circuit (1250) receives power from the battery (1240), and the current value of the cartridge detection circuit (1250) increases and may reach the saturation current (1430) at a second time point (1410). Accordingly, the cartridge detection circuit (1250) can initiate temperature sensing of the heating structure (1226) at the second time point (1410) when the saturation current (1430) is reached.

In conventional aerosol generating devices, the time difference (1420) between the first time point (1400) and the second time point (1410) can be substantially large. That is, it can take about 500 μs or more from the time the cartridge detection circuit (1250) initiates charging according to the user puff (i.e., after the first time point (1400)) until the time it initiates temperature sensing of the heating structure (1226) (i.e., until the second time point (1400)).

In a conventional aerosol generating device, if the time difference (1420) between the first time point (1400) and the second time point (1410) is about 500 μs or more, and the cartridge detection circuit (1250) starts temperature sensing at the second time point (1410), the speed at which the processor (e.g., the processor (1230) of FIG. 12A) controls the temperature may be substantially reduced. Accordingly, even if the temperature of the heating structure (1226) exceeds the critical temperature, the processor (1230) may delay in stopping the power supply to the heating structure (1226), and thus, the possibility of a failure of the aerosol generating device may increase.

In a conventional aerosol generating device, if the time difference (1420) between the first time point (1400) and the second time point (1410) is about 500 μs or more, and the cartridge detection circuit (1250) starts temperature sensing at a time point midway between the first time point (1400) and the second time point (1410), the processor (1230) may sense the temperature of the heating structure (1226) as a temperature lower than the actual temperature. Accordingly, since the processor (1230) controls the temperature of the heating structure (1226) to correspond to the set temperature profile, the actual temperature of the heating structure (1226) may become higher than the set temperature, and thus, a burnt taste may be provided to the user, thereby lowering the satisfaction of smoking.

Figure 14b is a graph showing the time it takes for the aerosol generating device (1100) of Figure 12b to reach saturation current.

Referring to FIG. 14b, an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment (e.g., an aerosol generating device (1100) of FIG. 11) can detect a puff of a user at a first time point (1440). For example, the aerosol generating device (1100) can include a puff sensor. As a puff of a user is detected at the first time point (1440), a cartridge detection circuit (e.g., a cartridge detection circuit (1150) of FIG. 12b) can receive power from a battery (e.g., a battery (1140) of FIG. 12b) and initiate charging.

At this time, the cartridge detection circuit (1150) can sense the temperature of the heating structure (e.g., the heating structure (1126) of FIG. 12B) after being charged to the saturation current (1470). At this time, the saturation current (1470) means the final current value when the increasing current value no longer increases. The cartridge detection circuit (1150) receives power from the battery (1140) and the current value increases, and then reaches the saturation current (1470) at the second time point (1450). Accordingly, the cartridge detection circuit (1150) can initiate temperature sensing of the heating structure (1126) at the second time point (1450) when the saturation current (1470) is reached.

In the aerosol generating device (1100), the time difference (1460) between the first time point (1440) and the second time point (1450) may be substantially small. That is, the cartridge sensing circuit (1150) may take only about 1 μs to 200 μs from the time it initiates charging according to the user puff (i.e., after the first time point (1440)) until it initiates temperature sensing of the heating structure (1126) (i.e., until the second time point (1450)).

That is, since the aerosol generating device (1100) can initiate temperature sensing of the heating structure (1126) within a short time from the user's puff time by the cartridge detection circuit (1150) compared to the conventional aerosol generating device, the speed at which the processor (e.g., the processor (1130) of FIG. 12B) controls the temperature can substantially increase. Accordingly, even if the temperature of the heating structure (1126) exceeds the critical temperature, the processor (1130) can immediately stop supplying power to the heating structure (1126), thereby reducing the possibility of failure of the aerosol generating device (1100).

In addition, the aerosol generating device (1100) can sense the temperature of the heating structure (1126) at a temperature substantially the same as the actual temperature (i.e., sense without substantial error) compared to conventional aerosol generating devices. Accordingly, the processor (1130) can control the temperature of the heating structure (1126) to correspond to a set temperature profile, and thus, the optimal cigarette taste can be provided to the user.

Fig. 15 is a flow chart of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention for stopping power supply to a cartridge. Fig. 15 relates to operations after operation 1301 of Fig. 13, and descriptions corresponding to, identical to, or similar to the above may be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 15, a processor (e.g., processor (1130) of FIG. 11) may compare a temperature of a heat generating structure (e.g., heat generating structure (1126) of FIG. 11) detected in operation 1501 with a threshold temperature. For example, the threshold temperature may be a preset temperature within a range of about 210° C. to about 260° C., but is not limited thereto.

In the present disclosure, the 'critical temperature' may mean a minimum value of the temperature of the heating structure (1126) when the aerosol generating material inside the cartridge (e.g., the cartridge (1120) of FIG. 11) is depleted. That is, when the temperature of the heating structure (1126) exceeds the critical temperature, the processor (1130) may determine that the aerosol generating material inside the cartridge (1120) is depleted.

For example, when the processor (1130) detects that the current temperature of the heating structure (1126) detected through the cartridge detection circuit (e.g., the cartridge detection circuit (1150) of FIG. 11) is 250°C and the preset threshold temperature is 220°C, the processor (1130) may determine that the aerosol generating material inside the cartridge (1120) is depleted.

In another embodiment, the processor (1130) may obtain a temperature change amount according to the temperature of the detected heat generating structure (1126) and compare it with a threshold change amount. For example, if the temperature change of the heat generating structure (1126) detected through the cartridge detection circuit (1150) is +40°C and the preset threshold change amount is +30°C, the processor (1130) may determine that the aerosol generating material inside the cartridge (1120) is depleted.

In one embodiment, the processor (1130) may stop supplying power to the cartridge (1120) based on the temperature of the heat generating structure (1126) exceeding a preset threshold temperature in operation 1503.

For example, if heating through the heating structure (1126) continues despite the depletion of the aerosol generating material in the cartridge (1120), the heating structure (1126) may heat a dry wick (e.g., the wick (1128) of FIG. 11). The dry wick (1128) may mean a wick in which substantially no aerosol generating material exists within the wick (1128) as all of the aerosol generating material impregnated within the wick (1128) has been vaporized.

If the dry wick (1128) is continuously heated, the heating structure (1126) may become overheated, and an undesirable burning sensation may be provided to the user as unintended substances (e.g., foreign substances, wick, etc.) are heated.

In another embodiment, the processor (1130) may stop supplying power to the cartridge (1120) based on a temperature change of the heat generating structure (1126) exceeding a threshold change amount.

Fig. 16 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

The aerosol generator (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 generator (1) is not limited to that illustrated in Fig. 16. 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. 16 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generator (1).

The sensor (13) can detect the status of the aerosol generator (1) or the status around the aerosol generator (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (12). Based on the detected information, the control unit (12) can control the aerosol generator (1) so that various functions such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18), restricting smoking, determining whether a stick (S) and/or 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 generator (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). The temperature sensor (131) can be implemented by a thermistor, which is an element that uses 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 heater (18) as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and/or heater (18).

The 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 the stick (S). The insertion detection sensor (133) can detect a signal change according to the insertion and/or removal of the stick (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 stick (S) according to a change in the dielectric constant 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 a stick (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 stick (S).

The reuse detection sensor (134) can detect whether the stick (S) is reused. The reuse detection sensor (134) can be a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the color of the stick (S). The color sensor can detect the color of a part of a wrapper that wraps the outside of the stick (S). The color sensor can detect a value for an optical characteristic corresponding to the color of an 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 stick (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 stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick (S) is used by a user, the color of at least some of the wrappers may be a first color. At this time, as at least some of the wrappers are wetted by the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device (1) while passing through the stick (S), the color of at least some of the wrappers may change to a second color. 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 generator (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 generator (1) to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generator (1) can mean various information such as the charging/discharging status of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generator (1), the preheating status of the heater (18), the insertion/removal status of the stick (S) and/or cartridge (19), the mounting/removal status of the cap, or the status in which the use of the aerosol generator (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), 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 generator (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 generator (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 generator (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. 16, the aerosol generator (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 an electrical path to the power source (11) according to certain conditions. For example, the power protection circuit can block an electrical 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 an electrical 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 stick (S). Although not shown in FIG. 16, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC/DC converter) that converts the power of 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 the 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 source (11) and perform their functions. Although not shown in FIG. 16, the aerosol generator (1) may further include a power conversion circuit, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power of the power source (11) and supplies it to each component. Also, although not shown in FIG. 16, a noise filter may be provided between the power source (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 source (11) to the heater (18). By using a low-pass filter, high-frequency noise components can be prevented from being applied to a sensor (13), such as an insertion detection sensor (133).

In one embodiment, the cartridge heater (24) and/or the 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 electrically conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, and the like.

In another embodiment, the heater (18) may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater (18) may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by the coil.

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 into the display (141) (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel may be added-on to the display (141).

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 generator (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 generator (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. 16, the aerosol generator (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 generator (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), the heater (18), or the induction coil. 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 a preset 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 generator (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 generator (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 a stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (133). The control unit (12) can determine that the stick (S) is inserted based on the output signal of the insertion detection sensor (133). If it is determined that the stick (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 stick (S) is removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether the stick (S) is removed from the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (133). For example, the control unit (12) can determine that the stick (S) is removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater (18) is higher than a limited temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater (18) is higher than a set slope. When it is determined that the stick (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 stick (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 stick (S) according to the checked level range.

When the stick (S) is in an over-humidified state, the control unit (12) can control the power supply time to the heater (18) to increase the preheating time of the stick (S) compared to the normal state.

The control unit (12) can determine whether the stick (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 (134) 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 stick (S) has not been used. For example, the control unit (12) can compare the sensing value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor (134) 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 stick (S) has been used. If it is determined that the stick (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 (135).

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 (132). 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 (136).

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 that the aerosol generator (1) will soon be terminated through at least one of the display (141), the haptic unit (142), and the sound output unit (143). For example, the control unit (12) can notify the user that the aerosol generator (1) will soon be terminated through the output unit (14) based on the determination that the stick (S) does not exist in the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can notify the user that the aerosol generator (1) will soon be terminated through the output unit (14) based on the determination that the cartridge (19) and/or the cap is not mounted. For example, the control unit (12) can transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and/or heater (18) to the user via 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 the stick (S), initiation of heating of the stick (S), detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18), detection of overvoltage application to the cartridge heater (24) and/or the heater (18), termination of heating of the stick (S), power on/off of the aerosol generator (1), initiation of charging of the power source (11), detection of overcharge of the power source (11), termination of charging of the power source (11), etc. The history of the event can include the time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, when the predetermined event is detection of insertion of the stick (S), the log data corresponding to the event can include data on the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor (133), etc. For example, if a given event is overheating detection of the cartridge heater (24) and/or heater (18), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and/or heater (18), the voltage applied to the cartridge heater (24) and/or heater (18), the current flowing to the cartridge heater (24) and/or 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 generator (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 generator (1) from an external server. The external device can transmit data indicating completion of user authentication to the aerosol generator (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 generator (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 generator (1) to the external device through a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data of the aerosol generator (1), the external device can output the remaining capacity of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generator (1), the operation mode, etc. through the display of the external device.

The external device can transmit a location search request to the aerosol generator (1) based on an input that initiates location search of the aerosol generator (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 location search and search termination 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 generator (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 generator (1). The control unit (12) can control to perform a firmware update of the aerosol generator (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 of determining a user's inhalation pattern, an operation of 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 restrictive 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 (15)

In an aerosol generating device, Body; and Includes a cartridge that is detachably connected to the above body, The above cartridge, A storage tank in which aerosol generating substances are stored; a heating structure for heating the aerosol generating material; and Including a wick that supplies the aerosol generating material stored in the storage tank to the heating structure, The above body, A cartridge detection circuit for detecting the temperature of the heating structure of the cartridge, a capacitor not connected to the output terminal of the cartridge detection circuit; and A processor electrically connected to the cartridge detection circuit, The above processor, The temperature of the heating structure is detected through the above cartridge detection circuit, An aerosol generating device that controls power supply to the cartridge based on the temperature of the detected heating structure. In the first paragraph, The above processor, Compare the temperature and critical temperature of the above-detected heating structure, An aerosol generating device that stops supplying power to the cartridge based on the temperature of the detected heating structure exceeding the threshold temperature. In the second paragraph, An aerosol generating device, wherein the critical temperature is a preset temperature within a range of 210°C to 260°C. In the first paragraph, The above processor, Obtain the temperature change amount of the heating structure according to the temperature of the heating structure detected above, Compare the temperature change amount and critical change amount of the above-mentioned obtained heating structure, An aerosol generating device that stops supplying power to the cartridge based on a temperature change amount of the obtained heating structure exceeding the threshold change amount. In the first paragraph, The above body further includes a puff sensor that detects the user's puff, The above processor, An aerosol generating device that detects the temperature of the heating structure through the cartridge detection circuit based on the user's puff detected through the puff sensor. In paragraph 5, The above processor, An aerosol generating device that detects the temperature of the heating structure 1 μs to 200 μs after the time when the user's puff is detected through the puff sensor. In the first paragraph, The above processor is an aerosol generating device that detects the resistance value of the above heating structure. In the first paragraph, An aerosol generating device, wherein the heating structure is a coil heater extending around the perimeter of the wick. In a method of operating an aerosol generating device, A step of detecting the temperature of a heating structure included in a cartridge through a cartridge detection circuit in which a capacitor is not connected to an output terminal; and A method of operating an aerosol generating device, comprising the step of controlling power supply to the cartridge based on the temperature of the detected heating structure. In Article 9, The step of controlling the power supply to the above cartridge is: A step of comparing the temperature and critical temperature of the above-detected heating structure; and A method of operating an aerosol generating device, comprising the step of discontinuing power supply to the cartridge based on a temperature of the detected heating structure exceeding the threshold temperature. In Article 10, A method of operating an aerosol generating device, wherein the critical temperature is a preset temperature within a range of 210°C to 260°C. In Article 9, The step of controlling the power supply to the above cartridge is: A step of obtaining a temperature change amount of the heating structure according to the temperature of the detected heating structure; A step of comparing the temperature change amount and the critical change amount of the obtained heating structure; and A method of operating an aerosol generating device, comprising the step of stopping power supply to the cartridge based on a temperature change amount of the obtained heating structure exceeding the threshold change amount. In Article 9, The step of detecting the temperature of the above heating structure is: A method of operating an aerosol generating device, comprising the step of detecting a temperature of the heating structure through the cartridge detection circuit based on a user's puff detected through a puff sensor. In Article 13, A method of operating an aerosol generating device, comprising the step of detecting the temperature of the heating structure 1 μs to 200 μs after the time when a user's puff is detected through the puff sensor. In Article 9, The step of detecting the temperature of the above heating structure is: A method of operating an aerosol generating device, comprising the step of detecting a resistance value of the above heating structure.

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