KR102775093B1 - Aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

The aerosol generating device controls the power supplied to the heating unit based on a first target temperature and a second target temperature different from the first target temperature in order to increase the amount of vapor and enhance the taste.

Description

Aerosol generating device {AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE}

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device for increasing the initial atomization amount and flavor of an aerosol generating device.

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for alternative methods that overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there has been a growing demand for methods that produce aerosols by heating aerosol-generating materials within the cigarette or liquid storage, rather than by burning the cigarette to produce the aerosol.

These aerosol generating devices can preheat the aerosol generating substrate by setting a preheating section before the smoking section. However, if the heating section is preheated to only one target temperature, the initial vapor amount expected by the user may not be provided, or the heating section may be carbonized. This lack of initial vapor amount and carbonization of the heating section have the problem of affecting the user's taste sensation.

The technical problem that the present disclosure seeks to solve is to provide an aerosol generating device capable of enhancing the user's enjoyment by increasing the initial amount of vapor and preventing carbonization of the heating portion.

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

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure for solving the above technical problem, an aerosol generating device includes a battery, a heating unit for heating an aerosol generating substrate based on power supplied from the battery, and a control unit for controlling power supplied to the heating unit based on a temperature profile including a preheating section and a smoking section, wherein the control unit controls power supplied to the heating unit based on a first target temperature and a second target temperature different from the first target temperature in the preheating section.

The aerosol generating device of the present disclosure can stably increase the temperature of the heating unit by heating the heating unit based on a plurality of target temperatures in the preheating section.

In addition, the aerosol generating device can prevent carbonization of the aerosol generating substrate in the smoking section by stably preheating the temperature of the heating section based on a plurality of target temperatures.

In addition, the aerosol generating device can provide a rich amount of vapor to the user in the smoking section by stably preheating the temperature of the heating section based on a plurality of target temperatures.

The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the attached drawings.

Figures 1 to 3 are drawings illustrating examples of cigarettes inserted into an aerosol generating device.
Figures 4 and 5 are drawings illustrating an aerosol generating device using an induction heating method.
Figures 6 and 7 are drawings showing examples of cigarettes used in an aerosol generating device using an induction heating method.
Figures 8 and 9 are drawings showing examples of cigarettes inserted into an aerosol generating device using an induction heating method.
Figure 10 is an internal block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a power control method according to a temperature profile according to one embodiment.
Figure 12 is a flowchart for explaining an operation method of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

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

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

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

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Figures 1 to 3 are drawings illustrating examples of cigarettes inserted into an aerosol generating device.

Referring to Fig. 1, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a battery (11), a control unit (12), and a heater (13). Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, the aerosol generating device (1) further includes a vaporizer (14). In addition, a cigarette (2) can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device (1).

The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrates components related to the present embodiment. Accordingly, a person having ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that, in addition to the components illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, other general-purpose components may be further included in the aerosol generating device (1).

In addition, although FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate that the aerosol generating device (1) includes a heater (13), the heater (13) may be omitted if necessary.

In Fig. 1, a battery (11), a control unit (12), and a heater (13) are illustrated as being arranged in a row. In addition, in Fig. 2, a battery (11), a control unit (12), a vaporizer (14), and a heater (13) are illustrated as being arranged in a row. In addition, in Fig. 3, a vaporizer (14) and a heater (13) are illustrated as being arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (1) is not limited to that illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3. In other words, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1), the arrangement of the battery (11), the control unit (12), the heater (13), and the vaporizer (14) may be changed.

When a cigarette (2) is inserted into an aerosol generating device (1), the aerosol generating device (1) can generate an aerosol by operating a heater (13) and/or a vaporizer (14). The aerosol generated by the heater (13) and/or the vaporizer (14) passes through the cigarette (2) and is delivered to the user.

If necessary, the aerosol generating device (1) can heat the heater (13) even when the cigarette (2) is not inserted into the aerosol generating device (1).

The battery (11) supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the battery (11) can supply power so that the heater (13) or the vaporizer (14) can be heated, and can supply power required for the control unit (12) to operate. In addition, the battery (11) can supply power required for the display, sensor, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device (1) to operate.

The control unit (12) controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). Specifically, the control unit (12) controls the operation of the battery (11), the heater (13), and the vaporizer (14) as well as other components included in the aerosol generating device (1). In addition, the control unit (12) can check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device (1) to determine whether the aerosol generating device (1) is in an operable state.

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

The heater (13) can be heated by power supplied from the battery (11). For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), the heater (13) can be located outside the cigarette. Accordingly, the heated heater (13) can increase the temperature of the aerosol generating material inside the cigarette.

The heater (13) may be an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater (13) may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater (13) may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater (13) is not limited to the above-described example, and may be applied without limitation as long as it can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device (1), or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

Meanwhile, as another example, the heater (13) may be an induction heating heater. Specifically, the heater (13) may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the cigarette in an induction heating manner, and the cigarette may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heating heater. A description of the induction heating heater will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

For example, the heater (13) may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the inside or the outside of the cigarette (2) depending on the shape of the heating element.

In addition, a plurality of heaters (13) may be arranged in the aerosol generating device (1). At this time, the plurality of heaters (13) may be arranged to be inserted into the inside of the cigarette (2) or may be arranged on the outside of the cigarette (2). In addition, some of the plurality of heaters (13) may be arranged to be inserted into the inside of the cigarette (2), and the rest may be arranged on the outside of the cigarette (2). In addition, the shape of the heater (13) is not limited to the shape illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, and may be manufactured in various shapes.

The vaporizer (14) can heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to the user through the cigarette (2). In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer (14) can travel along the airflow passage of the aerosol generating device (1), and the airflow passage can be configured so that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer (14) can pass through the cigarette and be delivered to the user.

For example, the vaporizer (14) may include, but is not limited to, a liquid reservoir, a liquid delivery means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid reservoir, the liquid delivery means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generating device (1) as independent modules.

The liquid reservoir can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavoring component, or can be a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. The liquid reservoir can be constructed to be detachable from/attachable to the vaporizer (14), or can be constructed integrally with the vaporizer (14).

For example, the liquid composition may include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a flavor, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. 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.

The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition from the liquid storage to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means can be a wick such as, but not limited to, cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramics.

The heating element is an element for heating a liquid composition delivered by a liquid delivery means. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc. In addition, the heating element may be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure that is wound around the liquid delivery means. The heating element may be heated by supplying current, and may transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

For example, the vaporizer (14) may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery (11), the control unit (12), the heater (13), and the vaporizer (14). For example, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a display capable of outputting visual information and/or a motor for outputting tactile information. In addition, the aerosol generating device (1) may include at least one sensor (a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, a cigarette insertion detection sensor, etc.). In addition, the aerosol generating device (1) may be manufactured with a structure in which external air may be introduced or internal gas may be discharged even when the cigarette (2) is inserted.

Although not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the aerosol generating device (1) may also be configured as a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery (11) of the aerosol generating device (1). Alternatively, the heater (13) may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generating device (1) are combined.

The cigarette (2) may be similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, the cigarette (2) may be divided into a first part containing an aerosol generating substance and a second part containing a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second part of the cigarette (2) may also contain an aerosol generating substance. For example, an aerosol generating substance in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second part.

The entire first part may be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating device (1), and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part may be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating device (1), or the entire first part and a part of the second part may be inserted. The user may inhale the aerosol while holding the second part in his mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated by external air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol passes through the second part and is delivered to the user's mouth.

As an example, outside air may be introduced through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device (1) and/or the size of the air passage may be controlled by the user. Accordingly, the amount of vapor, the smoking sensation, etc. may be controlled by the user. As another example, outside air may be introduced into the interior of the cigarette (2) through at least one hole formed in the surface of the cigarette (2).

Figures 4 and 5 are drawings illustrating an aerosol generating device using an induction heating method.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a susceptor (16), a coil (15), a battery (11), and a control unit (12). According to an embodiment, the susceptor (16) may be a configuration included in a cigarette (200 of FIGS. 6 and 7). In this case, the aerosol generating device (1) may not include the susceptor (16), as in FIG. 5.

The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrates components related to the present embodiment. Accordingly, a person having ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that, in addition to the components illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, other general-purpose components may be further included in the aerosol generating device (1).

The aerosol generating device (1) can generate an aerosol by heating a cigarette (2) accommodated in a receiving space (17) by induction heating. The induction heating method may refer to a method of generating heat from a magnetic body by applying an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically to the magnetic body that generates heat by an external magnetic field.

When an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic body, energy loss may occur in the magnetic body due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss, and the lost energy may be released as heat energy from the magnetic body. The greater the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field applied to the magnetic body, the more heat energy may be released from the magnetic body. The aerosol generating device (1) can release heat energy from the magnetic body by applying an alternating magnetic field to the magnetic body, and can transfer the heat energy released from the magnetic body to the cigarette (2).

A magnetic body that generates heat by an external magnetic field may be a susceptor (110). The susceptor (16) may be formed in a shape such as a piece, a thin sheet, or a strip.

The susceptor (16) may include a metal or carbon. The susceptor (16) may include at least one of ferrite, a ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). In addition, the susceptor (16) may include at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, a nickel alloy, a metal film, a ceramic such as zirconia, a transition metal such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), and a metalloid such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P).

The aerosol generating device (1) may include a receiving space (17) for receiving a cigarette (2). The receiving space (17) may include an opening that opens on the outside of the receiving space (17) to receive the cigarette (2) in the aerosol generating device (1). The cigarette (2) may be received in the aerosol generating device (1) in a direction from the outside of the receiving space (17) toward the inside of the receiving space (17) through the opening of the receiving space (17).

As shown in Fig. 4, a susceptor (16) may be placed at the inner end of the receiving space (17). The susceptor (16) may be attached to a bottom surface formed at the inner end of the receiving space (17). The cigarette (2) may be inserted into the susceptor (16) from the upper end of the susceptor (16) and may be accommodated up to the bottom surface of the receiving space (17).

Alternatively, as in FIG. 5, the aerosol generating device (1) may not include a susceptor (16). In this case, the susceptor (16) may be included in the cigarette (2).

The aerosol generating device (1) may include a coil (15) that applies an alternating magnetic field to a susceptor (16) and whose resonant frequency varies according to a temperature change of the susceptor (16) due to inductive heating of the susceptor (16).

The coil (15) may be implemented as a solenoid. The coil (15) may be a solenoid wound along the side of the receiving space (17), and a cigarette (2) may be received in the internal space of the solenoid. The material of the conductor constituting the solenoid may be copper (Cu). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any one of silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni), or an alloy including at least one thereof, may be the material of the conductor constituting the solenoid, as a material having a low resistivity value and allowing a high current to flow.

The coil (15) can be wound along the outer surface of the receiving space (17) and can be placed at a position corresponding to the susceptor (16).

A battery (11) can supply power to the coil (15). The battery (11) can be, but is not limited to, a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery. For example, the battery can be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, or the like.

The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the coil (15). The control unit (12) can vary the driving frequency of the coil (15). By controlling the driving frequency, the control unit (12) can inductively heat the susceptor (16).

Figures 6 and 7 are drawings showing examples of cigarettes used in an aerosol generating device using an induction heating method.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the cigarette (2) may include a tobacco rod (21) and a filter rod (22). In FIGS. 6 and 7, the filter rod (22) is illustrated as being composed of a single region, but is not limited thereto, and the filter rod (22) may be composed of a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod (22) may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a specific component included in the aerosol. In addition, the filter rod (22) may further include at least one segment that performs another function.

The cigarette (2) may be wrapped by at least one wrapper (24). The wrapper (24) may have at least one hole formed through which outside air is introduced or inside air is discharged. As an example, the cigarette (2) may be wrapped by one wrapper (24). As another example, the cigarette (2) may be wrapped by two or more wrappers (24) in an overlapping manner. Specifically, the tobacco rod (21) may be wrapped by a first wrapper, and the filter rod (22) may be wrapped by a second wrapper. The tobacco rod (21) and the filter rod (22) wrapped by each of the wrappers may be combined, and the entire cigarette (2) may be repackaged by a third wrapper.

The tobacco rod (21) may include an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco rod (21) may contain other additives, such as a flavoring agent, a humectant, and/or an organic acid. A flavoring agent, such as menthol or a humectant, may be added to the tobacco rod (21) by spraying it onto the tobacco rod (21).

The tobacco rod (21) can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod (21) can be manufactured in sheets, or it can be manufactured in strands. Alternatively, the tobacco rod (21) can be manufactured in the form of finely chopped tobacco sheets.

According to an embodiment, the cigarette (2) may further include a susceptor (16). In this case, the susceptor (16) may be placed on the tobacco rod (21), as shown in FIG. 7. The susceptor (16) may extend from the end of the tobacco rod (21) toward the filter rod (22).

The tobacco rod (21) may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. The heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod (21) can evenly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod (21) to improve the heat conductivity applied to the tobacco rod (21), and accordingly, the flavor of the aerosol generated from the tobacco rod (21) can be improved.

The filter rod (22) may be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod (22) may be formed in various shapes. For example, the filter rod (22) may be a cylindrical rod, or may be a tubular rod having a hollow therein. Alternatively, the filter rod (22) may be a recessed rod having a cavity therein. When the filter rod (22) is composed of a plurality of segments, the plurality of segments may be manufactured in different shapes.

The filter rod (22) may be manufactured so that a flavor is generated in the filter rod (22). For example, a flavoring agent may be sprayed onto the filter rod (22), and a separate fiber onto which the flavoring agent is applied may be inserted into the interior of the filter rod (22).

The filter rod (22) may include at least one capsule (23). The capsule (23) may generate a flavor and may also generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule (23) may be formed as a structure that encases a liquid containing a flavoring agent with a film. The capsule (23) may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

When the filter rod (22) includes a cooling segment for cooling the aerosol, the cooling segment may be manufactured from a polymeric material or a biodegradable polymeric material. For example, the cooling segment may be manufactured from pure polylactic acid only. Alternatively, the cooling segment may be manufactured from a cellulose acetate filter including a plurality of perforations. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the cooling segment may be composed of a structure and material for cooling the aerosol.

Figures 8 and 9 are drawings showing examples of cigarettes inserted into an aerosol generating device using an induction heating method.

More specifically, FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an example of a cigarette (2) inserted into an aerosol generating device (1) when a susceptor (16) is placed in the aerosol generating device (1), and FIG. 9 is a drawing showing an example of a cigarette (2) inserted into an aerosol generating device (1) when a susceptor (16) is placed in the cigarette (2).

Referring to FIG. 8, the cigarette (2) can be accommodated in the accommodation space (17) along the longitudinal direction of the cigarette (2). The susceptor (16) can be inserted into the cigarette (2) accommodated in the aerosol generating device (1). As the cigarette (2) is inserted into the susceptor (16), the tobacco rod (21) can come into contact with the susceptor (16). The susceptor (16) can have a structure that extends in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device (1) so that it can be inserted into the cigarette (2).

The susceptor (16) may be positioned at the center of the receiving space (17) so as to be inserted into the center of the cigarette (2). In FIG. 8, the susceptor (16) is illustrated as being a single number, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure may include a plurality of susceptors (16) that extend in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device (1) so as to be inserted into the cigarette (2) and are arranged parallel to each other.

The coil (15) may be wound along the outer surface of the receiving space (17) and may extend in the longitudinal direction. The coil (15) extending in the longitudinal direction may be arranged on the outer surface of the receiving space (17). The coil (15) may be extended in the longitudinal direction with a length corresponding to the susceptor (16) and may be arranged at a position corresponding to the susceptor (16).

Referring to FIG. 9, the cigarette (2) can be accommodated in the receiving space (17) along the length direction of the cigarette (2). As the cigarette (2) is inserted into the receiving space (17), the susceptor (16) can be surrounded by the coil (15).

The susceptor (16) may be positioned at the center of the tobacco rod (21) for uniform heat transfer. In FIG. 9, the susceptor (16) is illustrated as being a single number, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure may include a plurality of susceptors (16) included in the cigarette (2).

The coil (15) may be wound along the outer surface of the receiving space (17) and may extend in the longitudinal direction. The coil (15) extending in the longitudinal direction may be arranged on the outer surface of the receiving space (17). The coil (15) may be extended in the longitudinal direction with a length corresponding to the susceptor (16) and may be arranged at a position corresponding to the susceptor (16).

Figure 10 is an internal block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an input unit (1010), an output unit (1020), a detection unit (1030), an interface unit (1040), a heating unit (1052), a battery (1060), a memory (1070), and a control unit (1080). When the aerosol generating device (1) operates by an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power conversion unit (1051).

The battery (1060) and the control unit (1080) of Fig. 10 may correspond to the battery (11) and the control unit (12) of Figs. 1 to 5, respectively. The heating unit (1052) of Fig. 10 may correspond to the heater (13) of Figs. 1 to 3. When the aerosol generating device (1) operates by an induction heating method, the heating unit (1052) of Fig. 10 may correspond to the coil (15) of Figs. 4 to 5. According to an embodiment, the heating unit (1052) of Fig. 10 may have a configuration including the susceptor (16) of Figs. 4 to 5.

The input unit (1010) can receive user input. For example, the input unit (1010) can be provided in the form of a pressurized push button, but is not limited thereto. When the input unit (1010) receives a user input, it can transmit a control signal corresponding to the user input to the control unit (1080). The control unit (1080) can control internal components of the aerosol generating device (1) based on the control signal. For example, the control unit (1080) can supply power to the heating unit (1052) based on the control signal.

The output unit (1020) can output visual information and/or tactile information related to the aerosol generating device (1). For this purpose, the output unit (1020) can include a display (not shown), a vibration motor (not shown), etc.

The detection unit (1030) can detect information related to the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The detection unit (1030) can include a temperature detection unit (1031) that detects the temperature of the heating unit (1052) and a current detection unit (1032) that detects the current supplied to the heating unit (1052). According to an embodiment, the detection unit (1030) can further include a puff sensor for detecting a user's puff.

The temperature detection unit (1031) includes at least one temperature sensor, and the temperature sensor may be arranged adjacent to the heating unit (1052). The current detection unit (132) may include at least one shunt resistor. When the aerosol generating device (1) operates by an induction heating method, the current detection unit (132) may detect a current applied to the coil (15) by connecting the coil (15) in series.

The interface unit (1040) may serve as a passage for various types of external devices connected to the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the interface unit (1040) may be provided with a port that can be connected to an external device, and the aerosol generating device (1) may be connected to the external device through the port. The aerosol generating device (1) may exchange data with the external device while connected to the external device. The interface unit (1040) may also serve as a passage for receiving external power. For example, the interface unit (1040) may be provided with a port that can be connected to an external power source, and the aerosol generating device (1) may be provided with external power from an external power source while connected to the external power source.

The heating element (1052) can heat the aerosol generating substrate. As the aerosol generating substrate is heated, an aerosol can be generated. The aerosol generating substrate can be a cigarette (2) of FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIGS. 7 to 8.

The heating element (1052) may include a coil (15). Additionally, the heating element (1052) may further include a capacitor (not shown) for inductive coupling to the susceptor (16). According to an embodiment, the heating element (1052) may further include a susceptor (16).

When current is applied to the coil (15), the susceptor (16) can be heated by the alternating magnetic field generated from the coil (15). The heated susceptor (16) can heat the aerosol generating substrate, and thus, an aerosol can be generated.

Meanwhile, if the heating unit (1052) does not include a susceptor (16), the susceptor (16) may be included in the aerosol generating substrate. In this case, the heating unit (1052) may also be referred to as a magnetic field generating unit.

The battery (1060) can supply power to the heating unit (1052) under the control of the control unit (1080).

At this time, the power conversion unit (1051) can convert the power supplied from the battery (1060) and transmit it to the heating unit (1052).

The power conversion unit (1051) can convert the direct current power supplied from the battery (1060) into alternating current power and transmit it to the heating unit (1052). The power conversion unit (1051) can include a plurality of switching elements to convert the direct current power into alternating current power.

The memory (1070) can store information for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). In one embodiment, the memory (1070) can store information about a temperature profile.

The temperature profile may include information about a target temperature corresponding to a heating section. The heating section may include a preheating section in which the temperature of the heating section (1052) is increased to a preset preheating temperature and a smoking section in which the temperature of the heating section (1052) is maintained within a predetermined range. The preheating section may refer to a section in which the temperature of the heating section (1052) is increased to a temperature at which aerosol is sufficiently generated. The smoking section may refer to a section in which the temperature of the heating section (1052) is maintained at a temperature at which aerosol is sufficiently generated. The user may inhale an aerosol generating substrate through a puff in the smoking section. When the aerosol generating device (1) operates by an induction heating method, the temperature of the heating section (1052) may refer to the temperature of the susceptor (16).

The control unit (1080) can control the power supplied to the heating unit (1052) by adjusting at least one of the frequency and duty of the current pulse supplied to the heating unit (1052) by the battery (1060). The duty may mean a numerical value representing the ratio of the time for which the switching element is turned on in one switching period as a percentage. Therefore, in the present specification, the duty may have the same meaning as the duty ratio. When the aerosol generating device (1) operates by the induction heating method, the power supplied to the heating unit (1052) may mean the power supplied to the coil (15). When power is supplied to the coil (15), the susceptor (16) can be heated in a non-contact manner by the alternating magnetic field generated by the coil (15). In the case of the induction heating method, since heat conduction is unnecessary, heat loss is significantly reduced, and rapid heating of the aerosol generating substrate is possible.

The control unit (1080) can control the power supplied to the heating unit (1052) by controlling the power conversion unit (1051). In one embodiment, the control unit (1080) can control the power conversion unit (1051) using a pulse width modulation (PWM) method. The control unit (1080) can control a plurality of switching elements included in the power conversion unit (1051) using a pulse width modulation (PWM) method. To this end, the control unit (1080) can include a driving control unit (1081) that controls the plurality of switching elements. According to an embodiment, the driving control unit (1081) may be formed as a separate configuration distinct from the control unit (1080).

The control unit (1080) can control the power supplied to the heating unit (1052) based on the temperature profile. The temperature profile can include a preheating section and a smoking section. The temperature profile can include information about a target temperature that the heating unit (1052) should reach, and the control unit (1080) can control the power supplied to the heating unit (1052) so that the heating unit (1052) follows the target temperature.

Meanwhile, since the user's puff is performed in the smoking section, the shorter the preheating section, the more advantageous it is. However, if the temperature of the heating unit (1052) is rapidly increased, the temperature of the heating unit (1052) may rapidly increase above the temperature at which the aerosol is generated, which may cause carbonization of the aerosol generation substrate. Conversely, if the temperature of the heating unit (1052) is gradually increased from the beginning of the preheating section, the preheating time may increase excessively, which may increase user dissatisfaction. Accordingly, the aerosol generation device (1) of the present disclosure can perform n-step temperature control in the preheating section. Hereinafter, only a two-step temperature control method will be described, but according to an embodiment, the aerosol generation device (10) can also perform n-step temperature control.

The control unit (1080) can control the power supplied to the heating unit (1052) based on the first target temperature and the second target temperature different from the first target temperature in the preheating section.

Specifically, the preheating section may include a first preheating section and a second preheating section after the first preheating section. The first preheating section may be set to be larger than the second preheating section. The control unit (1080) may heat the heating unit (1052) based on the first target temperature in the first preheating section, and control the power supplied to the heating unit (1052) based on the second target temperature in the second preheating section. If the target temperature is set high at the time of starting heating, the aerosol generating substrate may be carbonized due to an overload of the battery (1060) and a rapid temperature increase of the heating unit (1052), and therefore, the first target temperature may be set lower than the second target temperature. Accordingly, the temperature of the heating unit (1052) may be stably increased.

The control unit (1080) can control the power supplied to the heating unit (1052) based on the third target temperature in the smoking section after the preheating section. The third target temperature can be set to be lower than the second target temperature. The third target temperature is set to be lower than the second target temperature to compensate for the increase in the preheating time due to the upper limit of the current described below. In one embodiment, the third target temperature can be set to be the same as the first target temperature.

The control unit (1080) can feedback-control the power supplied to the heating unit (1052) so that the temperature of the heating unit (1052) follows the target temperature in the preheating section and the smoking section. In one embodiment, the control unit (1080) can control the temperature of the heating unit (1052) by a PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) control method. In other words, the control unit (1080) can control the power supplied to the heating unit (1052) by a feedback control method using a difference value between the temperature of the heating unit (1052) 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 coefficient of the PID control can be experimentally preset so that the temperature of the heating unit (1052) can be optimally controlled. The control unit (1080) can control the power supplied to the heating unit (1052) so that the temperature of the heating unit (1052) reaches the target temperature according to the coefficient of the set PID control.

Meanwhile, when heating the heating unit (1052) using a feedback control method from the start of heating, an overload of the battery (1060) may occur due to the ripple component of the current. In addition, the ripple component of the current may act as EMF (ElectroMotive Force) noise, which may cause serious damage to the battery (1060).

In order to solve these problems, the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure can heat the heating unit (1052) in a current-limiting manner during a part of the first preheating section included at the time of heating initiation.

The control unit (1080) can limit the upper limit of the current supplied to the heating unit (1052) in a part of the first preheating section. The control unit (1080) heats the heating unit (1052) in a current limiting manner only in a part of the first preheating section to prevent the preheating time from increasing due to the current limiting manner.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a power control method according to a temperature profile according to one embodiment.

Referring to Fig. 11, Fig. 11 illustrates information regarding the temperature (1110) of the heating unit (1052). In addition, in Fig. 11, the x-axis represents time and the y-axis represents temperature. When the aerosol generating device (1) operates by an induction heating method, the temperature (1110) of the heating unit (1052) may mean the temperature (1110) of the susceptor (16). Hereinafter, only the case where the aerosol generating device (1) operates by an induction heating method will be described, but the following method may also be applied to a resistance heating method.

The control unit (1080) can heat the susceptor (16) according to the temperature profile. The temperature profile can include information about the target temperature and the heating time. The temperature profile can be divided into a preheating section and a smoking section based on the target temperature and/or the heating time. The preheating section can mean a section in which the temperature (1110) of the susceptor (16) is increased to a preset target temperature. The smoking section is a section in which an actual puff is performed, and can mean a section in which the temperature (1110) of the susceptor (16) is maintained within a preset target temperature range.

Meanwhile, if the control unit (1080) heats the heating unit (1052) based on one target temperature but the preheating time is short, the temperature of the heating unit (1052) may rapidly increase in a short period of time, and such rapid temperature increase of the heating unit (1052) may cause carbonization of the aerosol generating substrate. In addition, if the control unit (1080) heats the heating unit (1052) based on one target temperature but the preheating time is long, the preheating time may increase excessively, which may increase user dissatisfaction. In order to solve this problem, the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure may perform two-stage temperature control in the preheating section.

The preheating section can be divided into a first preheating section and a second preheating section following the first preheating section.

The control unit (1080) can control the power supplied to the coil (15) based on the first target temperature (Tt1) during the first heating time (t1) according to the temperature profile. The first heating time (t1) and the first preheating section can correspond to each other.

The control unit (1080) can control the power conversion unit (1051) so that the temperature (1110) of the susceptor (16) follows the first target temperature (Tt1) during the first preheating period. In the first preheating period, the temperature (1110) of the susceptor (16) can be increased to the first target temperature (Tt1) and/or above the first target temperature (Tt1). In one embodiment, the first target temperature (Tt1) can be set within a range of 250 degrees to 335 degrees.

The control unit (1080) can control the power supplied to the coil (15) based on the second target temperature (Tt2) during the second heating time (t2). The second heating time (t2) and the second preheating period can correspond to each other.

The second heating time (t2) may be set to be shorter than the first heating time (t1). For example, when the second heating time (t2) is 3 seconds, the first heating time (t1) may be set to 15 seconds. The second heating time (t2) is set to be shorter than the first heating time (t1) to prevent a rapid temperature increase of the susceptor (16).

The control unit (1080) can control the power conversion unit (1051) so that the temperature (1110) of the susceptor (16) follows the second target temperature (Tt2) during the second preheating section. In the second preheating section, the temperature (1110) of the susceptor (16) can increase to the second target temperature (Tt2) and/or above the second target temperature (Tt2). The second target temperature (Tt2) can be set to be greater than the first target temperature (Tt1). The purpose of setting the first target temperature (Tt1) to be less than the second target temperature (Tt2) is to prevent overload of the battery (1060) due to a sudden power supply at the start of heating and carbonization of the aerosol generating substrate due to a sudden temperature increase of the susceptor (16). In one embodiment, the second target temperature (Tt2) can be set within a range of 340 degrees to 360 degrees. The upper threshold value of the second target temperature (Tt2) is set to 360 to prevent carbonization of the aerosol generating substrate.

As the aerosol generating device (1) performs two-stage temperature control in the preheating section, the susceptor (16) can be stably preheated to the target temperature without carbonization of the aerosol generating substrate. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure can provide a rich amount of vapor and a pleasant taste to the user in the smoking section.

Meanwhile, the control unit (1080) does not heat the susceptor (16) by the feedback control method at the beginning of the first preheating section. This is to reduce the ripple of the current generated during feedback control.

Specifically, the control unit (1080) can limit the upper limit of the current supplied to the coil (15) for a preset reference time (ta) from the start of heating.

The reference time (ta) may be set based on the time until the temperature (1110) of the susceptor (16) reaches the reference temperature (Tta). The reference temperature (Tta) is set based on whether overshoot control of the coil (15) is possible, and may be set to be smaller than the first target temperature (Tt1). For example, the reference temperature (Tta) may be set within a range of -200 degrees to -30 degrees of the first target temperature (Tt1). In one embodiment, the reference temperature (Tta) may be set to -35 degrees of the first target temperature (Tt1). Since the reference temperature (Tta) is set to be smaller than the first target temperature (Tt1), the reference time (ta) may be set to be smaller than the end time of the first preheating section. In other words, the control unit (1080) may limit the upper limit of the current supplied to the coil (15) only during a portion of the first preheating section from the start time of the first preheating section.

The upper limit of the current can be set within a range of 1A to 4A. The lower limit threshold value of the upper limit of the current is set to 1A because the minimum supply current of the coil (15) required to heat the susceptor (16) is 1A or more. In addition, the upper limit threshold value of the upper limit of the current is set to 4A because the rated current of the battery (1060) is 6A, and the sum of the required currents of the remaining components excluding the coil (15) is 2A.

The control unit (1080) can control the power supplied to the coil (15) based on the third target temperature (Tt3) during the preset smoking time after the second heating time (t2). The smoking time and the smoking section can correspond to each other. For example, the smoking time can be set to 240 seconds.

The control unit (1080) can control the power conversion unit (1051) so that the temperature (1110) of the susceptor (16) follows the third target temperature (Tt3) during the smoking section. The temperature (1110) of the susceptor (16) in the smoking section can be maintained within a preset range based on the third target temperature (Tt3). The third target temperature (Tt3) can be set to be lower than the second target temperature (Tt2). This is to compensate for the increase in the preheating time by limiting the upper limit of the current supplied to the coil (15) in a part of the first preheating section. In one embodiment, the third target temperature (Tt3) can be set to be equal to the first target temperature (Tt1).

Figure 12 is a flowchart for explaining an operation method of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12, at step S1210, the control unit (1080) can control the power supplied to the heating unit (1052) based on the first target temperature in the first preheating section.

The control unit (1080) can control the power conversion unit (1051) so that the temperature of the susceptor (16) follows the first target temperature during the first preheating period. In the first preheating period, the temperature of the susceptor (16) can be increased to the first target temperature and/or above the first target temperature.

The control unit (1080) may not heat the susceptor (16) by the feedback control method in the early stage of the first preheating section. In other words, the control unit (1080) may not heat the susceptor (16) by the feedback control method in some stages of the first preheating section.

Specifically, the control unit (1080) can limit the upper limit of the current supplied to the coil (15) for a preset reference time from the start of heating.

The reference time can be set based on the time until the temperature of the susceptor (16) reaches the reference temperature. The reference temperature is set based on whether overshoot control of the coil (15) is possible, but can be set to be smaller than the first target temperature. For example, the reference temperature can be set within a range of -200 degrees to -30 degrees of the first target temperature.

At step S1220, the control unit (1080) can control the power supplied to the heating unit (1052) based on the second target temperature in the second preheating section.

The control unit (1080) can control the power conversion unit (1051) so that the temperature of the susceptor (16) follows the second target temperature during the second preheating section. In the second preheating section, the temperature of the susceptor (16) can be increased to the second target temperature and/or above the second target temperature. The second target temperature can be set to be greater than the first target temperature. The purpose of setting the first target temperature to be less than the second target temperature is to prevent overload of the battery (1060) due to a sudden power supply at the time of heating start and carbonization of the aerosol generating substrate due to a sudden temperature increase of the susceptor (16).

As the aerosol generating device (1) performs two-stage temperature control in the preheating section, the susceptor (16) can be stably preheated to the target temperature without carbonization of the aerosol generating substrate. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure can provide a rich amount of vapor and a pleasant taste to the user in the smoking section.

Those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that the above-described description can be implemented in a modified form without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, the disclosed methods should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not the above description, and all differences within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being included in the present invention.

1: Aerosol generating device
11: Battery
1052: Heating section
1080: Control Unit

Claims (10)

battery;
A heating unit for heating an aerosol generating substrate inserted into a receiving space based on power supplied from the battery; and
A control unit for controlling power supplied to the heating unit based on a temperature profile including a preheating section and a smoking section;
The above control unit
By controlling the power supplied to the heating unit based on the first target temperature and the second target temperature different from the first target temperature in the above preheating section, the aerosol generating substrate inserted into the receiving space before the smoking section is preheated,
The above warm-up section is
including a first preheating section and a second preheating section following the first preheating section,
The above control unit
Controlling the power supplied to the heating unit so that the temperature of the heating unit follows the first target temperature during the first heating time in the first preheating section;
An aerosol generating device that controls power supplied to the heating unit so that the temperature of the heating unit follows the second target temperature in the second preheating section. delete In the first paragraph,
An aerosol generating device wherein the first target temperature is set lower than the second target temperature. In the first paragraph,
The above first target temperature is set within the range of 250 to 335 degrees,
An aerosol generating device wherein the second target temperature is set within a range of 340 to 360 degrees. In the first paragraph,
An aerosol generating device wherein the time of the first preheating section is set longer than the time of the second preheating section. In the first paragraph,
The above control unit
An aerosol generating device that limits the upper limit of the current supplied to the heating section in some section of the above preheating section. In the first paragraph,
The above control unit
An aerosol generating device that controls power supplied to the heating unit so that the temperature of the heating unit in the smoking section is maintained at a third target temperature. In Article 7,
An aerosol generating device wherein the third target temperature is set to be lower than the second target temperature. In the first paragraph,
Further comprising a power conversion unit that converts direct current supplied from the above battery into alternating current;
An aerosol generating device wherein the heating unit includes a coil that generates an alternating magnetic field based on the AC power source. In Article 9,
The above heating unit further includes a susceptor heated by the alternating magnetic field,
The above control unit
An aerosol generating device that heats the susceptor by controlling the alternating current applied to the coil.

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