KR102830775B1 - Aerosol generating device and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof are disclosed. The aerosol generating device of the present disclosure comprises: a cartridge having a chamber formed therein for storing an aerosol generating substance; a body coupled with the cartridge; a liquid delivery unit connected to the chamber; a heater for heating the liquid delivery unit; and a control unit for controlling power supplied to the heater; wherein the control unit controls the power supplied to the heater based on whether the cartridge is coupled to or separated from the body, thereby increasing the temperature of the heater to a temperature higher than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating substance in the liquid delivery unit.

Description

Aerosol generating device and its operating method {AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE AND METHOD THEREOF}

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof.

An aerosol generating device is intended to extract a certain component from a medium or substance through an aerosol. The medium may contain substances of various components. The substances contained in the medium may be flavoring substances of various components. For example, the substances contained in the medium may contain nicotine components, herbal components, and/or coffee components. Recently, much research has been conducted on such aerosol generating devices.

The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned and other problems.

Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device and method of operating the same that removes residual aerosol generating material remaining within the liquid delivery portion when the cartridge coupled to the body is changed or when the aerosol generating material selected by the user is changed.

Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device and method of operating the same that minimizes mixing of the odor of residual aerosol generating material remaining within the liquid delivery section with the odor of the changed aerosol generating material, following a cartridge change or a change in the selected aerosol generating material.

Another purpose may be to provide an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof that minimizes a feeling of incongruity that a user may feel due to mixing of aerosol generating substances when using different types of aerosol generating substances.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described purpose, an aerosol generating device comprises: a cartridge having a chamber formed therein for storing an aerosol generating substance; a body coupled with the cartridge; a liquid delivery unit connected to the chamber; a heater for heating the liquid delivery unit; and a control unit for controlling power supplied to the heater; wherein the control unit controls the power supplied to the heater based on whether the cartridge is coupled to or separated from the body, thereby increasing the temperature of the heater to a temperature higher than a vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating substance in the liquid delivery unit.

In order to achieve the above object, an operating method of an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include: an operation of detecting that a cartridge is coupled with or separated from a body; an operation of controlling power supplied to a heater based on the coupling or separation of the cartridge with or from the body, thereby increasing a temperature of the heater to a temperature higher than a vaporization temperature of an aerosol generating substance in a liquid delivery unit connected to a chamber of the cartridge.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a cartridge coupled to a body is changed or an aerosol generating substance selected by a user is changed, residual aerosol generating substance remaining within the liquid delivery portion can be removed.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, upon changing the cartridge or changing the selected aerosol generating material, the odor of residual aerosol generating material remaining within the liquid delivery portion can be minimized from mixing with the odor of the changed aerosol generating material.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, when using different types of aerosol generating materials, a feeling of incongruity felt by a user due to mixing of aerosol generating materials can be minimized.

Further scope of the applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description below. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of example only.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 2 to 4 are drawings for reference in the description of an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 7 and 8 are drawings illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to another 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 numbers, identical or similar components are given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description may be given or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification. "Module" and "part" 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. It should be understood that the attached drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components. However, the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing 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, although it should be understood 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.

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

Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (10) may include a communication interface (11), an input/output interface (12), an aerosol generating module (13), a memory (14), a sensor module (15), a battery (16), and/or a control unit (17).

In one embodiment, the aerosol generator (10) may be composed of only the body (100). In this case, the components included in the aerosol generator (10) may be located in the body (100). In another embodiment, the aerosol generator (10) may be composed of a cartridge (200) containing an aerosol generating material and the body (100). In this case, the components included in the aerosol generator (10) may be located in at least one of the body (100) and the cartridge (200).

The communication interface (11) may include at least one communication module for communication with an external device and/or a network. For example, the communication interface (11) may include a communication module for wired communication such as a universal serial bus (USB). For example, the communication interface (11) may include a communication module for wireless communication such as wireless fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), Zigbee, NFC (near field communication), etc.

The input/output interface (12) may include an input device (121) that receives a command from a user and/or an output device that outputs information to the user. For example, the input device (121) may include a touch panel, a physical button, a microphone, etc. For example, the output device may include a display device that outputs visual information such as a display or a light emitting diode (LED), an audio device that outputs auditory information such as a speaker or a buzzer, a motor that outputs tactile information such as a haptic effect, etc.

The input/output interface (12) can transmit data corresponding to a command input from a user through an input device (121) to other component(s) of the aerosol generator (10). The input/output interface (12) can output information corresponding to data received from other component(s) of the aerosol generator (10) through an output device.

The aerosol generating module (13) can generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. Here, the aerosol generating material can mean one material or a combination of two or more materials in various states such as a liquid state, a solid state, and a gel state that can generate an aerosol.

The liquid aerosol generating material may be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material including volatile tobacco flavor components according to one embodiment. The liquid aerosol generating material may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material according to another embodiment. For example, the liquid aerosol generating material may comprise water, a solvent, nicotine, plant extracts, flavorings, flavoring agents, a vitamin mixture, and the like.

The solid aerosol generating material may include a solid material based on tobacco raw materials such as a leaf sheet, a tobacco stick, or a granule. In addition, the solid aerosol generating material may include a solid material containing a taste modifier, a flavoring agent, or the like. For example, the taste modifier may include calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium oxide, or the like. For example, the flavoring agent may include a natural material such as herbal granules, or silica, zeolite, dextrin, or the like containing a flavoring component.

Additionally, the aerosol generating material may further comprise an aerosol forming agent, such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

The aerosol generating module (13) may include at least one heater (131).

The aerosol generating module (13) may include an electrical resistive heater. For example, the electrical resistive heater may include at least one electrically conductive track. The electrical resistive heater may be heated by a current flowing through the electrically conductive track. At this time, the aerosol generating material may be heated by the heated electrical resistive heater.

The electrically conductive track may include an electrically resistive material. As an example, the electrically conductive track may be formed of a metallic material. As another example, the electrically conductive track may be formed of a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite material of a ceramic material and a metal.

The electrical resistive heater may include electrically conductive tracks formed in various shapes. For example, the electrically conductive tracks may be formed in any one of a tubular shape, a plate shape, a needle shape, a rod shape, and a coil shape.

The aerosol generating module (13) may include a heater that uses an induction heating method. For example, the induction heating heater may include an electrically conductive coil. The induction heating heater may generate an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically by controlling a current flowing in the electrically conductive coil. At this time, when the 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. In addition, as the lost energy is released as heat energy, an aerosol generating material adjacent to the magnetic body may be heated. Here, an object that generates heat by a magnetic field may be named a susceptor.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating module (13) can generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material by generating ultrasonic vibration.

The aerosol generating module (13) may be named a cartomizer, an atomizer, a vaporizer, etc.

When the aerosol generating device (10) is composed of a cartridge (200) containing an aerosol generating material and a body (100), the aerosol generating module (13) may be located in at least one of the body (100) and the cartridge (200).

The memory (14) can store programs for each signal processing and control within the control unit (17). The memory (14) can store data processed in the control unit (17) and data to be processed.

For example, the memory (14) can store application programs designed for the purpose of performing various tasks that can be processed by the control unit (17). The memory (14) can selectively provide some of the stored application programs upon request from the control unit (17).

For example, the memory (14) may store the operating time of the aerosol generator (10), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, the number of times the battery (16) has been charged, the number of times the battery (16) has been discharged, at least one temperature profile, data on the user's inhalation pattern, data on charging/discharging, etc. Here, a puff may mean an inhalation by the user. Inhalation may mean a situation in which the user draws air into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the mouth or nose.

For example, the memory (14) can store type information of a cartridge (200) coupled with the body (100). The memory (14) can store type information of a cartridge (200) currently coupled with the body (100), and can store type information of a cartridge (200) previously coupled with the body (100).

For example, the memory (14) can store chamber selection information selected by the user from among a plurality of chambers provided in the cartridge (200).

Memory (14) may include at least one of volatile memory (e.g., DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.) or nonvolatile memory (e.g., flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD).

The memory (14) may be arranged in at least one of the body (100) and the cartridge (200). The memory (14) may be arranged in each of the body (100) and the cartridge (200). For example, the memory of the body (100) may store information about a configuration arranged inside the body (100), for example, information about the total capacity of the battery (190). For example, the memory of the body (100) may store cartridge information received from a cartridge (200) previously or currently coupled with the body (100), and the memory of the cartridge (200) may store cartridge information including identification information (ID information) of the cartridge, type information of the cartridge, and the like. For example, the memory of the body (100) may store chamber selection information selected by the user from among a plurality of chambers provided in the cartridge (200).

The sensor module (15) may include at least one sensor.

For example, the sensor module (15) may include a sensor that detects a puff (hereinafter, a puff sensor). At this time, the puff sensor may be implemented by a proximity sensor such as an IR sensor, a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, etc.

For example, the sensor module (15) may include a sensor (hereinafter, temperature sensor) that detects the temperature of the heater (131) included in the aerosol generating module (13), the temperature of the aerosol generating material, etc.

At this time, the heater (131) included in the aerosol generating module (13) may also function as a temperature sensor. For example, the electrically resistive material of the heater (131) may be a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR). The sensor module (15) may sense the temperature of the heater (131) by measuring the resistance of the heater (131) that varies depending on the temperature.

For example, if a stick can be inserted into the main body of the aerosol generating device (10), the sensor module (15) may include a sensor that detects the insertion of the stick (hereinafter, “stick detection sensor”).

For example, if the aerosol generator (10) includes a cartridge (200), the sensor module (15) may include a sensor (hereinafter, cartridge detection sensor) (153) that detects mounting/demounting, position, etc. of the cartridge (200) with respect to the body (100).

At this time, the stick detection sensor and/or the cartridge detection sensor (153) may be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance-type sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge detection sensor (153) may include a connection terminal. The connection terminal is provided in the body (100) and may be electrically connected to electrodes provided in the cartridge (200) as the cartridge (200) is coupled to the body (100).

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

For example, the sensor module (15) may include at least one sensor (hereinafter, motion sensor) that detects the movement of the aerosol generating device (10). At this time, the motion sensor may be implemented by at least one of a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor.

The battery (16) can supply power used for the operation of the aerosol generator (10) under the control of the control unit (17). The battery (16) can supply power to other components provided in the aerosol generator (10). For example, the battery (16) can supply power to a communication module included in the communication interface (11), an output device included in the input/output interface (12), a heater included in the aerosol generator module (13), etc.

The battery (16) may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery (16) may be a lithium-ion battery or a lithium polymer (Li-Polymer) battery, but is not limited thereto. For example, if the battery (16) is rechargeable, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery (16) may be 10C, and the discharge rate (C-rate) may be 10C to 20C, but is not limited thereto. In addition, for stable use, the battery (16) may be manufactured so that 80% or more of the total capacity can be secured even when charging/discharging is performed 2000 times.

The aerosol generator (10) may further include a battery protection module (Protection Circuit Module, PCM), which is a circuit for protecting the battery (16). The battery protection module (PCM) may be arranged adjacent to the upper surface of the battery (16). For example, the battery protection module (PCM) may block the electric path to the battery (16) when a short circuit occurs in a circuit connected to the battery (16), when an overvoltage is applied to the battery (16), when an overcurrent flows to the battery (16), etc., in order to prevent overcharge and overdischarge of the battery (16).

The aerosol generator (10) may further include a charging terminal into which power supplied from the outside is input. For example, a charging terminal may be formed on one side of the main body of the aerosol generator (10). The aerosol generator (10) may charge the battery (16) using power supplied through the charging terminal. At this time, the charging terminal may be configured as a wired terminal for USB communication, a pogo pin, or the like.

The aerosol generator (10) can also wirelessly receive power supplied from the outside through a communication interface (11). For example, the aerosol generator (10) can wirelessly receive power using an antenna included in a communication module for wireless communication. The aerosol generator (10) can charge a battery (16) using the power supplied wirelessly.

The control unit (17) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (10). The control unit (17) can be connected to each component provided in the aerosol generating device (10). The control unit (17) can control the overall operation of each component by transmitting and/or receiving signals between each component.

The control unit (17) may include at least one processor. The control unit (17) may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (10) using the processor. Here, the processor may be a general processor such as a CPU (central processing unit). Of course, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an ASIC or another hardware-based processor.

The control unit (17) can perform any one of the multiple functions of the aerosol generator (10). For example, the control unit (17) can perform any one of the multiple functions of the aerosol generator (10) (e.g., preheating function, heating function, charging function, cleaning function, etc.) according to the status of each component provided in the aerosol generator (10), a user command received through the input/output interface (12), etc.

The control unit (17) can control the operation of each component provided in the aerosol generating device (10) based on the data stored in the memory (14). For example, the control unit (17) can control a predetermined power to be supplied from the battery (16) to the aerosol generating module (13) for a predetermined period of time based on data on the temperature profile, the user's inhalation pattern, etc. stored in the memory (14).

The control unit (17) can determine whether a puff is present through the puff sensor included in the sensor module (15). For example, the control unit (17) can check temperature changes, flow changes, pressure changes, voltage changes, etc. within the aerosol generating device (10) based on the sensing values of the puff sensor. The control unit (17) can determine whether a puff is present based on the results checked based on the sensing values of the puff sensor.

The control unit (17) can control the operation of each component provided in the aerosol generating device (10) depending on whether a puff is generated and/or the number of puffs. For example, the control unit (17) can control the temperature of the heater (131) to be changed or maintained based on the temperature profile stored in the memory (14).

The control unit (17) can control power supply to the heater (131) to be cut off according to predetermined conditions. For example, when the stick is removed, when the cartridge (200) is separated, when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs, when no puffs are detected for a preset time or longer, when the remaining capacity of the battery (16) is less than a preset value, etc., the control unit (17) can control power supply to the heater (131) to be cut off.

The control unit (17) can calculate the remaining power capacity stored in the battery (16). For example, the control unit (17) can calculate the remaining power amount of the battery (16) based on the sensing values of the voltage sensor and/or current sensor included in the sensor module (15).

The control unit (17) can control power to be supplied to the heater (131) by using at least one of the pulse width modulation (PWM) method and the proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

For example, the control unit (17) can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater (131) using the PWM method. At this time, the control unit (17) can control the power supplied to the heater (131) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

For example, the control unit (17) can determine the target temperature that is the target of control based on the temperature profile. At this time, the control unit (17) can control the power supplied to the heater (131) by using the PID method, which is a feedback control method using the difference value between the temperature of the heater (131) and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

For example, the control unit (17) can control the power supplied to the heater (131) based on the temperature profile. The control unit (17) can control the length of the heating section that heats the heater (131), the amount of power supplied to the heater (131) during the heating section, etc. The control unit (17) can control the power supplied to the heater (131) based on the target temperature of the heater (131).

Meanwhile, the PWM method and the PID method have been described as examples of control methods for supplying power to the heater (131), but the present invention is not limited thereto, and various control methods such as the Proportional-Integral (PI) method and the Proportional-Differential (PD) method can be used.

The control unit (17) can determine the temperature of the heater (131) and control the power supplied to the heater (131) according to the temperature of the heater (131). For example, the control unit (1700) can determine the temperature of the heater (131) by checking the resistance value of the heater (131), the current flowing to the heater (131), and/or the voltage applied to the heater (131).

Meanwhile, the control unit (17) can control power to be supplied to the heater (131) according to preset conditions. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning a space into which a stick is inserted is selected according to a command input from a user through the input/output interface (12), the control unit (17) can control a predetermined power to be supplied to the heater (131).

FIGS. 2 and 3 are drawings for reference in the description of an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device (10) may include a body (100) and a cartridge (200).

The body (100) can support a cartridge (200), and the cartridge (200) can hold an aerosol generating material.

The cartridge (200) may be configured to be detachably attached to the body (100). For example, at least a portion of the cartridge (200) may be inserted into an internal space formed by the housing of the body (100), so that the cartridge (200) may be mounted on the body (100).

The body (100) may be formed into a structure that allows external air to flow into the interior of the body (100). At this time, the external air that flows into the body (100) may pass through the cartridge (200) and flow into the user's mouth.

The cartridge (200) may include a chamber (C1) that holds an aerosol generating material. The cartridge (200) may include a flow path (P1) that is communicated with the chamber (C1) and through which the aerosol generating material can flow. A second liquid delivery unit (210) that impregnates (contains) the aerosol generating material and participates in the transport of the aerosol generating material may be included within the flow path (P1). The aerosol generating material within the chamber (C1) may be impregnated into the second liquid delivery unit (210). For example, the second liquid delivery unit (210) may include a wick such as cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramics. For example, the second liquid delivery unit (210) may include felt. The second liquid delivery unit (210) may be placed at an end that comes into contact with the body (100) when the cartridge (200) is coupled with the body (100).

The body (100) may include a heater (131) and a first liquid delivery unit (132). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heater (131) may be a porous ceramic heater. The heater (131) may be in contact with the first liquid delivery unit (132). The heater (131) may have a plate shape to maximize a contact area with the first liquid delivery unit (132). However, the shape of the heater (131) is not limited thereto.

The first liquid delivery unit (132) may be positioned at an end that comes into contact with the cartridge (200) when the cartridge (200) is coupled with the body (100). The first liquid delivery unit (132) may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc. The first liquid delivery unit (132) may include felt.

When the cartridge (200) is coupled with the body (100), the flow path (P1) can be in contact with the first liquid delivery unit (132). When the flow path (P1) includes the second liquid delivery unit (210), the second liquid delivery unit (210) can be in contact with the first liquid delivery unit (132). The aerosol generating material within the chamber (C1) can move to the first liquid delivery unit (132) of the body (100) through the flow path (P1) and/or the second liquid delivery unit (210).

The electrically conductive track of the heater (131) may be formed in a structure that wraps around the first liquid delivery unit (132). The heater (131) may heat the first liquid delivery unit (132) using power supplied from the battery (16). At this time, an aerosol may be generated in the heated first liquid delivery unit (132).

The aerosol generated in the first liquid delivery unit (132) can flow through the first aerosol path (135) formed in the body (100) and the second aerosol path (235) formed in the cartridge (200). A mouth piece (not shown) can be coupled to one side of the cartridge (200), and the user can inhale the aerosol while holding the mouth piece in his/her mouth. The aerosol generated by the heater (131) can pass through the mouth piece and be delivered to the user's mouth.

The control unit (17) can determine whether the cartridge (200) is coupled to or separated from the body (100) through the cartridge detection sensor (153) included in the sensor module (15). For example, the cartridge detection sensor (153) can transmit a pulse current through one terminal connected to the cartridge (200). At this time, the cartridge detection sensor (153) can detect whether the cartridge (200) is coupled (connected) and/or separated (removed) based on whether a pulse current is received through another terminal.

Referring to FIG. 3, the cartridge (200) may include an insertion space (220) configured to allow the stick (20) to be inserted. For example, the cartridge (200) may include an insertion space (220) formed by an inner wall (not shown) extending circumferentially along the direction in which the stick (20) is inserted. At this time, the insertion space (220) may be formed by having the inner side of the inner wall open upward and downward. The stick (20) may be inserted into the insertion space (220) formed by the inner wall. In this case, the second aerosol path (235) formed in the cartridge (200) may communicate with the insertion space (220).

The stick (20) may be similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, the stick (20) may be divided into a first portion containing an aerosol generating substance and a second portion containing a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the stick (20) 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 portion.

The insertion space (220) into which the stick (20) is inserted can be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of a portion of the stick (20) inserted into the insertion space (220). For example, when the stick (20) is formed in a cylindrical shape, the insertion space (220) can be formed in a cylindrical shape.

When the stick (20) is inserted into the insertion space (220), the outer surface of the stick (20) is surrounded by the inner wall and can come into contact with the inner wall. A part of the stick (20) can be inserted into the insertion space (220) of the cartridge (200), and the remaining part can be exposed to the outside.

The heater (131) can heat the inside and/or outside of the aerosol delivery stick (20) using power supplied from the battery (16). At this time, an aerosol can be generated from the heated stick (20).

The user can inhale the aerosol by holding one end of the stick (20) in his mouth. The aerosol generated by the heater (131) can pass through the stick (20) and be delivered to the user's mouth. At this time, while the aerosol passes through the stick (20), a substance contained in the stick (20) can be added to the aerosol, and the aerosol added with the substance can be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick (20).

The control unit (17) can monitor the number of puffs based on the sensing value of the puff sensor from the time the stick (20) is inserted. The control unit (17) can initialize the current number of puffs stored in the memory (14) when the inserted stick (20) is removed.

Meanwhile, the body (100) can be configured so that a stick (20) can be inserted into the insertion space (not shown).

The aerosol generating device (10) may include a first heater that heats an aerosol generating material stored in a cartridge (200). For example, when a user inhales one end of the stick (20) with his/her mouth, the aerosol generated by the first heater may pass through the stick (20). At this time, while the aerosol passes through the stick (20), a flavor may be added to the aerosol. The flavored aerosol may be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick (20).

Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device (10) may include a first heater for heating an aerosol generating substance stored in a cartridge (200) and a second heater for heating a stick (20) inserted into a body (100), respectively. For example, the aerosol generating device (10) may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating substance stored in the cartridge (200) and the stick (20), respectively, through the first heater and the second heater.

FIG. 4 is a drawing for reference in the description of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4, the current sensor (162) of the body (100) can be electrically connected to the heater (131).

The power supply circuit (161) arranged inside the body (100) can supply power to the heater (131) using power stored in the battery (16). At this time, the power supplied to the heater (131) from the power supply circuit (161) can be adjusted according to the control of the control unit (17).

The same level of current can flow through the heater (131) and the current sensor (162). Here, the resistance value (Rs) of the shunt resistor provided in the current sensor (162) may be a value that does not change depending on the temperature.

The control unit (17) can determine the voltage (V1) applied to the heater (131) and the current sensor (162) based on the power supplied to the heater (131) from the power supply circuit (161), the current flowing through the heater (131) and the current sensor (162), etc. The control unit (17) can calculate the voltage (V2) applied to the shunt resistor based on the current flowing through the shunt resistor of the current sensor (162) and the resistance value (Rs) of the shunt resistor. At this time, the control unit (1700) can calculate the difference (V1-V2) between the voltage (V1) applied to the heater (131) and the current sensor (162) and the voltage (V2) applied to the shunt resistor as the voltage applied to the heater (131). Additionally, the control unit (17) can calculate the resistance value (Rh) of the heater (131) based on the voltage applied to the heater (131) and the current flowing through the heater (131).

Accordingly, the control unit (17) can determine the temperature of the heater (131) in real time by using the current flowing through the heater (131) calculated through the current sensor (162), even while the first liquid delivery unit (132) is heated by the heater (131).

Meanwhile, the resistance of the heater (131) may be a material having a resistance temperature coefficient, and the resistance value (Rh) of the heater (131) may vary depending on the temperature of the resistance. The control unit (17) may calculate the temperature of the heater (131) corresponding to the resistance temperature coefficient of the heater (131), the resistance value (Rh) of the heater (131), and the resistance value of the heater (131) at the reference temperature based on the calculation formula for calculating the temperature of the heater (131). Here, the calculation formula for calculating the temperature of the heater (131) may correspond to the following mathematical formula 1.

In the above mathematical expression 1, TCR may be a temperature coefficient of resistance of the heater (131), T1 may be a temperature of the heater (131), R1 may be a resistance value of the heater (131), T0 may be a reference temperature, and R0 may be a resistance value of the heater (131) at the reference temperature. Here, T0 may be 25°C, and R0 may be a resistance value of the heater (131) at 25°C.

However, the resistance value of the heater (131) at the reference temperature may differ for each cartridge (131) due to manufacturing errors of the cartridge (200), etc. Considering this, the cartridge (200) may be separately provided with a memory in which data on the resistance value of the heater (131), etc., are stored. In addition, the control unit (17) may determine the resistance value (R0) of the heater (131) at the reference temperature (T0) used in the calculation formula for calculating the temperature of the heater (131) based on the data stored in the memory of the cartridge (200).

Meanwhile, in this drawing, a current sensor (162) connected in series to a heater (131) is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and a temperature sensor positioned adjacent to the heater (131) to detect the temperature of the heater (131), a voltage sensor to detect the voltage applied to the heater (131), etc. may be provided.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 5, the aerosol generating device (10) can detect, in operation S810, that the cartridge (200) is coupled with the body (100) or separated (removed) from the body (100).

The cartridge detection sensor (153) of the body (100) can detect when the cartridge (200) is coupled to or separated from the body (100).

The cartridge detection sensor (153) can be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance-type sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc. The cartridge detection sensor (153) can include a connection terminal. The connection terminal is provided in the body (100) and can be electrically connected to electrodes provided in the cartridge (200) as the cartridge (200) is coupled to the body (100).

The aerosol generator (10) can detect a change in a signal output from a cartridge detection sensor (153) to detect whether the cartridge (200) is coupled to or separated from the body (100).

In operation S820, the aerosol generator (10) can control the power supplied to the heater (131) based on whether the cartridge (200) is coupled to or separated from the body (100). The aerosol generator (10) can supply power to the heater (131) using power stored in the battery (16) through the power supply circuit (161). The aerosol generator (10) can control the power supplied to the heater (131) to increase the temperature of the heater (131) to a temperature higher than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material within the liquid delivery unit (132). The heater (131) can heat and vaporize the aerosol generating material within the first liquid delivery unit (132).

When the cartridge (200) is separated from the body (100), an aerosol generating substance that is not vaporized and exists in a liquid state may remain in the first liquid delivery portion (132) of the body (100). The aerosol generating device (10) controls the power supplied to the heater (131) to increase the temperature of the heater (131) to a temperature higher than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating substance in the liquid delivery portion (132), thereby heating and vaporizing the remaining aerosol generating substance remaining in the first liquid delivery portion (132).

For example, the aerosol generator (10) can heat the remaining aerosol generating material for a set period of time. The aerosol generator (10) can supply a set amount of power to the heater (131) for a set period of time. The aerosol generator (10) can control the power supplied to the heater (131) for a set period of time based on whether the cartridge (200) is coupled with or separated from the body (100), thereby heating the remaining aerosol generating material within the first liquid delivery unit (132). Here, the set period of time may be a period of time or longer that can vaporize all the aerosol generating material contained within the first liquid delivery unit (132) when no additional aerosol generating material is supplied to the first liquid delivery unit (132), and may be set based on experimental data, etc.

For example, the aerosol generator (10) may monitor the temperature of the heater (131) while supplying power to the heater (131), and if the temperature of the heater (131) is higher than a set temperature, the power supplied to the heater (131) may be cut off. The aerosol generator (10) may control the power supplied to the heater (131) based on whether the cartridge (200) is coupled to or separated from the body (100), thereby heating the remaining aerosol generating material in the first liquid delivery unit (132) and monitoring the temperature of the heater (131). If the temperature of the monitored heater (131) is higher than a set temperature, the aerosol generator (10) may cut off the power supplied to the heater (131). The aerosol generator (10) can heat the remaining aerosol product within the first liquid delivery unit (132) until the heater (131) is heated to a set temperature.

Here, the set temperature may be the temperature of the heater (131) when all of the aerosol generating material impregnated in the first liquid delivery unit (132) is vaporized and depleted. The set temperature may be a temperature higher than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material. When no additional aerosol generating material is supplied to the first liquid delivery unit (132), and all of the aerosol generating material included in the first liquid delivery unit (132) is vaporized, the temperature of the heater (131) may rapidly increase. Therefore, the set temperature may be set to a temperature at which the temperature of the heater (131) begins to increase after all of the aerosol generating material included in the first liquid delivery unit (132) is vaporized. The set temperature may be set based on experimental data, etc.

The resistance of the heater (131) may be a material having a resistance temperature coefficient, and the resistance value (Rh) of the heater (131) may vary depending on the temperature of the resistance. The aerosol generator (10) may calculate the temperature of the heater (131) corresponding to the resistance temperature coefficient of the heater (131), the resistance value (Rh) of the heater (131), and the resistance value of the heater (131) at a reference temperature, based on a calculation formula for calculating the temperature of the heater (131).

Meanwhile, the aerosol generator (10) may include a temperature sensor that is positioned adjacent to the heater (131) to detect the temperature of the heater (131), a voltage sensor that detects the voltage applied to the heater (131), etc. The aerosol generator (10) may calculate the temperature of the heater (131) based on a signal output from the temperature sensor.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 6, the aerosol generator (10) can store, in operation S910, type information of a cartridge (200) currently coupled to a body (100) and in use. In the memory (14) of the aerosol generator (10), type information of a cartridge (200) currently coupled to a body (100) and in use and type information of a cartridge used by being coupled to a body (100) before using the currently coupled cartridge (200) can be stored.

The aerosol generator (10) can store, in the memory (14), type information of the cartridge (200) currently coupled to the body (100) and type information of the cartridge (200) that was most recently coupled to the body (100) other than the cartridge (200) currently coupled to the body (100).

Meanwhile, the aerosol generator (10) can match the time information of the cartridge (200) being combined with the type information of the cartridge (200) and store it in the memory (14) when the cartridge (200) is combined with the body (100). The plurality of cartridge information (type information and combination time information) stored in the memory (14) can be sorted based on the combination time, and the aerosol generator (10) can identify the type information of the cartridge (200) that was most recently combined with the body (100) in addition to the cartridge (200) currently combined with the body (100).

The aerosol generator (10) can detect, in operation S920, that the cartridge (200) is separated from the body (100). Based on a signal output from the cartridge detection sensor (153), the aerosol generator (10) can detect that the cartridge (200) is separated from the body (100).

The aerosol generating device (10) can detect, in operation S930, that the cartridge (200) is coupled to the body (100). After the cartridge (200) is separated from the body (100), the aerosol generating device (10) can continuously and/or repeatedly detect that the cartridge (200) is coupled to the body (100) based on a signal output from the cartridge detection sensor (153). The cartridge (200) coupled to the body (100) may be the same cartridge as the separated cartridge, or may be a different cartridge from the separated cartridge.

When it is detected that the cartridge (200) is coupled to the body (100), the aerosol generating device (10) can determine the type of the cartridge (200) coupled to the body (100) in operation S940.

For example, the aerosol generating device (10) can receive information about the cartridge (200) from the cartridge (200) coupled to the body (100). The aerosol generating device (10) can receive information about the cartridge (200) through the cartridge detection sensor (153) based on the coupling of the cartridge (200) with the body (100).

The information of the cartridge (200) may include identification information (ID information) of the cartridge, type information of the cartridge, etc. The aerosol generating device (10) may determine the type of the cartridge from the received cartridge information. Here, the type information of the cartridge may have different values depending on the type of the aerosol generating material stored in the chamber (C1) and/or the type of flavoring or fragrance included in the aerosol generating material stored in the chamber (C1).

For example, the aerosol generating device (10) can determine the type of the cartridge (200) based on the characteristic portion (not shown) of the cartridge (200) coupled to the body (100). The characteristic portion of the cartridge (200) can be formed in a shape corresponding to the type of the cartridge (200). For example, the characteristic portion of the cartridge (200) can be formed in a shape that is sunken into the outer surface of the cartridge (200) to a depth corresponding to the type of the cartridge. The characteristic portion of the cartridge (200) can be formed on the outer surface that contacts the body (100) when the cartridge (200) is coupled to the body (100).

The cartridge detection sensor (153) may be positioned on one side of the body (100) so as to come into contact with a feature of the cartridge (200) when the cartridge (200) is coupled to the body (100). The cartridge detection sensor (153) may be positioned so as to protrude from one side of the body (100). A part of the cartridge detection sensor (153) may be inserted into a sunken portion of the feature of the cartridge (200) so as to come into contact with the feature of the cartridge (200) when the cartridge (200) is coupled to the body (100).

The cartridge detection sensor (153) may include a contact portion that comes into contact with the feature portion and an elastic member that elastically supports the contact portion. When the cartridge detection sensor (153) comes into contact with the feature portion, the degree to which the elastic member is pressed may vary depending on the depth of the sunken portion of the feature portion. The cartridge detection sensor (153) may output a signal corresponding to the magnitude of the force generated due to the pressing of the elastic member. The cartridge detection sensor (153) may include a force sensor.

The aerosol generator (10) can determine the type of the cartridge (200) coupled to the body (100) based on the output signal of the cartridge detection sensor (153). The memory (14) of the aerosol generator (10) can store information on the magnitude of force corresponding to each type of cartridge (200). The aerosol generator (10) can determine the type of the cartridge (200) by comparing the output signal of the cartridge detection sensor (153) with information on the magnitude of force corresponding to the type of the cartridge (200) stored in the memory (14).

The aerosol generator (10) can determine, in operation S950, whether the type information of the cartridge (200) coupled to the body (100) corresponds to the type information of the cartridge previously coupled to and used in the body (100) among the type information of the cartridges stored in the memory (14).

The aerosol generator (10) can determine whether the type information of the cartridge (200) currently coupled to the body (100) is identical to the type information of the cartridge most recently coupled to the body (100) and used among the cartridge type information stored in the memory (14).

The aerosol generator (10) can control the power supplied to the heater (131) based on whether the type information of the cartridge (200) corresponds to the type information of the cartridge used in combination with the body (100) before the cartridge is combined with the body (100) in operation S960.

For example, if the type information of the cartridge (200) currently coupled to the body (100) is different from the type information of the cartridge that was most recently coupled to the body (100) and used, the aerosol generating device (10) can supply power to the heater (131) to increase the temperature of the heater (131) to a temperature higher than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material within the liquid delivery unit (132). The heater (131) can heat and vaporize the remaining aerosol generating material within the first liquid delivery unit (132).

For example, if the type information of the cartridge (200) currently coupled to the body (100) is the same as the type information of the cartridge that was most recently coupled to the body (100) and used, the aerosol generating device (10) may not perform an operation of supplying power to the heater (131) to heat the remaining aerosol generating material in the first liquid delivery unit (132).

If the type information of the cartridge currently coupled to the body (100) is the same as the type information of the cartridge most recently coupled to the body (100) and used, even if the cartridge is replaced, the type of the aerosol generating material impregnated in the first liquid delivery unit (132) and/or the type of flavoring/flavoring agent included in the aerosol generating material may be the same. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device (10) can prevent different aerosol generating materials and/or flavoring/flavoring agent included in the aerosol generating material from being mixed within the first liquid delivery unit (132) by heating the remaining aerosol generating material within the first liquid delivery unit (132) if the type information of the cartridge (200) currently coupled to the body (100) is different from the type information of the cartridge most recently coupled to the body (100) and used.

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are drawings illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Among the components of the aerosol generator illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, redundant descriptions of components that are identical or similar to those of the aerosol generator illustrated in FIG. 2 will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 7, an aerosol generating device (10) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a body (100) and a cartridge (200).

The cartridge (200) may include a plurality of chambers (C11, C12) that hold aerosol generating substances. The cartridge (200) may include a first chamber (C11) that holds a first aerosol generating substance and a second chamber (C12) that holds a second aerosol generating substance. However, the number of chambers is not limited thereto, and the cartridge (200) may include three or more chambers.

The cartridge (200) may include a flow path (P11, P12) communicating with each chamber (C11, C12) and through which an aerosol generating material may flow. The cartridge (200) may include a first flow path (P11) communicating with the first chamber (C11) and a second flow path (P12) communicating with the second chamber (C12).

Within the first flow path (P11), a second liquid delivery unit (210A) impregnated with (containing) a first aerosol generating material and involved in transporting the first aerosol generating material may be included. Within the second flow path (P12), a third liquid delivery unit (210B) impregnated with (containing) a second aerosol generating material and involved in transporting the second aerosol generating material may be included. The second liquid delivery unit (210A) and the third liquid delivery unit (210B) may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The second liquid delivery unit (210A) and the third liquid delivery unit (210B) may include felt.

The second liquid delivery unit (210A) and the third liquid delivery unit (210B) can be placed at the end that comes into contact with the body (100) when the cartridge (200) is combined with the body (100).

The body (100) may include a heater (131) and a first liquid delivery unit (132). The heater (131) may be in contact with the first liquid delivery unit (132). The heater (131) may have a plate shape to maximize the contact area with the first liquid delivery unit (132). However, the shape of the heater (131) is not limited thereto.

The first liquid delivery unit (132) may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc. The first liquid delivery unit (132) may include felt.

The body (100) may include an opening/closing portion (133) and body euros (134A, 134B, 134C). The body euros may include a first body euro (134A), a second body euro (134B), and a third body euro (134C).

In a state where the cartridge (200) is coupled with the body (100), the first euro (P11) can communicate with the first body euro (134A). In a state where the cartridge (200) is coupled with the body (100), the second euro (P12) can communicate with the second body euro (134B).

The third body euro (134B) can have one end connected to the first liquid transfer unit (132). The other end of the third body euro (134B) can be connected to the opening/closing unit (133).

The first body urea (134A) and the second body urea (134B) can be connected to the third body urea (134C) through the opening/closing unit (133). The opening/closing unit (133) can, by an opening/closing operation, connect either the first body urea (134A) or the second body urea (134B) to the third body urea (134C). For example, the opening/closing unit (133) can be a valve.

When the cartridge (200) is coupled with the body (100), and the first body passage (134A) is connected to the third body passage (134C) by the opening/closing portion (133), the first aerosol generating substance in the first chamber (C11) can flow to the first liquid delivery portion (132) of the body (100) through the first passage (P11), the first body passage (134A), and the third body passage (134C).

When the cartridge (200) is coupled with the body (100), and the second body passage (134B) is connected to the third body passage (134C) by the opening/closing portion (133), the second aerosol generating substance in the second chamber (C12) can flow to the first liquid delivery portion (132) of the body (100) through the second passage (P12), the second body passage (134B), and the third body passage (134C).

The heater (131) can heat the first liquid delivery unit (132) using power supplied from the battery (16). At this time, an aerosol can be generated in the heated first liquid delivery unit (132).

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 8, an opening/closing structure of a flow path through an opening/closing portion and an opening/closing portion may be included in the cartridge (200). In this case, one end of a first flow path (P11) may be connected to a first chamber (C11), and the other end may be connected to an opening/closing portion (233). One end of a second flow path (P12) may be connected to a second chamber (C12), and the other end may be connected to an opening/closing portion (233). One end of a third flow path (P13) may be connected to an opening/closing portion (133). When the cartridge (200) is combined with a body (100), the other end of the third flow path (P13) may be arranged at an end that contacts the body (100).

The first euro (P11) and the second euro (P12) can be connected to the third euro (P13) through the opening/closing part (233). The opening/closing part (233) can connect either the first euro (P11) or the second euro (P12) to the third euro (P13) by an opening/closing operation.

When the cartridge (200) is coupled with the body (100), the third flow path (P13) can come into contact with the first liquid delivery unit (132). The first aerosol generating material in the first chamber (C11) or the second aerosol generating material in the second chamber (C12) can move to the first liquid delivery unit (132) of the body (100) through the third flow path (P13).

When the cartridge (200) is coupled with the body (100), and the first flow path (P11) is connected to the third flow path (P13) by the opening/closing part (233), the first aerosol generating substance in the first chamber (C11) can flow to the first liquid delivery part (132) of the body (100) through the first flow path (P11) and the third flow path (P13).

When the cartridge (200) is coupled with the body (100), and the second flow path (P12) is connected to the third flow path (P13) by the opening/closing part (233), the second aerosol generating substance in the second chamber (C12) can flow to the first liquid delivery part (132) of the body (100) through the second flow path (P12) and the third flow path (P13).

Referring to FIG. 9, the aerosol generator (10) can receive a chamber selection signal in operation S1010. The aerosol generator (10) can receive the chamber selection signal from an input device (121) that receives a user input. For example, the chamber selection signal can include a first chamber (C11) selection signal or a second chamber (C12) selection signal. The aerosol generator (10) can identify a chamber selected by a user based on the user input received from the input device (121).

The aerosol generator (10) can determine whether the chamber has been changed in operation S1020. The aerosol generator (10) can identify a chamber selected by the user among a plurality of chambers (C11, C12) based on the received chamber selection signal. The aerosol generator (10) can determine whether the selected chamber is the same as a chamber that was previously selected and in use. The aerosol generator (10) can store the user's chamber selection information in the memory (14). The aerosol generator (10) can compare the received chamber selection signal with the chamber selection signal that was previously selected and in use, stored in the memory (14), based on the information stored in the memory (14). The aerosol generator (10) can determine that the chamber has been changed if the chamber selected by the user is different from the chamber that was previously selected and in use.

The aerosol generator (10) can control the power supplied to the heater (131) based on the chamber change in operation S1030 to heat and vaporize the remaining aerosol product within the first liquid delivery unit (132).

For example, the aerosol generating device (10) can supply power to the heater (131) for a set period of time to raise the temperature of the heater (131) to a temperature higher than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material within the liquid delivery unit (132). The heater (131) can heat and vaporize the remaining aerosol generating material within the first liquid delivery unit (132).

For example, the aerosol generator (10) may monitor the temperature of the heater (131) while supplying power to the heater (131), and cut off the power supplied to the heater (131) when the temperature of the heater (131) is higher than a set temperature. The aerosol generator (10) may heat the remaining aerosol product within the first liquid delivery unit (132) until the heater (131) is heated to the set temperature.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generator (10), in operation S1020, if it is determined that the chamber has not been changed, may not perform an operation of supplying power to the heater (131) to heat the remaining aerosol generating material in the first liquid delivery unit (132).

If the user selects the same chamber as before, the type of aerosol generating material impregnated in the first liquid delivery unit (132) and/or the type of flavoring/flavoring agent included in the aerosol generating material may be the same. Therefore, the aerosol generating device (10) can prevent different aerosol generating materials and/or flavoring/flavoring agent included in the aerosol generating material from being mixed within the first liquid delivery unit (132) by heating the remaining aerosol generating material within the first liquid delivery unit (132) only when the chamber is changed.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generator (10) can control the opening/closing part (133) to connect either the first body path (134A) or the second body path (134B) to the third body path (134C) so that the aerosol product in the chamber selected by the user can be impregnated into the first liquid delivery part (132) after operation S1030.

The aerosol generator (10) can prevent different aerosol production materials from being simultaneously impregnated into the first liquid delivery unit (132) by changing the chamber by controlling the operation of the opening/closing unit (133) after vaporizing the remaining liquid phase by the heater (131).

As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the cartridge coupled to the body is changed or the aerosol generating substance selected by the user is changed, residual aerosol generating substance remaining within the liquid delivery portion can be removed.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, upon changing the cartridge or changing the selected aerosol generating material, the odor of residual aerosol generating material remaining within the liquid delivery portion can be minimized from mixing with the odor of the changed aerosol generating material.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, when using different types of aerosol generating materials, a feeling of incongruity felt by a user due to mixing of aerosol generating materials can be minimized.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, an aerosol generating device (10) according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a cartridge (200) having a chamber (C1) for storing an aerosol generating material formed therein; a body (100) coupled with the cartridge (200); a liquid delivery unit (132) connected to the chamber (C1); a heater (131) for heating the liquid delivery unit (132); and a control unit (17) for controlling power supplied to the heater (131); wherein the control unit (17) controls power supplied to the heater (131) based on whether the cartridge (200) is coupled to or separated from the body (100), thereby increasing the temperature of the heater (131) to a temperature higher than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material in the liquid delivery unit (132).

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit (17) can control the power supplied to the heater (131) for a set period of time based on whether the cartridge (200) is coupled with or separated from the body (100), thereby increasing the temperature of the heater (131) to a temperature higher than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material in the liquid delivery unit (132).

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit (17) can monitor the temperature of the heater (131) and cut off the power supplied to the heater (131) based on the temperature of the heater (131) being higher than a set temperature.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the resistance value of the heater (131) changes depending on the temperature of the heater (131), and the control unit (17) can determine the temperature of the heater (131) based on the resistance temperature coefficient of the heater (131).

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a cartridge detection sensor (153) for detecting coupling and separation of the cartridge (200) is included, and the control unit (17) can detect coupling of the cartridge (200) with the body (100) or separation from the body (100) based on a signal received from the cartridge detection sensor (153).

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a memory (14) for storing type information of a cartridge (200) coupled with the body (100) is included, wherein the cartridge detection sensor (153) receives information of the cartridge (200) based on the cartridge (200) being coupled with the body (100), and the control unit (17) determines the type of the cartridge (200) based on the information received from the cartridge detection sensor (153), and controls power supplied to the heater (131) based on whether the type of the cartridge (200) corresponds to the type of a cartridge used in combination with the body (100) before the cartridge (200) is coupled with the body (100).

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit (17) can control the power supplied to the heater (131) based on the type of the cartridge (200) being different from the type of the previously used cartridge, thereby increasing the temperature of the heater (131) to a temperature higher than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material in the liquid delivery unit (132).

Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the type of the cartridge may be determined based on the type of the aerosol generating material stored in the chamber (C1) or the type of flavoring or fragrance included in the aerosol generating material stored in the chamber (C1).

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, an input device (121) for receiving a user input is included, wherein the cartridge (200) is formed with a plurality of chambers (C11, C12), and a different aerosol generating substance is stored in each of the plurality of chambers (C11, C12), and the control unit (17) identifies a chamber selected by the user among the plurality of chambers (C11, C12) based on the user input through the input device (121), and when the selected chamber is changed based on the user input, controls power supplied to the heater (131) to increase the temperature of the heater (131) to a temperature higher than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating substance in the liquid delivery unit (132).

Meanwhile, an operating method of an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include: an operation of detecting that a cartridge (200) is coupled with or separated from a body (100); an operation of controlling power supplied to a heater (131) based on the coupling or separation of the cartridge (200) with or from the body (100), thereby increasing the temperature of the heater (131) to a temperature higher than the vaporization temperature of an aerosol generating material within a liquid delivery unit (132) connected to a chamber (C1) of the cartridge.

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 (10)

In an aerosol generating device,
A cartridge having a chamber formed therein for storing an aerosol generating substance;
A cartridge detection sensor that detects the coupling and separation of the cartridge;
A body coupled with the above cartridge;
A liquid delivery unit connected to the above chamber;
A heater for heating the liquid transfer unit; and
A control unit for controlling power supplied to the heater;
The above control unit,
When the cartridge is detected to be separated from the body, the power supplied to the heater is controlled to increase the temperature of the heater to a temperature higher than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material in the liquid delivery section,
The above control unit
Based on the above cartridge being coupled with the body, information of the cartridge is received from the cartridge detection sensor, and based on the received information, the type of the cartridge is determined,
If the type of the cartridge determined above is different from the type of cartridge used in combination with the body before the cartridge is combined with the body, the power supplied to the heater is controlled to increase the temperature of the heater to a temperature higher than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating substance in the liquid delivery section,
If the type of the cartridge determined above is the same as the type of cartridge used in combination with the body before the cartridge is combined with the body, the heater is controlled not to be supplied with power.
Aerosol generator. In the first paragraph,
The above control unit,
An aerosol generating device that, when detecting that the cartridge is separated from the body, controls power supplied to the heater for a set period of time to increase the temperature of the heater to a temperature higher than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material in the liquid delivery section.
In the first paragraph,
The above control unit,
Monitor the temperature of the above heater,
An aerosol generating device that cuts off power supplied to the heater based on the temperature of the heater being higher than a set temperature.
In the third paragraph,
The resistance value of the heater changes depending on the temperature of the heater.
The above control unit,
An aerosol generating device that determines the temperature of the heater based on the resistance temperature coefficient of the heater.
delete delete In the first paragraph,
The above control unit,
An aerosol generating device that controls power supplied to the heater based on the type of the cartridge being different from the type of the previously used cartridge, thereby raising the temperature of the heater to a temperature higher than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material in the liquid delivery section. In the first paragraph,
An aerosol generating device, wherein the type of the cartridge is determined based on the type of aerosol generating material stored in the chamber or the type of flavoring or fragrance included in the aerosol generating material stored in the chamber. In the first paragraph,
An input device for receiving user input;
The above cartridge is formed with multiple chambers,
Each of the above multiple chambers stores a different aerosol generating substance,
The above control unit,
Based on the user input through the input device, a chamber selected by the user among the plurality of chambers is identified,
An aerosol generating device that controls power supplied to the heater when the selected chamber is changed based on the user input, thereby increasing the temperature of the heater to a temperature higher than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material in the liquid delivery section.
In a method of operating an aerosol generating device,
An action to detect when a cartridge has separated from the body;
When the cartridge is detected to be separated from the body, the operation of controlling power supplied to the heater to increase the temperature of the heater to a temperature higher than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material in the liquid delivery portion connected to the chamber of the cartridge is included;
The above method of operation is
An operation of receiving information about the cartridge from a cartridge detection sensor based on the cartridge being coupled with the body;
An operation of determining the type of the cartridge based on the received information;
An operation of controlling the power supplied to the heater to raise the temperature of the heater to a temperature higher than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating material in the liquid delivery section, when the type of the determined cartridge is different from the type of the cartridge used in combination with the body before the cartridge is combined with the body; and
Further comprising an action of controlling not to supply power to the heater if the type of the determined cartridge is the same as the type of cartridge used in combination with the body before the cartridge is combined with the body.
Method of operation of an aerosol generating device.

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