KR102853160B1 - Aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is disclosed. The aerosol generating device of the present disclosure comprises: a battery; a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the battery; a plurality of heaters; and a control unit, wherein the control unit determines a threshold for a duty ratio corresponding to an output of the battery based on a temperature of the battery, and adjusts a duty ratio corresponding to at least one of the plurality of heaters based on a total duty ratio corresponding to the plurality of heaters being greater than or equal to the threshold.

Description

Aerosol generating device

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

An aerosol generator is designed to extract a specific component from a medium or substance through an aerosol. The medium may contain various components. The components contained in the medium may be flavoring substances of various components. For example, the components contained in the medium may include nicotine, herbal ingredients, and/or coffee ingredients. Recently, extensive research has been conducted on such aerosol generators.

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

Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device that can ensure control stability and heating performance for a heater based on the temperature of a battery.

Another purpose may be to provide an aerosol generator capable of ensuring control stability and heating performance for a heater based on the current output voltage of a battery.

Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device that can ensure control stability and heating performance for a heater based on the time power is supplied from a battery.

An aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described purpose includes: a battery; a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the battery; a plurality of heaters; and a control unit, wherein the control unit determines a threshold for a duty ratio corresponding to an output of the battery based on a temperature of the battery, and adjusts a duty ratio corresponding to at least one of the plurality of heaters based on a total duty ratio corresponding to the plurality of heaters being equal to or greater than the threshold.

An aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described purpose includes: a battery; a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the battery; a heater; and a control unit, wherein the control unit determines a threshold for a duty ratio corresponding to an output of the battery based on the temperature of the battery, and adjusts the duty ratio corresponding to the heater based on the duty ratio corresponding to the heater being greater than or equal to the threshold.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, control stability and heating performance for a heater can be ensured based on the temperature of the battery.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, control stability and heating performance for a heater can be ensured based on the current output voltage of the battery.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, control stability and heating performance for a heater can be ensured based on the time for which power is supplied from a battery.

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

Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figures 2 to 4 are drawings for reference in the description of an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
Figures 5 and 6 are drawings for reference in the description of a stick according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 7 and 8 are flowcharts illustrating an operation method of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 9 to 15 are drawings for reference in explaining the operation of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description may be assigned or used interchangeably solely for the convenience of writing the specification. "Module" and "part" do not, by themselves, have distinct meanings or roles.

In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of 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 understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concepts 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 within 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, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

When a component is referred to as being "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 intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

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

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

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, and near field communication (NFC).

The input/output interface (12) may include an input device that receives commands from a user and/or an output device that outputs information to the user. For example, the input device 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 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 may refer to any 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 substance may, in one embodiment, be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing substance including volatile tobacco flavor components. The liquid aerosol-generating substance may, in another embodiment, be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco substance. For example, the liquid aerosol-generating substance may comprise water, a solvent, nicotine, plant extracts, flavorings, flavoring agents, vitamin mixtures, and the like.

The solid aerosol-generating material may include a solid material based on tobacco raw materials, such as a sheet of leaf, a tobacco peel, 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, which contain flavoring ingredients.

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.

The aerosol generating module (13) may include an electrically resistive heater. For example, the electrically resistive heater may include at least one electrically conductive track. The electrically resistive heater may be heated by a current flowing through the electrically conductive track. In this case, the aerosol generating material may be heated by the heated electrically 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 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 utilizing 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 the current flowing through the electrically conductive coil. At this time, when the alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic body, energy loss due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss may occur in the magnetic body. In addition, as the lost energy is released as thermal energy, an aerosol generating material adjacent to the magnetic body may be heated. Here, an object that generates heat due to a magnetic field may be referred to as 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.

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 about the user's inhalation pattern, data about charging/discharging, etc. Here, a puff may refer to a user's inhalation. Inhalation may refer to a situation in which the user draws air into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the mouth or nose.

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

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 included in the aerosol generation module (13), the temperature of the aerosol generation material, etc. At this time, the heater included in the aerosol generation module (13) may also function as a temperature sensor. For example, the electrically resistive material of the heater may be a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance. The sensor module (15) may sense the temperature of the heater by measuring the resistance of the heater 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, a stick detection sensor).

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

At this time, the stick detection sensor and/or cartridge detection sensor can be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc.

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

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 after 2000 charge/discharge cycles.

The aerosol generator (10) may further include a protection circuit module (PCM), which is a circuit for protecting the battery (16). The protection circuit module (PCM) may be arranged adjacent to the upper surface of the battery (16). For example, the protection circuit module (PCM) may block the electrical path to the battery (16) in the event of a short circuit in a circuit connected to the battery (16), in the event of overvoltage being applied to the battery (16), in the event of overcurrent flowing 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 to which power supplied from an external source is input. For example, the 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 the 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 an external source via 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 wirelessly supplied power.

The control unit (17) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator (10). The control unit (17) can be connected to each component provided in the aerosol generator (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 generator (10) using the processor. Here, the processor may be a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). 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 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 a temperature profile, a 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 generator (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 confirmed based on the sensing values of the puff sensor.

The control unit (17) can control the operation of each component provided in the aerosol generator (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 to be changed or maintained based on the temperature profile stored in the memory (14).

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

The control unit (17) can calculate the remaining power capacity (hereinafter, “remaining power”) 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 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 using the PWM method. At this time, the control unit (17) can control the power supplied to the heater 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 using the PID method, which is a feedback control method using the difference value between the temperature of the heater 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.

Meanwhile, the PWM method and the PID method have been described as examples of control methods for supplying power to the heater, 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.

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

FIG. 2 and FIG. 6 are drawings for reference in the description of an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol generating device (10) may include a main body (100) and/or a cartridge (200).

Referring to FIG. 2, an aerosol generating device (10) according to one embodiment may include a main body (100) configured such that a stick (20) can be inserted into a space formed by a housing (101).

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 entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device (10), and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device (10), or portions of the first part and the second part may be inserted. The user may inhale the aerosol while holding the second part in his or her mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated by external air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol may be delivered to the user's mouth by passing through the second part.

The main body (100) may be formed in a structure that allows external air to flow into the interior of the main body (100) when the stick (20) is inserted. At this time, the external air that flows into the main body (100) may pass through the stick (20) and flow into the user's mouth.

The heater may be positioned in the body (100) corresponding to the position of the stick (20) when the stick (20) is inserted into the body (100). In this drawing, the heater is illustrated as an electrically conductive heater (110) including a needle-shaped electrically conductive track, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The heater can heat the inside and/or outside of the stick (20) using power supplied from the battery (16). At this time, an aerosol can be generated from the heated stick (20). At this time, the user can inhale the aerosol containing tobacco flavor by inhaling one end of the stick (20) with the mouth.

Meanwhile, the control unit (17) can control power to be supplied to the heater even when the stick (20) is not inserted, according to preset conditions. For example, if a cleaning function for cleaning the space where the stick (20) is inserted is selected according to a command input from a user through the input/output interface (12), the control unit (17) can control power to be supplied to the heater at a predetermined level.

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.

Referring to FIG. 3, an aerosol generating device (10) according to one embodiment may include a main body (100) that supports a cartridge (200) and a cartridge (200) that holds an aerosol generating material.

The cartridge (200) may be configured to be detachably attached to the main body (100) according to one embodiment. The cartridge (200) may be configured integrally with the main body (100) according to another embodiment. For example, at least a portion of the cartridge (200) may be inserted into an internal space formed by the housing (101) of the main body (100), so that the cartridge (200) may be mounted on the main body (100).

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

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

The cartridge (200) may include a first heater (210) for heating an aerosol-generating substance and/or a storage unit (220) for holding the aerosol-generating substance. For example, a liquid delivery means for impregnating (containing) the aerosol-generating substance may be disposed inside the storage unit (220). The electrically conductive track of the first heater (210) may be formed in a structure that winds the liquid delivery means. At this time, as the liquid delivery means is heated by the first heater (210), an aerosol may be generated. Here, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The storage unit (220) for storing the liquid may be referred to as a chamber (220).

The cartridge (200) may include an insertion space (230) configured to allow the stick (20) to be inserted. For example, the cartridge (200) may include an insertion space formed by an inner wall (not shown) extending circumferentially along the direction in which the stick (20) is inserted. In this case, the insertion space may be formed by having the inner side of the inner wall open vertically. The stick (20) may be inserted into the insertion space (230) formed by the inner wall.

The insertion space 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. For example, when the stick (20) is formed in a cylindrical shape, the insertion space can be formed in a cylindrical shape.

When the stick (20) is inserted into the insertion space, the outer surface of the stick (20) is surrounded by the inner wall and can come into contact with the inner wall.

A portion of the stick (20) can be inserted into the insertion space (230) of the cartridge (200), and the remaining portion can be exposed to the outside.

The user can inhale the aerosol by holding one end of the stick (20) in his/her mouth. The aerosol generated by the first heater (210) 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 with the substance added can be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick (20).

The cartridge (200) may include a second heater (215) that heats the stick (20). The second heater (215) may be positioned in the cartridge (200) at a location corresponding to the location of the stick (20) when the stick (20) is inserted into the insertion space (230). The second heater (215) may be configured as an electrically conductive heater and/or an induction heating heater. The second heater (215) may heat the inside and/or the outside of the stick (20) using power supplied from the battery (16).

Referring to FIG. 4, an aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment may include a main body (100) that supports a cartridge (200) and a cartridge (200) that holds an aerosol generating material. The main body (100) may be configured such that a stick (20) can be inserted into an insertion space (130).

The aerosol generating device (100) may include a first heater (210) for heating an aerosol generating substance stored in a cartridge (200) and/or a second heater (115) for heating a stick (20) inserted into the main body (100). For example, the aerosol generating device (100) may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating substance stored in the cartridge (200) and the stick (20), respectively, through the first heater (210) and the second heater (115).

Below, an explanation will be given based on an embodiment in which a stick (20) is inserted into an insertion space (130) formed in a housing (101) of a main body (100).

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are drawings referenced in the description of a stick according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed descriptions of overlapping content in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 5, a cigarette (20) according to one embodiment may include a tobacco rod (21) and a filter rod (22). The first part described above with reference to FIG. 2 may include the tobacco rod (21). The second part described above with reference to FIG. 2 may include the filter rod (22).

Although the filter rod (22) is illustrated as a single segment in FIG. 5, it is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod (22) may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod (22) may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a predetermined component contained within the aerosol. In addition, the filter rod (22) may further include at least one segment that performs a different function, if necessary.

The diameter of the stick (20) is within the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and the length may be about 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod (21) may be about 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod (22) may be about 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod (22) may be about 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod (22) may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The stick (20) may be wrapped by at least one wrapper (24). The wrapper (24) may have at least one hole formed therein through which outside air is introduced or internal gas is discharged. As an example, the stick (20) may be wrapped by one wrapper (24). As another example, the stick (20) may be wrapped by two or more wrappers (24) in an overlapping manner. For example, the tobacco rod (21) may be wrapped by a first wrapper (241). For example, the filter rod (22) may be wrapped by wrappers (242, 243, 244). The tobacco rod (21) and the filter rod (22) wrapped by individual wrappers may be combined. The entire stick (20) may be repackaged by a third wrapper (245). If each filter load (22) is composed of multiple segments, each segment can be wrapped by an individual wrapper (242, 243, 244). The entire stick (20) in which the segments wrapped by the individual wrappers are combined can be re-wrapped by another wrapper.

The first wrapper (241) and the second wrapper (242) may be made of general filter paper. For example, the first wrapper (241) and the second wrapper (242) may be porous paper or non-porous paper. Additionally, the first wrapper (241) and the second wrapper (242) may be made of oil-resistant paper and/or aluminum composite packaging material.

The third wrapper (243) may be made of hard paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper (243) may be within the range of 88 g/m2 to 96 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper (243) may be within the range of 90 g/m2 to 94 g/m2. In addition, the thickness of the third wrapper (243) may be within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper (243) may be 125 μm.

The fourth wrapper (244) may be made of a hard, oil-resistant paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper (244) may be within the range of 88 g/m2 to 96 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper (244) may be within the range of 90 g/m2 to 94 g/m2. In addition, the thickness of the fourth wrapper (244) may be within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper (244) may be 125 μm.

The fifth wrapper (245) may be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) may refer to paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper (245) may be within the range of 57 g/m2 to 63 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper (245) may be 60 g/m2. In addition, the thickness of the fifth wrapper (245) may be within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper (245) may be 67 μm.

The fifth wrapper (245) may be coated with a predetermined material. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be silicone, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicone may have properties such as heat resistance with little change depending on temperature, oxidation resistance without oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicone, any material having the aforementioned properties may be applied or coated onto the fifth wrapper (245) without limitation.

The fifth wrapper (245) can prevent the stick (20) from burning. For example, if the tobacco rod (21) is heated by the heater (110), there is a possibility that the stick (20) will burn. Specifically, if the temperature rises above the ignition point of any of the materials contained in the tobacco rod (21), the stick (20) may burn. Even in this case, since the fifth wrapper (245) includes a non-combustible material, the phenomenon of the stick (20) burning can be prevented.

In addition, the fifth wrapper (245) can prevent the main body (100) from being contaminated by substances generated from the stick (20). Liquid substances can be generated within the stick (20) by the user's puff. For example, liquid substances (e.g., moisture, etc.) can be generated by cooling the aerosol generated from the stick (20) by external air. As the fifth wrapper (245) wraps the stick (20), liquid substances generated within the stick (20) can be prevented from leaking out of the stick (20).

The tobacco rod (21) may include an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance 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. In addition, the tobacco rod (21) may contain other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and/or organic acids. In addition, 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 as a sheet. For example, the tobacco rod (21) can be manufactured as a strand. For example, the tobacco rod (21) can be manufactured as a cut tobacco sheet that has been finely chopped. For example, the tobacco rod (21) can be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, 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. This can improve the taste of the tobacco. The heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod (21) can function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. At this time, although not shown in the drawing, the tobacco rod (21) may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat-conducting material surrounding the outside.

The filter rod (22) may be a cellulose acetate filter. Meanwhile, there is no limitation on the shape of the filter rod (22). For example, the filter rod (22) may be a cylindrical rod. For example, the filter rod (22) may be a tube-shaped rod including a hollow portion therein. For example, the filter rod (22) may be a recessed rod. When the filter rod (22) is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

The first segment of the filter rod (22) may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure including a hollow space therein. When the heater (110) is inserted into the first segment, the internal material of the tobacco rod (21) may be prevented from being pushed back, and a cooling effect of the aerosol may also be generated. The diameter of the hollow space included in the first segment may be an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The length of the first segment may be any length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The second segment of the filter rod (22) cools the aerosol generated by the heater (110) heating the tobacco rod (21). Accordingly, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

The length or diameter of the second segment may vary depending on the shape of the stick (20). For example, the length of the second segment may be appropriately selected within a range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be approximately 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The second segment can be manufactured by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, a flavoring agent may be applied to the polymer fibers. Alternatively, the second segment can be manufactured by weaving together a separate fiber coated with a flavoring agent and a polymer fiber. Alternatively, the second segment can be formed by a crimped polymer sheet.

For example, the polymer may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

As the second segment is formed by a woven polymer fiber or a crimped polymer sheet, the second segment may include a single or multiple longitudinally extending channels. Here, a channel may mean a passage through which a gas (e.g., air or an aerosol) passes.

For example, the second segment made of a compressed polymer sheet can be formed from a material having a thickness of between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, for example between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. Furthermore, the total surface area of the second segment can be between about 300 mm2/mm and about 1000 mm2/mm. Furthermore, the aerosol-cooling element can be formed from a material having a specific surface area of between about 10 mm2/mg and about 100 mm2/mg.

Meanwhile, the second segment may include a thread containing a volatile flavoring component. Here, the volatile flavoring component may be menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thread may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide the second segment with at least 1.5 mg of menthol.

The third segment of the filter rod (22) may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be suitably selected within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be approximately 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The filter rod (22) may be manufactured to generate a flavor. For example, a flavoring agent may be sprayed onto the filter rod (22). For example, a separate fiber coated with a flavoring agent may be inserted into the interior of the filter rod (22).

Additionally, the filter rod (22) may include at least one capsule (23). Here, the capsule (23) may perform a function of generating a flavor. The capsule (23) may also perform a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule (23) may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is wrapped with a film. The capsule (23) may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 6, a stick (30) according to one embodiment may further include a shear plug (33). The shear plug (33) is located on one side of the tobacco rod (31) facing the filter rod (32). The shear plug (33) can prevent the tobacco rod (31) from escaping to the outside. The shear plug (33) can prevent liquefied aerosol from the tobacco rod (31) from flowing into the aerosol generating device (100) during smoking.

The filter load (32) may include a first segment (321) and a second segment (322). The first segment (321) may correspond to the first segment of the filter load (22) of FIG. 5. The second segment (322) may correspond to the third segment of the filter load (22) of FIG. 5.

The diameter and overall length of the stick (30) may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the stick (20) of FIG. 5. For example, the length of the shear plug (33) may be about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod (31) may be about 15 mm, the length of the first segment (321) may be about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment (322) may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The stick (30) may be wrapped by at least one wrapper (35). The wrapper (35) may have at least one hole formed therein through which external air may flow in or internal gas may flow out. For example, the shear plug (33) may be wrapped by a first wrapper (351), the tobacco rod (31) may be wrapped by a second wrapper (352), the first segment (321) may be wrapped by a third wrapper (353), and the second segment (322) may be wrapped by a fourth wrapper (354). In addition, the entire stick (30) may be rewrapped by a fifth wrapper (355).

Additionally, at least one perforation (36) may be formed in the fifth wrapper (355). For example, the perforation (36) may be formed in an area surrounding the tobacco rod (31), but is not limited thereto. For example, the perforation (36) may serve to transfer heat generated by the heater (210) illustrated in FIG. 3 to the interior of the tobacco rod (31).

Additionally, the second segment (322) may include at least one capsule (34). Here, the capsule (34) may perform a function of generating a flavor. The capsule (34) may also perform a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule (34) may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is encapsulated in a film. The capsule (34) may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

The first wrapper (351) may be a general filter paper combined with a metal foil, such as aluminum foil. For example, the overall thickness of the first wrapper (351) may be within a range of 45 μm to 55 μm. For example, the overall thickness of the first wrapper (351) may be 50.3 μm. In addition, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper (351) may be within a range of 6 μm to 7 μm. For example, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper (351) may be 6.3 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the first wrapper (351) may be within a range of 50 g/m2 to 55 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of the first wrapper (351) may be 53 g/m2.

The second wrapper (352) and the third wrapper (353) can be made of general filter paper. For example, the second wrapper (352) and the third wrapper (353) can be porous paper or non-porous paper.

For example, the porosity of the second wrapper (352) may be 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the thickness of the second wrapper (352) may be within a range of 70 um to 80 um. For example, the thickness of the second wrapper (352) may be 78 um. In addition, the basis weight of the second wrapper (352) may be within a range of 20 g/m2 to 25 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of the second wrapper (352) may be 23.5 g/m2.

For example, the porosity of the third wrapper (353) may be, but is not limited to, 24000 CU. In addition, the thickness of the third wrapper (353) may be within a range of 60 um to 70 um. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper (353) may be 68 um. In addition, the basis weight of the third wrapper (353) may be within a range of 20 g/m2 to 25 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper (353) may be 21 g/m2.

The fourth wrapper (354) may be made of PLA laminate. Here, the PLA laminate may refer to three layers of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper (354) may be within a range of 100 μm to 120 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper (354) may be 110 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper (354) may be within a range of 80 g/m2 to 100 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper (354) may be 88 g/m2.

The fifth wrapper (355) may be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) may refer to paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper (355) may be within the range of 57 g/m2 to 63 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper (355) may be 60 g/m2. In addition, the thickness of the fifth wrapper (355) may be within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper (355) may be 67 μm.

The fifth wrapper (355) may be coated with a predetermined material. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be silicone, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicone has properties such as heat resistance with little change depending on temperature, oxidation resistance without oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicone, any material having the aforementioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper (355) without limitation.

The shear plug (33) may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the shear plug (33) may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be within a range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be within a range of 4.0 to 6.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments of the shear plug (33) may be 5.0. In addition, the cross-section of the filaments constituting the shear plug (33) may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the shear plug (33) may be within a range of 20,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the shear plug (33) may be within the range of 25,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the shear plug (33) may be 28,000.

Additionally, if necessary, the shear plug (33) may include at least one channel. The cross-sectional shape of the channel of the shear plug (330) may be manufactured in various ways.

The tobacco rod (31) may correspond to the tobacco rod (21) described above with reference to FIG. 5. Therefore, a detailed description of the tobacco rod (31) will be omitted below.

The first segment (321) may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure having a hollow interior. The first segment (321) may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the mono denier and total denier of the first segment (321) may be the same as the mono denier and total denier of the shear plug (33).

The second segment (322) may be made of cellulose acetate. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the second segment (322) may be within a range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments of the second segment (322) may be within a range of 8.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments of the second segment (322) may be 9.0. In addition, the cross-section of the filaments of the second segment (322) may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment (322) may be within a range of 20,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the second segment (322) may be 25,000.

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are flowcharts illustrating an operation method of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7, the aerosol generator (10) can detect the temperature of the battery (16) through a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the battery (16) in operation S710. For example, the aerosol generator (10) can turn on the power based on the insertion of the stick (20) into the insertion space (130) formed in the housing (101). At this time, the aerosol generator (10) can detect the temperature of the battery (16). For example, the aerosol generator (10) can detect the temperature of the battery (16) according to a predetermined cycle.

Regarding detecting the temperature of the battery (16), a description will be given with reference to Fig. 9.

Referring to FIG. 9, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an insertion space in which a cigarette (20) is placed may be formed at the top of the housing (201) of the aerosol generating device (10).

The insertion space may be formed by being sunken into the housing (201) to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the cigarette (20) can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of the area containing the aerosol product in the cigarette (20). For example, if the aerosol generating device (10) is a device capable of using the cigarette (20) of FIG. 5, the depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of the tobacco rod (21) of the cigarette (20).

Inside the housing (201) of the aerosol generator (10), components such as a battery (16), a printed circuit board (910), and a heater can be placed.

Each component provided in the aerosol generating device (10) may be mounted on one side and/or the other side of the printed circuit board (910). The components mounted on the printed circuit board (910) may transmit or receive signals to each other through the wiring layer of the printed circuit board (910). For example, at least one communication module included in the communication interface (11), at least one sensor included in the sensor module (15), a control unit (17), etc. may be mounted on the printed circuit board (910).

The printed circuit board (910) may be positioned adjacent to the battery (16). For example, the printed circuit board (910) may be positioned so that one side faces the battery (16).

A display (920) may be placed on one side of the housing (201). The display (920) may display a screen according to a signal transmitted from the control unit (17).

A power terminal (930) may be placed on one side of the housing (201) of the aerosol generator (10). The power terminal (930) may be a wired terminal for wired communication such as USB.

A power supply circuit may be arranged between the battery (16) and the power terminal (930). The power supply circuit may transmit power supplied from an external source to the battery (16) through the power terminal (930). A power line (935) for supplying power may be connected to the power terminal (930). For example, the power terminal (930) may be coupled to a connector of the power line (935). The control unit (17) may determine whether the power line (935) is connected to the power terminal (930). For example, the control unit (17) may determine whether the power line (935) is connected to the power terminal (930) based on a signal generated in response to the connection between the power terminal (930) and the power line (935).

A motor (940) that generates vibration may be placed inside the housing (101). The motor (940) may control the period and/or intensity of the vibration based on a signal transmitted from the control unit (17).

A temperature sensor (950) that detects the temperature of the battery (16) may be placed inside the housing (101). The temperature sensor (950) may be placed adjacent to the battery (16). For example, the temperature sensor (950) may be attached to one surface of the battery (16). Meanwhile, the temperature sensor (950) may also be mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board (910).

The temperature sensor (950) may be implemented by a thermistor, which is a device that utilizes the property of changing resistance depending on temperature. For example, the temperature sensor may include a negative temperature coefficient thermistor (NTC thermistor) that has the property of decreasing resistance as temperature increases.

The structure of the aerosol generator (10) is not limited to that shown in FIG. 9, and the arrangement of the battery (16), printed circuit board (910), display (920), power terminal (930), motor (940), temperature sensor (950), etc. may vary depending on the embodiment.

The aerosol generator (10) can determine a threshold (hereinafter, power threshold) for a duty ratio corresponding to the output of the battery (16) based on the temperature of the battery (16) in operation S720.

When the temperature of the battery (16) drops below a certain temperature level, the performance of the battery (16) may deteriorate due to causes such as a significant decrease in the mobility of lithium ions. In this case, if a voltage drop occurs in the output voltage of the battery (16) due to the performance deterioration of the battery (16), the user may not be able to use the aerosol generator (10) due to the operation of the protection circuit module (PCM), etc. In consideration of this, the aerosol generator (10) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may determine a power threshold based on the temperature of the battery (16). Determining the power threshold based on the temperature of the battery (16) will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

Referring to FIG. 8, the aerosol generator (10) can determine a threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery (16) in operation S810. For example, the aerosol generator (10) can determine a threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery (16) based on a lookup table regarding a correspondence between the temperature of the battery (16) and the threshold stored in the memory (14). Here, the threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery (16) can increase in response to an increase in the temperature of the battery (16) within a predetermined temperature range.

Referring to FIG. 10, the aerosol generator (10) may determine that power supply to the heater (115, 210) is impossible when the temperature of the battery (16) is lower than the preset minimum temperature (e.g., -15°C). At this time, the aerosol generator (10) may determine a threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery (16) as 0% based on the fact that the temperature of the battery (16) is lower than the preset minimum temperature of -15°C. At this time, since the threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery (16) is determined to be 0%, the power supply to the heater (115, 210) may be cut off.

When the temperature of the battery (16) is higher than the preset minimum temperature (e.g., -15°C), the threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery (16) may increase in proportion to the increase in the temperature of the battery (16). The threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery (16) may increase up to the preset maximum duty ratio (Dmax). Here, the maximum duty ratio (Dmax) may be a preset duty ratio (e.g., 90%) in consideration of a stable power supply to components provided in the aerosol generator (10), such as the heater (115, 210).

Meanwhile, the aerosol generator (10) can determine a threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery (16) as the maximum duty ratio (Dmax) when the temperature of the battery (16) is higher than a preset reference temperature (e.g., 10°C).

The aerosol generator (10) can adjust a threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery (16) based on the time (hereinafter, heating time) for which power is supplied to the heater (115, 210) in operation S820. Here, the heating time may be the time elapsed from the time when power supply to the heater (115, 210) is initiated after the power of the aerosol generator (10) is turned on. For example, the aerosol generator (10) can initiate power supply to the heater (115, 210) based on the insertion of the stick (20) into the insertion space (130) formed in the housing (101).

When the power supply from the battery (16) is initiated after the power of the aerosol generator (10) is turned on, a voltage drop may occur in the output voltage of the battery (16). For example, when an in-rush current flows due to the state of charge of a capacitor among the components provided in the aerosol generator (10), a voltage drop may occur in the output voltage of the battery (16). Considering this, the aerosol generator (10) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may adjust a threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery (16) based on the heating time. Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, the aerosol generator (10) may adjust a threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery (16) based on the time elapsed from the time when the power supply from the battery (16) is initiated after the power of the aerosol generator (10) is turned on.

The threshold value adjusted based on the heating time may be lower than or equal to the threshold value corresponding to the temperature of the battery (16). In this case, the difference between the threshold value corresponding to the temperature of the battery (16) and the threshold value adjusted based on the heating time may decrease in response to an increase in the heating time. In other words, as the heating time increases, the degree to which the threshold value corresponding to the temperature of the battery (16) is adjusted according to the heating time may decrease.

Referring to FIG. 11, the aerosol generator (10) can adjust a threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery (16) based on an adjustment ratio corresponding to the heating time. The aerosol generator (10) can determine a result of multiplying the threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery (16) by the adjustment ratio corresponding to the heating time as a threshold adjusted based on the heating time.

The adjustment ratio corresponding to the heating time may increase in response to an increase in the heating time. For example, the adjustment ratio may increase in steps of 10% from the minimum ratio of 20% in response to an increase in the heating time. At this time, the adjustment ratio may increase to the maximum ratio of 100%. Meanwhile, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the time when the power supply to the heater (115, 210) is initiated, the adjustment ratio may be determined as 100%. That is, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the time when the power supply to the heater (115, 210) is initiated, the adjustment for the threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery (16) based on the heating time may be omitted.

The aerosol generator (10) can determine, in operation S830, whether the output voltage of the battery (16) is below a predetermined reference voltage. Here, the reference voltage may correspond to a voltage level at which a protection circuit module (PCM) operates to prevent overdischarge of the battery (16). For example, the aerosol generator (10) can determine whether the output voltage of the battery (16) is below the reference voltage of 2.8 V.

The aerosol generator (10), in operation S840, can increase the cumulative number of times the output voltage of the battery (16) is below the reference voltage when the output voltage of the battery (16) is below the reference voltage. For example, the aerosol generator (10), when the output voltage of the battery (16) is below the reference voltage, can increase the cumulative number by 1.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generator (10) can initialize the accumulated number of times when the output voltage of the battery (16) is higher than the reference voltage in the S850 operation. For example, the aerosol generator (10) can initialize the accumulated number of times to 0 when the output voltage of the battery (16) is higher than the reference voltage.

The aerosol generator (10) can adjust a threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery (16) according to the accumulated number of times in operation S860. For example, the aerosol generator (10) can further adjust a threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery (16) adjusted based on the heating time according to the accumulated number of times.

The threshold value adjusted according to the number of accumulations may be lower than or equal to the threshold value corresponding to the temperature of the battery (16). At this time, the difference between the threshold value corresponding to the temperature of the battery (16) and the threshold value adjusted according to the number of accumulations may increase in response to an increase in the number of accumulations. That is, as the number of times that the output voltage of the battery (16) is lower than the reference voltage increases, the degree to which the threshold value corresponding to the temperature of the battery (16) is adjusted according to the number of accumulations may increase. For example, the aerosol generator (10) may reduce the threshold value corresponding to the temperature of the battery (16) by 1% when the number of accumulations is 1. For example, the aerosol generator (10) may reduce the threshold value corresponding to the temperature of the battery (16) by 5% when the number of accumulations is 5.

Referring back to FIG. 7, the aerosol generator (10) can determine the overall duty ratio corresponding to the heater in operation S730. For example, if the aerosol generator (10) is equipped with a plurality of heaters (115, 210), the total duty ratio can be determined by adding up the duty ratios corresponding to each of the plurality of heaters (115, 210). For example, if the duty ratio corresponding to the first heater (210) is 50% and the duty ratio corresponding to the second heater (115) is 30%, the total duty ratio can be calculated as 80%.

Referring to FIG. 12, when the aerosol generating device (10) has a plurality of heaters (115, 210), it may include a power supply circuit (1210), a first switching element (1220) corresponding to the first heater (210), and/or a second switching element (1230) corresponding to the second heater (115).

The power supply circuit (1210) may be electrically connected to the battery (16). The power supply circuit (1210) may supply power to each component of the aerosol generator (10) based on the power stored in the battery (16). For example, the power supply circuit (1210) may supply power to each of the plurality of heaters (115, 210).

According to one embodiment, the power supply circuit (1210) can convert the voltage output from the battery (16). For example, the power supply circuit (1210) can include a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the battery (16). In the present disclosure, a buck converter is described as an example of a configuration for converting voltage, but is not limited thereto. For example, the power supply circuit (1210) can also include a buck-boost converter, a zener diode, and the like.

According to one embodiment, the power supply circuit (1210) can output an AC current of a predetermined frequency. The power supply circuit (1210) can output an AC current based on the DC voltage of the battery (16). Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, the power supply circuit (1210) is described as outputting an AC current, but it can be understood that the power supply circuit (1210) outputs an AC voltage, an AC power, or the like. For example, when the second heater (115) is an induction heater, the power supply circuit (1210) can output an AC current of a predetermined frequency to the second heater (115).

The power supply circuit (1210) may include an inverter that converts direct current into alternating current. The inverter may output alternating current according to the on/off operation of a plurality of switching elements. For example, if the plurality of switching elements included in the inverter are insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), the control unit (17) may output a switching signal corresponding to a predetermined frequency to the gate terminal of the switching elements. At this time, an alternating current of a predetermined frequency may be output from the power supply circuit (1210) by the on/off operation of the switching elements according to the switching signal. Here, the switching signal may be a PWM signal. Meanwhile, the present disclosure describes an IGBT as an example of a switching element, but is not limited thereto.

The first switching element (1220) and/or the second switching element (1230) can operate on/off based on a control signal (PWM1, PWM2) output from the control unit (17). The first switching element (1220) and/or the second switching element (1230) can be a transistor element. For example, the first switching element (1220) and/or the second switching element (1230) can be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), etc. Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, a transistor element is described as an example of the first switching element (1220) and/or the second switching element (1230), but is not limited thereto.

The control signal (PWM1, PWM2) output from the control unit (17) may be a current pulse having a predetermined duty ratio. The control unit (17) may adjust the duty ratio of the control signal (PWM1, PWM2) input to the first switching element (1220) and/or the second switching element (1230), thereby adjusting the power supplied to at least one of the plurality of heaters (115, 210).

The aerosol generator (10) can determine the total duty ratio corresponding to the heater as the result of adding up the duty ratios of the control signals (PWM1, PWM2) input to the first switching element (1220) and/or the second switching element (1230).

In one embodiment, when the aerosol generator (10) has one heater (e.g., heater (110)), the duty ratio corresponding to the heater can be determined as the overall duty ratio.

The aerosol generator (10) can determine, in operation S740, whether the total duty ratio corresponding to the heater exceeds the power threshold.

The aerosol generator (10) can adjust the duty ratio corresponding to the heater based on the total duty ratio corresponding to the heater exceeding the power threshold in the S750 operation.

According to one embodiment, when the aerosol generator (10) is equipped with one heater (e.g., heater (110)), the duty ratio corresponding to the heater (110) can be adjusted.

Referring to FIG. 13, the aerosol generator (10) can reduce the duty ratio corresponding to the heater (110) to below a power threshold (1310). At this time, the power supplied to the heater (110) can be reduced to below a power corresponding to the power threshold in response to the reduction in the duty ratio corresponding to the heater (110) (1320).

According to one embodiment, when the aerosol generator (10) has a plurality of heaters (115, 210), the duty ratio corresponding to at least one of the plurality of heaters (115, 210) can be adjusted.

Referring to FIG. 14, the aerosol generator (10) can reduce the duty ratio corresponding to any one of the plurality of heaters (115, 210) by the difference between the overall duty ratio and the power threshold (1410, 1420). At this time, the power supplied to the heater (110) can be reduced to a power corresponding to or lower than the power threshold in response to the reduction in the duty ratio corresponding to the heater (110) (1430).

Meanwhile, the aerosol generator (10) may reduce the duty ratio corresponding to each of the plurality of heaters (115, 210). At this time, the total sum of the reduced duty ratios corresponding to each of the plurality of heaters (115, 210) may correspond to the difference between the overall duty ratio and the power threshold.

According to one embodiment, when the aerosol generator (10) is provided with a plurality of heaters (115, 210), the duty ratio corresponding to at least one of the plurality of heaters (115, 210) can be adjusted based on the priorities of the plurality of heaters (115, 210). Here, the priorities of the plurality of heaters (115, 210) can be changed according to user input. For example, the priority of the first heater (210) that heats the liquid aerosol generating material may be higher than the priority of the second heater (115) that heats the stick (20). At this time, the aerosol generator (10) can reduce the duty ratio corresponding to the second heater (115) having a lower priority among the plurality of heaters (115, 210) by the difference between the total duty ratio and the power threshold.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generator (10) can reduce the duty ratios corresponding to each of the plurality of heaters (115, 210). At this time, based on the fact that the priority of the first heater (210) is higher than that of the second heater (115), the decrease in the duty ratio corresponding to the second heater (115) may be greater than the decrease in the duty ratio corresponding to the first heater (210). Meanwhile, the sum of the decrease in the duty ratio corresponding to the first heater (210) and the decrease in the duty ratio corresponding to the second heater (115) may correspond to the difference between the overall duty ratio and the power threshold.

The aerosol generator (10) can supply power to the heaters based on the duty ratio corresponding to the heaters in operation S760. For example, when the aerosol generator (10) is equipped with a plurality of heaters (115, 210), the aerosol generator (10) can supply power to each of the plurality of heaters (115, 210) based on the duty ratio corresponding to each of the plurality of heaters (115, 210).

According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator (10) may perform an operation of adjusting a duty ratio corresponding to a heater according to a power threshold determined based on the temperature of the battery (16) according to a preset cycle. For example, the aerosol generator (10) may perform an operation of determining a power threshold based on the temperature of the battery (16), an operation of adjusting a duty ratio corresponding to a heater according to the power threshold, etc. according to a control cycle according to a PID method, which is a feedback control method.

According to one embodiment, when the aerosol generator (10) has a plurality of heaters (115, 210), the phase of an on-duty section in which power is supplied to the plurality of heaters (115, 210) can be adjusted based on whether the total duty ratio corresponding to the heaters exceeds a power threshold.

Referring to FIG. 15, the aerosol generator (10) can adjust the phase of the on-duty section corresponding to any one of the plurality of heaters (115, 210) so that the on-duty sections corresponding to each of the plurality of heaters (115, 210) do not overlap each other (1510, 1520). At this time, the power supplied to the heater (110) may be less than or equal to a power threshold in the on-duty section corresponding to each of the plurality of heaters (115, 210) (1530).

As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, control stability and heating performance for the heater (115, 210) can be ensured based on the temperature of the battery (16).

Additionally, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, control stability and heating performance for the heater (115, 210) can be ensured based on the current output voltage of the battery (16).

Additionally, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, control stability and heating performance for the heater (115, 210) can be ensured based on the time for which power is supplied from the battery (16).

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 15, an aerosol generating device (10) according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a battery (16); a temperature sensor (950) for detecting the temperature of the battery (16); a plurality of heaters (115, 210); and a control unit (17). The control unit (17) determines a threshold for a duty ratio corresponding to an output of the battery (16) based on the temperature of the battery (16), and can adjust a duty ratio corresponding to at least one of the plurality of heaters (115, 210) based on the total duty ratio corresponding to the plurality of heaters (115, 210) being equal to or greater than the threshold.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a housing (101) further includes a chamber (220) for storing liquid; and an elongated insertion space (130) formed therein, and the plurality of heaters (115, 210) may include a first heater (115, 210) for heating the liquid; and a second heater (115, 210) for heating a stick inserted into the insertion space (130).

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit (17) can reduce the duty ratio corresponding to the heater (115, 210) having the lowest priority among the plurality of heaters (115, 210) based on the priorities for the plurality of heaters (115, 210).

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit (17) reduces the duty ratio corresponding to each of the plurality of heaters (115, 210) based on the priorities of the plurality of heaters (115, 210), and based on the priority of the first heater (210) among the plurality of heaters (115, 210) being higher than the priority of the second heater (115), the reduction value of the duty ratio corresponding to the second heater (115) may be greater than the reduction value of the duty ratio corresponding to the first heater (210).

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit (17) determines a first threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery (16), and, based on a heating time during which power is supplied to at least one of the plurality of heaters (115, 210), determines a second threshold less than or equal to the first threshold as a threshold for the entire duty ratio, and a difference between the first threshold and the second threshold may decrease in response to an increase in the heating time.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit (17) calculates a result of multiplying the first threshold by an adjustment ratio corresponding to the heating time as the second threshold, and the adjustment ratio may increase in response to an increase in the heating time.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit (17) determines a first threshold corresponding to the temperature of the battery (16), and determines a second threshold lower than or equal to the first threshold as a threshold for the entire duty ratio based on the accumulated number of times that the output voltage of the battery (16) is lower than a preset reference voltage, and a difference between the first threshold and the second threshold may increase in response to an increase in the accumulated number of times.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit (17) can initialize the accumulated number of times based on the output voltage of the battery (16) being higher than the reference voltage, and can increase the accumulated number of times based on the output voltage of the battery (16) being lower than the reference voltage.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the device further includes a first switching element (1220) electrically connected to a first heater (210) among the plurality of heaters (115, 210); and a second switching element (1230) electrically connected to a second heater (115) among the plurality of heaters (115, 210), and the control unit (17) can control the operation of each of the first switching element (1220) and the second switching element (1230) based on a duty ratio corresponding to each of the plurality of heaters (115, 210).

Meanwhile, an aerosol generating device (10) according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a battery (16); a temperature sensor (950) for detecting the temperature of the battery (16); a heater (110); and a control unit (17). The control unit (17) determines a threshold for a duty ratio corresponding to an output of the battery (16) based on the temperature of the battery (16), and can adjust the duty ratio corresponding to the heater (110) based on the duty ratio corresponding to the heater (110) being greater than or equal to the threshold.

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

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

The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (10)

battery;
A temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the above battery;
multiple heaters; and
A control unit is included that controls the power supplied to the plurality of heaters by adjusting the duty ratio corresponding to each of the plurality of heaters,
The above control unit,
In response to the temperature of the above battery, a first threshold is determined,
A second threshold that is less than or equal to the first threshold is determined based on at least one of the first threshold, the heating time elapsed after power is supplied to at least one of the plurality of heaters, and the cumulative number of times that the output voltage of the battery is determined to be less than a preset reference voltage in relation to over-discharge of the battery.
The second threshold is determined as a threshold for a duty ratio corresponding to the power supplied to the plurality of heaters,
At least one of the duty ratios corresponding to each of the plurality of heaters is adjusted based on the sum of the duty ratios corresponding to each of the plurality of heaters being greater than or equal to a threshold value for the duty ratio,
An aerosol generating device, characterized in that the difference between the first threshold and the second threshold decreases in response to an increase in the heating time and increases in response to an increase in the accumulated number of times. In the first paragraph,
a chamber for storing liquid; and
Further comprising a housing having a long, extended insertion space formed therein,
The above plurality of heaters are,
a first heater for heating the liquid; and
An aerosol generating device characterized by including a second heater for heating a stick inserted into the above insertion space. In the first paragraph,
In the case where the control unit adjusts at least one of the duty ratios corresponding to each of the plurality of heaters,
An aerosol generating device characterized in that, based on the priorities of the plurality of heaters, the duty ratio corresponding to the heater with the lowest priority among the plurality of heaters is reduced. In the first paragraph,
In the case where the control unit adjusts at least one of the duty ratios corresponding to each of the plurality of heaters,
Based on the priorities for the plurality of heaters, the duty ratio corresponding to each of the plurality of heaters is reduced,
An aerosol generating device characterized in that the reduction value of the duty ratio corresponding to the second heater is greater than the reduction value of the duty ratio corresponding to the first heater, based on the priority of the first heater among the plurality of heaters being higher than the priority of the second heater. delete In the first paragraph,
The above control unit,
The result of multiplying the adjustment ratio corresponding to the heating time by the first threshold is calculated as the second threshold,
An aerosol generating device, characterized in that the above adjustment ratio increases in response to an increase in the heating time. delete In the first paragraph,
The above control unit,
Based on the output voltage of the battery being higher than the reference voltage, the accumulated number of times is initialized,
An aerosol generating device characterized in that the accumulated number of times is increased based on the output voltage of the battery being less than the reference voltage. In the first paragraph,
A first switching element electrically connected to a first heater among the plurality of heaters; and
Further comprising a second switching element electrically connected to a second heater among the plurality of heaters,
The above control unit,
An aerosol generating device characterized in that the operation of each of the first switching element and the second switching element is controlled based on the duty ratio corresponding to each of the plurality of heaters. battery;
A temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the above battery;
heater; and
A control unit is included that controls the power supplied to the heater by adjusting the duty ratio corresponding to the heater,
The above control unit,
In response to the temperature of the above battery, a first threshold is determined,
A second threshold that is less than or equal to the first threshold is determined based on at least one of the first threshold, the heating time elapsed after power is supplied to the heater, and the cumulative number of times that the output voltage of the battery is determined to be less than a preset reference voltage in relation to overdischarge of the battery.
The second threshold is determined as a threshold for a duty ratio corresponding to the power supplied to the heater,
Based on the duty ratio corresponding to the heater being greater than or equal to the threshold, the duty ratio corresponding to the heater is adjusted,
An aerosol generating device, characterized in that the difference between the first threshold and the second threshold decreases in response to an increase in the heating time and increases in response to an increase in the accumulated number of times.