Patent Application
20240381942
Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119 (a), this application claims the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2023-0064652, filed on May 18, 2023 and 10-2023-0090297, filed on Jul. 12, 2023, the contents of which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device.
An aerosol-generating device is a device that extracts certain components from a medium or a substance by forming an aerosol. The medium may contain a multicomponent substance. The substance contained in the medium may be a multicomponent flavoring substance. For example, the substance contained in the medium may include a nicotine component, an herbal component, and/or a coffee component. Recently, various studies on aerosol-generating devices have been conducted.
An aerosol-generating device generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating substance using a heater. A conventional metal heater made of copper, constantan, or the like has a problem in that much time and power are consumed to generate heat to reach a temperature for generation of an aerosol.
A carbonaceous material such as carbon nanotubes or graphene has high thermal conductivity compared to conventional general metals. If a heater made of a carbonaceous material is applied to an aerosol-generating device, it may take only a few seconds or less to generate heat to reach a temperature for generation of an aerosol. However, because a heater made of a carbonaceous material exhibits a high temperature increase rate, a current or voltage applied to the heater may increase sharply, which may make a power supply circuit unstable. Further, there is a problem in that the heater is unnecessarily overheated to a temperature higher than necessary.
It is an object of the present disclosure to solve the above and other problems.
It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device to which a heater made of a carbonaceous material is applied.
It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device configured to control power supplied to the heater according to the temperature increase rate of the heater.
It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device configured to drive a voltage applied to the heater in a negative manner.
It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device configured to diffuse heat generated from the heater.
In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of an aerosol-generating device including a body, a heater disposed in the body and including a carbonaceous material, a temperature sensor configured to output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the heater, a power supply configured to supply power to the heater, a heater driving circuit electrically connected to the heater and the power supply, and a controller configured to control power supplied to the heater, wherein the controller determines a temperature increase rate of the heater based on the signal received from the temperature sensor, and upon determining that the temperature increase rate is equal to or higher than a predetermined rate, the controller controls the heater driving circuit to interrupt supply of power to the heater.
According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, since a heater made of a carbonaceous material is employed, it is possible to reduce a time required to heat the heater and to increase user satisfaction.
According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, since power supplied to the heater is controlled according to the temperature increase rate of the heater, it is possible to prevent a circuit from becoming unstable due to sharp increase in the temperature increase rate of the heater.
According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, since a voltage applied to the heater is driven in a negative manner, it is possible to reduce overshoot of the applied voltage and inrush current and to ensure stable operation of the circuit.
According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, since a heat diffusion part is disposed on the outer side of the heater, it is possible to diffuse heat generated unevenly from the heater and to reduce dissipation of the heat generated from the heater to the outside of the heater, thereby increasing the heating efficiency of an aerosol-generating device.
Additional applications of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, because various changes and modifications will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are merely given by way of example.
The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals even though they are depicted in different drawings, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.
In the following description, with respect to constituent elements used in the following description, the suffixes “module” and “unit” are used only in consideration of facilitation of description, and do not have mutually distinguished meanings or functions. In addition, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when the same may make the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification rather unclear. In addition, the accompanying drawings are provided only for a better understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification and are not intended to limit the technical ideas disclosed in the present specification. Therefore, it should be understood that the accompanying drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions within the scope and sprit of the present disclosure.
It will be understood that although the terms “first”, “second”, etc., may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component.
It will be understood that when a component is referred to as being “connected to” or “coupled to” another component, it may be directly connected to or coupled to another component, or intervening components may be present. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another component, there are no intervening components present.
As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
Throughout the present specification, the directions of an aerosol-generating device and a cartridge may be defined based on the orthogonal coordinate system. In the orthogonal coordinate system, the x-axis direction may be defined as a leftward-rightward direction of the aerosol-generating device and the cartridge. Here, based on the origin, the +x-axis direction may be the rightward direction, and the −x-axis direction may be the leftward direction. The y-axis direction may be defined as a forward-backward direction of the aerosol-generating device and the cartridge. Here, based on the origin, the +y-axis direction may be the backward direction, and the −y-axis direction may be the forward direction. The z-axis direction may be defined as an upward-downward direction of the aerosol-generating device and the cartridge. Here, based on the origin, the +z-axis direction may be the upward direction, and the −z-axis direction may be the downward direction.
Referring to
The heater 18 may heat the stick S. The heater 18 may be disposed around the space into which the stick S is inserted and may be elongated upward. For example, the heater 18 may be formed in a shape of a tube including a cavity formed therein. The heater 18 may be disposed around the insertion space 43. The heater 18 may be disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the insertion space 43. The heater 18 may heat the insertion space 43 or the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. The heater 18 may include an electro-resistive heater and/or an induction heater.
For example, the heater 18 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 18 may include an electrically conductive track and may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heater 18 may be electrically connected to the power supply 11. The heater 18 may directly generate heat using current received from the power supply 11.
For example, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include an induction coil surrounding the heater 18. The induction coil may cause the heater 18 to generate heat. The heater 18 as a susceptor may generate heat using a magnetic field generated by alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field may pass through the heater 18 to generate an eddy current in the heater 18. The current may cause the heater 18 to generate heat.
Meanwhile, a susceptor may be included in the stick S. The susceptor in the stick S may generate heat using a magnetic field generated by alternating current flowing through the induction coil.
The cartridge 19 may contain therein an aerosol-generating substance in a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, or a gel state. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavor component or may be a liquid including a non-tobacco material.
The cartridge 19 may be integrally formed with the body 10 or may be detachably coupled to the body 10.
For example, referring to
For example, referring to
The body 10 may be formed in a structure that allows outside air to be introduced into the body 10 in a state in which the cartridge 19 is inserted thereinto. In this case, the outside air introduced into the body 10 may pass through the cartridge 19 to enter the user's mouth.
The cartridge 19 may include a storage portion C0 containing an aerosol-generating substance and/or a heater 24 configured to heat the aerosol-generating substance in the storage portion C0. The storage portion C0 may be referred to as a container. At least a portion of a liquid delivery element impregnated with (containing) the aerosol-generating substance may be disposed in the storage portion C0. Here, the liquid delivery element may include a wick, such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The electrically conductive track of the heater 24 may be formed in a coil-shaped structure that is wound around the liquid delivery element or a structure that is in contact with one side of the liquid delivery element. The heater 24 may be referred to as a cartridge heater 24.
The cartridge 19 may generate an aerosol. As the liquid delivery element is heated by the cartridge heater 24, an aerosol may be generated. An aerosol may be generated by heating the stick S using the heater 18. While the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 and the heater 18 passes through the stick S, the aerosol may be mixed with a tobacco material, and the aerosol mixed with the tobacco material may be drawn into the user's mouth through one end of the stick S.
The aerosol-generating device 1 may be provided only with the cartridge heater 24, and the body 10 may not be provided with the heater 18. In this case, while the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 passes through the stick S, the aerosol may be mixed with a tobacco material, and the aerosol mixed with the tobacco material may be drawn into the user's mouth.
The aerosol-generating device 1 may include an upper case (not shown). The upper case may be detachably coupled to the body 10 so as to cover at least a portion of the cartridge 19 coupled to the body 10. The stick S may be inserted into the body 10 through the upper case.
The power supply 11 may supply power so that components of the aerosol-generating device operate. The power supply 11 may be referred to as a battery. The power supply 11 may supply power to at least one of the controller 12, the sensor 13, the cartridge heater 24, or the heater 18. If the aerosol-generating device 1 includes an induction coil, the power supply 11 may supply power to the induction coil.
The controller 12 may control overall operation of the aerosol-generating device. The controller 12 may be mounted on a printed circuit board. The controller 12 may control operation of at least one of the power supply 11, the sensor 13, the heater 18, or the cartridge 19. The controller 12 may control operation of a display, a motor, etc. mounted in the aerosol-generating device. The controller 12 may check the state of each of the components of the aerosol-generating device and may determine whether the aerosol-generating device is in an operable state.
The controller 12 may analyze a result of detection by the sensor 13 and may control subsequent processes. For example, the controller 12 may control, based on a result of detection by the sensor 13, power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 so that operation of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 commences or ends. For example, the controller 12 may control, based on a result of detection by the sensor 13, the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 and a power supply time so that the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 is heated to a predetermined temperature or is maintained at an appropriate temperature.
The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a color sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, or an upper case detection sensor. For example, the sensor 13 may detect at least one of the temperature of the heater 18, the temperature of the power supply 11, or the internal/external temperature of the body 10. For example, the sensor 13 may detect a user puff. For example, the sensor 13 may detect whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, the sensor 13 may detect whether the cartridge is mounted. For example, the sensor 13 may detect whether the upper case is mounted.
Referring to
The heater 18 may heat a stick S. The heater 18 may be disposed around a space into which the stick S is inserted and may be elongated upward. For example, the heater 18 may be formed in a shape of a tube including a cavity formed therein. The heater 18 may be disposed around an insertion space 43. The heater 18 may be disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the insertion space 43. The heater 18 may heat the insertion space 43 or the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. The heater 18 may include an electro-resistive heater and/or an induction heater.
For example, referring to
For example, referring to
Meanwhile, a susceptor may be included in the stick S, and the susceptor in the stick S may generate heat using a magnetic field generated by alternating current flowing through the induction coil 181.
The power supply 11 may supply power to at least one of the controller 12, the sensor 13, or the heater 18. If the aerosol-generating device 1 includes the induction coil 181, the power supply 11 may supply power to the induction coil 181.
The controller 12 may control operation of at least one of the power supply 11 or the sensor 13. The controller 12 may analyze a result of detection by the sensor 13 and may control subsequent processes. For example, the controller 12 may control, based on a result of detection by the sensor 13, power supplied to the heater 18 so that operation of the heater 18 commences or ends. For example, the controller 12 may control, based on a result of detection by the sensor 13, the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and a power supply time so that the heater 18 is heated to a predetermined temperature or is maintained at an appropriate temperature.
The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, or an insertion detection sensor. For example, the sensor 13 may detect at least one of the temperature of the heater 18, the temperature of the power supply 11, or the internal/external temperature of the body 10. For example, the sensor 13 may detect a user puff. For example, the sensor 13 may detect whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space 43.
Referring to
The heater 18 may include a carbonaceous material. The carbonaceous material may include at least one of graphene or carbon nanotubes (CNT). Graphene and carbon nanotubes have high thermal and electrical conductivity. Therefore, the heater 18 containing graphene and/or carbon nanotubes has high heat generation efficiency, and the temperature of the heater 18 may rise quickly. In addition, graphene and carbon nanotubes are light in weight and have high flexibility, thus making it possible to obtain the lightweight heater 18 and to facilitate manufacture of the heater 18.
The heater 18 may include a carbon layer 184 containing a carbonaceous material and may include a first film 186 and a second film 187 that are in contact with both surfaces of the carbon layer 184, respectively. The carbon layer may be referred to as a graphene layer or a carbon nanolayer.
The carbon layer 184 may be manufactured using at least one of chemical vapor deposition, arc discharge, laser deposition, vapor growth, or flame synthesis.
An electrically conductive pattern 185 may be formed on the carbon layer 184. The electrically conductive pattern 185 may include two patterns spaced apart from each other. A first pattern 1851 of the electrically conductive pattern 185 may be connected at one end thereof to one end 182 of the heater 18. The end of the heater 18 may be referred to as a first terminal. The first pattern 1851 may include a first base pattern 1851a connected to the first terminal 182 and elongated in one direction. The first pattern 1851 may include a plurality of first extension patterns 1851b extending from the first base pattern 1851a in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the first base pattern and disposed so as to be spaced apart from each other.
A second pattern 1852 of the electrically conductive pattern 185 may be connected to the other end 183 of the heater 18. The other end of the heater 18 may be referred to as a second terminal. The second pattern 1852 may include a second base pattern 1852a connected to the second terminal 183 and elongated in one direction. The second pattern 1852 may include a plurality of second extension patterns 1852b extending from the second base pattern 1852a in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the second base pattern and disposed so as to be spaced apart from each other.
The plurality of first extension patterns 1851b and the plurality of second extension patterns 1852b may be alternately disposed so as to be spaced apart from each other in the extension direction of the first and second base patterns. The intervals by which the plurality of first extension patterns 1851b and the plurality of second extension patterns 1852b are spaced apart from each other in the extension direction of the first and second base patterns may be set to be uniform. However, the shape and arrangement of the plurality of first extension patterns 1851b and the plurality of second extension patterns 1852b are not limited thereto. Various shapes and arrangements may be applied to the plurality of first extension patterns 1851b and the plurality of second extension patterns 1852b, so long as the patterns are spaced apart from each other.
If voltages are applied to the first pattern 1851 and the second pattern 1852, the carbon layer 184 may generate heat in response to a difference between the voltages applied to the first pattern 1851 and the second pattern 1852.
The first film 186 may be disposed in contact with one surface of the carbon layer 184, and the second film 187 may be disposed in contact with the other surface of the carbon layer 184. The first film 186, the carbon layer 184, and the second film 187 may be stacked in that order. The first film 186 and the second film 187 may isolate the carbon layer 184 from the outside and may protect the carbon layer 184.
The first film 186 and the second film 187 may be polyimide films. However, the types of the first film 186 and the second film 187 are not limited thereto.
Referring to
For example, referring to
For example, referring to
Since the heat diffusion part 188 is provided in contact with the cylindrical heater 18 while surrounding the heater 18, it is possible to evenly diffuse heat generated from the heater 18. In addition, it is possible to reduce dissipation of the heat generated from the heater 18 to the outside of the heater 18 and to guide the heat generated from the heater 18 to the inside of the heater 18.
Accordingly, the heating efficiency of the heater 18 may be increased.
Referring to
The heater 18 may be disposed in the body 10. The heater 18 may receive power from the power supply 11 to heat the insertion space 43 and/or the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. The heater 18 may have the features of the heater 18 described above with reference to
The temperature sensor 131 may detect the temperature to which the heater 18 is heated. The temperature sensor 131 may be disposed adjacent to or in contact with the heater 18. The temperature sensor 131 may be a sensor provided separately from the heater 18. However, the heater 18 itself may perform the function of a temperature sensor.
The temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may include a resistive element that changes in resistance value in response to a change in the temperature of the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor may be implemented as a thermistor, which is an element characterized in that the resistance thereof changes with temperature. The temperature sensor 131 may be implemented as a negative temperature coefficient thermistor. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be configured as a sensor configured to detect the resistance value of the heater 18. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the heater 18.
The power supply 11 may supply power to the heater 18. The power supply 11 may supply power to the heater 18 under the control of the controller 12.
The heater driving circuit 200 may be electrically connected to the heater 18 and the power supply 11. The heater driving circuit 200 may supply power output from the power supply 11 to the heater 18 under the control of the controller 12.
The heater driving circuit 200 may include a first circuit 210 and a second circuit 220. The heater driving circuit 200 may apply voltages and/or currents to the two ends 182 and 183 of the heater 18 through the first circuit 210 and the second circuit 220, respectively.
The first circuit 210 may be electrically connected to the end 182 of the heater 18. The first circuit 210 may apply a first voltage Va to the end 182 of the heater 18. The first voltage Va may be a voltage having a predetermined magnitude. For example, the first voltage Va may be a voltage having a magnitude corresponding to the voltage output from the power supply 11.
The first circuit 210 may include a first capacitor C1 (211) electrically connected to the output terminal of the power supply 11. The first capacitor C1 (211) may be connected at a first node N1 to the end 182 of the heater 18 and the output terminal of the power supply 11 and may be electrically connected between the first node N1 and a ground GND. The first capacitor C1 (211) may minimize variation in the first voltage Va applied to the end 182 of the heater 18 so that the first voltage Va is stably applied to the end 182 of the heater 18. Although not shown in the drawing, a resistor and/or a fuse may be electrically connected between the first node N1 and the output terminal of the power supply 11 or between the first node N1 and the end 182 of the heater 18.
The second circuit 220 may be electrically connected to the other end 183 of the heater 18. The second circuit 220 may apply a second voltage Vb to the other end 183 of the heater 18. The second voltage Vb may be a voltage having a variable magnitude. For example, the second voltage Vb may be higher than or equal to 0 V and lower than or equal to the first voltage Va. For example, the second voltage Vb may be 0 V or the first voltage Va.
The second circuit 220 may include a second capacitor C2 (221) electrically connected to the output terminal of the power supply 11. The second capacitor C2 (221) may be connected at a second node N2 to the output terminal of the power supply 11 and a first resistor R1 (222) and may be electrically connected between the second node N2 and the ground GND. The second capacitor C2 (221) may minimize variation in the voltage applied to the other end 183 of the heater 18 so that the voltage is stably applied to the other end 183 of the heater 18. Although not shown in the drawing, a resistor and/or a fuse may be electrically connected between the second node N2 and the output terminal of the power supply 11.
The first resistor R1 (222) may be electrically connected between the second node N2 and a third node N3. The first resistor R1 (222) may be electrically connected between the output terminal of the power supply 11 and the other end 183 of the heater 18. A switch SW (223) may be electrically connected to the first resistor R1 (222). The switch SW (223) may be electrically connected between the third node N3 and the ground GND.
The switch SW (223) may perform on/off operation in response to a control signal received from the controller 12. The switch SW (223) may be referred to as a first switch. The first switch SW (223) may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like.
If the third node N3 and the ground GND are electrically connected or shorted to each other by the first switch SW (223), a voltage of about 0 V may be applied to the other end 183 of the heater 18. If the third node N3 and the ground GND are not electrically connected to each other or an open circuit is formed therebetween by the first switch SW (223), the first voltage Va may be applied to the other end 183 of the heater 18.
The second circuit 220 may include a second switch instead of the first resistor R1 (222). The second switch may be electrically connected between the second node N2 and the third node N3. The second switch may be electrically connected between the output terminal of the power supply 11 and the other end 183 of the heater 18. The first switch SW (223) may be electrically connected to the second switch. The first switch SW (223) may be electrically connected between the third node N3 and the ground GND. The second switch may perform on/off operation in response to a control signal received from the controller 12. The second switch may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like.
The second node N2 and the third node N3 may or may not be electrically connected to each other by the second switch. The second switch may operate complementary to the first switch SW (223). That is, if the first switch SW (223) is switched on, the second switch may be switched off, and if the first switch SW (223) is switched off, the second switch may be switched on. A voltage of 0 V or the first voltage Va may be applied to the other end 183 of the heater 18 by complementary operation of the first switch SW (223) and the second switch.
Although not shown in the drawing, a power conversion circuit may be additionally provided between the heater driving circuit 200 and the power supply 11. The power conversion circuit may convert the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may be implemented as a buck converter, a boost converter, or a buck-boost converter, which converts the voltage output from the power supply 11. A voltage output from the power conversion circuit may be applied to the first node N1 of the first circuit 210 and the second node N2 of the second circuit 220. In this case, the first voltage Va applied to the end 182 of the heater 18 may be a voltage having a magnitude corresponding to the voltage output from the power conversion circuit, and the second voltage Vb applied to the other end 183 of the heater 18 may be 0 V or the first voltage Va.
The controller 12 may control the heater driving circuit 200 to control the power supplied to the heater 18. The controller 12 may calculate or determine the temperature and temperature increase rate of the heater 18 based on a signal received from the temperature sensor 131. The controller 12 may control the power supplied to the heater 18 or may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 based on the calculated or determined temperature and/or temperature increase rate of the heater 18. Control of the heater driving circuit 200 by the controller 12 will be described in detail later.
Referring to
Referring to
The controller 12 may control the first switch SW (223) of the heater driving circuit 200 to adjust the frequency and/or duty ratio of the voltage applied to the heater 18. According to the driving control according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a current may flow through the heater 18 when the voltage applied to the other end 183 of the heater 18 changes from a high voltage (V1) to a low voltage (0 V). When the voltage applied to the heater 18 changes from a high voltage (V1) to a low voltage (0 V), overshoot or undershoot of the voltage may be reduced compared to when the voltage applied to the heater 18 changes from a low voltage (0 V) to a high voltage (V1). In addition, generation of an inrush current in the circuit may be reduced.
Accordingly, the heater driving circuit may operate stably.
Referring again to
The controller 12 may compare the temperature of the heater 18 with a reference temperature (S1040). Upon determining that the temperature of the heater 18 is equal to or higher than the reference temperature, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 (S1050). For example, the controller 12 may control the first switch SW (223) to apply a voltage having the same magnitude as the first voltage Va to the other end 183 of the heater 18.
Upon determining that the temperature of the heater 18 is lower than the reference temperature, the controller 12 may compare the temperature increase rate of the heater 18 with a reference rate (S1060). Upon determining that the temperature increase rate of the heater 18 is equal to or higher than the reference rate, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 (S1050). For example, the controller 12 may control the first switch SW (223) to apply a voltage having the same magnitude as the first voltage Va to the other end 183 of the heater 18.
Upon determining that the temperature increase rate of the heater 18 is lower than the reference rate, the controller 12 may determine the duty ratio based on the temperature increase rate (S1070). For example, the controller 12 may set the duty ratio to be smaller as the temperature increase rate increases. That is, the controller 12 may set the duty ratio to be inversely proportional to the magnitude of the temperature increase rate. The controller 12 may control the operation of the first switch SW (223) based on the determined duty ratio (S1010).
The controller 12 may determine the duty ratio to be equal to or less than a predetermined level. Although the controller 12 determines the duty ratio based on the temperature increase rate of the heater 18, the controller 12 may determine the duty ratio to be equal to or less than 20%. A heater made of a carbonaceous material such as graphene or carbon nanofiber may have a much higher temperature increase rate than the conventional metal heater. The controller 12 may set the duty ratio of the heater 18 to be equal to or less than 20%, thereby preventing the circuit from becoming unstable due to sharp increase in the temperature increase rate of the heater 18.
Accordingly, it is possible to stably drive the heater driving circuit and to minimize deterioration in durability and reduction in lifespan of the heater and/or the heater driving circuit due to high heat generation.
The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a power supply 11, a controller 12, a sensor 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and one or more heaters 18 and 24. However, the internal structure of the aerosol-generating device 1 is not limited to that shown in
The sensor 13 may detect the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 or the state of the surrounding of the aerosol-generating device 1 and may transmit information about the detected state to the controller 12. Based on the information about the detected state, the controller 12 may control the aerosol-generating device 1 to perform various functions, such as control of operation of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18, smoking restriction, determination as to whether the stick S and/or the cartridge 19 is inserted, and notification display.
The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 131, a puff sensor 132, an insertion detection sensor 133, a reuse detection sensor 134, a cartridge detection sensor 135, an upper case detection sensor 136, a movement detection sensor 137, or a humidity sensor 138.
The temperature sensor 131 may detect temperature to which the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 is heated. The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a separate temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18, or the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 itself may serve as a temperature sensor.
The temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may include a resistive element that changes in resistance value according to a change in temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18. The temperature sensor may be implemented as a thermistor, which is an element characterized in that the resistance thereof changes with temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be configured as a sensor configured to detect the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18.
The temperature sensor 131 may be disposed around the power supply 11 to monitor the temperature of the power supply 11. The temperature sensor 131 may be disposed adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be attached to one surface of the battery, which is the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board.
The temperature sensor 131 may be disposed in the body 10 to detect the internal temperature of the body 10.
The puff sensor 132 may detect a user puff based on various physical changes in a gasflow path. The puff sensor 132 may output a signal corresponding to a puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 may be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol-generating device. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol-generating device 1 may correspond to the pressure of the gasflow path through which gas flows. The puff sensor 132 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the gasflow path through which gas flows in the aerosol-generating device 1.
The stick detection sensor 133 may detect insertion and/or removal of the stick S. The stick detection sensor may be referred to as an insertion detection sensor. The insertion detection sensor 133 may detect a signal change caused by insertion and/or removal of the stick S. The insertion detection sensor 133 may be mounted around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor 133 may detect insertion and/or removal of the stick S according to a change in dielectric constant in the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor 133 may be an inductive sensor and/or a capacitance sensor.
The inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. For example, if a magnetic field changes around a coil through which current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may include a frequency of alternating current, a current value, a voltage value, an inductance value, an impedance value, and the like.
The inductive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil. For example, the inductive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.
The capacitance sensor may include a conductive body. The conductive body of the capacitance sensor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the electromagnetic characteristics of the surroundings, for example, the capacitance around the conductive body. For example, if the stick S including a metallic wrapper is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic characteristics around the conductive body may change due to the wrapper of the stick S.
The reuse detection sensor 134 may detect whether the stick S is being reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 may be a color sensor. The color sensor may detect the color of the stick S. The color sensor may detect the color of a portion of the wrapper surrounding the outer side of the stick S. The color sensor may detect, based on light reflected from an object, a value for the optical characteristic corresponding to the color of the object. For example, the optical characteristic may be the wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as a component integrated with a proximity sensor or may be implemented as a component provided separately from a proximity sensor.
At least a portion of the wrapper constituting the stick S may change in color due to an aerosol. The reuse detection sensor 134 may be disposed at a position corresponding to a position at which at least a portion of the wrapper, which changes in color due to an aerosol, is disposed when the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick S is used by the user, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper may be a first color. In this case, while the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device 1 passes through the stick S, at least a portion of the wrapper may become wet due to the aerosol, and accordingly, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper may change to a second color. After changing from the first color to the second color, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper may be maintained in the second color.
The cartridge detection sensor 135 may detect mounting and/or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge detection sensor 135 may be implemented as an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (or Hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc.
The upper case detection sensor 136 may detect mounting and/or removal of the upper case. When the upper case is separated from the body 10, the cartridge 19 and the portion of the body 10 that have been covered by the upper case may be exposed to the outside. The upper case detection sensor 136 may be implemented as a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (or Hall IC), an optical sensor, etc.
The movement detection sensor 137 may detect movement of the aerosol-generating device. The movement detection sensor 137 may be implemented as at least one of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor.
The humidity sensor 138 may detect the humidity of the aerosol-generating device and/or the cartridge. The humidity sensor 138 may detect the humidity of outside air and/or the humidity in the cartridge. The humidity sensor 138 may be implemented as a capacitive sensor or the like. The humidity sensor 138 may be disposed on the outer side of the body 10 or may be located in a path through which outside air is introduced to measure the humidity of the surroundings of the aerosol-generating device 1. The humidity sensor 138 may be located in the storage portion C0 of the cartridge 19 to measure the humidity in the cartridge 19.
In addition to the sensors 131 to 138 described above, the sensor 13 may further include at least one of a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), or a proximity sensor. The functions of the sensors could be intuitively deduced by those skilled in the art from the names thereof, and thus detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.
The output unit 14 may output information about the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 and may provide the information to the user. The output unit 14 may include at least one of a display 141, a haptic unit 142, or a sound output unit 143. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. If the display 141 and a touchpad form a touchscreen together in a layered structure, the display 141 may be used as not only an output device but also an input device.
The display 141 may visually provide information about the aerosol-generating device 1 to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol-generating device 1 may include various pieces of information, such as a charging/discharging state of the power supply 11 of the aerosol-generating device 1, a preheating state of the heater 18, an insertion/removal state of the stick S and/or the cartridge 19, a mounting/removal state of the upper case, and a use restriction state of the aerosol-generating device 1 (e.g., detection of an abnormal article), and the display 141 may output the information to the outside. For example, the display 141 may be in the form of a light-emitting diode (LED) device. For example, the display 141 may be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or the like.
The haptic unit 142 may convert an electrical signal into mechanical stimulation or electrical stimulation to haptically provide the information about the aerosol-generating device 1 to the user. For example, if initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 for a predetermined amount of time, the haptic unit 142 may generate vibration corresponding to completion of initial preheating. The haptic unit 142 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.
The sound output unit 143 may audibly provide information about the aerosol-generating device 1 to the user. For example, the sound output unit 143 may convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and may output the acoustic signal to the outside.
The power supply 11 may supply power used for operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. The power supply 11 may supply power so that the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 is heated. In addition, the power supply 11 may supply power necessary for operation of the other components provided in the aerosol-generating device 1, such as the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17. The power supply 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power supply 11 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.
Although not shown in
The power supply protection circuit may block an electric path to the power supply 11 according to a predetermined condition. For example, the power supply protection circuit may block the electric path to the power supply 11 when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a first voltage corresponding to overcharge. For example, the power supply protection circuit may block the electric path to the power supply 11 when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is lower than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarge.
The heater 18 may receive power from the power supply 11 to heat the medium or the aerosol-generating substance in the stick S. Although not shown in
The controller 12, the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17 may perform functions using power received from the power supply 11. Although not shown in
In an embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, the suitable electrically resistive material may be a metal or a metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, or nichrome. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition, the heater 18 may be implemented as a metal wire, a metal plate on which an electrically conductive track is disposed, or a ceramic heating element. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.
In another embodiment, the heater 18 may be an induction heater. For example, the heater 18 may include a susceptor configured to generate heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil, thereby heating the aerosol-generating substance.
The input unit 15 may receive information input from the user or may output information to the user. For example, the input unit 15 may be a touch panel. The touch panel may include at least one touch sensor configured to detect touch. For example, the touch sensor may include a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.
The display 141 and the touch panel may be implemented as an integrated panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted into the display 141 (on-cell type touch panel or in-cell type touch panel). For example, the touch panel may be added onto the display 141 (add-on type touch panel).
Meanwhile, the input unit 15 may include a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.
The memory 17 may be hardware storing various pieces of data processed in the aerosol-generating device 1. The memory 17 may store data processed and to be processed by the controller 12. The memory 17 may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type memory, a hard disk type memory, a multimedia card micro type memory, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disc. The memory 17 may store data on an operation time of the aerosol-generating device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.
The communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 16 may include at least one of a short-range communication unit or a wireless communication unit.
The short-range communication unit may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication unit, a near-field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.
The wireless communication unit may include a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.
Although not shown in
The controller 12 may control overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. In an embodiment, the controller 1 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. Also, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the processor can be implemented in other forms of hardware.
The controller 12 may control the supply of power from the power supply 11 to the heater 18 to control the temperature of the heater 18. The controller 12 may control the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 detected by the temperature sensor 131. The controller 12 may control the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18. For example, the controller 12 may determine a target temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 17.
The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply 11 between the power supply 11 and the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 24, the heater 18, or the induction coil 181. The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The controller 12 may control the power supply circuit.
The controller 12 may control switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit to control the supply of power. The power supply circuit may be an inverter configured to convert direct current power output from the power supply 11 into alternating current power. For example, the inverter may be composed of a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.
The controller 12 may turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power supply 11 to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18. The controller 12 may turn off the switching element so that the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 is interrupted. The controller 12 may control the frequency and/or the duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element to control the current supplied from the power supply 11.
The controller 12 may control switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit to control the voltage output from the power supply 11. The power conversion circuit may convert the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a buck-converter configured to step down the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may be implemented as a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, or the like.
The controller 12 may control on/off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit to control the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit. If the switching element is maintained in an on state, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the level of the voltage output from the power supply 11. The duty ratio for the on/off operation of the switching element may correspond to a ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power supply 11. As the duty ratio for the on/off operation of the switching element decreases, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may decrease. The heater 18 may be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.
The controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) scheme or a proportional-integral-differential (PID) scheme.
For example, the controller 12 may perform control using the PWM scheme such that a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and a predetermined duty ratio is supplied to the heater 18. The controller 12 may control the frequency and the duty ratio of the current pulse to control the power supplied to the heater 18.
For example, the controller 12 may determine, based on the temperature profile, a target temperature to be controlled. The controller 12 may control the power supplied to the heater 18 using the PID scheme, which is a feedback control scheme using a difference value between the temperature of the heater 18 and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value with respect to time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value with respect to time.
The controller 12 may prevent the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 from overheating. For example, the controller 12 may control operation of the power conversion circuit such that the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 is interrupted when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 exceeds a predetermined limit temperature. For example, the controller 12 may reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 by a predetermined ratio when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 exceeds a predetermined limit temperature. For example, when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature, the controller 12 may determine that the aerosol-generating substance contained in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted and may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24.
The controller 12 may control charging/discharging of the power supply 11. The controller 12 may check the temperature of the power supply 11 based on an output signal from the temperature sensor 131.
If a power line is connected to a battery terminal of the aerosol-generating device 1, the controller 12 may determine whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a first limit temperature, which is a reference temperature at which charging of the power supply 11 is interrupted. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is lower than the first limit temperature, the controller 12 may perform control such that the power supply 11 is charged based on a predetermined charging current. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than the first limit temperature, the controller 12 may interrupt charging of the power supply 11.
When the aerosol-generating device 1 is in an on state, the controller 12 may determine whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a second limit temperature, which is a reference temperature at which discharging of the power supply 11 is interrupted. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is lower than the second limit temperature, the controller 12 may perform control such that the power stored in the power supply 11 is used. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than the second limit temperature, the controller 12 may interrupt use of the power stored in the power supply 11.
The controller 12 may calculate or determine the remaining amount of power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the controller 12 may calculate or determine the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 based on a voltage and/or current detection value of the power supply 11.
The controller 12 may determine whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space using the insertion detection sensor 133. The controller 12 may determine that the stick S has been inserted based on an output signal from the insertion detection sensor 133. Upon determining that the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space, the controller 12 may perform control such that power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18. For example, the controller 12 may supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 17.
The controller 12 may determine whether the stick S is removed from the insertion space. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether the stick S is removed from the insertion space using the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, the controller 12 may determine that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater 18 is equal to or higher than a limit temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater 18 is equal to or greater than a predetermined slope. Upon determining that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18.
The controller 12 may control a power supply time and/or the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 depending on the state of the stick S detected by the sensor 13. The controller 12 may check, based on a look-up table, a level range within which the level of a signal from the capacitance sensor is included. The controller 12 may determine the amount of moisture in the stick S based on the checked level range.
When the stick S is in a highly humid state, the controller 12 may control a time during which power is supplied to the heater 18 to increase a preheating time of the stick S compared to when the stick S is in a normal state.
The controller 12 may determine whether the stick S inserted into the insertion space is a reused stick using the reuse detection sensor 134. For example, the controller 12 may compare a sensing value of a signal from the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range within which the first color is included, and may determine that the stick S is not a reused stick when the sensing value is within the first reference range. For example, the controller 12 may compare a sensing value of a signal from the reuse detection sensor with a second reference range within which the second color is included, and may determine that the stick S is a reused stick when the sensing value is within the second reference range. Upon determining that the stick S is a reused stick, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18.
The controller 12 may determine whether the cartridge 19 is coupled and/or removed using the cartridge detection sensor 135. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether the cartridge 19 is coupled and/or removed based on a sensing value of a signal from the cartridge detection sensor.
The controller 12 may determine whether the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge 19 is exhausted. For example, the controller 12 may apply power to preheat the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18, and may determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature in a preheating section. When the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature, the controller 12 may determine that the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted. Upon determining that the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18.
The controller 12 may determine whether use of the cartridge 19 is possible. For example, upon determining, based on the data stored in the memory 17, that the current number of puffs is equal to or greater than the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge 19, the controller 12 may determine that use of the cartridge 19 is impossible. For example, when a total time period during which the cartridge heater 24 is heated is equal to or longer than a predetermined maximum time period or when the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum amount of power, the controller 12 may determine that use of the cartridge 19 is impossible.
The controller 12 may make a determination as to a user puff using the puff sensor 132. For example, the controller 12 may determine, based on a sensing value of a signal from the puff sensor, whether a puff occurs. For example, the controller 12 may determine the intensity of a puff based on a sensing value of a signal from the puff sensor 132. When the number of puffs reaches a predetermined maximum number of puffs or when no puff is detected for a predetermined time period or longer, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18.
The controller 12 may determine whether the upper case is coupled and/or removed using the upper case detection sensor 136. For example, the controller 12 may determine, based on a sensing value of a signal from the upper case detection sensor, whether the upper case is coupled and/or removed.
The controller 12 may control the output unit 14 based on a result of detection by the sensor 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 132 reaches a predetermined number, the controller 12 may notify the user that operation of the aerosol-generating device 1 will end soon through at least one of the display 141, the haptic unit 142, or the sound output unit 143. For example, upon determining that the stick S is not present in the insertion space, the controller 12 may notify the user of the determination result through the output unit 14. For example, upon determining that the cartridge 19 and/or the upper case has not been mounted, the controller 12 may notify the user of the determination result through the output unit 14. For example, the controller 12 may transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 to the user through the output unit 14.
Upon determining that a predetermined event has occurred, the controller 12 may store a history of the corresponding event in the memory 17 and may update the history. The event may include events performed in the aerosol-generating device 1, such as detection of insertion of the stick S, commencement of heating of the stick S, detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18, detection of application of overvoltage to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18, termination of heating of the stick S, on/off operation of the aerosol-generating device 1, commencement of charging of the power supply 11, detection of overcharging of the power supply 11, and termination of charging of the power supply 11. The history of the event may include the occurrence date and time of the event and log data corresponding to the event. For example, when the predetermined event is detection of insertion of the stick S, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on a value detected by the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, when the predetermined event is detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18, and the current flowing through the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18.
The controller 12 may perform control for formation of a communication link with an external device such as a user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving data on authentication from an external device via the communication link, the controller 12 may release restriction on use of at least one function of the aerosol-generating device 1. Here, the data on authentication may include data indicating completion of user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device. The user may perform user authentication through the external device. The external device may determine, based on the user's birthday or an identification number indicating the user, whether the user data is valid, and may receive data on the authority for use of the aerosol-generating device 1 from an external server. The external device may transmit data indicating completion of user authentication to the aerosol-generating device 1 based on the data on the use authority. When the user authentication is completed, the controller 12 may release restriction on use of at least one function of the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, when the user authentication is completed, the controller 12 may release restriction on use of a heating function for supplying power to the heater 18.
The controller 12 may transmit data on the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 to the external device through the communication link established with the external device. Based on the received state data, the external device may output the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 or the operation mode of the aerosol-generating device 1 through a display of the external device.
The external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol-generating device 1 based on an input for commencement of search for the location of the aerosol-generating device 1. Upon receiving the location search request from the external device, the controller 12 may perform control, based on the received location search request, such that at least one of the output devices performs operation corresponding to location search. For example, the haptic unit 142 may generate vibration in response to the location search request. For example, the display 141 may output objects corresponding to location search and termination of search in response to the location search request.
Upon receiving firmware data from the external device, the controller 12 may perform control such that the firmware is updated. The external device may check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol-generating device 1 and may determine whether there is a new version of firmware. Upon receiving an input requesting firmware download, the external device may receive new version of firmware data and may transmit the new version of firmware data to the aerosol-generating device 1. Upon receiving the new version of firmware data, the controller 12 may perform control such that the firmware of the aerosol-generating device 1 is updated.
The controller 12 may transmit data on a value detected by the at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not shown) through the communication unit 16, and may receive, from the server, and store a learning model generated by learning the detected value through machine learning such as deep learning. The controller 12 may perform operation of determining the user's puff pattern and operation of generating the temperature profile using the learning model received from the server. The controller 12 may store data on the value detected by the at least one sensor 13 and data for training an artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 17. For example, the memory 17 may store a database for each of the components provided in the aerosol-generating device 1 and weights and biases constituting the structure of the artificial neural network (ANN) in order to train the artificial neural network (ANN). The controller 12 may learn data on the value detected by the at least one sensor 13, the user's puff pattern, and the temperature profile, which are stored in the memory 17, and may generate at least one learning model used to determine the user's puff pattern and to generate the temperature profile.
As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, since the heater made of a carbonaceous material is employed, it is possible to reduce a time required to heat the heater and to increase user satisfaction.
According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, since the power supplied to the heater is controlled according to the temperature increase rate of the heater, it is possible to prevent the circuit from becoming unstable due to sharp increase in the temperature increase rate of the heater.
According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, since the voltage applied to the heater is driven in a negative manner, it is possible to reduce overshoot of the applied voltage and inrush current and to ensure stable operation of the circuit.
According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, since the heat diffusion part is disposed on the outer side of the heater, it is possible to diffuse heat generated unevenly from the heater and to reduce dissipation of the heat generated from the heater to the outside of the heater, thereby increasing the heating efficiency of the aerosol-generating device.
Referring to
In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the carbonaceous material may include at least one of graphene or carbon nanotubes.
In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater driving circuit 200 may include a first circuit 210 electrically connected to first terminal 182 of the heater 18 and configured to apply a first voltage Va having a constant magnitude to the first terminal 182 of the heater 18 and a second circuit 220 electrically connected to a second terminal 183 of the heater 18 and configured to apply a second voltage Vb to the second terminal 183 of the heater 18. The magnitude of the second voltage Vb may be greater than or equal to 0 V and less than or equal to the magnitude V1 of the first voltage Va.
In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the second circuit 220 may include a first resistor 222 connected to the power supply 11 and the second terminal 183 of the heater 18 and a switch 223 connected to the first resistor 222. The voltage Vb applied to the second terminal 183 of the heater 18 may vary depending on on/off operation of the switch 223.
In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, upon determining that the temperature increase rate is equal to or higher than the predetermined rate, the controller 12 may control on/off operation of the switch 223 to interrupt supply of power to the heater 18.
In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, upon determining that the temperature increase rate is equal to or higher than the predetermined rate, the controller 12 may control on/off operation of the switch 223 to apply the first voltage Va to the second terminal 183 of the heater 18.
In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, upon determining that the temperature increase rate is lower than the predetermined rate, the controller 12 may determine a duty ratio based on the temperature increase rate and may control operation of the switch 223 based on the determined duty ratio.
In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 12 may determine the duty ratio so that the duty ratio is inversely proportional to the temperature increase rate.
In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 12 may determine the duty ratio based on the temperature increase rate so that the duty ratio is equal to or less than 20%.
In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 12 may determine the temperature of the heater 18 based on the signal received from the temperature sensor 131, and upon determining that the temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the controller 12 may interrupt supply of power to the heater 18.
In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the body 10 may include an insertion space 43 having an open end, and the heater 18 may be formed in a cylindrical shape to surround the periphery of the insertion space 43.
In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a heat diffusion part 188 disposed on an outer side of the heater 18 so as to be in contact with at least a portion of the heater 18.
In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the heat diffusion part 188 may include at least one of a hollow graphite sheet, a vacuum tube, or a heat pipe.
In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the temperature sensor 131 may include a negative temperature coefficient thermistor.
Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of the disclosure described above may be combined with another or combined with each other in configuration or function.
For example, a configuration “A” described in one embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings and a configuration “B” described in another embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings may be combined with each other. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is described that the combination is impossible.
Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-2023-0064652 | May 2023 | KR | national |
| 10-2023-0090297 | Jul 2023 | KR | national |
