AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2024-0078991 and 10-2024-0078992, respectively filed on Jun. 18, 2024 and Jun. 18, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device capable of accurately determining a temperature of a replaceable heating unit.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods of overcoming the disadvantages of general cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for a system that generates aerosol by heating an aerosol generating substrate by using an aerosol generating device, rather than a method of generating aerosol by burning a cigarette.

In such an aerosol generating device, a heating unit may be disposed to directly contact an aerosol generating material, such as by being inserted into the aerosol generating material. Also, when the heating unit is disposed to directly contact the aerosol generating material, part of the aerosol generating material may be deposited on the heating unit as the period of use becomes longer. Because such deposits are factors that degrade the taste of smoke, the heating unit may be replaceably disposed in the aerosol generating device.

However, each of replaceable heating units may have a different optimal control criterion due to a manufacturing tolerance and the like. However, conventional technologies have a problem in that they do not calibrate the optimal control criterion for each of the replaceable heating units. Also, the conventional technologies have a problem in that even though the optimal control criterion is calibrated, such a calibration operation is manually performed by a user's input. Also, the conventional technologies have a problem in that when the calibration operation is set to be performed automatically, power consumption increases because the replacement of the heating unit should be detected periodically.

SUMMARY

Provided is an aerosol generating device capable of accurately determining a temperature of a replaceable heating unit.

The technical problems of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described description, and other technical problems may be derived from the embodiments to be described hereinafter.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

According to an embodiment, an aerosol generating device includes a power supply unit configured to output direct current (DC) power, a power conversion unit configured to convert the DC power into alternating current (AC) power, an induction coil configured to receive the AC power and generate an alternating magnetic field, a first susceptor that is replaceably inserted into an insertion space and is configured to generate heat due to the alternating magnetic field generated by the induction coil, and a controller configured to determine a temperature of the first susceptor based on DC current output by the power supply unit, wherein the controller is further configured to, when the first susceptor is extracted from the insertion space and then a second susceptor different from the first susceptor is inserted into the insertion space, control the power supply unit according to a preset power profile to obtain calibration reference current corresponding to a calibration reference temperature of the second susceptor, and determine a temperature of the second susceptor based on the calibration reference temperature and the calibration reference current.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a view illustrating an aerosol generating device, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view illustrating an aerosol generating device, according to embodiments;

FIG. 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view for describing a coupling relationship of a replaceable susceptor, according to the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating an upper case detection unit and a substrate detection unit which are integrally formed with each other, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an internal block diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a view for describing a relationship between direct current (DC) current of a power supply unit and a temperature of a susceptor and whether the susceptor is replaced, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for describing an operating method of an aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing a calibration reference temperature, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing a control method in a calibration mode, according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for describing an operating method in a calibration period, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

The suffixes ‘module’ and ‘unit’ may be used for elements in order to facilitate the disclosure. Significant meanings or roles may not be given to the suffixes themselves and it is understood that the ‘module’ and ‘unit’ may be used together or interchangeably.

Also, in descriptions of embodiments of the disclosure, if it is determined that detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of embodiments of the disclosure, the detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. Also, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in the present specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the disclosure.

While such terms as “first,” “second,” etc., may be used to describe various elements, such elements must not be limited to the above terms. The above terms may be used only to distinguish one element from another.

It is to be understood that when an element is described as being “on” or “in contact with” another element, it is to be understood that other elements may directly contact or be directly connected to the other element or intervening element may be present therebetween. On the other hand, when an element is described as being “directly on” or “directly in contact with” another element, it may be understood that there is no other element therebetween.

An expression used in the singular encompasses the expression of the plural, unless it has a clearly different meaning in the context.

Throughout the specification, a direction of an aerosol generating device 1 may be defined based on an orthogonal coordinate system. In the orthogonal coordinate system, an x-axis direction may be defined as a left-right direction of the aerosol generating device 1. A y-axis direction may be defined as a front-back direction of the aerosol generating device 1. A z-axis direction may be defined as an up-down direction of the aerosol generating device 1.

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view illustrating an aerosol generating device, according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the aerosol generating device 1 according to embodiments may include at least one of a power supply unit 101, a controller 102, a detection unit 103, and a heating unit 108. At least one of the power supply unit 101, the controller 102, the detection unit 103, and the heating unit 108 may be disposed inside a body 10 of the aerosol generating device 1. The body 10 may provide a space that is open upward so that an aerosol generating substrate S, which is an aerosol generating article, is inserted. The space that is open upward may be referred to as an insertion space or a cavity. The insertion space may be recessed by a certain depth toward the inside of the body 10 so that at least a part of the aerosol generating substrate S is inserted. A depth of the insertion space may correspond to a length of an area where an aerosol generating material and/or medium is included in the aerosol generating substrate S. A lower end of the aerosol generating substrate S may be inserted into the body 10, and an upper end of the aerosol generating substrate S may protrude outward from the body 10. A user may inhale air while holding the upper end of the aerosol generating substrate S that is exposed to the outside in his mouth. According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a vaporizer (not shown), and aerosol generated by the vaporizer may pass through the aerosol generating substrate S and may be delivered to the user. To this end, the vaporizer may include a liquid storage, a liquid delivery means, and an additional heating element.

The heating unit 108 may heat the aerosol generating substrate S. The heating unit 108 may extend long upward in the space where the aerosol generating substrate S is inserted. For example, the heating unit 108 may include a tube-type heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element. The heating unit 108 may be inserted into a lower portion of the aerosol generating substrate S. According to an embodiment, a heater may include a cylindrical heating element, unlike in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the cylindrical heating element may accommodate the aerosol generating substrate S therein and may heat at least a part of an outer surface of the aerosol generating substrate S.

The heating unit 108 may include an electro-resistive heater and/or an induction heater. In this respect, the heating unit 108 may be referred to as a heater.

For example, referring to FIG. 1, the heating unit 108 may be a resistive heater. To this end, the heating unit 108 may include an electrically conductive track, and the heating unit 108 may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heating unit 108 may be electrically connected to the power supply unit 101. The heating unit 108 may directly generate heat by receiving current from the power supply unit 101.

For example, the heating unit 108 may be a multi-heater. The heating unit 108 may include a first heater 108A and a second heater 108B. The first and second heaters 108A and 108B may be arranged side by side along a longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 1. The first and second heaters 108A and 108B may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

For example, referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device 1 may include an induction coil 15 surrounding a susceptor 50. The induction coil 15 may cause the susceptor 50 to generate heat. In an example where the heating unit 108 of the aerosol generating device is an induction heater, the induction coil 15 and the susceptor 50 may be referred to as the heating unit 108. In an embodiment, only the susceptor 50 may be referred to as the heating unit 108. Also, the induction coil 15 and the susceptor 50 may be referred to as a heater in that the induction coil 15 and the susceptor 50 contribute to heating.

The susceptor 50 may heat generate due to a magnetic field generated by alternating current (AC) current flowing through the induction coil 15. The magnetic field may pass through the susceptor 50 and may generate eddy current in the susceptor 50. The current may generate heat in the susceptor 50. The susceptor 50 may be a tube-type heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element, but according to an embodiment, the susceptor 50 may have a cylindrical shape, and may accommodate the aerosol generating substrate S therein and may heat at least a part of an outer surface of the aerosol generating substrate S. Also, according to an embodiment, the susceptor 50 may be included in the aerosol generating substrate S, rather than the aerosol generating device 1.

The power supply unit 101 may supply power so that components of the aerosol generating device 1 operate. The power supply unit 101 may supply power to at least one of the controller 102, the detection unit 103, and the heating unit 108.

The controller 102 may control an overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. The controller 102 may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The controller 102 may control an operation of at least one of the power supply unit 101, the detection unit 103, and the heating unit 108. The controller 102 may control an operation of the induction coil 15. The controller 102 may control operations of a display, a motor, etc. provided in the aerosol generating device 1. The controller 102 may check a state of each of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is operable.

The controller 102 may analyze a result detected by the detection unit 103 and may control processes to be performed later. For example, the controller 102 may control power supplied to the heating unit 108 so that an operation of the heating unit 108 starts or ends, based on the result detected by the detection unit 103. For example, the controller 102 may control the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 108 or a time for which power is supplied so that the heating unit 108 is heated to a certain temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature, based on the result detected by the detection unit 103.

The detection unit 103 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, and an acceleration sensor. For example, the detection unit 103 may sense at least one of a temperature of the heating unit 108, a temperature of the power supply unit 101, and a temperature inside and/or outside the body 10. For example, the detection unit 103 may sense the user's puff. For example, the detection unit 103 may sense whether the aerosol generating substrate S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, the detection unit 103 may sense a movement of the aerosol generating device 1.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view illustrating an aerosol generating device, according to embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 3, an upper case 40 may be detachably coupled to the body 10. The upper case 40 may be coupled to an upper side of the body 10. The upper case 40 may cover an upper periphery of the body 10. The upper case 40 may include an insertion hole 44. The aerosol generating substrate S may be inserted into the insertion hole 44. The insertion hole 44 may be a component corresponding to the insertion space or the cavity described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The upper case 40 may include a cover 45 that opens and closes the insertion hole 44. The cover 45 may laterally slide to open and close the insertion hole 44.

The upper case 40 may include an upper case wing 42. The upper case wing 42 may extend downward from both sides of an upper case body 41. The upper case wing 42 may be referred to as an upper case grip 42.

The body 10 may include a body wing 17. The body wing 17 may extend upward from an upper edge of the body 10. One pair of body wings 17 may face each other with an upper portion of the body 10 therebetween. The body wing 17 may be formed at a position misaligned with the upper case wing 42.

When the upper case 40 is coupled to the body 10, the upper case 40 may form an upper exterior of the aerosol generating device 1. When the upper case 40 is coupled to the body 10, the body wing 17 may cover a side portion of the upper case 40 exposed between the upper case wings 42. When the upper case 40 is coupled to the body 10, the upper case wing 42 may cover an outer wall of the body 10.

FIG. 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view for describing a coupling relationship of a replaceable susceptor, according to the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4, the body 10 of the aerosol generating device 1 may have a shape that vertically extends long. The body 10 may provide a first insertion space 14 therein. The first insertion space 14 may be open upward. The first insertion space 14 may have a cylindrical shape that vertically extends long. The first insertion space 14 may be defined by a body pipe 11 formed inside the body 10. The body pipe 11 may include a lateral wall 111 surrounding a circumference of the first insertion space 14 and a lower wall 112 covering the bottom of the first insertion space 14. The lower wall 112 may be formed at the bottom of the body pipe 11. The lateral wall 111 of the body pipe 11 may be referred to as an inner lateral wall 111 of the body 10.

A heater holder 20 may be detachably inserted into the first insertion space 14. A pipe 20′ may include a lateral wall 21 vertically extending long, and a lower wall 22 formed at a lower end of the lateral wall 21. The pipe 20′ may be referred to as a heater holder pipe 20′. The lower wall 22 of the pipe 20′ may be referred to as a bottom 22 or a mount 22. The lower wall 22 of the pipe 20′ may form the bottom 22 of the heater holder 20. The susceptor 50 may be coupled to or fixed to the heater holder 20. The susceptor 50 may be replaced together with the heater holder 20.

When the heater holder 20 is coupled to an extractor 30, a second insertion space may be provided. In an embodiment, when the heater holder 20 is coupled to the extractor 30, the lateral wall 21 of the heater holder 20 and a lateral wall 31 of the extractor 30 may define the second insertion space that is open upward. Each of the lateral wall 21 of the heater holder 20 and the lateral wall 31 of the extractor 30 may cover at least one side of the second insertion space. The lateral wall 21 of the heater holder 20 and the lateral wall 31 of the extractor 30 may form a side circumference of the second insertion space together.

The lateral wall 31 of the extractor 30 may vertically extend long. The lateral wall 21 of the heater holder 20 and the lateral wall 31 of the extractor 30 may be spaced apart from the center of the second insertion space by the same distance based on a radial direction. The lateral wall 21 of the heater holder 20 and the lateral wall 31 of the extractor 30 may be located on the same circumferential extension line of the second insertion space. Each of the lateral wall 21 of the heater holder 20 and the lateral wall 31 of the extractor 30 may extend to be curved in a circumferential direction along the circumference of the second insertion space.

A plurality of lateral walls 21 of the heater holder 20 may be arranged along a circumference of the lower wall 22 of the heater holder 20. A first slit 214 that vertically extends long may be formed between the plurality of lateral walls 21 of the heater holder 20. A plurality of lateral walls 21 of the heater holder 20 and a plurality of first slits 214 may be alternately arranged in the circumferential direction along the circumference of the second insertion space.

A plurality of lateral walls 31 of the extractor 30 may be arranged along a circumference of a lower wall 32 of the extractor 30. A second slit 314 that vertically extends long may be formed between the plurality of lateral walls 31 of the extractor 30. A plurality of lateral walls 31 of the extractor 30 and a plurality of second slits 314 may be alternately arranged in the circumferential direction along the circumference of the second insertion space.

The extractor 30 may be inserted into the heater holder 20. When the extractor 30 is inserted into the heater holder 20, the lateral wall 21 of the heater holder 20 may be disposed in the second slit 314, and the lateral wall 31 of the extractor 30 may be disposed in the first slit 214.

Accordingly, the lateral wall 21 of the heater holder 20 and the lateral wall 31 of the extractor 30 may form the second insertion space. As a thickness of a wall between the induction coil 15 and the susceptor 50 is reduced, the heating efficiency of the susceptor 50 may be improved.

A lower end of the aerosol generating substrate S may be inserted into the second insertion space, and an upper end of the aerosol generating substrate S may protrude outward from the aerosol generating device 1. The susceptor 50 may heat the first insertion space 14 and the second insertion space.

A lower end of the susceptor 50 may be fixed to the mount 22. The susceptor 50 may extend long toward an opening of the second insertion space. The susceptor 50 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, and an upper end of the susceptor 50 may be pointed upward. In another example, the susceptor 50 may have a shape that extends in a circumferential direction, and may be coupled to the lateral wall 21 of the heater holder 20. However, this is only an example, and a shape of the susceptor 50 is not limited to that described or illustrated as long as the susceptor 50 is coupled to the heater holder 20 and is capable of heating the aerosol generating substrate S inserted into the second insertion space.

The heater holder 20 may be formed by using insert injection molding into the susceptor 50. The heater holder 20 may have high heat resistance and excellent rigidity. For example, the heater holder 20 may be formed of polyether ether ketone (PEEK). However, a material of the heater holder 20 is not limited thereto.

A through-hole 35 may be formed as the lower wall 32 of the extractor 30 is open. The through-hole 35 may be vertically open. When the extractor 30 is inserted into the heater holder 20, the susceptor 50 may pass through the through-hole 35 and may protrude to the second insertion space. When the aerosol generating substrate S is inserted into the second insertion space, the susceptor 50 may be inserted into a lower portion of the aerosol generating substrate S.

The induction coil 15 may surround the first insertion space 14. The induction coil 15 may be wound around a circumference of the lateral wall 111 of the body pipe 11. The induction coil 15 may surround the susceptor 50. The induction coil 15 may cause the susceptor 50 to generate heat. According to an embodiment, a substrate detection unit 1031 may be disposed between the induction coil 15 and the lateral wall 111 of the body pipe 11. The substrate detection unit 1031 may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may be manufactured as a thin film and may cover at least a part of the lateral wall 111 of the body pipe 11. The substrate detection unit 1031 may be used to determine whether there exists the aerosol generating substrate S inserted into the second insertion space.

A user may easily separate the aerosol generating substrate S from the susceptor 50 by separating the extractor 30 and the heater holder 20 from each other. The aerosol generating substrate S inserted into the extractor 30 may be more easily separated from the extractor 30 by being separated from the susceptor 50. The aerosol generating substrate S may be separated even in a state where the extractor 30 and the heater holder 20 are not separated from each other.

Also, a foreign material generated from the aerosol generating substrate S may not remain around the susceptor 50 and in the heater holder 20, but may be extracted through the extractor 30. Accordingly, cleaning of the aerosol generating device 1 around the susceptor 50 may be facilitated, and convenience of management may be improved. Also, factors that reduce the performance of the susceptor 50 may be reduced, the durability of the susceptor 50 may be improved, and a replacement cycle of the susceptor 50 may be increased. Also, factors that alter the taste of the aerosol generating substrate S may be reduced.

The heater holder 20 may be disposed between the body 10 and the extractor 30. The lateral wall 111 of the body pipe 11 may surround the lateral wall 21 of the heater holder 20. The lower wall 112 of the body pipe 11 may face the lower wall 22 of the heater holder 20. The lateral wall 21 of the heater holder 20 may surround the lateral wall 31 of the extractor 30. The lower wall 22 of the heater holder 20 may face the lower wall 32 of the extractor 30.

The lateral wall 31 of the extractor 30 may be inwardly spaced apart from the lateral wall 21 of the heater holder 20. The lower wall 32 of the extractor 30 may be spaced upwardly apart from the lower wall 22 of the heater holder 20. Air may flow between the extractor 30 and the heater holder 20, may pass through the through-hole 35, and then may be provided to the aerosol generating substrate S inserted into the second insertion space.

An upper wall 12 of the body 10 may extend outward along a horizontal direction from an upper end of the body pipe 11. The upper wall 12 of the body 10 may cover an upper end of the induction coil 15. An outer lateral wall 13 of the body 10 may extend downward from an outer end of the upper wall 12 of the body 10. The outer lateral wall 13 of the body 10 may face the lateral wall 111 of the body pipe 11. The outer lateral wall 13 of the body 10 may be outwardly spaced apart from the body pipe 11. The induction coil 15 may be disposed between the body pipe 11 and the outer lateral wall 13 of the body 10.

The upper case 40 may be detachably coupled to the body 10. The upper case 40 may be coupled to an upper side of the body 10. The upper case 40 may cover a periphery of the first insertion space 14 and an upper periphery of the body 10. The upper case 40 may include the insertion hole 44. The aerosol generating substrate S may be inserted into the insertion hole 44. The upper case 40 may include the cover 45 that opens and closes the insertion hole 44. The cover 45 may laterally slide to open and close the insertion hole 44. The heater holder 20 may be disposed between the body 10 and the upper case 40.

The upper case 40 may include the upper case body 41. The insertion hole 44 may be formed as the upper case body 41 is vertically open. The insertion hole 44 may be formed at a position biased to one side from the center of the upper case body 41. A bottom surface of the upper case body 41 may have a shape corresponding to the upper wall 12 of the body 10. The bottom surface of the upper case body 41 may extend in the horizontal direction parallel to the upper wall 12 of the body 10. The cover 45 may be slidably provided on an upper side of the upper case

The upper case 40 may include the upper case wing 42. The upper case wing 42 may extend downward from both sides of the upper case body 41. A part of a side portion of the upper case body 41 may be exposed between one pair of upper case wings 42. The upper case wing 42 may be referred to as the upper case grip 42.

The extractor 30 may be coupled to the upper case 40. An upper end of the extractor 30 may be coupled to the upper case 40, and a lower end of the extractor 30 may protrude downward from the upper case 40. The extractor 30 may be coupled to a position corresponding to the insertion hole 44. The insertion hole 44 may be located above the second insertion space. The insertion hole 44 may allow the second insertion space to communicate with the outside of the aerosol generating device 1.

The upper end of the extractor 30 may be coupled to the upper case body 41. The extractor 30 may extend downward from the upper case body 41. The extractor 30 may be disposed between one pair of upper case wings 42.

When the upper case 40 is coupled to the body 10, the upper case 40 may form an upper exterior of the aerosol generating device 1. When the upper case 40 is coupled to the body 10,

• • because the upper case 40 includes the upper case wing 42, the user may more easily separate the extractor 30 from the body 10. The user may separate the extractor 30 inserted into the second insertion space, without the inconvenience of gripping the extractor 30, by holding the exterior of the upper case 40 and separating the exterior of the upper case 40 from the body 10. For example, the user may easily separate the upper case 40 and the extractor 30 from the body 10 by holding one pair of upper case wings 42 and pulling the upper case wings 42 from the body 10.

The heater holder 20 may include an extension portion 23. The extension portion 23 may be formed at an upper end of the heater holder 20. The extension portion 23 may extend outward along the horizontal direction from an upper end of the pipe 20′. The extension portion 23 may have a plate shape. The extension portion 23 may be formed so that one side is longer from the pipe 20′. The extension portion 23 may be referred to as a heater holder extension portion 23.

The extension portion 23 may have a shape corresponding to the upper wall 12 of the body 10. The extension portion 23 may be horizontal to the upper wall 12 of the body 10. When the pipe 20′ is inserted into the first insertion space 14, the extension portion 23 may be supported or seated on the upper wall 12 of the body 10. The upper wall 12 of the body 10 may support the extension portion, and the extension portion 23 may support the pipe 20′. The pipe 20′ may be suspended from the extension portion 23 and may be upwardly spaced apart from the bottom 112 of the pipe 11 to form an air gap. An outer circumferential surface of the pipe 20′ may be inwardly spaced apart from the lateral wall 111 of the body pipe 11 to form an air gap.

The extension portion 23 may have a shape corresponding to the bottom surface of the upper case body 41. The extension portion 23 may be horizontal to the bottom surface of the upper case body 41. When the upper case 40 is coupled to the body 10 and the extractor 30 is inserted into the pipe 20′, the extension portion 23 may contact the bottom surface of the upper case body 41. No conductive material may be disposed on the extension portion 23. This is to more accurately determine whether the upper case 40 described below is detected.

The upper case 40 may be separated from the body 10. The heater holder 20 may be detachably coupled to the upper case 40. When the upper case 40 is separated from the body 10, the heater holder 20 is coupled to the upper case 40 and may be separated from the body 10 together with the upper case 40. In a state where the upper case 40 to which the heater holder 20 is coupled is separated from the body 10, the heater holder 20 may be separated from the upper case 40.

In another example, the heater holder 20 may be detachably coupled to the extractor 30. When the extractor 30 is separated from the body 10, the heater holder 20 coupled to the extractor 30 may be separated from the body 10 together with the extractor 30. In a state where the extractor 30 to which the heater holder 20 is coupled is separated from the body 10, the heater holder 20 may be separated from the extractor 30.

The heater holder 20 may be detachably coupled to the upper case 40 by using a snap-fit coupling method. In this case, any one of the heater holder 20 and the upper case 40 may include a hook for coupling, and the other may include a groove to which the hook is coupled. However, this is only an example, a method of detachably coupling the heater holder 20 to the upper case 40 is not limited thereto, and the heater holder 20 may be detachably coupled to the upper case 40 by using any of various known methods.

The heater holder 20 coupled to the upper case 40 may protrude downward from the upper case 40. The heater holder 20 may be disposed between one pair of upper case wings 42. The pipe 20′ may protrude downward from the upper case body 41 more than the upper case wing 42. Accordingly, the heater holder 20 may be easily held. Also, the susceptor 50 may be conveniently replaced.

Also, the aerosol generating substrate S may be easily separated from the susceptor 50. The user may easily separate the aerosol generating substrate S from the susceptor 50 by separating the extractor 30 and the heater holder 20 from each other. The aerosol generating substrate S inserted into the extractor 30 may be more easily separated from the extractor 30 by being separated from the susceptor 50.

The heater holder 20 may be detachably coupled to the body 10. In a state where the heater holder 20 is coupled to the body 10, the upper case 40 and/or the extractor 30 may be separated from the body 10 and the heater holder 20. In a state where the upper case 40 and/or the extractor 30 is separated from the body 10 and the heater holder 20, the heater holder 20 may be separated from the body 10. The heater holder 20 may be detachably coupled to the body 10 by using a snap-fit coupling method. In this case, any one of the heater holder 20 and the body 10 may include a hook for coupling, and the other may include a groove to which the hook is coupled. However, this is only an example, a method of detachably coupling the heater holder 20 to the body 10 is not limited thereto, and the heater holder 20 may be detachably coupled to the body 10 by using any of various known methods.

At least one conductor 47 may be fixed inside the upper case body 41. The conductor 47 may be adjacent to the bottom surface of the upper case body 41.

An upper case detection unit 1032 may be disposed adjacent to the upper wall 12 of the body 10. The upper case detection unit 1032 may be formed at a position corresponding to the conductor 47. The upper case detection unit 1032 may include an inductive sensor and may be manufactured as a thin film. Also, the upper case detection unit 1032 may be integrally formed with the substrate detection unit 1031. The upper case detection unit 1032 may be used to determine whether the upper case 40 is detached by interacting with the conductor 47 of the upper case 40.

The extension portion 23 coupled to the body 10 may be exposed upward from the body 10. The extension portion 23 may be disposed between one pair of body wings 17. The extension portion 23 may be disposed adjacent to the outer lateral wall 13 of the body 10 or disposed vertically parallel to the outer lateral wall 13, between one pair of body wings 17. Accordingly, the heater holder 20 may be easily held.

Accordingly, the heater holder 20 may be easily separated from the body 10 and may be stably coupled to the body 10. Also, the susceptor 50 may be conveniently replaced.

Also, the aerosol generating substrate S may be easily separated from the susceptor 50. The user may easily separate the aerosol generating substrate S from the susceptor 50 by separating the extractor 30 and the heater holder 20 from each other. The aerosol generating substrate S inserted into the extractor 30 may be more easily separated from the extractor 30 by being separated from the susceptor 50.

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating an upper case detection unit and a substrate detection unit which are integrally formed with each other, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, the upper case detection unit 1032 and the substrate detection unit 1031 may be integrally formed with each other. The upper case detection unit 1032 and the substrate detection unit 1031 may be implemented in a pattern shape on an insulating substrate. For example, the upper case detection unit 1032 and the substrate detection unit 1031 may be implemented in a pattern shape on one flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

The upper case detection unit 1032 may include an inductive sensor. In an embodiment where the upper case detection unit 1032 includes an inductive sensor, the upper case detection unit 1032 may include a detection coil 13b. The detection coil 13b may be implemented in a pattern shape on an insulating substrate. An inductance value may be changed according to the approach and retreat of the upper case 40, and the upper case detection unit 1032 may transmit the changed inductance value to the controller 102. To this end, the upper case detection unit 1032 and the substrate detection unit 1031 which are integrally formed with each other may further include a signal transmission unit 13c. The signal transmission unit 13c may include a first channel ch1 and a second channel ch2, and the signal transmission unit 13c may transmit the changed inductance value to the controller 102 through the first channel ch1.

The controller 102 may determine whether the upper case 40 is mounted on the body 10 based on the inductance value output by the upper case detection unit 1032. For example, when an inductance change amount per unit time output from the upper case detection unit 1032 is equal to or greater than a preset reference inductance, the controller 102 may determine that the upper case 40 is mounted on the body 10.

The substrate detection unit 1031 may include at least one capacitor sensor. In an embodiment where the substrate detection unit 1031 includes a capacitor sensor, the substrate detection unit 1031 may include at least one electrode 13a. Although an embodiment where there are three electrodes 13a is illustrated in FIG. 5, the number of electrodes 13a is not limited thereto. The electrode 13a may be implemented in a pattern shape on an insulating substrate. The electrode 13 may contact an outer circumferential surface of the first insertion space 14 and may surround at least a part of the outer circumferential surface of the first insertion space 14.

Because the electrode 13a surrounds the first insertion space 14, the insertion spaces 14 and 24 may be a dielectric space causing a change in capacitance. In other words, when the aerosol generating substrate S is inserted into the insertion spaces 14 and 24, a dielectric constant of the electrode 13a may be changed, and the capacitance of the substrate detection unit 1031 may be changed. As such, the substrate detection unit 1031 may output a capacitance value that varies according to a change in the capacitance of the electrode 13a itself, without separately including a transmission electrode and a reception electrode. The substrate detection unit 1031 may transmit the capacitance value to the controller 102. The signal transmission unit 13c may transmit the capacitance value to the controller 102 through the second channel ch2 different from the first channel ch1.

The controller 102 may determine whether there exists the aerosol generating substrate S inserted into the insertion spaces 14 and 24 based on the capacitance value output by the substrate detection unit 1031. For example, the controller 102 may obtain a monitoring value according to a change in the capacitance of the substrate detection unit 1031, and may determine whether there exists the aerosol generating substrate S inserted into the insertion spaces 14 and 24 based on the monitoring value. The monitoring value may include a charging time, a discharging time, the number of charge/discharge cycles, a capacitance change amount, etc., according to a change in the capacitance of the substrate detection unit 1031. For example, when the monitoring value is reduced by more than a reference reduction amount within a preset time, the controller 102 may determine that the aerosol generating substrate S is inserted into the cavity.

As such, because the upper case detection unit 1032 and the substrate detection unit 1031 are integrally formed as a thin film sharing the signal transmission unit 13c, the device size may be significantly reduced.

FIG. 6 is an internal block diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device 1 may include at least one of the power supply unit 101, a power conversion unit 107, the heating unit 108, the detection unit 103, the controller 102, a memory 104, an input unit 105, and an output unit 106. The aerosol generating device 1 of the disclosure may further include general-purpose components in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 6. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a communication unit (not shown) for communication with an external device.

The power supply unit 101 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the power supply unit 101 may supply power to at least one of the power conversion unit 107, the heating unit 108, the detection unit 103, the controller 102, the memory 104, the input unit 105, and the output unit 106.

The power supply unit 101 may include a battery 1011 (see FIG. 7) and a direct current (DC)-DC converter 1012 (see FIG. 7). The DC/DC converter 1012 may supply power to internal components of the aerosol generating device 1 by boosting or lowering DC power supplied from the battery 1011.

The battery 1011 may include a detachable battery that is detachably disposed on the aerosol generating device 1. Alternatively, the battery 1011 may be fixed to the aerosol generating device 1. In this case, the battery 1011 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 1011 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery.

The DC/DC converter 1012 may include at least one switching element, and may boost or lower DC power provided from the battery 1011. To this end, the DC/DC converter 1012 may include at least one of a buck converter, a boost converter, and a buck-boost converter.

The power conversion unit 107 may convert DC power output by the DC/DC converter 1012 into AC power. To this end, the power conversion unit 107 may include a DC/AC converter. The DC/AC converter may include at least one switching element, and may include an E-class or D-class power converter. The power conversion unit 107 may provide the converted AC power to the heating unit 108.

The heating unit 108 may include the induction coil 15 and the susceptor 50. When the induction coil 15 receives AC power, the induction coil 15 may generate a variable magnetic field. The susceptor 50 may be heated by the variable magnetic field to generate aerosol.

The susceptor 50 may be replaceably disposed. The susceptor 50 may be coupled to the heater holder 20 and may be replaceably coupled to the body 10. For example, a first heater module including a first susceptor 51 may be separated from the body 10, and a second heater module including a second susceptor 52 may be coupled to the body 10. Accordingly, the meaning of “replaceable” below may include replacement of the heater holder 20. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, although the first susceptor 51 and the second susceptor 52 will be mainly described, the description may also apply to the first heater module and the second heater module.

In an embodiment, the first susceptor 51 may be coupled to the aerosol generating device 1, and after the first susceptor 51 is extracted, the second susceptor 52 may be coupled to the aerosol generating device 1. The first susceptor 51 or the second susceptor 52 coupled to the aerosol generating device 1 may be regarded as an internal component of the aerosol generating device 1. The first susceptor 51 may be a component provided together with the aerosol generating device 1 during manufacturing. Alternatively, the first susceptor 51 may refer to a susceptor on which calibration described below has been performed. The second susceptor 52 is a component coupled to the aerosol generating device 1 continuously or discontinuously after the first susceptor 51 is extracted, and may refer to a susceptor to be calibrated.

The detection unit 103 may detect various state information of the aerosol generating device 1. A result detected by the detection unit 103 may be transmitted to the controller 102, and the controller 102 may control the aerosol generating device 1 to perform various functions such as controlling an operation of the heating unit, restricting smoking, determining whether or not the heating unit 108 is inserted, and displaying a notification based on the detection result.

The detection unit 103 may include the substrate detection unit 1031, the upper case detection unit 1032, and a current detection unit 1033.

The substrate detection unit 1031 and the upper case detection unit 1032 may be implemented in a pattern shape on one insulating substrate. The substrate detection unit 1031 may include a capacitance sensor including at least one electrode. Accordingly, as the aerosol generating substrate S is inserted into and extracted from the cavity, capacitance may be changed. The substrate detection unit 1031 may transmit a capacitance value to the controller 102 in real time or periodically.

The upper case detection unit 1032 may include an inductive sensor. Accordingly, as the upper case 40 approaches or retreats from the body 10, inductance may be changed. The upper case detection unit 1032 may transmit an inductance value to the controller 102 in real time or periodically.

The current detection unit 1033 may detect DC current output by the DC/DC converter 1012. The current detection unit 1033 may transmit information about the DC current to the controller 102 in real time or periodically. The detected DC current may be used to determine a temperature of the susceptor 50.

The detection unit 103 includes components related to the present embodiment in FIG. 6. Accordingly, it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that general-purpose components in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 6 may be further included in the detection unit 103. For example, the detection unit 103 may further include a water detection sensor for detecting water inside/outside the aerosol generating device 1, a battery temperature sensor, and a puff sensor.

The memory 104 is hardware in which various pieces of data processed in the aerosol generating device 1 are stored, and the memory 104 may store pieces of data processed and to be processed by the controller 102. The memory 104 may include various types of memories, such as random-access memory such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), and electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). In an embodiment, the memory 104 may include DC current-temperature information for the first susceptor 51 and/or the second susceptor 52. The DC current-temperature information may be used for temperature control for each susceptor 50.

The input unit 105 may receive a user input. The input unit 105 may be implemented as a physical key and/or a touch sensor for receiving a user input. For example, the input unit 105 may include, but is not limited to, a button, a key pad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, and a jog switch.

The output unit 106 may include a display that outputs visual information related to the aerosol generating device 1. Also, the output unit 106 may include a motor that outputs haptic information related to the aerosol generating device 1. The visual and haptic information related to the aerosol generating device 1 includes all information related to an operation of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the output unit 106 may output information about the insertion and extraction of the aerosol generating substrate S through certain visual and haptic means. To this end, the output unit 106 may include a display and a haptic motor. Examples of the display may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel and an organic light-emitting display (OLED) panel. When the display and a touch pad form a layer structure to constitute a touchscreen, the display may be used as an input device in addition to an output device. The haptic motor may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus and may tactilely provide information about the aerosol generating device 1 to the user.

The controller 102 controls an overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. In an embodiment, the controller 102 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable in the microprocessor. Also, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment that the processor is implemented as another type of hardware.

When the aerosol generating substrate S is inserted into the cavity, the controller 102 may control the heating unit 108 to heat the aerosol generating substrate S. In an embodiment, the controller 102 may control DC power output from the power supply unit 101 and/or AC power supplied to the induction coil 15 so that the induction coil 15 generates a variable magnetic field. The susceptor 50 may be heated by the variable magnetic field generated by the induction coil 15 to generate aerosol. As such, the aerosol generating device 1 of the disclosure may automatically start heating of the aerosol generating substrate S when the aerosol generating substrate S is inserted into the cavity even without a user input.

When the heating of the aerosol generating substrate S is started, the controller 102 may control power supplied to the heating unit 108 according to a temperature profile stored in the memory 104. The controller 102 may use DC current output from the DC/DC converter 1012 without a separate temperature sensor to determine a temperature of the susceptor 50 directly contacting the aerosol generating substrate S. In an embodiment, DC current output from the DC/DC converter 1012 may decrease as a temperature of the susceptor 50 increases. In other words, DC current output from the DC/DC converter 1012 and a temperature of the susceptor 50 may have a linear relationship. The controller 102 may control power supplied to the heating unit 108 by determining a temperature of the susceptor 50 based on the linear relationship between the DC current and the susceptor 50 and comparing the determined temperature with a temperature profile.

Although a relationship between an actual temperature of the susceptor 50 and DC current may be mapped and shipped during a manufacturing stage, if the susceptor 50 is replaced and the replaced susceptor 50 is heated by using the mapping information at the time of manufacturing, accurate temperature control may not be possible. This is because a relationship between an actual temperature and DC current is different for each susceptor 50 due to a manufacturing tolerance, etc. This is the same between the susceptor 50 that is calibrated and the susceptor 50 that is not calibrated.

According to the disclosure, to solve this problem, the mapping information stored in the memory 104 may be updated for the susceptor 50 that is replaced through a calibration value.

FIG. 7 is a view for describing a relationship between DC current of a power supply unit and a temperature of a susceptor and whether the susceptor is replaced, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, the power supply unit 101 may output DC power Pdc. To this end, the power supply unit 101 may include the battery 1011 and the DC-DC converter 1012. The battery 1011 may output DC power, and the DC-DC converter 1012 may boost or lower the DC power. The boosted or lowered DC power may be expressed as a DC voltage Vdc and DC current Idc, and the DC voltage Vdc and the DC current Idc may be provided as DC power Pdc to the power conversion unit 107. The DC power Pdc output by the power supply unit 101 may be adjusted under the control of the controller 102.

The power conversion unit 107 may convert the DC power Pdc into AC power Pac. To this end, the power conversion unit 107 may include a DC/AC converter. The DC/AC converter may include at least one switching element, and may include an E-class or D-class power converter. The power conversion unit 107 converts the DC power Pdc into the AC power Pac and may output the AC power Pac according to on/off of the switching element.

The heating unit 108 may include the induction coil 15 and the susceptor 50. The induction coil 150 may receive the AC power Pac to generate an alternating magnetic field, and the susceptor 50 may generate heat due to the alternating magnetic field to heat the aerosol generating substrate S.

The current detection unit 1033 may detect the DC current Idc output by the DC-DC converter 1012. To this end, the current detection unit 1033 may include at least one shunt resistor. However, a current detection method of the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The controller 102 may determine a temperature of the susceptor 50 based on the DC current Idc detected by the current detection unit 1033. In an embodiment, when viewed from the DC-DC converter 1012 that is an input terminal, the susceptor 50 may correspond to an impedance component. Also, as a temperature of the susceptor 50 increases, a size of a resistance component may increase. Accordingly, as a temperature of the susceptor 50 increases, the DC current Idc detected by the current detection unit 1033 may decrease. In other words, a linear relationship may be formed between a temperature of the susceptor 50 and the DC current Idc. The controller 102 may determine a temperature of the susceptor 50 based on the linear relationship between the temperature of the susceptor 50 and the DC current Idc. Information about the relationship between the temperature of the susceptor 50 and the DC current Idc may be stored as a lookup table in the memory 104.

The controller 102 may determine a temperature of the susceptor 50 from the DC current Idc, and may control the DC power Pdc output by the DC-DC converter 1012 based on the determined temperature. The controller 102 may control the DC power Pdc output by the DC-DC converter 1012 through a control signal S1. Because the DC current Idc is used to determine a temperature of the susceptor 50, the controller 102 may adjust the DC voltage Vdc to adjust the DC power Pdc. In other words, the controller 102 may adjust DC power output by the DC-DC converter 1012 by adjusting the DC voltage Vdc.

The susceptor 50 of the disclosure may be replaceably coupled to the aerosol generating device 1. For example, after the first susceptor 51 is extracted from the insertion space, the second susceptor 52 different from the first susceptor 51 may be inserted into the insertion space. In this case, the first susceptor 51 may be the susceptor 50 coupled to the aerosol generating device 1 during manufacture or on which calibration is performed, and the second susceptor 52 may be the susceptor 50 on which calibration is not performed. When the second susceptor 52 is inserted, the controller 102 may perform a calibration operation on the second susceptor 52 in a calibration mode.

The calibration operation may be performed when the input unit 105 receives a user's input. This is to prevent a case where a calibration operation is performed regardless of the user's intention, thereby causing user inconvenience and risk. According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 of the disclosure may automatically perform a calibration operation without a user input. This is to minimize user inconvenience. In an example where a calibration operation is performed without a user input, whether the susceptor 50 is replaced may be periodically determined in order to automatically perform the calibration operation, but this method may significantly increase power consumption. According to the disclosure, to solve this problem, only when the upper case 40 is separated from the body 10 and then is coupled to the body 10 again, a calibration operation is performed. This is because if the upper case 40 is separated from the body 10, there is a high possibility that the heater holder 20 including the susceptor 50 is separated from the body 10. Also, this is because if the heater holder 20 is separated from the body 10, there is a high possibility that the susceptor 50 is replaced.

As such, when the upper case 40 is separated from the body 10, the susceptor 50 is likely to be replaced, but in some cases, only the upper case 40 may be separated from the body 10 and then may be coupled to the body 10 again. According to the disclosure, it may be easily determined that the susceptor 50 is not replaced through probe DC power Pp.

In more detail, the controller 102 may control the DC-DC converter 1012 to output the probe DC power Pp. The probe DC power Pp may be set to be less than DC powers in the calibration mode described below. In an embodiment, the probe DC power Pp may be set to be less than 5 W. For example, the probe DC power Pp may be set to, but is not limited to, 2 W.

A method by which the controller 102 outputs the probe DC power Pp is the same as a method of outputting the DC power Pdc. In the words, the controller 102 may control the DC-DC converter 1012 so that DC power output by the DC-DC converter 1012 follows the probe DC power Pp by adjusting a probe DC voltage Vp of the DC-DC converter 1012.

The susceptor 50 may correspond to an impedance component when viewed from the DC-DC converter 1012 that is an input terminal. Also, the impedance component may be unique for each susceptor 50. According to the disclosure, whether the susceptor 50 is replaced may be easily determined based on the unique characteristics of the susceptor 50. To this end, the current detection unit 1033 may obtain probe DC current Ip. Information about the probe DC current Ip may be transmitted to the controller 102.

The information about the probe DC current Ip for the first susceptor 51 may be pre-stored in the memory 104. The probe DC current Ip for the first susceptor 51 may be referred to as reference DC current. When the probe DC current Ip detected by the current detection unit 1033 is the same as the reference DC current, the controller 102 may determine that the first susceptor 51 is not replaced. Accordingly, the controller 102 may terminate the calibration mode early by transmitting a second control signal S2 to the DC/DC converter 1012. Accordingly, power consumption may be significantly reduced. Conditions under which a calibration mode starts and ends will be described in more detail.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for describing an operating method of an aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8, in operation S911, the upper case detection unit 1032 detects whether the upper case 40 is detached.

The upper case detection unit 1032 may include an inductive sensor. Accordingly, as the upper case 40 approaches or retreats from the body 10, an inductance may be changed. The upper case detection unit 1032 may transmit an inductance value to the controller 102 in real time or periodically.

The controller 102 may determine whether the upper case 40 is separated from the body 10 based on the inductance value output by the upper case detection unit 1032. For example, when an inductance change amount per unit time output by the upper case detection unit 1032 is less than a preset reference inductance, the controller 102 may determine that the upper case 40 is separated from the body 10.

In operation S912, the controller 102 determines whether the upper case 40 and the body 10 are coupled to each other again.

The controller 102 may determine whether the upper case 40 is coupled to the body 10 again based on the inductance value output by the upper case detection unit 1032. For example, when an inductance change amount per unit time output by the upper case detection unit 1032 is equal to or greater than the preset reference inductance, the controller 102 may determine that the upper case 40 is re-coupled to the body 10.

When the controller 102 determines that the upper case 40 is still separated from the body 10, the controller 102 may control the upper case detection unit 1032 to detect whether the upper case 40 is re-coupled in real time or periodically.

In operation S913, when the controller 102 determines that the upper case 40 is re-coupled to the body 10, the controller 102 starts a calibration mode.

The calibration mode may include a probe period and a calibration period subsequent to the probe period. The controller 102 may perform a calibration operation on the susceptor 580 by controlling the power supply unit 101 according to a preset power profile in the calibration mode.

In operation S914, the current detection unit 1033 may detect probe DC current corresponding to probe DC power.

The controller 102 may determine whether the susceptor 50 is replaced by controlling the power supply unit 101 to output the probe DC power at the start of the calibration mode. To this end, the controller 102 may adjust a probe DC voltage of the DC-DC converter 1012 to output the probe DC power. Also, the current detection unit 1033 may detect the probe DC current corresponding to the probe DC power.

In operation S915, the controller 102 may compare the probe DC current with reference DC current.

The reference DC current may refer to probe DC current for the first susceptor 51. In other words, information about the probe DC current may be pre-stored in the memory 104 before the susceptor 50 is replaced. When the calibration mode starts, the controller 102 may compare the probe DC current detected by the current detection unit 1033 with the reference current. When the susceptor 50 is not replaced, the probe DC current detected by the current detection unit 1033 may be the same as the reference current.

When the probe DC current is the same as the reference current, the controller 102 may terminate the calibration mode.

In operation S916, when the controller 102 determines that the probe DC current is not the same as the reference current, the controller 102 may determine that the susceptor 50 is replaced and may determine whether a first user input is received.

The first user input may refer to a user input for terminating the calibration mode. The input unit 105 may be provided as a single key and may receive a user input. The controller 102 may set a user input equal to or longer than a preset first input time as the first user input. For example, the first input time may be, but is not limited to, 5 seconds.

In operation S917, when the controller 102 does not receive the first user input, the controller 102 may perform calibration on the replaced susceptor 50. The calibration of the susceptor 50 will be described below in more detail with reference to FIG. 9.

In operation S918, when the controller 102 receives the first user input, the controller 102 may terminate the calibration mode.

A user may want to heat the aerosol generating substrate S immediately after replacing the susceptor 50, and in this case, because the start of the calibration mode causes inconvenience to the user, the aerosol generating device 1 of the disclosure may immediately terminate the calibration mode by such a user input, thereby increasing user satisfaction.

In operation S919, the controller 102 may determine whether a second user input is received in a state where the calibration mode ends.

The second user input may refer to a user input for re-starting the calibration mode. The controller 102 may set a user input equal to or longer than a preset second input time as the first user input. For example, the second input time may be, but is not limited to, 8 seconds.

When the controller 102 does not receive the second user input, the controller 102 maintains the termination of the calibration mode.

In operation S920, when the controller 102 receives the second user input, the controller 102 may re-start the calibration mode.

The user may want the calibration operation to be performed at a specific time for a uniform flavor, and the aerosol generating device 1 of the disclosure may be designed to re-start the calibration mode even at the user's request. The calibration of the susceptor 50 by such a user input will be described below with reference to FIG. 9.

When the controller 102 calibrations a corresponding relationship between DC current output by the power supply unit 101 and a temperature of the susceptor 50 in the calibration mode, if the controller 102 does not receive the second user input, the controller 102 does not enter the calibration mode until the upper case 40 is separated from the body 10 again.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing a calibration reference temperature, according to an embodiment.

In FIG. 9, an x-axis represents time, and a y-axis represents temperature. Also, FIG. 9 illustrates a saturation temperature graph 1010 of the first susceptor 51 and a saturation temperature graph 1020 of the second susceptor 52 over time when the same power is provided.

Referring to FIG. 9, both the first susceptor 51 and the second susceptor 52 are manufactured to converge to a certain saturation temperature Ts in a preset power range. This is to ensure that replaced susceptors 50 also exhibit uniform performance. Also, this is to facilitate a calibration operation by comparing DC currents when they reach the same saturation temperature Ts, as described below.

The first susceptor 51 and the second susceptor 52 may be manufactured to have a power amount per cubic millimeter (w/mm³) within a preset reference range in order to converge to the certain saturation temperature Ts in the preset power range. This may be achieved by performing a heat treatment step, a magnetic field supply step, and a gas (e.g., nitrogen and argon) supply step during manufacturing of the first susceptor 51 and the second susceptor 52. In an embodiment, the first susceptor 51 and the second susceptor 52 may be manufactured to converge within a range of 330° to 340° when DC power of 5 w to 12 w is supplied. For example, when the supplied DC power is 10 w, the first susceptor 51 and the second susceptor 52 may converge at 335°.

According to the disclosure, as described above, a reference for determining a temperature is calibrated by considering that the first susceptor 51 and the second susceptor 52 converge to a specific temperature at specific DC power. In other words, because both the first susceptor 51 and the second susceptor 52 have the same saturation temperature Ts, the saturation temperature Ts may be set as a calibration reference temperature Tcf, first measurement parameters measured when the first susceptor 51 is inserted and second measurement parameters measured when the second susceptor 52 is inserted may be compared with the calibration reference temperature Tcf, and a calibration operation for the second susceptor 52 may be performed.

In the disclosure, because a temperature of the susceptor 50 is possible by sensing DC current output by the DC/DC converter 1012, the first measurement parameters and the second measurement parameters may refer to DC currents measured when the susceptors 50 are inserted. Also, in the disclosure, because a temperature of the susceptor 50 is possible by sensing DC current output by the DC/DC converter 1012, when a temperature of the susceptor 50 is saturated, it may mean that DC current is maintained. Accordingly, when DC current is maintained within a reference range for a preset reference time, the controller 102 may determine that a temperature of the susceptor 50 has reached the calibration reference temperature Tcf. In an embodiment, the controller 102 may obtain information about DC current output by the current detection unit 1033 at a time when a temperature of the susceptor 50 reaches the calibration reference temperature Tcf.

In FIG. 9, the controller 102 may identify that the first susceptor 51 has reached the calibration reference temperature Tcf at a first time t1 through first DC current I1 output by the current detection unit 1033. Also, the controller 102 may identify that the second susceptor 52 has reached the calibration reference temperature Tcf at a second time t2 through second DC current I2 output by the current detection unit 1033. As such, although temperatures of the first susceptor 51 and the second susceptor 52 are the same as the calibration reference temperature Tcf, there may be a difference a(A) between the first DC current I1 and the second DC current I2. According to the disclosure, a calibration operation is performed based on the difference a(A).

The first susceptor 51 is a component provided together with the aerosol generating device 1 during manufacture, and a relationship between an actual temperature and DC current may be accurately mapped. Alternatively, the first susceptor 51 is the susceptor 51 on which a calibration operation has already been performed, and a relationship between a temperature and DC current may be accurate. Accordingly, in FIG. 9, the saturation temperature graph 1010 of the first susceptor 51 is only a diagram that shows a DC current difference from the second susceptor 52, and information about the first DC current I1 may be pre-stored in the memory 104. The controller 102 may determine a temperature of the first susceptor 51 based on a mapped linear relationship between DC current and temperature before the second susceptor 52 is inserted. However, when the second susceptor 52 is inserted, because the difference a(A) occurs between DC currents as shown in FIG. 9, the controller 102 may calibrate the mapping relationship stored in the memory 104 in a calibration mode.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing a control method in a calibration mode, according to embodiment.

In FIG. 10, an x-axis represents time, and a y-axis represents temperature or power. Also, FIG. 10 illustrates a power profile graph 1110 over time in a calibration mode and a temperature change graph 1120 of the second susceptor 52 according to a power profile. In FIG. 10, a probe period included in the calibration mode is omitted. In other words, the calibration mode may include the probe period and a calibration period. The probe period is a period for simply determining whether a susceptor is replaced, as described with reference to FIG. 7. The calibration period is a period subsequent to the probe period, and corresponds to a period for calibrating the susceptor 50 that is replaced. Although the calibration mode includes only the calibration period, the calibration mode may also include the probe period.

Referring to FIG. 10, when the first susceptor 51 is extracted from the insertion space, the aerosol generating device 1 may accommodate the second susceptor 52 different from the first susceptor 51.

When receiving a user input, the controller 102 may enter a calibration mode. In this case, the user input may refer to the second user input of FIG. 8. The aerosol generating device 1 may include the input unit 105 that is a single button key, and may enter the calibration mode when a user input equal to or longer than a preset input time is received. In an embodiment, the preset input time may be set to 5 seconds or more. For example, the input time may be, but is not limited to, 8 seconds. As such, the reason for limiting the input time to a relatively large time is to prevent entering the calibration mode contrary to a user's intention.

According to an embodiment, when the upper case 40 is detached from the body 10 and then is coupled to the body 10 again, the controller 102 may automatically enter the calibration mode. In a state where the calibration mode starts, the controller 102 may check whether the susceptor 50 is replaced through the probe period. Also, when the controller 102 does not receive a user input that requests termination of the calibration mode in a state where it is checked that the susceptor 50 is replaced, the controller 102 may perform control in the calibration period below.

The controller 102 may control power supplied to the heating unit 108 according to a power profile, instead of a temperature profile, in the calibration mode. The controller 102 may supply DC power to the heating unit 108 according to a power profile for a first period and a second period consecutive to the first period in the calibration mode. The power profile for the first period and the second period may be pre-stored in the memory 104.

When the controller 102 enters the calibration mode, the controller 102 may output first DC power P1 by controlling the power supply unit 101 in the first period. Also, the controller 102 may output second DC power P2 less than the first DC power P1 by controlling the power supply unit 101 in the second period. The controller 102 may provide the first DC power P1 or the second DC power P2 to the power conversion unit 107 by boosting or lowering DC power output by the battery 1011 through the DC/DC converter 1012 included in the power supply unit 101. Because DC current output by the DC/DC converter 1012 is variable according to a temperature of the susceptor 50, the controller 102 may control a DC voltage output by the DC/DC converter 1012 so that DC power output by the DC/DC converter 1012 follows the first DC power and the second DC power, despite the variable DC current.

In FIG. 10, even when the first DC power P1 and the second DC power P2 may be set to converge to the calibration reference temperature Tcf even when the susceptor 50 is replaced. In an embodiment, the controller 102 may set the first DC power P1 and the second DC power P2 in a range of 5 W to 12 W. For example, the first DC power P1 may be set to 10 W, and the second DC power P2 may be set to 7 W. The reason why the first DC power P1 is set to be greater than the second DC power P2 in the first period, which is an initial period of the calibration mode, is to allow the susceptor 50 to more rapidly reach the calibration reference temperature Tcf. Also, the reason why the second DC power P2 is set to be less than the first DC power P1 in the second period, which is a latter period of the calibration mode, is to help to minimize the burden on the susceptor 50 and reduce power consumption. The controller 102 may set the first period to be sufficiently long so that the second susceptor 52 converges to the calibration reference temperature Tcf in the first period. However, in order to minimize the burden on the device, a length of the first period may be set to be less than a length of the second period. For example, a length of the first period may be set to 2 minutes or less, and a sum of the first period and the second period may be set to 5 minutes or less, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example where the second susceptor 52 reaches the calibration reference temperature Tcf in the first period. Also, in FIG. 10, the second susceptor 52 converges to a temperature lower than the calibration reference temperature Tcf due to a decrease in DC power in the second period. However, because the aerosol generating device 1 of the disclosure does not include a separate temperature sensor, convergence to the calibration reference temperature Tcf may be estimated from DC current output by the DC/DC converter 1012. When DC current output by the DC/DC converter 1012 is maintained within a reference range for a preset reference time, the controller 102 may determine that the second susceptor 52 reaches the calibration reference temperature Tcf. For example, the reference time may be 3 seconds, and the reference range may be 0 to 100 mA, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

In FIG. 10, the second susceptor 52 reaches the calibration reference temperature Tcf from a second time t2, and the current detection unit 1033 may output second DC current I2 as a detection value. The second DC current I2 is DC current corresponding to the calibration reference temperature Tcf, and thus, may be referred to as calibration reference current. The controller 102 calibrations a current-temperature relationship for the second susceptor 52 based on the calibration reference temperature Tcf and the calibration reference current, and determines a temperature of the second susceptor 52 based on the calibrated corresponding relationship.

In more detail, the controller 102 may pre-store, in the memory 104, information about first DC current I1 (see FIG. 9) output by the DC/DC converter 1012 at a time when the first susceptor 51 reaches the calibration reference temperature Tcf, and the controller 102 may obtain a calibration value based on a difference between the second DC current I2 that is the calibration reference current and the first DC current I1. For example, the difference between the second DC current I2 and the first DC current I1 may be a(A) as shown in FIG. 9, and the controller 102 may obtain a(A) as a calibration value.

The controller 102 may calibrate temperature matching information for the second susceptor 52 based on the calibration value. The controller 102 may modify the DC current-temperature information for the first susceptor 51 stored in the memory 104. For example, the controller 102 may add the calibration value a to the first DC current I1 to obtain an added value (I1+a), and may map the added value (I1+a) to the calibration reference temperature Tcf. Because DC current and a temperature of the susceptor 50 have a linear relationship, the controller 102 may calibrate a corresponding relationship between the second DC current I2 and a temperature of the second susceptor 52 based on the added value (I1+a) and the calibration reference temperature Tcf. For example, a linear relationship between the second DC current I2 and a temperature of the second susceptor 52 may increase by the calibration value a from a linear relationship between the first DC current I1 and the first susceptor 51. The controller 102 may determine a temperature of the second susceptor 52 based on the calibrated corresponding relationship.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for describing an operating method in a calibration period, according to an embodiment.

The controller 102 may enter a calibration mode manually by a user input and/or automatically according to whether the upper case 40 is detected.

In an example where the controller 102 manually enters the calibration mode by a user input, after the first susceptor 51 is extracted from the insertion space, the second susceptor 52 different from the first susceptor 51 is inserted into the insertion space. The disclosure has a replacement structure for the susceptor 50, and after the first susceptor 51 is separated, the first susceptor 51 may be discarded, or may be re-inserted into the insertion space after cleaning. The first susceptor 51 has a structure that is easy to clean when extracted from the insertion space, and a user may heat the aerosol generating substrate S while replacing the susceptors 50 for uniform smoke taste. A replaceable structure of the susceptor 50 is the same as described with reference to FIG. 4. The input unit 105 may be provided as a single button key. When the controller 102 receives a continuous user input equal to or longer than a preset input time, the controller 102 may enter a calibration mode. The continuous user input equal to or longer than the preset input time or more may be referred to as a long key input. In an embodiment, the preset input time may be set to 5 seconds or more. For example, the input time may be, but is not limited to, 8 seconds. As such, the reason for limiting the input time to a relatively large time is to prevent entering the calibration mode contrary to the user's intention.

In an example where the controller 102 automatically enters the calibration mode according to whether the upper case 40 is detected, the upper case detection unit 1032 may include an inductive sensor. Inductance may be changed as the upper case 40 approaches and retreats from the body 10. The upper case detection unit 1032 may transmit an inductance value to the controller 102 in real time or periodically. The controller 102 may determine whether the upper case 40 is separated from the body 10 based on the inductance value output by the upper case detection unit 1032. When the controller 102 determines that the upper case 40 is re-coupled to the body 10, the controller 102 may enter the calibration mode.

When the controller 102 enters the calibration mode manually by a user input and/or automatically according to whether the upper case 40 is detected, the controller 102 may perform the following operations.

Referring to FIG. 11, in operation S1210, the controller 102 obtains calibration reference current corresponding to a calibration reference temperature of the second susceptor 52.

The controller 102 may control power supplied to the heating unit 108 according to a power profile, instead of a temperature profile in a calibration mode. The memory 104 may store information about DC power output by the power supply unit 101 in each of a probe period, a first period, and a second period. When the controller 102 enters the calibration mode, the controller 102 may output first DC power by controlling the power supply unit 101 in the first period after the probe period. Also, the controller 102 may output second DC power less than the first DC power by controlling the power supply unit 101 in the second period.

The power supply unit 101 includes the battery 1011 and the DC/DC converter 1012 connected to the battery 1011, and the controller 102 may control the DC/DC converter 1012 to output the first DC power and the second DC power by controlling a DC voltage from among DC current and the DC voltage output by the DC/DC converter 1012.

In the calibration mode, the controller 102 may set the first DC power and the second DC power output by the power supply unit so that the second susceptor 52 converges to a calibration reference temperature. The reason why the second susceptor 52 converges to the calibration reference temperature is that the second susceptor 52 is manufactured to have a power amount per cubic millimeter (w/mm³) within a preset reference range, as described with reference to FIG. 9.

In the disclosure, because a temperature of the second susceptor 52 is possible by sensing second DC current output by the power supply unit 101, when a temperature of the second susceptor 52 converges to the calibration reference temperature, it may mean that the second DC current is maintained within a preset range. Accordingly, when the second DC current is maintained within the preset range for a preset reference time, the controller 102 may determine that a temperature of the second susceptor 52 converges to the calibration reference temperature. The controller 102 may obtain information about the second DC current output by the current detection unit 1033 at a time when a temperature of the second susceptor 52 reaches the calibration reference temperature, and may set the information as calibration reference current.

In operation S1220, the controller obtains a calibration value based on the calibration reference current.

The controller 102 may pre-store, in the memory 104, information about first DC current output by the power supply unit 101 at a time when the first susceptor 51 reaches the calibration reference temperature. The controller 102 may obtain a calibration value based on a difference between the second DC current that is the calibration reference current and the first DC current. In an embodiment, the controller 102 may obtain a calibration value by subtracting the first DC current from the second DC current that is the calibration reference current.

In operation S1230, the controller calibrates a corresponding relationship between DC current output by the power supply unit and a temperature of the second susceptor based on the calibration value.

The controller 102 may obtain a corresponding relationship between the second DC current of the second susceptor 52 and a temperature of the second susceptor 52, by modifying a corresponding relationship between the first DC current of the first susceptor 51 and a temperature of the first susceptor 51 based on the calibration value. In other words, the controller 102 may calibrate temperature matching information for the first susceptor 51 to temperature matching information for the second susceptor 52 based on the calibration value.

The memory 104 may store a first corresponding relationship between DC current and a temperature for the first susceptor 51. The first corresponding relationship for the first susceptor 51 may have a linear relationship based on the first DC current corresponding to the calibration reference temperature, and the linear relationship may be stored as a lookup table in the memory 104. The controller 102 may obtain the calibration value for the calibration reference temperature and the calibration reference current for the second susceptor 52, and may calibrate the first corresponding relationship based on the calibration value. For example, the controller 102 may add the calibration value to the first DC current corresponding to the calibration reference temperature in the first corresponding relationship, and may correspond the added first DC current to the calibration reference temperature. The added first DC current may correspond to the second DC current, and a second corresponding relationship forming a linear relationship based on the calibration reference temperature corresponding to the second DC current may be obtained. In other words, the first corresponding relationship may be calibrated to a second corresponding relationship and may be stored as a lookup table in the memory 104. The second corresponding relationship is information for determining a temperature of the second susceptor 52, and the controller 102 may determine a temperature of the second susceptor 52 based on the second corresponding relationship.

In operation S1240, the controller determines a temperature of the second susceptor 52 based on the calibrated corresponding relationship.

The calibrated corresponding relationship in operation S1240 may refer to the second corresponding relationship. A corresponding relationship between the second DC current and a temperature of the second susceptor 52 is calibrated according to the calibration reference current corresponding to the calibration reference temperature of the second susceptor 52 through operations S1210 to S1230. In other words, because the calibration reference current corresponding to the calibration reference temperature is calibrated to the second DC current obtained by adding the calibration value to the first DC current, and the linear relationship between DC current-temperature is also calibrated based on the calibration reference current-calibration reference temperature, the controller 102 may accurately determine a temperature of the second susceptor 52 even when the susceptor 50 is replaced.

Certain embodiments or other embodiments described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Certain embodiments or other embodiments described above may be combined with each other in configuration or function.

For example, a configuration A described in a specific embodiment and/or drawing and a configuration B described in another embodiment and/or drawing may be combined. That is, 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.

The above detailed description should be construed in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, not by the above description, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

An aerosol generating device of the disclosure may provide uniform smoke taste by setting an optimal control criterion for a replaced susceptor.

Also, according to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device may automatically perform a calibration mode even without a user's input according to an embodiment, thereby minimizing user inconvenience.

Also, because a susceptor is likely to be replaced when an upper case is separated from a body, the aerosol generating device of the disclosure may determine whether a calibration mode starts according to whether the upper case is separated and coupled, thereby reducing power consumption.

Also, the aerosol generating device may easily determine that the susceptor is not replaced through probe DC power, and when the susceptor is not replaced, the aerosol generating device may terminate the calibration mode early, thereby further reducing power consumption.

Also, because replaceable susceptors are manufactured to converge to a specific temperature in response to specific DC power, the aerosol generating device may easily obtain calibration criteria without an additional configuration for calibrating the replaceable susceptors.

Also, because a temperature to which the replaceable susceptors converge in the calibration mode is set to be lower than a Curie temperature, the lifetime of the aerosol generating device may be increased.

Also, because the susceptor that is a heating unit is configured to be replaceable, the aerosol generating device may provide an optimal flavor to the user.

Also, because a heating unit includes an inductor coil and a susceptor, the aerosol generating device excludes connection between a replicable susceptor and an electrode.

Effects of the disclosure are not limited to those described above, and more various effects are included in the specification.