AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0082859, filed on Jun. 25, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0115296, filed on Aug. 27, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device.

2. Description of the Related Art

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 an aerosol-generating device have been conducted.

In the aerosol-generating device, a capacitor may be used on an input side of a heater to stably supply voltage to the heater. A ceramic capacitor vibrates due to a piezoelectric effect during operation, and accordingly, audible noise that can be heard by a human may be generated by the ceramic capacitor. The conventional aerosol-generating device using the ceramic capacitor has a problem in that audible noise is generated during a switching process for supplying voltage or power to the heater.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

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 in which a control operation is performed so that a heater is turned on and off at a predetermined cycle, and a first sensor that detects insertion or removal of an object is activated while the heater is turned off.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device in which a control operation is performed to turn on and off a heater at a predetermined cycle while a stick is not removed, a first sensor is activated while the heater is turned off, and a control operation is performed to turn off the heater and the first sensor is activated while the stick is removed.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device in which a cycle at which a first sensor is activated is varied.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device in which an activation cycle of a first sensor when a puff is generated and an activation cycle of the first sensor when a puff is not generated for a certain period of time are differently set.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device in which an activation cycle of a first sensor when the number of times of occurrence of puffs is greater than or equal to a certain number of times and an activation cycle of the first sensor when the number of times is less than the certain number of times are differently set.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device in which an activation cycle of a first sensor when a distance between a body and an external object is greater than or equal to a certain level and an activation cycle of the first sensor when the distance is less than the certain level are differently set.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of an aerosol-generating device including a body providing an insertion space, a heater configured to heat the insertion space, a first sensor configured to detect that an object is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, and a controller configured to control power supplied to the heater, wherein the controller is configured to control the heater to be turned on and off at a specific cycle, and activate the first sensor while the heater is turned off, and the specific cycle is equal to or less than 1/20,000 sec.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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:

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

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrates the aerosol-generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts illustrating operation control of a heater and a first sensor of the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 7 and 9 are graphs illustrating operation control of the heater and the first sensor of the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 8, 10, and 11 are flowcharts each illustrating setting of a detection cycle of the first sensor of the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 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. With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements.

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. As used herein, the suffix “module” or “unit” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms, for example, “logic,” “logic block,” “part,” or “circuitry.” A “module” or a “unit” may be a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, the “module” or the “unit” may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

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.

Embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., a memory 17) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the aerosol-generating device 1). For example, a processor (e.g., the controller 12) of the machine (e.g., the aerosol-generating device 1) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and may execute the same. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction invoked. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term “non-transitory” simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between semi-permanent storage of data in the storage medium and temporary storage of data in the storage medium.

In the present disclosure, the directions of the aerosol-generating device 1 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 1. The y-axis direction may be defined as a forward-backward direction of the aerosol-generating device 1. The z-axis direction may be defined as an upward-downward direction of the aerosol-generating device 1.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.

According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a power supply 11, a controller 12, a sensor unit 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and/or a heater 18 and 24. However, the components included in the aerosol-generating device 1 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 1. That is, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that some of the components shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components may be further included depending on the design of the aerosol-generating device 1.

According to one embodiment, the sensor unit 13 may detect the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 or the state of the surroundings of the aerosol-generating device 1, and may transmit the detected information to the controller 12. For example, the sensor unit 13 may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a reuse detection sensor, an overly moist state detection sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor, and/or a movement detection sensor. Meanwhile, the sensor unit 13 may further include various sensors, such as a liquid residual quantity sensor for detecting the residual quantity of liquid in the cartridge and an immersion sensor for detecting immersion of the aerosol-generating device 1.

According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may detect a temperature to which the heater 18 and 24 is heated. The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater 18 and 24, or the heater 18 and 24 itself may serve as a temperature sensor. In an example, the temperature sensor may be used to measure impedance for the heater 18. The impedance for the heater 18 may correlate with the temperature of the heater 18. The temperature sensor may measure current and/or voltage applied to the heater 18 (or an induction coil). The impedance for the heater 18 may be obtained based on the measured current and/or voltage. The controller 12 may estimate the temperature of the heater 18 based on the obtained impedance.

In an example, the temperature sensor may include a resistance element (e.g., a thermistor), the resistance value of which varies in response to changes in the temperature of the heater 18 and 24. The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element, and the controller 12 may determine the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 and/or a change in the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

In another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor that detects the resistance value of the heater 18 and 24. The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater 18 and 24, and the controller 12 may determine the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 and/or a change in the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may detect the temperature of the power supply 11. The temperature sensor may be disposed adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor may be attached to one surface of the power supply 11 (e.g., a battery) and/or may be mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board. In an example, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a power supply protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor may be disposed adjacent to the power supply 11 together with the power supply protection circuit module.

According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be disposed in a housing (not shown) of the aerosol-generating device 1 to detect the internal temperature of the housing (not shown).

According to one embodiment, the puff sensor may detect a user's puff.

In an example, the puff sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol-generating device 1, and the controller 12 may determine the user's puff based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol-generating device 1 may correspond to the pressure of an airflow path through which gas flows. The puff sensor may be disposed corresponding to the airflow path through which gas flows in the aerosol-generating device 1.

In another example, the puff sensor may include a temperature sensor. When the user's puff occurs, temperature drop may temporarily occur in the airflow path, a space into which an aerosol-generating article is inserted (hereinafter referred to as an “insertion space”), and the heater 18 and 24. The controller 12 may determine the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path output from the temperature sensor.

In still another example, the puff sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor may measure temperature used to calibrate the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. In one example, the puff sensor may calibrate a signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor, and may output the calibrated signal. In another example, the puff sensor may output a signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a signal corresponding to the internal pressure measured by the puff sensor. In this case, the controller 12 may receive the signals, and may calibrate the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

In still another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may also be called a cap sensor or a capacitive sensor. When the user's puff occurs, a temperature change of the aerosol-generating article in the insertion space and/or aerosol flow may occur, and accordingly, a dielectric constant in the insertion space may change. The controller 12 may determine the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant in the insertion space output from the capacitance sensor.

The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented as various sensors for detecting the user's puff.

According to one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may detect insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article. The insertion detection sensor may be mounted adjacent to the insertion space. In addition, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

In an example, the insertion detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. When the aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, capacitance around the conductor may change. The controller 12 may determine insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant in the insertion space output from the capacitance sensor.

In another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and the at least one coil may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol-generating article) includes a conductor, when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, a change in magnetic field may occur around the coil through which current flows. The controller 12 may determine insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article including a conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of alternating current, a current value, a voltage value, an inductance value, and an impedance value). Alternatively, a susceptor SUS or the like may be included in the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a medium portion of the aerosol-generating article). In this case, a change in magnetic field may also occur around the coil based on insertion or removal of the susceptor or the like into or from the insertion space, and the controller 12 may determine insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

The insertion detection sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented as various sensors (e.g., a proximity sensor) for detecting insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article. In addition, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above. According to one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may include a switch or the like for detecting pressing by the aerosol-generating article.

According to one embodiment, the reuse detection sensor may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is being reused. In an example, the reuse detection sensor may be a color sensor for detecting the color of the aerosol-generating article. If the aerosol-generating article is used by the user, a change in the color of a portion of the wrapper may occur due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor may output a signal corresponding to an optical characteristic (e.g., wavelength of light) corresponding to the color of the wrapper based on the light reflected from the wrapper. When a change in the color of a portion of the wrapper is detected, the controller 12 may determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

According to one embodiment, the overly moist state detection sensor may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is in an overly moist state. For example, the overly moist state detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor disposed adjacent to the insertion space. The controller 12 may determine whether the aerosol-generating article is in an overly moist state based on the level of a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant or the like output from the capacitance sensor. In an example, the controller 12 may check a level range within which the level of the signal is included based on a look-up table, and may determine the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article based on the checked level range.

According to one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is authentic and/or may detect the type of the aerosol-generating article.

In an example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an optical sensor for detecting an identification material (or an identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., the wrapper) of the aerosol-generating article. The optical sensor may radiate light toward the identification material (or the identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article, and may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is authentic and/or may detect the type of the aerosol-generating article based on the reflected light. For example, the identification material may include a material (i.e., a luminous material) that emits light of a specific wavelength band based on the light radiated thereto. The controller 12 may determine whether the aerosol-generating article is authentic and/or may determine the type of the aerosol-generating article based on the range of the wavelength.

In another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The dielectric constant in the insertion space may vary depending on the type of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space. The controller 12 may determine whether the aerosol-generating article is authentic and/or may determine the type of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant or the like in the insertion space output from the capacitance sensor.

In still another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. If a conductor is included in the wrapper and/or inner portion (e.g., the medium portion) of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space, when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion space, the characteristics of the current detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of alternating current, a current value, a voltage value, an inductance value, and an impedance value) may vary depending on the type of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space. The controller 12 may determine whether the inserted aerosol-generating article is authentic and/or may determine the type of the inserted aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor.

The cigarette identification sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented as various sensors for detecting whether the aerosol-generating article is authentic and/or detecting the type of the aerosol-generating article. In addition, the cigarette identification sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor may detect mounting and/or removal of the cartridge. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), and/or an optical sensor.

According to one embodiment, the cap detection sensor may detect mounting and/or removal of the cap. For example, the cap detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), and/or an optical sensor. The cap may cover at least a portion of the cartridge mounted in or inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1 or may cover at least a portion of the housing of the aerosol-generating device 1. When the cap is mounted in or removed from the housing, the cap detection sensor may output a signal corresponding to mounting or removal, and the controller 12 may determine mounting or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to mounting or removal.

According to one embodiment, the movement detection sensor may detect movement of the aerosol-generating device 1. The movement detection sensor may be implemented as at least one of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor.

According to one embodiment, the sensor unit 13 may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (global positioning system (GPS)), or a proximity sensor in addition to the sensors described above. The functions of the sensors can be intuitively deduced by those skilled in the art from the names thereof, and thus detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

According to one embodiment, the output unit 14 may output information about the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 to provide the same to the user. The output unit 14 may include, but is not limited to, a display, a haptic unit, and/or a sound output unit. For example, information about the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a charging/discharging state of the power supply 11 of the aerosol-generating device 1, a preheating state of the heater 18 and 24, an insertion/removal state of the aerosol-generating article and/or the cartridge, a mounting/removal state of the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol-generating device 1 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal object). The display may visually provide the information about the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 to the user. For example, the display may include a light-emitting diode (LED), a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), and an organic light-emitting diode panel (OLED). If the display includes a touchpad, the display may also be used as the input unit 15. The haptic unit may haptically provide the information about the aerosol-generating device 1 to the user. For example, the haptic unit may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, and an electrical stimulation device. The sound output unit may audibly provide the information about the aerosol-generating device 1 to the user. For example, the sound output unit may convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and may output the acoustic signal to the outside.

According to one embodiment, the power supply 11 may supply power used for operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. The power supply 11 may include one or more batteries. The power supply 11 may supply power so that the heater 18 and 24 is heated. In addition, the power supply 11 may supply power necessary for operation of the other components included in the aerosol-generating device 1, such as the controller 12, the sensor unit 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 without being limited thereto. The power supply 11 may be a replaceable (separation-type) battery (hereinafter referred to as a “removable battery”). The removable battery may be mounted in a battery accommodation portion provided in the aerosol-generating device 1 or may be removed from the battery accommodation portion. The removable battery may be charged in a wired and/or wireless manner.

According to one embodiment, the heater 18 and 24 may receive power from the power supply 11 to heat the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a cigarette) and/or a medium and/or an aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge. The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a heater 18 for heating the aerosol-generating article and/or a cartridge heater 24 for heating the cartridge (i.e., a solid and/or liquid medium).

According to one embodiment, the heater 18 and 24 may be an electro-resistive heater. For example, the electro-resistive heater may include an electrically resistive material such as 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, and nichrome. The electro-resistive heater may be implemented as a metal wire, a metal plate having an electrically conductive track disposed thereon, or a ceramic heating element.

According to one embodiment, the heater 18 and 24 may be an induction heater. For example, the induction heater may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field. A magnetic field may be generated by an induction coil by alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field may pass through the heater, and an eddy current may be generated in the susceptor. The susceptor may be heated based on generation of the eddy current. According to one embodiment, the susceptor may be included in the inner portion (e.g., the medium portion) of the aerosol-generating article. In this case, the susceptor included in the inner portion of the aerosol-generating article may also be heated by the induction coil.

The heater 18 and 24 is not limited to the examples described above, and may include or be replaced with various heating methods, structures, and components for heating the aerosol-generating article and/or the cartridge.

According to one embodiment, the input unit 15 may receive information input from the user. For example, the input unit 15 may include a touch panel, a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, and a jog switch.

According to one embodiment, 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. For example, 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. For example, 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.

According to one embodiment, the communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices (e.g., a portable electronic device). For example, the communication unit 16 may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication unit, a near-field communication unit, a wireless local area network (WLAN) 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, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, and a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the controller 12 may include at least one processor. The controller 12 may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microcontroller unit (MCU) (or a microprocessor) and a memory in which a program executable by the MCU is stored. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the controller may also be implemented as other forms of hardware.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power from the power supply 11 to the heater 18 and 24 to control the temperature of the heater 18 and 24. The controller 12 may control the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 and/or power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 based on the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 detected by the temperature sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13). The controller 12 may control the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 and/or power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 based on the temperature profile and/or the power profile stored in the memory 17.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heater 18 and 24 and the power supply 11 to control power (e.g., voltage and/or current) supplied to the heater 18 and 24. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a DC/DC converter (e.g., a buck converter, a buck-boost converter, a boost converter, or a Zener diode) that converts power to be supplied to the heater 18 and 24 and a DC/AC converter (e.g., an inverter) that converts power to be supplied to the induction coil (not shown). The DC/AC converter may be implemented as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements. For example, the power conversion circuit may include at least one switching element, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET).

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the frequency and/or duty ratio of a current pulse input to at least one switching element of the power conversion circuit (not shown) to control the current and/or the voltage supplied to the heater 18 and 24. 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.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 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 (a specific frequency) and a predetermined duty ratio (a specific duty ratio) is supplied to the heater 18 and 24. The controller 12 may control the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse to control power supplied to the heater 18 and 24. For example, the controller 12 may determine, based on the temperature profile, a target temperature to be controlled. The controller 12 may control power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 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.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may determine, based on the power profile, target power to be controlled. The controller 12 may control power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 so as to correspond to the preset target power over time.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may detect power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 to determine the user's puff. In more detail, the controller 12 may control power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 using the proportional-integral-differential (PID) scheme. When the user's puff occurs, temperature drop may temporarily occur in a space into which the aerosol-generating article is inserted (hereinafter referred to as an insertion space) and the heater 18 and 24. Accordingly, the power (or the current) supplied to the heater 18 and 24 may change during control of the power using the PID scheme. The controller 12 may determine the user's puff based on the change in the power controlled.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may prevent the heater 18 and 24 from overheating. For example, the controller 12 may control, based on the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 exceeding a preset limit temperature, operation of the power conversion circuit such that the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 is reduced or the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 is interrupted.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control charging/discharging of the power supply 11. For example, the controller 12 may check the temperature of the power supply 11 using the temperature sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13). If the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a first limit temperature, the controller 12 may interrupt charging of the power supply 11. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a second limit temperature, the controller 12 may interrupt use of the power stored in the power supply 11 (e.g., discharging). The controller 12 may calculate the remaining amount of the power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the controller 12 may calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 based on a voltage and/or current detection value of the power supply 11.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on a result of the detection by the sensor unit 13.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article into and/or from the insertion space. For example, upon determining that the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space using the insertion detection sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13), the controller 12 may perform control such that power is supplied to the heater 18 and 24. Upon determining that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space using the insertion detection sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13), the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24. The controller 12 may determine that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 is equal to or higher than a limit temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater 18 and 24 is equal to or greater than a preset slope.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control, based on the state of the aerosol-generating article, a power supply time and/or the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and 24. For example, upon determining that the aerosol-generating article is in an overly moist state using the overly moist state detection sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13), the controller 12 may increase a time during which power is supplied to the heater 18 and 24 (e.g., a preheating time).

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol-generating article is being reused. For example, upon determining that the aerosol-generating article has already been used, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on whether the cartridge has been coupled and/or removed. For example, upon determining that the cartridge has been removed using the cartridge detection sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13), the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 or 24 or may perform control such that power is not supplied to the heater 18 and 24.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge has been exhausted. For example, upon determining that the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 exceeds a limit temperature during preheating of the heater 18 and 24 (i.e., in the preheating section), the controller 12 may determine that the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge has been exhausted. Upon determining that the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge has been exhausted, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on whether use of the cartridge is possible. For example, upon determining, based on 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, the controller 12 may determine that use of the cartridge is impossible. Alternatively, when a total time period during which the heater 18 and 24 is heated is equal to or longer than a preset maximum time period or when the total amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 is equal to or greater than a preset maximum amount of power, the controller 12 may determine that use of the cartridge is impossible. In this case, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 or 24 or may perform control such that power is not supplied to the heater 18 and 24.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on the user's puff. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether a puff occurs and/or the intensity of a puff using the puff sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13). When the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs and/or when no puff is detected for a preset time period or longer, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24. When a puff is detected, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol-generating article (or the cartridge) is authentic and/or the type of the aerosol-generating article (or the cartridge). For example, the controller 12 may determine whether the aerosol-generating article is authentic and/or may determine the type of the aerosol-generating article using the cigarette identification sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13). In an example, upon determining that the aerosol-generating article (or the cartridge) is inauthentic, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24. Upon determining that the aerosol-generating article (or the cartridge) is authentic, the controller 12 may control (e.g., commence) the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24. In another example, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 differently depending on the type of the aerosol-generating article (or the cartridge). In more detail, upon determining that the aerosol-generating article (or the cartridge) is a first aerosol-generating article (or a first cartridge), the controller 12 may control the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 and/or power based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile), and upon determining that the aerosol-generating article (or the cartridge) is a second aerosol-generating article (or a second cartridge), the controller 12 may control the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 and/or power based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile).

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the output unit 14 based on a result of detection by the sensor unit 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted using the puff sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13) reaches a preset number, the controller 12 may control the output unit 14 to visually, haptically, and/or audibly provide information that operation of the aerosol-generating device 1 will end soon. For example, the controller 12 may control the output unit 14 to visually, haptically, and/or audibly provide information about the temperature of the heater 18 and 24.

According to one embodiment, based on occurrence of a predetermined event, the controller 12 may store a history of the corresponding event in the memory 17 and may update the history. For example, the event may include events performed in the aerosol-generating device 1, such as detection of insertion of the aerosol-generating article, commencement of heating of the aerosol-generating article, detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the heater 18 and 24, detection of application of overvoltage to the heater 18 and 24, termination of heating of the aerosol-generating article, 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. For example, 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 aerosol-generating article, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on a value detected by the insertion detection sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13). For example, when the predetermined event is detection of overheating of the heater 18 and 24, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the heater 18 and 24, the voltage applied to the heater 18 and 24, and the current flowing through the heater 18 and 24.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the communication unit 16 to form a communication link with an external device such as a user's mobile terminal.

According to one embodiment, 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 (e.g., a heating function) of the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the data on authentication may include the user's birthday, an identification number uniquely identifying the user, and whether authentication is completed by the user.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may transmit data on the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 (e.g., remaining capacity of the power supply 11 and operation mode) to the external device via the communication link. The transmitted data may be output through a display or the like of the external device.

According to one embodiment, upon receiving a request to search for the location of the aerosol-generating device 1 from the external device via the communication link, the controller 12 may control the output unit 14 to perform an operation corresponding to location search. For example, the controller 12 may perform control such that the haptic unit generates vibration or the display outputs objects corresponding to location search and termination of search.

According to one embodiment, upon receiving firmware data from the external device via the communication link, the controller 12 may perform firmware update.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may transmit data on a value detected by the at least one sensor unit 13 to an external server (not shown) via the communication link, 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 the operation of determining the user's puff pattern and the operation of generating the temperature profile using the learning model received from the server.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a power supply protection circuit. The power supply protection circuit may include at least one switching element, and may block an electric path to the power supply 11 in response to overcharging and/or overdischarging of the power supply 11. The aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to other external devices through the connection interface to transmit and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

The aerosol-generating article mentioned in the present disclosure may include at least one aerosol-generating rod (e.g., a medium portion) and at least one filter rod. The heater 18 may be disposed to correspond to the at least one aerosol-generating rod, and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement order and/or positions of the aerosol-generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol-generating rod may contain at least one of nicotine, an aerosol-generating substance, and an additive. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and/or propylene glycol (PG) and may also include various other substances. For example, the additive may include a flavoring agent and/or an organic acid and may also include various other substances. For example, the aerosol-generating rod may include an aerosol-generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a liquid non-tobacco substance (e.g., an aerosol-generating substance and/or nicotine) and/or may contain a solid tobacco substance (e.g., leaf tobacco and reconstituted tobacco). The tobacco substance may be contained in the aerosol-generating rod in various forms, such as shredded tobacco, granules, and powder. According to one embodiment, the additive of the aerosol-generating rod may include an alkaline substance. Based on the alkaline substance, nicotine contained in the tobacco substance in the aerosol-generating rod may have an alkaline pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, freebase nicotine may be released from the aerosol-generating rod even at a low temperature. According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating rod may include two or more aerosol-generating rods, each of which may contain a tobacco substance and/or a non-tobacco substance. Meanwhile, although not shown, the at least one aerosol-generating rod and the at least one filter rod may individually and/or integrally be wrapped by at least one wrapper. In the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating article may be referred to as a stick.

The cartridge mentioned in the present disclosure may contain an aerosol-generating substance having any one state among a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, and a gel state. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. Meanwhile, the cartridge may include a storage part that contains the aerosol-generating substance and/or a liquid delivery part that is impregnated with (contains) the aerosol-generating substance. For example, the liquid delivery part may include a wick formed of, e.g., cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The cartridge heater 24 may be included in the cartridge in a coil-shaped structure surrounding (or wound around) the liquid delivery part or a structure contacting one side of the liquid delivery part. Alternatively, the cartridge heater 24 may be included in the aerosol-generating device 1, which is removable from the cartridge.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are views showing aerosol-generating devices 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a housing 10, a power supply 11, a controller 12, a sensor unit 13, and/or a heater 182 and 183 (e.g., the heater 18 in FIG. 1). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that the components included in the aerosol-generating device 1 are not limited to those shown in FIG. #a or FIG. #b and that some of the components may be omitted or new components may be further included. The aerosol-generating device 1 shown in FIG. 2 may be referred to as an “internal heating-type” aerosol-generating device that heats the inner side of an aerosol-generating article 2. The aerosol-generating device 1 shown in FIG. 3 may be referred to as an “external heating-type” aerosol-generating device that heats the outer side of the aerosol-generating article 2. In the drawings below, a description of configurations identical to those shown in FIG. 1 will be omitted.

According to one embodiment, the housing 10 may provide a space that is open upwardly to allow the aerosol-generating article 2 to be inserted thereinto. In the present disclosure, the space that is open upwardly may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed so as to be depressed in the housing 10 to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be inserted thereinto. The depth of the insertion space may be equal to or greater than the length of a region of the aerosol-generating article 2 in which an aerosol-generating substance and/or a medium is contained. The lower end of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be inserted into the housing 10, and the upper end of the aerosol-generating article 2 may protrude outside the housing 10. A user may inhale an aerosol while holding the externally exposed upper end of the aerosol-generating article 2 in the mouth.

According to one embodiment, the heater 182 and 183 may heat the aerosol-generating article 2.

Referring to FIG. 2, the heater 182 may be an internal heating-type heater.

According to one embodiment, the internal heating-type heater may be elongated upwardly in the space into which the aerosol-generating article 2 is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). For example, as shown in the drawings, the internal heating-type heater may include a rod-shaped or needle-shaped heating element. Alternatively, the internal heating-type heater may include various other heating elements, such as a tubular heating element or a plate-shaped heating element. The internal heating-type heater may be inserted through the lower portion of the aerosol-generating article 2.

According to one embodiment, the internal heating-type heater may include an electro-resistive heater and/or an induction heater.

For example, the electro-resistive heater may include an electro-resistive material, which is provided on the inner side (e.g., in the cavity or on the inner surface) or outer side (e.g., on the outer surface) thereof, and may generate heat as current flows through the electro-resistive material. In this case, the electro-resistive heater may be electrically connected to the power supply 11, and may directly generate heat using current received from the power supply 11. Meanwhile, an induction coil 181 may be omitted.

For example, in the case of an induction heater, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include an induction coil 181 surrounding at least a portion of the internal heating-type heater (e.g., disposed outside the heater so as to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator may be further provided outside the induction coil 181 in order to increase efficiency of induction heating. The induction heater may include a susceptor, and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated by the induction coil 181. According to one embodiment, the induction heater (e.g., the susceptor) (or a heater module including the same) may be disposed to be removable from the housing 10.

According to one embodiment, the heater 182 may be a multi-heater. The multi-heater may include a first heater and a second heater, and may be inserted into the aerosol-generating article 2. The first heater and the second heater may be disposed side by side in the longitudinal direction. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electro-resistive heater and/or an induction heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first heater and the second heater may be disposed at positions corresponding to the positions of two or more aerosol-generating rods in the longitudinal direction, respectively. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be disposed at positions corresponding to the positions of a first portion and a second portion of one aerosol-generating rod in the longitudinal direction, respectively. Meanwhile, if the heater 182 is an induction heater, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be disposed at positions corresponding to the positions of the first heater and the second heater in the longitudinal direction, respectively. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be disposed at positions corresponding to the positions of a first portion and a second portion of one heater 182 in the longitudinal direction, respectively. In addition, three or more heaters and/or three or more induction coils may be included.

According to one embodiment, the susceptor may be disposed on (or included in) the inner side (e.g., the medium portion) of the aerosol-generating article 2. The susceptor included inside the aerosol-generating article 2 may be implemented to be heated based on a magnetic field generated by the induction coil 181.

Referring to FIG. 3, the heater 183 may be an external heating-type heater.

According to one embodiment, the external heating-type heater may be elongated upwardly around the space into which the aerosol-generating article 2 is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). For example, the external heating-type heater may be disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. In an example, the external heating-type heater may include a tube shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) including a cavity formed therein. The external heating-type heater may alternatively include a shape including a cavity formed therein and surrounding the cavity. In this case, the external heating-type heater may be supported by a polyimide film. The heater supported by this film may be referred to as a film heater. The external heating-type heater may be disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The external heating-type heater may heat the outer side of the aerosol-generating article 2 inserted into the cavity.

According to one embodiment, the external heating-type heater may include an electro-resistive heater and/or an induction heater, and a description of configurations identical to those shown in FIG. 2 will be omitted. Meanwhile, in the case of an induction heater, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include an external heating-type heater implemented as a tubular susceptor and may include an induction coil 181 surrounding at least a portion of the external heating-type heater (e.g., disposed outside the heater so as to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In addition, the induction coil 181 may include a fan coil. Meanwhile, if the external heating-type heater is an electro-resistive heater, heat may be generated through current flow through the tubular electro-resistive heater (e.g., the film heater), and thus a separate induction coil 181 may be omitted. Meanwhile, a thermally insulating material may be disposed outside the external heating-type heater. Accordingly, the amount of heat emitted from the heater 183 in the radially outward direction and released outside the housing 10 may be reduced.

According to one embodiment, the heater 183 may be a multi-heater, and the first heater and the second heater may be disposed side by side in the longitudinal direction so as to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electro-resistive heater and/or an induction heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. Meanwhile, if the heater 183 is an induction heater, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a first induction coil and a second induction coil. The first induction coil and the second induction coil may be disposed at positions corresponding to the positions of the first heater and the second heater in the longitudinal direction, respectively. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be disposed at positions corresponding to the positions of a first portion and a second portion of one heater 183 in the longitudinal direction, respectively.

Unlike the configuration shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, both the heater 182 in FIG. 2 and the heater 183 in FIG. 3 may be included in the aerosol-generating device 1. In this case, the heater 182 may heat the inner side of the aerosol-generating article 2, and the heater 183 may heat the outer side of the aerosol-generating article 2.

According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 1 may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing 10 may include a structure (e.g., a hole) through which outside air may be introduced into the housing 10. The air introduced into the housing 10 may be introduced into the aerosol-generating article 2 through the lower end (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol-generating article 2. An aerosol generated based on heating of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity together with the introduced air through the upper end (i.e., downstream side) of the aerosol-generating article 2.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the aerosol-generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include at least one of the power supply 11, the controller 12, the heater 18, the sensor unit 13, or a heater driving circuit 200.

The heater 18 may be placed in the body 10 (e.g., the housing 10 of FIGS. 2 and 3). The heater 18 may receive power from the power supply 11 and heat an insertion space 43 provided in the body 10 and/or a stick 2 inserted into the insertion space 43 (e.g., the aerosol-generating article 2 of FIGS. 2 and 3). The heater 18 may include the features of the heater 18 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

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 connected to the heater 18, the power supply 11, and the controller 12. 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 power converter 210, a switching unit 220, and a capacitor 230. The heater driving circuit 200 may apply a voltage (Vh, see FIG. 7) and/or power to the heater 18 through the power converter 210, the switching unit 220, and the capacitor 230.

The power converter 210 may convert a voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power converter 210 may be implemented through a buck converter, a boost converter, a buck-boost converter, etc. that convert the voltage output from the power supply 11. The power converter 210 may be referred to as a converter or a transformer. The power converter 210 may convert a voltage output from the power supply 11 and output the converted voltage. For example, the magnitude of the voltage output from the power converter 210 may be equal to or greater than the magnitude of the voltage output from the power supply 11.

The capacitor 230 may be connected to the power converter 210 and the switching unit 220. The capacitor 230 may be connected to the power supply 11 through the power converter 210. The capacitor 230 may be mounted on a printed circuit board. The capacitor 230 may include at least one ceramic capacitor. For example, the capacitor 230 may include at least one multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC). The MLCC may include a plurality of ceramic dielectric material layers, a plurality of electrodes between the plurality of ceramic dielectric material layers, and two external electrodes connected in parallel to the plurality of electrodes. When a switching operation of the switching unit 220 occurs, the MLCC may vibrate due to piezoelectric response characteristics inherent to a dielectric material.

The switching unit 220 may have one end connected to the power converter 210 and the capacitor 230, and the other end connected to the heater 18. The switching unit 220 may electrically interconnect the capacitor 230 and the heater 18 under the control of the controller 12. A voltage output from the power converter 210 and/or the capacitor 230 may be applied to the one end of the switching unit 220. The voltage output from the power converter 210 and/or the capacitor 230 may be supplied to the heater 18 by the switching unit 220.

The controller 12 may control power supplied to the heater 18. The controller 12 may control switching of the switching unit 220 so that power is or is not supplied to the heater 18. The heater 18 may generate heat when power is supplied, and may not generate heat when power is not supplied. A state in which power is supplied to the heater 18 may be defined as the heater 18 being turned on, and a state in which power supply to the heater 18 is interrupted may be defined as the heater 18 being turned off.

The controller 12 may control the switching unit 220 so that a pulse having a predetermined frequency and/or duty ratio is supplied to the heater 18. The controller 12 may control power supplied to the heater 18 by adjusting the frequency and/or duty ratio of the pulse through the switching unit 220.

The controller 12 may deduce a temperature of the heater 18. The controller 12 may determine the temperature of the heater 18 based on a signal output from a temperature sensor (not illustrated). The controller 12 may determine power supplied to the heater 18 based on the determined temperature of the heater 18. The controller 12 may supply the determined power to the heater 18 by controlling the power supply 11 and the heater driving circuit 200.

The sensor unit 13 may include at least one sensor. For example, the sensor unit 13 may include a first sensor 131 that detects that an object is inserted into or removed from the insertion space 43. The first sensor 131 may be referred to as a stick detection sensor or an insertion detection sensor. The first sensor 131 may output a signal in response to insertion and/or removal of the stick 2. The first sensor 131 may be installed around the insertion space 43. The first sensor 131 may include at least one of a capacitance sensor, an inductive sensor, or a proximity sensor.

The controller 12 may determine whether the stick 2 is inserted into and/or removed from the insertion space 43 based on a signal output from the first sensor 131. The controller 12 may perform a control operation so that power is supplied to the heater 18 or perform a control operation so that power supply is interrupted based on whether the stick 2 is inserted to or removed from the insertion space 43. Hereinafter, an operation of the controller 12 controlling the heater 18 and the first sensor 131 will be described in detail.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts illustrating operation control of the heater 18 and the first sensor 131 of the aerosol-generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating operation control of the heater 18 and the first sensor 131 of the aerosol-generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating and dividing each step of FIG. 5 in more detail.

Referring to FIG. 5, the controller 12 may supply power output from the power supply 11 to the heater 18 by controlling the power supply 11 and the heater driving circuit 200 (S510). The controller 12 may detect whether the stick 2 is removed from the insertion space 43 through the first sensor 131 at a predetermined cycle (S520). The controller 12 may activate the first sensor 131 by performing a control operation to apply a set voltage (Vs, see FIG. 7) to the first sensor 131, and may detect whether the stick 2 is removed from the insertion space 43 based on a signal output from the first sensor 131. The controller 12 may control power supplied to the heater 18 based on whether the stick 2 is removed (S530).

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the controller 12 may set a detection cycle of the first sensor 131 to detect whether the stick 2 is removed from the insertion space 43 (S521). The detection cycle of the first sensor 131 may correspond to a cycle at which the first sensor 131 is repeatedly activated. The detection cycle of the first sensor 131 may correspond to a cycle at which the heater 18 is repeatedly turned on and off. For example, the controller 12 may determine the detection cycle of the first sensor 131 to be 1/20,000 sec or less. The controller 12 may determine a frequency at which the first sensor 131 is activated to be 20 kHz or more. For example, the controller 12 may determine the detection cycle of the first sensor 131 to be 1/20 sec or more. The controller 12 may determine the frequency at which the first sensor 131 is activated to be 20 Hz or less.

The controller 12 may control the operation of the heater 18 based on the set detection cycle. The controller 12 may perform a control operation to turn on and off the heater 18, and activate the first sensor 131 according to the set detection cycle. The controller 12 may compare a time at which the heater 18 is turned on with the set detection cycle (S522). Based on the time at which the heater 18 is turned on being equal to or greater than the set detection cycle (“Y” of S522), the controller 12 may perform a control operation to interrupt power supply to the heater 18, thereby turning off the heater 18. The controller 12 may turn off the switching unit 220 to interrupt power supplied to the heater 18. The controller 12 may activate the first sensor 131 and receive a signal output from the first sensor 131 (S523).

The controller 12 may compare the amount of change in the signal output from the activated first sensor 131 with a first threshold value (S524). For example, the first threshold value may correspond to a minimum value of the amount of change in inductance or a minimum value of the amount of change in electrostatic capacity that occurs when the stick 2 is inserted into or removed from the insertion space 43.

The controller 12 may determine that the stick 2 is removed from the insertion space 43 when the output signal is greater than or equal to the first threshold value (“Y” of S524). The controller 12 may turn off the heater 18 based on the stick 2 being removed from the insertion space 43. The controller 12 may turn off the switching unit 220 to interrupt power supplied to the heater 18 (S531).

Accordingly, by detecting whether the stick 2 is removed from the insertion space 43 at a predetermined cycle, it is possible to prevent the heater 18 from being continuously heated even when the stick 2 is removed from the insertion space 43, prevent unnecessary waste of power, and prevent the device 1 from breaking down due to unnecessary heating of the heater 18.

In addition, when the first sensor 131 is activated in a state where power is not supplied to the heater 18, it is possible to prevent insertion and/or removal of the stick 2 from not being accurately detected by the first sensor 131 due to current flowing to the heater 18 or heat generated by the heater 18.

The controller 12 may determine whether the stick 2 is inserted into the insertion space 43 by activating the first sensor 131 at a predetermined cycle after interrupting power supplied to the heater 18 in the process of S531. When the controller 12 determines that the stick 2 is inserted into the insertion space 43, the controller 12 may perform a control operation to heat the heater 18 by supplying power to the heater 18 again. That is, when the stick 2 is inserted into the insertion space 43, the controller 12 may return to the process of S510 and re-perform subsequent processes.

When the output signal is smaller than the first threshold value (“N” of S524), the controller 12 may determine that the stick 2 is not removed from the insertion space 43. Based on the stick 2 not being removed from the insertion space 43, the controller 12 may turn on the heater 18 again. The controller 12 may perform a control operation so that the switching unit 220 is turned on and power is supplied to the heater 18 (S532). That is, when the stick 2 is not removed from the insertion space 43, the controller 12 may return to the process of S521 and re-perform subsequent processes.

Meanwhile, in the process of S522, when the time at which the heater 18 is turned on is less than the set detection cycle, the controller 12 may repeat a process of comparing the time at which the heater 18 is turned on with the detection cycle (“N” of S522).

Referring to FIG. 7, the controller 12 may determine the detection cycle to be predetermined cycles P1 and P3 in the process of S521. For example, the controller 12 may determine the cycle at which the heater 18 is repeatedly turned on and off to be the first cycle P1. The controller 12 may determine the cycle at which the first sensor 131 is repeatedly activated to be the third cycle P3. The first cycle P1 at which the heater 18 is repeatedly turned on and off may be the same as the third cycle P3 at which the first sensor 131 is repeatedly activated. The heater 18 and the first sensor 131 may be repeatedly turned on and off at the same predetermined cycle. Within a predetermined cycle, a time for which the heater 18 is turned on may be the same as or shorter than a time for which the first sensor 131 is turned off or deactivated. Within a predetermined cycle, a time P11 for which the heater 18 is turned off may be the same as or longer than a time P31 for which the first sensor 131 is turned on or activated. In other words, the heater 18 and the first sensor 131 may be repeatedly turned on and off at the same predetermined cycle, and the heater 18 may be turned off while the first sensor 131 is turned on or activated.

The graph of FIG. 7 illustrates an operation of the first sensor 131 while the heater 18 is repeatedly turned on and off, and when the stick 2 is removed from the insertion space 43, the heater 18 remains in an off state and only the first sensor 131 is repeatedly activated to detect insertion and/or removal of the stick 2.

Accordingly, when the heater 18 is turned on and off at a predetermined cycle while the stick 2 is not removed, the first sensor 131 is activated while the heater 18 is turned off, and the heater 18 is turned off and the first sensor 131 is activated while the stick 2 is removed, detection accuracy of the first sensor 131 may be prevented from being lowered by the operation of the heater 18.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating setting of a detection cycle of the first sensor 131 of the aerosol-generating device 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating operation control of the heater 18 and the first sensor 131 of the aerosol-generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Each process of FIG. 8 subdivides and illustrates the detection cycle setting process of FIG. 6.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the controller 12 may variably set a detection cycle. In the process of S521 FIG. 6, the controller 12 may set the detection cycle. The detection cycle of the first sensor 131 may correspond to the cycle at which the first sensor 131 is repeatedly activated. The detection cycle of the first sensor 131 may correspond to the cycle at which the heater 18 is repeatedly turned on and off.

The sensor unit 13 may include a puff sensor 132. The puff sensor 132 may detect puffs of the user. The puff sensor 132 may output a signal corresponding to puffs of the user. The puff sensor 132 may include at least one of a pressure sensor, a capacitance sensor, or a temperature sensor.

The controller 12 may receive a signal output from the puff sensor 132 (S810). The controller 12 may detect a last generated puff or the most recently generated puff based on the signal output from the puff sensor 132. The controller 12 may determine a time elapsed since the last generated puff or the most recently generated puff. The controller 12 may determine whether an additional puff is generated after the last generated puff or the most recently generated puff.

The controller 12 may compare the time elapsed since the last generated puff with a second threshold value S820. The second threshold value may be set to a value greater than an average interval between puffs generated in a process in which the user inhales the aerosol. For example, the second threshold value may be, but is not limited to, 1 minute.

The controller 12 may determine that no additional puffs are generated by the user for a certain period of time based on the elapsed time being equal to or greater than the second threshold value (“Y” of S820). The controller 12 may determine the detection period to be the first period P1 based on the elapsed time since the last puff being equal to or greater than the second threshold value S830. In other words, when a state in which no puffs are generated continues for a certain period of time, the controller 12 may determine the detection period to be the first period P1.

The controller 12 may determine that no additional puffs are generated by the user for a certain period of time based on the elapsed time being less than the second threshold value (“N” of S820). The controller 12 may determine the detection period to be the second period P2 based on the elapsed time since the last puff being less than the second threshold value S840. In other words, when a puff is generated again before the time corresponding to the second threshold value elapses since the last generated puff, the controller 12 may determine the detection period to be the second period P2.

Referring to FIG. 9, the first period P1 may be different from the second period P2. A third period P3 may be different from a fourth period P4. The second period P2 may be shorter than the first period P1. The fourth period P4 may be shorter than the third period P3.

For example, the second period P2 and/or the fourth period P4 may be 1/20,000 sec or less. When the controller 12 sets the detection cycle to the second cycle P2, the heater 18 may be turned on and off at a frequency of 20 kHz or higher. When the controller 12 sets the detection cycle to the fourth cycle P4, the first sensor 131 may be activated at a frequency of 20 kHz or higher. The controller 12 may perform a control operation so that the switching unit 220 is turned on and off at a frequency of 20 kHz or higher. Accordingly, the ceramic capacitor included in the capacitor 230 may supply power to the heater 18 at a frequency of 20 kHz or higher. As the capacitor 230 supplies power to the heater 18 at a frequency of 20 kHz or higher, even when vibration occurs due to the piezoelectric response characteristics of the dielectric material included in the capacitor 230, noise caused by the vibration is outside an audible frequency range, and thus may not be heard by the user.

Accordingly, audible noise may be prevented from occurring due to the operation of the heater 18.

For example, the second period P2 and/or the fourth period P4 may be 1/20,000 sec or less, and the first period P1 and/or the third period P3 may be 1/20,000 sec or more. When the controller 12 sets the detection period to the first period P1, the heater 18 may be turned on and off at a frequency of 20 kHz or less. When the controller 12 sets the detection period to the third period P3, the first sensor 131 may be activated at a frequency of 20 kHz or less. The controller 12 may perform a control operation so that the switching unit 220 is turned on and off at a frequency of 20 kHz or less. Accordingly, the ceramic capacitor included in the capacitor 230 may supply power to the heater 18 at a frequency of 20 kHz or less. When vibration occurs due to the piezoelectric response characteristics of the dielectric material included in the capacitor 230 as the capacitor 230 supplies power to the heater 18 at a frequency of 20 kHz or less, noise caused by the vibration may be located within the audible frequency range.

As the detection cycle becomes longer, the times P31 and P41 during which the first sensor 131 may be activated within one detection cycle may become longer. Conversely, as the detection cycle becomes shorter, the times P31 and P41 during which the first sensor 131 may be activated within one detection cycle may become shorter. As the first sensor 131 is activated during a longer time, the stick 2 may be detected as being removed from the insertion space 43 by the first sensor 131 more easily and more accurately.

A state in which no additional puffs are generated for a certain period of time after the last puff is generated may refer to a state in which inhalation of the user is ended or temporarily suspended. A possibility of the stick 2 being removed by the user may be higher when inhalation of the user is ended or temporarily suspended than when the user is inhaling. In addition, when inhalation of the user is ended or temporarily suspended, a distance between a face of the user and the aerosol-generating device 1 may be greater than when the user is inhaling.

In this way, by setting the detection cycle longer in a state where no additional puffs are generated for a certain period of time after the last puff is generated, removal of the stick 2 from the insertion space 43 may be detected more easily and accurately.

In addition, when a puff is generated again before a time corresponding to the second threshold value elapses after the last puff is generated, by setting the detection cycle shorter and setting a frequency corresponding to the detection cycle to be higher than the audible frequency, audible noise may be prevented from being generated due to the operation of the heater 18 and the user may be prevented from feeling discomfort due to the audible noise.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating setting of the detection cycle of the first sensor 131 of the aerosol-generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Each process of FIG. 10 subdivides and illustrates the detection cycle setting process of FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 10 together with FIG. 9, the controller 12 may variably set the detection cycle. In process of S521 of FIG. 6, the controller 12 may set the detection cycle. The detection cycle of the first sensor 131 may correspond to the cycle at which the first sensor 131 is repeatedly activated. The detection cycle of the first sensor 131 may correspond to the cycle at which the heater 18 is repeatedly turned on and off.

The sensor unit 13 may include the puff sensor 132. The controller 12 may receive a signal output from the puff sensor 132 (S1010). The controller 12 may determine whether a puff is generated based on a signal output from the puff sensor 132. The controller 12 may count the number of times that a puff is generated.

The controller 12 may compare the number of times that a puff is generated with a third threshold value (S1020). The third threshold value may be set to a value smaller than the maximum number of puffs that may be inhaled by the user using one stick 2. For example, the third threshold value may be 10, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The controller 12 may determine that a current number of puffs is close to the maximum number of puffs that may be inhaled by the user using one stick 2 based on the number of puffs being equal to or greater than the third threshold value (“Y” of S1020). The controller 12 may determine the detection cycle to be the first cycle P1 based on the number of puffs being equal to or greater than the third threshold value (S1030). In other words, when the current number of puffs is close to the maximum number of puffs that may be inhaled by the user using one stick 2, the controller 12 may determine the detection cycle to be the first cycle P1.

The controller 12 may determine that the current number of puffs is not close to the maximum number of puffs that may be inhaled by the user using one stick 2 based on the number of puffs being less than the third threshold value (“N” of S1020). The controller 12 may determine the detection cycle to be the second cycle P2 based on the number of puffs being smaller than the third threshold value (S1040). In other words, when the current number of puffs is not close to the maximum number of puffs using one stick 2, the controller 12 may determine the detection cycle to be the second cycle P2.

For example, the second cycle P2 and/or the fourth cycle P4 may be 1/20,000 sec or less. When the controller 12 sets the detection cycle to the second cycle P2, the heater 18 may be turned on and off at a frequency of 20 kHz or higher. When the controller 12 sets the detection cycle to the fourth cycle P4, the first sensor 131 may be activated at a frequency of 20 kHz or higher. The controller 12 may perform a control operation so that the switching unit 220 is turned on and off at a frequency of 20 kHz or higher.

For example, the second cycle P2 and/or the fourth cycle P4 may be 1/20,000 sec or less, and the first cycle P1 and/or the third cycle P3 may be 1/20,000 sec or more. When the controller 12 sets the detection cycle to the first cycle P1, the heater 18 may be turned on and off at a frequency of 20 kHz or less. When the controller 12 sets the detection cycle to the third cycle P3, the first sensor 131 may be activated at a frequency of 20 kHz or less. The controller 12 may perform a control operation so that the switching unit 220 is turned on and off at a frequency of 20 kHz or less.

A possibility that the stick 2 will be removed by the user may be higher when the current number of puffs is close to the maximum number of puffs using one stick 2 than when the current number of puffs is not close thereto.

In this way, when the current number of puffs is close to the maximum number of puffs using one stick 2, by setting the detection cycle to be longer, removal of the stick 2 from the insertion space 43 may be detected more easily and accurately.

In addition, when the current number of puffs is not close to the maximum number of puffs using one stick 2, by setting the detection cycle to be shorter and setting the frequency corresponding to the detection cycle to be higher than the audible frequency, generation of audible noise due to the operation of the heater 18 may be prevented, and the user may be prevented from feeling discomfort due to the audible noise.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating setting of the detection cycle of the first sensor 131 of the aerosol-generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Each process of FIG. 11 subdivides and illustrates the detection cycle setting process of FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 11 together with FIG. 9, the controller 12 may variably set the detection cycle. In the process of S521 of FIG. 6, the controller 12 may set the detection cycle. The detection cycle of the first sensor 131 may correspond to the cycle at which the first sensor 131 is repeatedly activated. The detection cycle of the first sensor 131 may correspond to the cycle at which the heater 18 is repeatedly turned on and off.

The sensor unit 13 may include a distance sensor 133. The distance sensor 133 may be arranged to face the outside of the body 10. The distance sensor 133 may output a signal corresponding to a distance between an object located outside the body 10 and the body 10. For example, the distance sensor 133 may emit light to the outside of the body 10 and detect a light signal reflected back from the object. For example, the distance sensor 133 may be implemented as a proximity sensor that measures a distance based on brightness of an optical signal reflected and returned from an object, a TOF (Time Of Flight) sensor that measures a distance based on a time it takes for an optical signal or an ultrasonic signal to be reflected back from a target object, etc.

The controller 12 may receive a signal output from the distance sensor 133 (S1110). The controller 12 may determine a distance between an object outside the body 10 and the body 10 based on the signal output from the distance sensor 133. The controller 12 may determine whether the object outside the body 10 is located adjacent to the body 10.

The controller 12 may compare the determined distance with a fourth threshold value (S1120). The fourth threshold value may be set to a value corresponding to a distance between a face and/or body of the user and the aerosol-generating device 1 when the user is not using the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the fourth threshold value may be 30 sec, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The controller 12 may determine that an object outside the body 10 is not located adjacent to the body 10 based on the determined distance being equal to or greater than the fourth threshold value (“Y” of S1120). The controller 12 may determine the detection period to be the first period P1 based on the determined distance being equal to or greater than the fourth threshold value (S1130). In other words, when there is no object outside the body 10 located adjacent to the body 10 at a certain distance or less, the controller 12 may determine the detection period to be the first period P1.

The controller 12 may determine that an object outside the body 10 is located adjacent to the body 10 based on the determined distance being less than the fourth threshold value (“N” of S1120). The controller 12 may determine the detection period to be the second period P2 based on the determined distance being less than the fourth threshold value (S1140). In other words, when there is an object located outside the body 10 adjacent to the body 10 at a certain distance or less, the controller 12 may determine the detection period to be the second period P2.

For example, the second period P2 and/or the fourth period P4 may be 1/20,000 sec or less. When the controller 12 sets the detection period to the second period P2, the heater 18 may be turned on and off at a frequency of 20 kHz or higher. When the controller 12 sets the detection period to the fourth period P4, the first sensor 131 may be activated at a frequency of 20 kHz or higher. The controller 12 may perform a control operation so that the switching unit 220 is turned on and off at a frequency of 20 kHz or higher.

For example, the second period P2 and/or the fourth period P4 may be 1/20,000 sec or less, and the first period P1 and/or the third period P3 may be 1/20,000 sec or more. When the controller 12 sets the detection period to the first period P1, the heater 18 may be turned on and off at a frequency of 20 kHz or less. When the controller 12 sets the detection period to the third period P3, the first sensor 131 may be activated at a frequency of 20 kHz or less. The controller 12 may perform a control operation so that the switching unit 220 is turned on and off at a frequency of 20 kHz or less.

A state in which there is no object located adjacent to the body 10 within a certain distance outside the body 10 may refer to a state in which the distance between the face and/or body of the user and the aerosol-generating device 1 is a certain distance or more, and this may refer to a state in which the user does not inhale the aerosol through the stick 2.

When the user does not inhale the aerosol through the stick 2, the possibility that the stick 2 will be removed by the user may be higher than when the user inhales the aerosol. In addition, when the user does not inhale the aerosol through the stick 2, the distance between the face and/or body of the user and the aerosol-generating device 1 may be longer than when the user inhales the aerosol.

In this way, when there is no object located adjacent to the body 10 within a certain distance outside the body 10, removal of the stick 2 from the insertion space 43 may be detected more easily and accurately by setting the detection cycle longer.

In addition, when an object is located adjacent to the body 10 outside the body 10 at a certain distance or less, by setting the detection cycle shorter and setting the frequency corresponding to the detection cycle to be higher than the audible frequency, audible noise may be prevented from being generated by the operation of the heater 18, and the user may be prevented from feeling discomfort due to the audible noise.

As described above, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a control operation is performed so that the heater is turn on and off at a predetermined cycle, and the first sensor that detects insertion or removal of an object is activated while the heater is turned off, thereby preventing audible noise from being generated by the operation of the heater.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heater is turned on and off at a predetermined cycle while the stick is not removed, the first sensor is activated while the heater is off, and the heater is turned off and the first sensor is activated while the stick is removed, so that detection accuracy of the first sensor may be prevented from being lowered due to the operation of the heater.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, by varying the cycle at which the first sensor is activated, generation of audible noise may be controlled in response to an inhalation state of the device user.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an activation cycle of the first sensor when a puff is generated and an activation cycle of the first sensor when a puff is not generated for a certain period of time are differently set, so that generation of audible noise may be prevented while the device user is inhaling.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an activation cycle of the first sensor when the number of times of occurrence of puffs is greater than or equal to a certain number of times and an activation cycle of the first sensor when the number of times is less than the certain number of times are differently set, so that generation of audible noise may be prevented in response to the number of puffs of the device user.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an activation cycle of the first sensor when a distance between a body and an external object is greater than or equal to a certain level and an activation cycle of the first sensor when the distance is less than the certain level are differently set, so that generation of audible noise may be prevented while the device user is inhaling.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 11, an aerosol-generating device 1 according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a body 10 providing an insertion space 43, a heater 18 configured to heat the insertion space 43, a first sensor 131 configured to detect that an object is inserted into or removed from the insertion space 43, and a controller 12 configured to control power supplied to the heater 18, wherein the controller 12 may be configured to control the heater 18 to be turned on and off at a specific cycle, and activate the first sensor 131 while the heater 18 is turned off, and the specific cycle is equal to or less than 1/20,000 sec.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 12 may be configured to receive a signal output from the activated first sensor 131, determine whether a stick is inserted into or removed from the insertion space 43 based on the output signal, control the power supplied to the heater 18 to be interrupted based on the stick being removed from the insertion space 43, and activate the first sensor 131 at the specific cycle while the heater 18 is turned off.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, based on the stick not being removed from the insertion space 43, the controller 12 may be configured to control the heater 18 to be turned on and off at the specific cycle, and activate the first sensor 131 while the heater 18 is turned off.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a power supply 11 configured to supply power to the heater 18, a capacitor 230 connected to the power supply 11, and a switching unit 220 connected to the capacitor 230 and the heater 18, wherein the controller 12 may be configured to control the switching of the switching unit 220 to supply power to the heater or interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the capacitor 230 may include at least one ceramic capacitor.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first sensor 131 may be an inductive sensor, and the controller 12 may be configured to receive a signal output from the activated first sensor 131 and determine that the object has been removed from the insertion space 43 based on an amount of change of the output signal being greater than or equal to a first threshold.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the specific cycle may be greater than or equal to 1/20 sec.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 12 may be configured to variably set the specific cycle.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a second sensor 132 configured to detect a puff, wherein the controller 12 may be configured to determine, based on a signal output from the second sensor 132, whether a puff is generated and whether an additional puff is generated after the puff is generated, set the specific cycle to a first cycle P1 based on the additional puff not being generated until a time elapsed from a time point at which the puff is generated becomes a second threshold value or more, and set the specific cycle to a second cycle P2 different from the first cycle P1 based on the additional puff being generated before the elapsed time becomes the second threshold value or more.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second cycle P2 may be shorter than the first cycle P1.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second cycle P2 may be equal to or less than 1/20,000 sec.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first cycle P1 may be greater than or equal to 1/20,000 sec.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 12 may be configured to determine whether a puff is generated and count a number of the puff based on a signal output from the second sensor 132, compare the number the puff with a third threshold and set the specific cycle to a first cycle P1 based on the number of the puff being greater than or equal to the third threshold, and set the specific cycle to a second cycle P2 different from the first cycle P1 based on the number of the puff being less than the third threshold.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a third sensor 133 disposed toward an outside of the body 10, wherein the controller 12 may be configured to determine a distance between the body 10 and an external object based on a signal output from the third sensor 133, compare the determined distance with a fourth threshold and set the specific cycle to a first cycle P1 based on the determined distance being greater than or equal to the fourth threshold, and set the specific cycle to a second cycle P2 different from the first cycle P1 based on the determined distance being less than the fourth threshold.

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.

The above detailed description should not be construed as restrictive in all respects but should be considered as illustrative. The scope of the present disclosure should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present disclosure are embraced within the scope of the present disclosure.