AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0143839, which was filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Oct. 21, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to a power control method of a heater that heats a liquid aerosol-generating substance.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Typically, in an aerosol-generating device comprising a liquid cartridge, the liquid aerosol-generating substance stored in a cartridge chamber is delivered to a liquid delivery part such as a wick, and the liquid delivery part is heated by a heater to generate aerosol.

When such a liquid type aerosol-generating substance is heated by a heater, temperature change occurs rapidly within a short time.

Therefore, if the liquid type aerosol-generating device is continuously heated with the same power supplied, carbonization may occur in the heater or a burnt taste may occur during a user puff.

SUMMARY

The disclosure has been devised to provide an aerosol-generating device configured to control supply power of a heater based on preset different temperature values.

Objects of the disclosure are not limited to the foregoing, and other objects not mentioned are clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

An aerosol-generating device according to various embodiments of the disclosure may comprise a housing receiving a liquid cartridge, a heater, a sensor unit, and at least one processor. Based on a control of at least one processor, the aerosol-generating device may be configured to supply power to the heater through a preset power profile when a user puff is detected, and control power supplied to the heater such that a temperature of the heater identified using the sensor unit converges within a range defined by a first temperature value and a second temperature value.

A heater power control method according to an embodiment of the disclosure is a heater power control method of an aerosol-generating device comprising a housing receiving a liquid cartridge. The method may comprise supplying power to a heater through a preset power profile when a user puff is detected, identifying a temperature of the heater using a sensor unit, and controlling power supplied to the heater such that the temperature of the heater converges within a range defined by a first temperature value and a second temperature value.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, by adjusting the output of the heater according to different temperature values, carbonization of the heater and occurrence of burnt taste may be prevented.

The effects of the disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned are clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendant aspects thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

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

FIG. 2 shows an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating heater temperature control according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a detailed flowchart of heater temperature control according to an embodiment; and

FIGS. 5 and 6 are example views of graphs illustrating the resistance value of the heater over time.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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 spirit of the 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., the 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 where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

In the 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, 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 and/or aerosol flow may occur in the insertion space of the aerosol-generating article, 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 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 geomagnetic 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 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 and a predetermined 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 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 disclosure, the aerosol-generating article may be referred to as a stick.

The cartridge mentioned in the 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.

FIG. 2 shows an aerosol-generating device 1 according to an embodiment. According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a housing 10, a power supply 11, a controller 12, and/or a sensor unit 13. 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. 2 and that some of the components may be omitted or new components may be further included. 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 include a structure that allows a cartridge 19 to be inserted into or mounted on one side thereof. In this case, the cartridge 19 may be removably coupled to the housing 10.

Although not shown in the drawings, the housing 10 and/or the cartridge 19 may include a mouthpiece. A user may inhale an aerosol while holding the mouthpiece in the mouth.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge 19 may include a chamber C0 containing an aerosol-generating substance. The chamber C0 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.

According to one embodiment, a liquid delivery part 25 that is impregnated with (contains) the aerosol-generating substance may be included in the cartridge 19. For example, the liquid delivery part 25 may be impregnated with the aerosol-generating substance supplied from the chamber C0. Here, the liquid delivery part 25 may include a wick formed of, e.g., cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. Although not shown in the drawings, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a liquid delivery part. In this case, at least a portion of the first liquid delivery part of the cartridge 19 and at least a portion of the second liquid delivery part of the aerosol-generating device 1 may be formed in contact with each other. In this case, the first liquid delivery part and the second liquid delivery part may be implemented in different forms. For example, the first liquid delivery part may include cotton fiber, and the second liquid delivery part may include porous ceramic. Alternatively, the cartridge 19 may not include a liquid delivery part, and the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge 19 may be delivered to the liquid delivery part of the aerosol-generating device 1.

According to one embodiment, the housing 10 and/or the cartridge 19 may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows.

For example, the housing 10 may include a structure allowing outside air to be introduced into the housing 10 in the state in which the cartridge 19 is coupled thereto. In an example, an air inlet through which outside air may be introduced into the housing 10 may be formed in one side surface of the housing 10. The air inlet may also be formed in the lower end surface of the housing 10. Outside air introduced into the housing 10 through the air inlet may pass through the cartridge 19, and then may flow toward the user's oral cavity through the airflow channel CN.

For example, the airflow channel CN may be included in the cartridge 19. The airflow channel CN may connect the chamber (e.g., an atomization chamber) in which the cartridge heater 24 or the liquid delivery part 25 is disposed to the outside of the housing 10 and/or the cartridge 19. In more detail, one end of the airflow channel CN may be open to the chamber (e.g., the atomization chamber) in which the cartridge heater 24 or the liquid delivery part 25 is disposed, and the other end thereof may communicate with the mouthpiece. The airflow channel CN may be elongated from one side of the chamber C0 of the cartridge 19 in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 19. The airflow channel CN may also be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 19 through the chamber C0 of the cartridge 19. The airflow channel CN may also communicate with a separate mouthpiece provided at the housing 10.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 may heat the aerosol-generating substance contained in the cartridge 19. For example, the cartridge heater 24 may include an electro-resistive heater and/or an induction heater. In an example, the electro-resistive heater may include an electro-resistive material, and may generate heat as current flows through the electro-resistive material. In another example, in the case of an induction heater, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include an induction coil (not shown) provided around the induction heater. The induction heater may include a susceptor, and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated by the induction coil (not shown). The cartridge heater 24 may be formed in a coil shape surrounding (or wound around) the liquid delivery part included in the cartridge 19 and/or the aerosol-generating device 1 and/or in a shape (e.g., a pattern shape) contacting one side of the liquid delivery part.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 may be included in the cartridge 19. If the cartridge 19 is formed to be removable from the housing 10, the cartridge heater 24 may be removed from the aerosol-generating device 1 together with the cartridge 19. Unlike the configuration shown in the drawings, the cartridge heater 24 may be included in the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the cartridge heater 24 may be included inside the housing 10. Meanwhile, the cartridge heater 24 may be included in a form that is removable from the housing 10 separately from (i.e., independently of) the cartridge 19. In other words, the cartridge heater 24 may or may not be removed from the housing 10 regardless of removal of the cartridge 19.

According to one embodiment, an aerosol may be generated based on generation of heat by the cartridge heater 24. As the liquid delivery part 25 is heated by the cartridge heater 24, an aerosol may be generated. For example, as the aerosol-generating substance impregnated in the liquid delivery part 25 is heated by the cartridge heater 24, vapor may be generated from the aerosol-generating substance, and an aerosol may be generated as the generated vapor is mixed with the outside air introduced into the cartridge 19. The aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the airflow channel CN.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge 19 may be integrally formed with the aerosol-generating device 1 (e.g., the housing 10). The cartridge 19 may be formed so as not to be removed from the aerosol-generating device 1 by the user. Even in this case, the cartridge 19 and/or the aerosol-generating device 1 may include at least one liquid delivery part, and an aerosol may be generated based on heating of the liquid delivery part 25 by the cartridge heater 24 included in the aerosol-generating device 1 or the cartridge 19. The generated aerosol may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the airflow channel CN.

The power supply control of the heater 24 and exemplary graphs based thereon are described through the drawings. In the following flowcharts, at least some steps may be omitted or their order may be changed, and overlapping content in each drawing may be omitted from description.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating heater temperature control according to an embodiment.

The controller 12 may detect a user puff (S310).

For example, after the aerosol-generating device 1 is turned on, a user inhalation, i.e., a user puff may be detected as the user inhales from the aerosol-generating device 1.

Next, the controller 12 may control heater power according to a preset power profile (S330).

For example, when a user puff is detected, the controller 12 may supply power to the heater 24 according to a specific power profile among at least one power profile stored in the memory 17. As power is supplied to the heater 24, the resistance and temperature of the heater 24 may increase.

Next, the controller 12 may control the temperature of the heater within a set temperature range (S350).

For example, after supplying power to the heater 24 according to the power profile, the controller 12 may control the power supplied to the heater 24 so that the temperature or resistance of the heater 24 converges to a predetermined range. For this purpose, the controller 12 may measure the resistance value or temperature value of the heater 24 in real time, periodically, or at a preset arbitrary time through the sensor unit 13.

According to an embodiment, the controller 12 may set a specific state range using at least two state values related to the state of the heater 24.

For example, the controller 12 may control the power supplied to the heater 24 based on a preset first temperature value and second temperature value. The first temperature value may be set to a higher temperature than the second temperature value. Such first temperature value and second temperature value may also be set as a first resistance value and a second resistance value. The temperature value and the resistance value are proportional to each other. The controller 12 may identify the temperature of the heater 24 based on the resistance of the heater 24 detected through a sensor unit (e.g., a resistance sensor). The controller 12 may identify the resistance of the heater 24 based on the temperature of the heater 24 detected through a sensor unit (e.g., a temperature sensor). Further, the controller 12 may directly identify the temperature of the heater 24 or directly identify the resistance of the heater 24 through the sensor unit 13.

According to an embodiment, the first resistance value and the second resistance value may be determined according to the type or characteristics of the heater 24. For example, when a heater module or the cartridge 19 is separated and replaced from the housing 10 according to device use, the type of the heater 24 may be changed. In this case, two or more preset different state values (e.g., resistance value, temperature value) may be determined or preset according to the type or characteristics of the heater 24.

For example, preset resistance values according to the type of heater may be stored in the memory 17 as a lookup table. Further, when an input value according to the characteristics of the heater 24 is detected, two or more temperature values or resistance values may be identified by reflecting the detected input value in a preset calculation algorithm.

The controller 12 may control the power applied to the heater 24 in a hysteresis manner so that the resistance of the heater 24 converges within a range according to two different resistance values.

For example, when the temperature of the heater 24 exceeds the first temperature value, the controller 12 may reduce the power supplied to the heater 24. Further, when the temperature of the heater 24 becomes equal to or less than the second temperature value which is lower than the first temperature value, the controller 12 may increase the power supplied to the heater 24.

According to an embodiment, the control operation in FIG. 3 may be performed within one puff operation. For example, the control operations of FIG. 3 may be performed after a user inhalation is detected. This may be performed during a predetermined time (e.g., 1 to 2 seconds) when the user inhalation is maintained.

Therefore, when the user inhalation terminates, the controller 12 may terminate the temperature control of the heater 24 (S370). For example, the controller 12 may cut off the power applied to the heater 24 according to the end of the user puff.

FIG. 4 is a detailed flowchart of heater temperature control according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, the operations of FIG. 4 may also be control operations performed within one puff, as in FIG. 3. Therefore, each control operation of FIG. 4 may start with detection of a user puff (S410) and end when the user puff terminates.

For this purpose, the controller 12 may identify whether the user puff terminates periodically, in real time, or at an arbitrary time. For example, when it is detected that the user puff terminates while an operation of a specific step of FIG. 4 is being performed, the controller 12 may immediately cut off the power supply to the heater 24.

As the user puff is detected, the controller 12 may supply power according to the power profile to the heater 24 (S420). The power profile is data in which power supplied to the heater 24 over time is set, and may be stored in advance in the memory 17.

According to an embodiment, the controller 12 may be set to supply a first power to the heater 24 according to the power profile.

When power (e.g., the first power) is supplied to the heater 24, the temperature and resistance of the heater 24 increase, and the liquid delivery part 25 in FIG. 2 is heated. Thereby, the aerosol-generating substance delivered from the chamber C0 may be atomized in the liquid delivery part 25 or an area adjacent thereto, and the generated aerosol may flow in a direction toward the user's mouth through the airflow channel CN.

Next, the controller 12 may identify whether the temperature of the heater 24 exceeds the first temperature value (S430).

When the temperature of the heater 24 exceeds the first temperature value (S430: Yes), the controller 12 may reduce the heater power supplied to the heater 24 (S440). According to an embodiment, when the temperature of the heater 24 exceeds the first temperature value (S430: Yes), the controller 12 may be set to supply a second power smaller than the first power to the heater 24. According to an embodiment, the second power may be a fixed power lower than the first power. Alternatively, the second power may be a power of a magnitude lower than the first power and changing in magnitude over time. Alternatively, the second power may be a power of a magnitude lower than the first power by a predetermined ratio. Thereby, the temperature and resistance of the heater 24 may be decreased.

When the temperature of the heater 24 does not exceed the first temperature value (S430: No), the controller 12 may identify whether the temperature of the heater 24 is equal to or less than the second temperature (S450).

When the temperature of the heater 24 is equal to or less than the second temperature value (S450: Yes), the controller 12 may increase the power supplied to the heater 24 (S460). According to an embodiment, the controller 12 may control the power source 11 and the heater 24 so that the first power is supplied to the heater 24 again. Alternatively, the controller 12 may supply a power higher than the second power to the heater 24. In this case, the supplied power may be different from the first power. For example, the supplied power may be the first power or a power having a magnitude between the first power and the second power, and may be a power of a fixed magnitude or a power changing in magnitude over time. Thereby, the temperature and resistance of the heater 24 increase.

Although not illustrated, according to an embodiment, when the temperature of the heater 24 exceeds the first temperature again even after the second power is supplied to the heater 24 (S440: Yes), the controller 12 may control a third power smaller than the second power to be supplied to the heater 24. For example, when the temperature of the heater 24 exceeds the first temperature for a specified time after the second power is supplied to the heater 24 (S440: Yes), the controller 12 may control a third power smaller than the second power to be supplied to the heater 24. For example, when the temperature of the heater 24 drops to a range below the first temperature and above the second temperature and then exceeds the first temperature again after the second power is supplied to the heater 24 (S440: Yes), the controller 12 may control a third power smaller than the second power to be supplied to the heater 24. Such a case may be a circumstance where the liquid transfer of the liquid delivery part itself is not sufficient, or the liquid transfer of the cartridge 19 itself is insufficient or depleted. Therefore, the controller 12 may output a warning notification related to the liquid through an output unit 14. Further, the controller 12 may stop the power supply to the heater 24.

When the temperature of the heater 24 exceeds the second temperature value and is equal to or less than the first temperature value (S450: No), the controller 12 may identify whether the user puff terminates (S470). If the user puff has ended (S470: Yes), the operation of the disclosure may end. Otherwise, if the user puff has not ended (S470: No), the power supply is maintained and the temperature of the heater 24 may be monitored again. Meanwhile, as described above, whether the user puff terminates may be monitored not only in step S470 but also in all steps of FIG. 4.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show a resistance range defined by the first resistance value and the second resistance value, and a graph illustrating the resistance value of the heater 24 over time. These resistance values may be calculated as temperature values according to a calculation formula. Further, while FIGS. 5 and 6 have been described based on the resistance value of the heater 24, alternatively, a temperature range based on the temperature value of the heater 24 may be set. The resistance graphs of FIGS. 5 and 6 show content output while a user puff is detected. When the user puff terminates, as the control of the heater power terminates, the resistance value of the heater 24 decreases.

FIG. 5 illustrates a resistance change graph H1 of the heater 24 in a state where the aerosol-generating substance is sufficient in the liquid delivery part (e.g., wick).

As a user puff is detected and power is supplied to the heater 24, the heater 24 is heated and the resistance and temperature increase.

Thereafter, the resistance of the heater 24 reaches a preset second resistance value R2 at time t1. However, since the liquid is sufficient in the liquid delivery part, the heater 24 is not heated above a predetermined temperature. In this case, the resistance of the heater 24 does not exceed the first resistance value R1. Therefore, the power supply according to the power profile is maintained, and the resistance value of the heater 24 accordingly may be output.

FIG. 6 is an example view illustrating a resistance change graph H2 of the heater 24 when liquid is insufficient in the liquid delivery part.

In FIG. 6, after the resistance of the heater 24 increases until time t1, the resistance of the heater 24 gradually increases until time t2. The resistance change of the heater 24 before time t2 may be similar to the resistance change section of FIG. 5.

At time t2, a graph is illustrated in which the resistance value of the heater 24 rapidly increases due to a state where the liquid aerosol-generating substance contained in the liquid delivery part is not sufficient.

Thereafter, at time t3, as it is detected that the resistance value of the heater 24 exceeds the first resistance value R1, the controller 12 reduces the power supplied to the heater 24. For example, the controller 12 may supply a second power smaller than the first power supplied before time t3 to the heater 24. The second power may be a fixed power lower than the first power, or the second power may be a power of a magnitude lower than the first power and changing in magnitude over time, or the second power may be a power of a magnitude lower than the first power by a predetermined ratio.

For example, if the controller 12 supplied 7 W of power (e.g., the first power) to the heater 24 according to the power profile, from time t3, i.e., from the time when the resistance value of the heater 24 exceeds the first resistance value R1, it may supply 5.6 W of power (e.g., the second power) decreased by a predetermined ratio (e.g., 20%) to the heater 24.

As the power supplied to the heater 24 is decreased, the temperature and resistance of the heater 24 also decrease. At time t4, the controller 12 may detect that the resistance value of the heater 24 reaches the second resistance value R2. In other words, the controller 12 may detect that the resistance value of the heater 24 becomes equal to or less than the second resistance value R2.

The controller 12 may increase the power supplied to the heater 24 again at time t4. For example, the controller 12 may supply a power higher than the second power (e.g., the first power) to the heater 24. Thereby, the resistance of the heater 24 again converges between the first resistance value R1 and the second resistance value R2 as in FIG. 5.

From time t2 to time t4, it is illustrated that the power to the heater 24 is controlled in a state where the liquid supply to the liquid delivery part 25 is temporarily insufficient.

After time t4, it may be identified that the resistance of the heater 24 exceeds the first resistance value R1 again. For example, from time t5, it may be identified that the resistance change of the heater 24 repeatedly occurs when the aerosol-generating substance in the liquid delivery part is continuously insufficient. Such resistance change may be determined to be a case where, for example, a problem occurs in the liquid supply or the aerosol-generating substance has been depleted. The controller 12 may stop the heating supply at an arbitrary time after time t5, or output a warning notification through the output unit 14.

Meanwhile, before stopping the heating supply, the controller 12 may supply a third power smaller than the second power to the heater 24 as the resistance value of the heater 24 exceeds the first temperature value again. Although not illustrated in the graph, the resistance change of the heater 24 according to the supply of the third power to the heater 24 may decrease more rapidly than when the second power is applied. In this case, the warning notification may be output when the third power is supplied.

As described above, in the disclosure, hysteresis-based power control in which the power applied to the heater 24 converges within a specific range based on different temperature values or resistance values of the heater 24 may be performed. Thereby, the occurrence of carbonization or burnt taste in the heater 24 may be minimized.

An aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the disclosure may comprise a housing receiving a liquid cartridge, a heater, a sensor unit, and at least one processor. Based on a control of at least one processor, the aerosol-generating device may be configured to supply power to the heater through a preset power profile when a user puff is detected, and control power supplied to the heater such that a temperature of the heater identified using the sensor unit converges within a range defined by a first temperature value and a second temperature value.

In the aerosol-generating device according to some embodiments, the first temperature value and the second temperature value may be determined according to a type of the heater, and the first temperature value may be higher than the second temperature value.

In the aerosol-generating device according to some embodiments, based on a control of at least one processor, the aerosol-generating device may be configured to, after the user puff is detected, control the power supplied to the heater based on the preset power profile when the temperature of the heater is maintained below the first temperature value.

In the aerosol-generating device according to some embodiments, based on a control of at least one processor, the aerosol-generating device may be configured to, while the user puff is detected, control the power supplied to the heater based on the power profile, the first temperature value, and the second temperature value such that the temperature of the heater converges within the range defined by the first temperature value and the second temperature value.

In the aerosol-generating device according to some embodiments, based on a control of at least one processor, the aerosol-generating device may be configured to control a first power to be supplied to the heater such that the heater is heated when the user puff is detected, and control a second power smaller than the first power to be supplied to the heater when the temperature of the heater exceeds the first temperature value while the user puff is detected.

In the aerosol-generating device according to some embodiments, based on a control of at least one processor, the aerosol-generating device may be configured to, after controlling the second power to be supplied to the heater, control a third power smaller than the second power to be supplied to the heater when the temperature of the heater exceeds the first temperature value.

The aerosol-generating device according to some embodiments may further comprise an output unit, and based on a control of at least one processor, the aerosol-generating device may be configured to output a warning notification through the output unit when controlling the third power to be supplied.

In the aerosol-generating device according to some embodiments, based on a control of at least one processor, the aerosol-generating device may be configured to, after controlling the second power to be supplied to the heater, control the first power to be supplied to the heater when the temperature of the heater becomes equal to or less than the second temperature value.

In the aerosol-generating device according to some embodiments, based on a control of at least one processor, the aerosol-generating device may be configured to stop power supply to the heater when detection of the user puff is terminated.

In the aerosol-generating device according to some embodiments, based on a control of at least one processor, the aerosol-generating device may be configured to identify a resistance value of the heater using the sensor unit, and identify the temperature of the heater based on the identified resistance value of the heater.

A heater power control method according to an embodiment of the disclosure is a heater power control method of an aerosol-generating device comprising a housing receiving a liquid cartridge. The method may comprise supplying power to a heater through a preset power profile when a user puff is detected, identifying a temperature of the heater using a sensor unit, and controlling power supplied to the heater such that the temperature of the heater converges within a range defined by a first temperature value and a second temperature value.

In the heater power control method according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first temperature value and the second temperature value may be determined according to a type of the heater, and the first temperature value may be set to be higher than the second temperature value.

In the heater power control method according to an embodiment of the disclosure, controlling the power supplied to the heater may include, while the user puff is detected, controlling the power supplied to the heater based on the power profile, the first temperature value, and the second temperature value such that the temperature of the heater converges within the range defined by the first temperature value and the second temperature value.

In the heater power control method according to an embodiment of the disclosure, controlling the power supplied to the heater may include supplying a first power to the heater such that the heater is heated when the user puff is detected, and supplying a second power smaller than the first power to the heater when the temperature of the heater exceeds the first temperature value while the user puff is detected.

The heater power control method according to an embodiment of the disclosure may further include supplying the first power to the heater when the temperature of the heater becomes equal to or less than the second temperature value after the second power is supplied to the heater.

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, component A described in connection with a particular embodiment and the drawings may be combined or merged with component B described in connection with another embodiment and the drawings. In other words, a combination of components, although not explicitly described, may be rendered possible unless stated as impossible.

Thus, the above description should be interpreted not as limiting in all aspects but as exemplary. The scope of the disclosure should be determined by reasonable interpretations of the appended claims and all equivalents of the disclosure belong to the scope of the disclosure.