Aerosol-generating system, method of controlling the same, and computer-readable recording medium

Abstract

An aerosol-generating system having an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating article can include a tobacco medium portion including a tobacco material and a pH adjuster, and an aerosol-generating portion including an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating device can include a heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating article by receiving power from a battery, and a control portion for controlling power supplied to the heater. In the present embodiment, the aerosol-generating material does not generate an aerosol when the heater operates in a smokeless mode, and the aerosol-generating material generates an aerosol when the heater operates in a smoking mode.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an aerosol generating system and a control method thereof, and a computer readable recording medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] Recently, the demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes is increasing. For example, the demand for a method of generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material, rather than a method of generating an aerosol by combusting an aerosol generating article, is increasing.

[0003] On the other hand, the generation of an aerosol (i.e., smoke) when heating an aerosol generating article can be a limiting factor in using an aerosol generating device. Accordingly, there is a need for a technology that can mix smoke smoking and smokeless smoking, so that a user can use an aerosol generating device without being restricted by a place or an environment. SUMMARY

[0004] Technical Problem to be Solved

[0005] One or more embodiments provide an aerosol generating system. In addition, an aerosol generating system that can mix smoke smoking and smokeless smoking is provided. In addition, a computer readable recording medium recording a program for executing a control method of an aerosol generating system in a computer is provided.

[0006] Technical problems to be solved by the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and other technical problems can be inferred from the following embodiments.

[0007] Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] As a technical means to solve the above technical problem, a first aspect of the present application can provide an aerosol generating system including an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating article including a tobacco medium portion including a tobacco material and a pH adjuster, and an aerosol generating portion including an aerosol generating material, the aerosol generating device including a heater configured to receive power from a battery and heat the aerosol generating article, and a control portion for controlling power supplied to the heater, the aerosol generating material not generating an aerosol when the heater operates in a smokeless mode, and the aerosol generating material generating an aerosol when the heater operates in a smoking mode.

[0009] The second aspect of the present application can provide a control method of an aerosol generating system having an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating article including a tobacco medium portion including a tobacco material and a pH adjuster, and an aerosol generating portion including an aerosol generating material, and the method including receiving a user input of selecting any one of a smokeless mode or a smoking mode, and controlling power supplied to the heater so that the heater operates in any one of the smokeless mode or the smoking mode based on the user input, the aerosol generating material not generating an aerosol when the heater operates in the smokeless mode, and the aerosol generating material generating an aerosol when the heater operates in the smoking mode.

[0010] The third aspect of the present application can provide a computer-readable recording medium recording a program for executing the method according to the second aspect in a computer.

[0011] Effects of Invention

[0012] According to the problem solving means of the present application described above, the aerosol generating device selectively determines whether to generate an aerosol by adjusting a temperature range of heating the aerosol generating portion, and thus it is possible to improve the convenience of a user so that the user can use the aerosol generating device regardless of a place and an environment.

[0013] In addition, according to the problem solving means of the present application described above, since the tobacco medium portion includes the pH adjuster, even if the aerosol generating device heats the tobacco medium portion in the smokeless mode, it is possible to discharge a sufficient amount of nicotine from the tobacco medium portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Figures 1 to 3 FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an example in which an aerosol generating article is inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0015] Figure 4 FIG. 2 is a view illustrating an example of an aerosol generating system using an induction heating method according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 FIG. 3 is a view illustrating an example of an aerosol generating article according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figures 6a to 6b FIG. 4 is a view illustrating an example of an aerosol generating system operating in a smoking mode and a smokeless mode according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7 FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a process in which an aerosol generating device operates in a smoking mode or a smokeless mode according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing a hardware structure of an aerosol generating device of an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The first aspect of the present application can provide an aerosol generating system having an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating article including a tobacco medium portion including a tobacco material and a pH adjuster, and an aerosol generating portion including an aerosol generating material, and the aerosol generating device including a heater configured to receive power from a battery and heat the aerosol generating article, and a control portion for controlling power supplied to the heater, the aerosol generating material not generating an aerosol when the heater operates in a smokeless mode, and the aerosol generating material generating an aerosol when the heater operates in a smoking mode.

[0021] The second aspect of the present application can provide a control method of an aerosol generating system having an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating article including a tobacco medium portion including a tobacco material and a pH adjuster, and an aerosol generating portion including an aerosol generating material, and the method including a user input receiving step of receiving a user input of selecting any one of a smokeless mode or a smoking mode, and a control step of controlling power supplied to the heater so that the heater operates in any one of the smokeless mode or the smoking mode based on the user input, the aerosol generating material not generating an aerosol when the heater operates in the smokeless mode, and the aerosol generating material generating an aerosol when the heater operates in the smoking mode.

[0022] The third aspect of the present application can provide a computer-readable recording medium recording a program for executing the control method of the aerosol generating system according to the second aspect on a computer.

[0023] The terms used in the embodiments are chosen as general terms that are currently widely used in consideration of the roles of the present application, but the terms can be changed according to the intention of those skilled in the art, precedents, or the appearance of new technology in the art. In addition, the applicant can arbitrarily select some terms in specific cases, and in such cases, the meanings of the selected terms will be described in detail in the description part of the specification. Therefore, the terms used in the present application should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the contents of the entire specification, not just the names of the terms.

[0024] When a certain part "includes" a certain component in the whole description, it means that another component can be further included unless otherwise specified or indicated, but does not exclude the other components. Also, the terms "unit", "module", and the like described in the specification mean a unit for processing at least one function or operation, and can be implemented by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0025] In the following embodiments, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are terms used to indicate the relative positions of segments constituting an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article includes an upstream end portion (i.e., a portion into which air enters) and a downstream end portion (i.e., a portion from which air is discharged) opposite thereto. When using the aerosol generating article, a user can hold the downstream end portion of the aerosol generating article.

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the same. However, the present application is not limited only to the embodiments described herein, but can be implemented in various different ways.

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Figures 1 to 3 is a view showing an example in which the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device.

[0029] Referring to Figure 1 , the aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 11, a control portion 12, and a heater 13. Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the aerosol generating device 1 further includes a vaporizer 14. In addition, the aerosol generating article 2 can be inserted into an inner space of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0030] Figures 1 to 3 The aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIG. 1 shows the components related to the present embodiment. Accordingly, those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that the aerosol generating device 1 can include other general components in addition to the components shown in FIG. 1. Figures 1 to 3

[0031] In addition, Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the aerosol generating device 1 includes the heater 13, but the heater 13 can be omitted as needed.

[0032] Figure 1 In FIG. 1, the battery 11, the control portion 12, and the heater 13 are arranged in a line. In addition, Figure 2 In FIG. 2, the battery 11, the control portion 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13 are arranged in a line. In addition,​Figure 3 The vaporizer 14 and the heater 13 are shown to be arranged side by side. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to Figures 1 to 3 the structure shown. In other words, the arrangement of the battery 11, the control portion 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14 can be changed according to the design of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0033] When the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 operates the heater 13 and / or the vaporizer 14, thereby enabling the generation of an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and / or the vaporizer 14 passes through the aerosol generating article 2 and is delivered to a user.

[0034] According to the demand, the aerosol generating device 1 can heat the heater 13 even if the aerosol generating article 2 is not inserted into the aerosol generating device 1.

[0035] The battery 11 supplies power required for the operation of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the battery 11 can supply power to enable the heating of the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14, and can supply power required for the operation of the control portion 12. In addition, the battery 11 can supply power required for the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. provided in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0036] The control portion 12 overall controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 1. Specifically, the control portion 12 controls not only the battery 11, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14, but also the operation of other structures included in the aerosol generating device 1. In addition, the control portion 12 can also confirm the state of each structure of the aerosol generating device 1 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in an operable state.

[0037] The control portion 12 includes at least one processor. The processor can be constituted by an array of a plurality of logic gates, or can be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable by the microprocessor is stored. In addition, as long as it is understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present embodiment pertains, it can also be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0038] The heater 13 can be heated by power supplied by the battery 11. For example, when the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the heater 13 can be located outside the aerosol generating article 2. Accordingly, the heated heater 13 can raise the temperature of the aerosol generating material within the aerosol generating article 2.

[0039] The heater 13 is an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater 13 can include an electrically conductive track, and the heater 13 can be heated as an electric current flows through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above-described example, and is not particularly limited as long as it can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature can be pre-set in the aerosol generating device 1, or can be set by a user.

[0040] On the other hand, as another example, the heater 13 can be an induction heating type heater. Specifically, the heater 13 can include an electrically conductive coil for heating the aerosol generating article 2 in an induction heating manner, and the aerosol generating article 2 can include a heat-sensitive body that can be heated by the induction heating type heater.

[0041] For example, the heater 13 can be elongated (e.g., a rod shape, a needle shape, a blade shape), or can be cylindrical, and can heat the inside or the outside of the aerosol generating article 2 according to the shape of the heating member.

[0042] In addition, a plurality of heaters 13 can be provided on the aerosol generating device 1. At this time, the plurality of heaters 13 can be configured to be inserted into the inside of the aerosol generating article 2, and can also be provided outside the aerosol generating article 2. In addition, some of the plurality of heaters 13 can be provided to be inserted into the inside of the aerosol generating article 2, and the other heaters can be provided outside the aerosol generating article 2. In addition, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to Figures 1 to 3 The shape shown, and can be manufactured in other various shapes.

[0043] The vaporizer 14 can generate an aerosol by heating a liquid composition, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to a user via the aerosol generating article 2. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 can move along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device 1, and the airflow passage can be configured to enable the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 to be delivered to the user via the aerosol generating article 2.

[0044] For example, the vaporizer 14 can include a liquid storage, a liquid transfer unit, and a heating member, but is not limited thereto. For example, the liquid storage, the liquid transfer unit, and the heating member can be included in the aerosol generating device 1 as independent modules.

[0045] The liquid storage can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid including a tobacco-containing substance containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, and can also be a liquid including a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage can be manufactured to be detachable from or mountable to the vaporizer 14, or can be manufactured to be integrated with the vaporizer 14.

[0046] For example, the liquid composition can include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The flavoring agent can include menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavor ingredients, etc., but is not limited thereto. The flavoring agent can include ingredients capable of providing various flavors or tastes to a user. The vitamin mixture can be a substance mixed with at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the liquid composition can include an aerosol forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0047] The liquid transfer unit is capable of transferring the liquid composition of the liquid storage portion to the heating member. For example, the liquid transfer unit can be a wick such as a cotton fiber, a ceramic fiber, a glass fiber, a porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

[0048] The heating member is a member for heating the liquid composition transferred through the liquid transfer unit. For example, the heating member can be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, the heating member can be configured of an electrically conductive heating wire such as a nichrome wire, and can be provided to be wound around the structure of the liquid transfer unit. The heating member can be heated by an electric current supply, and transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating member to heat the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0049] For example, the vaporizer 14 can be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

[0050] On the other hand, the aerosol generating device 1 can further include other general structures other than the battery 11, the control portion 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 can include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 can include at least one sensor (a puff sensing sensor, a temperature sensing sensor, an aerosol generating article 2 insertion sensing sensor, etc.). In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 can be manufactured in a structure in which external air can flow in or internal air can flow out even in a state in which the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted.

[0051] Although Figures 1 to 3 Although not shown in the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 can also constitute a system together with a separately provided cradle. For example, the cradle can be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generating device 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 can also be heated in a state in which the cradle is engaged with the aerosol generating device 1.

[0052] The aerosol-generating article 2 can be similar to a general combustible cigarette. For example, the aerosol-generating article 2 can be divided into a first portion including an aerosol-generating material and a second portion including a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the aerosol-generating article 2 can also include an aerosol-generating material. For example, an aerosol-generating material made in the form of a granule or a capsule can also be inserted into the second portion.

[0053] The entire first portion is inserted into the inside of the aerosol-generating device 1, and the second portion is exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first portion can be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1, and the entire first portion and a part of the second portion can also be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1. The user can inhale an aerosol in a state in which the second portion is held with the mouth. At this time, external air passes through the first portion, thereby generating an aerosol, and the generated aerosol is delivered to the user's mouth through the second portion.

[0054] As an example, external air can flow in through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the opening and / or the size of the air passage formed in the aerosol-generating device 1 can be adjusted by the user. Thereby, the user can adjust the amount of atomization, the feeling of smoking, or the like. As another example, external air can also flow into the inside of the aerosol-generating article 2 through at least one hole formed in the surface of the aerosol-generating article 2.

[0055] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of an aerosol-generating system using an induction heating method according to an embodiment.

[0056] Referring to Figure 4 , the aerosol-generating device 1 includes a battery 11, a control portion 12, an induction coil 41, and a susceptor 42. In addition, a cavity 43 of the aerosol-generating device 1 can accommodate at least a part of the aerosol-generating article 2.

[0057] Figure 4 The aerosol-generating device 1 shown in the drawing illustrates the constituent elements related to the present embodiment. Therefore, those of ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that the aerosol-generating device 1 can include other general constituent elements in addition to the constituent elements shown in Figure 4

[0058] The induction coil 41 can be located around the cavity 43. Figure 4 The induction coil 41 is shown in the drawing as being disposed to surround the susceptor 42 and the cavity 43, but is not limited thereto.

[0059] ​When the cavity 43 of the aerosol generating device 1 accommodates the aerosol generating article 2, the aerosol generating device 1 can supply power to the induction coil 41 so that the induction coil 41 generates an alternating magnetic field. As the alternating magnetic field generated by the induction coil 41 passes through the susceptor 42, the susceptor 42 can be heated. The aerosol generating substance in the aerosol generating article 2 can be heated by the heated susceptor 42, thereby generating an aerosol. The generated aerosol is delivered to the user via the aerosol generating article 2.

[0060] The battery 11 supplies power required for the operation of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the battery 11 can supply power so that the induction coil 41 can generate an alternating magnetic field, and can supply power required for the operation of the control portion 12. In addition, the battery 11 can supply power required for the operation of the display, the sensor, the motor, etc. provided in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0061] The control portion 12 overall controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 1. Specifically, the control portion 12 not only controls the battery 11 and the induction coil 41, but also controls the operation of other structures included in the aerosol generating device 1. In addition, the control portion 12 can also confirm the state of each structure of the aerosol generating device 1 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in an operable state.

[0062] The induction coil 41 can be an electrically conductive coil that generates an alternating magnetic field by the power supplied by the battery 11. The induction coil 41 can be configured to surround at least a portion of the cavity 43. The alternating magnetic field generated by the induction coil 41 can be applied to the susceptor 42 disposed at the inner side end portion of the cavity 43.

[0063] The susceptor 42, which is heated as the alternating magnetic field generated by the induction coil 41 passes through, can include metal or carbon. For example, the susceptor 42 can include at least one of ferrite, ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum.

[0064] In addition, the heat sensitive body 42 can include at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, a nickel alloy, a metal film, zirconia, or the like. However, the heat sensitive body 42 is not limited to the above-described examples, and is not particularly limited as long as it can be heated to a desired temperature with the application of an alternating magnetic field. Here, the desired temperature can be pre-set in the aerosol generating device 1, or can be set by a user.

[0065] When the aerosol generating article 2 is accommodated in the cavity 43 of the aerosol generating device 1, the heat sensitive body 42 can be located inside the aerosol generating article 2. Accordingly, the heated heat sensitive body 42 can increase the temperature of the aerosol generating material inside the aerosol generating article 2.

[0066] Although the heat sensitive body 42 is shown as being inserted into the inside of the aerosol generating article 2 in Figure 4 , it is not limited thereto. For example, the heat sensitive body 42 can include a tube-shaped heating member, a plate-shaped heating member, a needle-shaped heating member, or a rod-shaped heating member, and can heat the inside or the outside of the aerosol generating article 2 according to the shape of the heating member.

[0067] In addition, a plurality of heat sensitive bodies 42 can be disposed on the aerosol generating device 1. At this time, the plurality of heat sensitive bodies 42 can be disposed to be inserted into the inside of the aerosol generating article 2, and can also be disposed outside the aerosol generating article 2. In addition, a part of the plurality of heat sensitive bodies 42 can be disposed to be inserted into the inside of the aerosol generating article 2, and the others can be disposed outside the aerosol generating article 2. In addition, the shape of the heat sensitive body 42 is not limited to the shape shown in Figure 4 , and can be manufactured in various other shapes.

[0068] Figure 5 is a view showing an example of an aerosol generating article according to an embodiment.

[0069] Referring to Figure 5 , the aerosol generating article 500 includes an aerosol generating portion 510, a tobacco medium portion 520, and a filter portion. The filter portion includes a cooling portion 530 and a filter tip 540. The filter portion can further include segments that perform other functions, as necessary. In an embodiment, a downstream end of the aerosol generating portion 510 can be connected to the tobacco medium portion 520, and a downstream end of the tobacco medium portion 520 can be connected to the filter portion.

[0070] The aerosol generating portion 510 includes an aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating portion 510 can include at least one of glycerol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, sorbitol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto. As the aerosol generating portion 510 is heated, an aerosol can be generated.

[0071] For example, the aerosol generating portion 510 can be composed of paper, and the aerosol generating material can be impregnated in the paper. The aerosol generating portion 510 can include 4 mg to 8 mg of the aerosol generating material per millimeter (mm) on the basis of a transverse direction.

[0072] The tobacco medium portion 520 includes a tobacco material containing nicotine. The tobacco medium portion 520 can include a tobacco material such as tobacco leaves, reconstituted tobacco, and tobacco granules. The tobacco medium portion 520 can be made of a sheet material, can be made of a strand material, or can be made of tobacco leaves obtained by cutting tobacco sheets finely.

[0073] The cooling portion 530 cools an aerosol generated by heating at least one of the aerosol generating portion 510 and the tobacco medium portion 520. Accordingly, a user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0074] In an embodiment, the cooling portion 530 can be a hollow cellulose acetate filter. In another embodiment, the cooling portion 530 can be a filter made of a polymer fiber. The cooling portion 530 can be formed by weaving polymer fibers or crimping a polymer sheet. For example, the polymer can be made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and an aluminum foil.

[0075] In another embodiment, the cooling portion 530 can be a filter made of a cylindrical hollow paper tube or a paperboard tube having open ends. The cooling portion 530 can be made of a paper tube having little difference between an outer diameter and an inner diameter. In addition, the cooling portion 530 can be perforated. For example, the cooling portion 530 can be made of three layers of paper (outer paper, middle paper, and inner paper), and a PLA coating layer can be applied to an inner surface of the inner paper.

[0076] The filter 540 can be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter 540 can be a cylindrical type, and can also be a tube type having an inner portion hollowed out. In addition, the filter 540 can also be a concave type.

[0077] In addition, the filter 540 can include at least one capsule. Here, the capsule can function to generate a flavor, and can also function to generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule can be a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring material is wrapped with a film. The capsule can have a spherical shape or a cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0078] Although Figure 5 Although not shown in FIG. 6, the aerosol generating article 600 can be wrapped with at least one wrapper. The wrapper can be formed with at least one hole for the inflow of external air or the outflow of internal gas. As an example, the aerosol generating article 600 can be wrapped with one wrapper. As another example, the aerosol generating article 600 can be wrapped with two or more wrappers.

[0079] Figures 6a to 6b is a view showing an example of an aerosol generating system operating in a smoking mode and a non-smoking mode according to an embodiment.

[0080] Referring to Figures 6a to 6b , the aerosol generating article 600 includes an aerosol generating portion 610, a tobacco medium portion 620, and a filter portion. The filter portion can include a cooling portion 630 and a filter tip 640.

[0081] The aerosol generating portion 610 contains an aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating portion 610 can contain at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, sorbitol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto. As the aerosol generating portion 610 is heated, an aerosol can be generated.

[0082] The tobacco medium portion 620 contains a tobacco material containing nicotine.

[0083] In addition, the tobacco medium portion 620 can further contain a pH adjuster. The pH adjuster is alkaline, for example, the pH adjuster can contain at least one of potassium carbonate (K2CO3), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), and calcium oxide (CaO). However, the substance contained in the pH adjuster is not limited to the above examples, and a substance that generates less negative odor during smoking can be used. The pH of the pH adjuster can be 7.5 pH to 8.5 pH, but is not limited thereto.

[0084] The alkaline pH adjuster increases the pH of the tobacco material contained in the tobacco medium portion 620. The tobacco medium portion 620 containing the alkaline pH adjuster increases the amount of nicotine emitted when heated, compared to a tobacco medium portion not containing the alkaline pH adjuster.

[0085] That is, when the tobacco medium portion 620 contains the alkaline pH adjuster, even if the tobacco medium portion 620 is heated at a low temperature, a sufficient nicotine yield can be obtained. For example, when the tobacco material contained in the first tobacco medium portion and the second tobacco medium portion is the same, and only the first tobacco medium portion further contains the alkaline pH adjuster, the nicotine yield obtainable when the second tobacco medium portion is heated at 250°C and the nicotine yield obtainable when the first tobacco medium portion is heated at 150°C can be the same.

[0086] On the other hand, in order to generate an aerosol in the aerosol generating portion 610, the aerosol generating portion 610 needs to be heated at a prescribed temperature or more. The prescribed temperature at which the aerosol generating portion 610 generates an aerosol can vary depending on the substance included in the aerosol generating portion 610. Specifically, as the average molecular weight of the substance included in the aerosol generating portion 610 increases, the prescribed temperature at which the aerosol generating portion 610 generates an aerosol also increases. The aerosol generating portion 610 can include 20% or less of an aerosol generating substance. Preferably, the aerosol generating portion 610 can include 15% or less of an aerosol generating substance.

[0087] The heater 650 can operate in any one of a smoking mode or a non-smoking mode.

[0088] Figure 6a FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example in which the heater of an embodiment operates in the smoking mode. Also, Figure 6b FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example in which the heater of an embodiment operates in the non-smoking mode.

[0089] When the heater 650 operates in the smoking mode, the aerosol generating portion 610 generates an aerosol, and when the heater 650 operates in the non-smoking mode, the aerosol generating portion 610 does not generate an aerosol.

[0090] The temperature range in which the heater 650 heats the aerosol generating article 600 in the smoking mode and the non-smoking mode is different from each other. In the smoking mode, the heater 650 heats the aerosol generating article 600 in a first temperature range, and in the non-smoking mode, the heater 650 heats the aerosol generating article 600 in a second temperature range. The temperature of the first temperature range is higher than the temperature of the second temperature range.

[0091] The first temperature range and the second temperature range can be determined depending on the molecular weight of the aerosol generating substance in the aerosol generating portion 610 and the pH value of the pH adjuster in the tobacco medium portion 620. For example, the greater the molecular weight (or average molecular weight) of the aerosol generating substance in the aerosol generating portion 610, the higher the temperature of the first temperature range. Also, the higher the pH value of the pH adjuster in the tobacco medium portion 620, the lower the temperature of the second temperature range. For example, the first temperature range can be 270°C to 320°C, and the second temperature range can be 140°C to 170°C.

[0092] The aerosol generating article 600 according to the present disclosure includes the aerosol generating portion 610 and the tobacco medium portion 620. The aerosol generating portion 610 includes an aerosol generating substance, and the tobacco medium portion 620 includes a pH adjuster.

[0093] The aerosol-generating device can selectively determine whether to generate an aerosol (i.e., smoke) by adjusting a temperature range at which the aerosol-generating article 600 is heated. That is, when the aerosol-generating device operates the heater 650 in the smoke mode, the aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating portion 610, but when the aerosol-generating device operates the heater 650 in the smokeless mode, the aerosol-generating portion 610 does not generate the aerosol.

[0094] Generation of an aerosol (i.e., smoke) when using the aerosol-generating device can be a limiting factor in using the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device according to the present application can improve the convenience of a user by selectively determining whether to generate an aerosol by adjusting a temperature range at which the aerosol-generating portion 610 is heated, so that the user can use the aerosol-generating device regardless of a place and an environment.

[0095] In addition, the temperature range at which the heater 650 heats the tobacco medium portion 620 in the smoke mode is higher than the temperature range at which the heater 650 heats the tobacco medium portion 620 in the smokeless mode, and since the tobacco medium portion 620 contains a pH adjuster, a sufficient amount of nicotine can be discharged from the tobacco medium portion 620 even when the heater 650 heats the tobacco medium portion 620 in the smokeless mode. That is, a sufficient amount of nicotine can be discharged from the tobacco medium portion 620 even when the heater 650 operates in any one of the smoke mode or the smokeless mode.

[0096] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment operates in a smoke mode or a smokeless mode.

[0097] The aerosol-generating system can include an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating device.

[0098] The aerosol-generating article can be composed of a plurality of segments. The aerosol-generating article can include a tobacco medium portion containing a tobacco material and a pH adjuster, and an aerosol-generating portion containing an aerosol-generating material. In addition, the aerosol-generating article can further include a filter portion.

[0099] For example, the tobacco medium portion can contain an alkaline pH adjuster having a pH of 7.5 to 8.5. The aerosol-generating portion can contain 15% or less of an aerosol-generating material.

[0100] Referring to Figure 7 In step 710, the aerosol-generating device can receive a user input selecting any one of the smokeless mode or the smoke mode. In an embodiment, the aerosol-generating device includes a user interface, and the user input can be received through the user interface. For example, the user interface can include a button or a touch screen.

[0101] In step 720, in response to the user selecting the smoke mode, the aerosol generating device can control the power supplied to the heater or move the position of the heater so that the heater heats the aerosol generating article in the first temperature range.

[0102] In addition, in step 730, in response to the user selecting the smokeless mode, the aerosol generating device can control the power supplied to the heater or move the position of the heater so that the heater heats the aerosol generating article in the second temperature range.

[0103] When the user selects the smoke mode, the aerosol generating portion generates aerosol as the heater heats the aerosol generating article in the first temperature range. Or, conversely, when the user selects the smokeless mode, the aerosol generating portion does not generate aerosol as the heater heats the aerosol generating article in the second temperature range. The temperature of the first temperature range is higher than the temperature of the second temperature range. For example, the first temperature range can be 270℃ to 320℃, and the second temperature range can be 140℃ to 170℃.

[0104] The first temperature range and the second temperature range can be determined according to the molecular weight of the aerosol generating material in the aerosol generating portion and the pH value of the pH adjuster in the tobacco medium portion. For example, the greater the molecular weight (or average molecular weight) of the aerosol generating material in the aerosol generating portion, the higher the temperature of the first temperature range. In addition, the higher the pH value of the pH adjuster in the tobacco medium portion, the lower the temperature of the second temperature range.

[0105] In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device can control the power supplied to the heater while fixing the position of the heater, thereby enabling the heater to operate in the smoke mode or the smokeless mode.

[0106] For example, the aerosol generating device can adjust the duty ratio of the power supplied to the heater by using a proportional integral derivation (PID) control method. Or, the aerosol generating device can adjust the duty ratio of the power supplied to the heater by using a pulse width modulation (PWM) control method. However, the method of controlling the power supplied to the heater is not limited to the above examples.

[0107] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device moves the position of the heater while keeping the power supplied to the heater constant, thereby enabling the heater to operate in the smoke mode or the smokeless mode.

[0108] In response to the user selecting the smoke mode, the aerosol generating device can position the heater at the first position. In addition, in response to the user selecting the smokeless mode, the aerosol generating device can position the heater at the second position.

[0109] For example, when the heater is of an external heating type, the first position of the heater can be a position spaced apart from a lengthwise central axis of the aerosol generating article by a first distance, and the second position of the heater can be a position spaced apart from the lengthwise central axis of the aerosol generating article by a second distance. The first distance has a value smaller than the second distance.

[0110] That is, with the power supplied to the heater remaining constant, the aerosol generating device moves the heater to the first position in the smoke mode, bringing the distance between the heater and the aerosol generating article closer, and moves the heater to the second position in the smokeless mode, bringing the distance between the heater and the aerosol generating article farther, so the aerosol generating article can be heated at a higher temperature range by the heater in the smoke mode than in the smokeless mode.

[0111] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device can operate the heater in the smoke mode or the smokeless mode by controlling the power supplied to the heater and moving the position of the heater.

[0112] On the other hand, to move the position of the heater, the aerosol generating device can further include a moving device. For example, when the heater is of an external heating type, the moving device can be a tubular substrate having a stretchability. The heater is located on the tubular substrate having the stretchability, and the aerosol generating device can adjust the distance between the heater and the aerosol generating article by adjusting the diameter of the tubular substrate having the stretchability. That is, as the diameter of the tubular substrate becomes larger, the distance between the heater and the aerosol generating article can become farther, and as the diameter of the tubular substrate becomes smaller, the distance between the heater and the aerosol generating article can become closer.

[0113] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware structure of an aerosol generating device of an embodiment.

[0114] Referring to Figure 8 , the aerosol generating device 800 can include a control portion 810, a heater 820, a battery 830, a storage 840, a sensor 850, and an interface 860. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 800 is not limited to Figure 8 shown. Those of ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that a part of the hardware structure shown in Figure 8 may be omitted or a new structure can be further added according to the design of the aerosol generating device 800.

[0115] The heater 820 is electrically heated by power supplied from the battery 830, the power supply of which is controlled by the control portion 810. The heater 820 is located inside the accommodation passage of the aerosol-generating device 800 that accommodates the aerosol-generating article. After the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion hole of the aerosol-generating device 800 from the outside, the aerosol-generating article moves along the accommodation passage, so that the side end portion of the aerosol-generating article can be inserted into the inside of the heater 820. Accordingly, the heated heater 820 can raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating article. The heater 820 is not particularly limited as long as it is a shape that can be inserted into the inside of the aerosol-generating article.

[0116] The heater 820 can include a heat source and a heat transfer object. For example, the heat source of the heater 820 can be made in a film type having a resistance pattern, and the film type heater 820 can be configured to surround at least a portion of the outer side surface of the heat transfer object (e.g., a heat transfer pipe).

[0117] The heat transfer pipe can include a metal material capable of heat transfer such as aluminum or stainless steel, an alloy material, carbon, or a ceramic material, etc. When power is supplied to the resistance pattern of the heater 820, heat is generated, and the generated heat can heat the aerosol-generating material through the heat transfer pipe.

[0118] The aerosol-generating device 800 can be provided with a separately provided temperature detection sensor. Alternatively, the heater 820 can be used as a temperature detection sensor instead of the separately provided temperature detection sensor. Alternatively, the heater 820 can be used as a temperature detection sensor, and the aerosol-generating device 800 can be further provided with a separately provided temperature detection sensor. The temperature detection sensor can be configured in the form of a conductive track or element on the heater 820.

[0119] For example, when the voltage applied to the temperature detection sensor and the current flowing through the temperature detection sensor are measured, the resistance (R) can be determined. At this time, the temperature detection sensor can measure the temperature (T) according to Equation 1 below.

[0120] Equation 1

[0121] R = R0{1 + α(T - T0)}

[0122] In Equation 1, R refers to the current resistance value of the temperature detection sensor, R0 refers to the resistance value at temperature T0 (e.g., 0℃), and α refers to the resistance temperature coefficient of the temperature detection sensor. The conductive substance (e.g., metal) has an inherent resistance temperature coefficient, and α can be determined in advance according to the conductive substance constituting the temperature detection sensor. Accordingly, when the resistance (R) of the temperature detection sensor is determined, the temperature (T) of the temperature detection sensor can be calculated according to Equation 1.

[0123] The control portion 810 is hardware that controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 800. The control portion 810 is an integrated circuit implemented by a processing unit such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or the like.

[0124] The control portion 810 analyzes the result detected by the sensor 850 and controls the process to be performed subsequently. The control portion 810 can start or stop the power supply from the battery 830 to the heater 820 according to the detection result. In addition, the control portion 810 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 820 and the time of power supply so that the heater 820 is heated to a prescribed temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature. Furthermore, the control portion 810 can process various input information and output information of the interface 860.

[0125] In an embodiment, the control portion 810 can receive a user input selecting any one of a smokeless mode or a smoked mode through the interface 860.

[0126] In response to the user selecting the smoked mode, the control portion 810 can control the power supplied to the heater 820 or move the position of the heater so that the heater 820 heats the aerosol generating article in the first temperature range. In addition, in response to the user selecting the smokeless mode, the control portion 810 can control the power supplied to the heater 820 or move the position of the heater so that the heater 820 heats the aerosol generating article in the second temperature range.

[0127] The control portion 810 can count the number of puffs of a user using the aerosol generating device 800 and control a related function of the aerosol generating device 800 according to the counting result to limit the user's smoking.

[0128] The memory 840 is hardware for storing various data processed in the aerosol generating device 800, and the memory 840 can store data processed in the control portion 810 and data to be processed. The memory 840 can be implemented by various types such as a random access memory (RAM) such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or the like.

[0129] The memory 840 can store data regarding a smoking pattern of a user, such as a smoking time and a smoking frequency. In addition, the memory 840 can store reference temperature change value-related data when the aerosol generating article is accommodated in the accommodation passage.

[0130] In addition, the memory 840 can store a plurality of temperature correction algorithms.

[0131] The battery 830 supplies power for operating the aerosol generating device 800. That is, the battery 830 can supply power to heat the heater 820. In addition, the battery 830 can supply power required for the operation of other hardware provided in the aerosol generating device 800, the control portion 810, the sensor 850, and the interface 860. The battery 830 can be a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, but is not limited thereto, and can be manufactured as a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, or the like. The battery 830 can be a rechargeable battery or a primary battery.

[0132] The sensor 850 can include various types of sensors such as a puff detection sensor (a temperature detection sensor, a flow detection sensor, a position detection sensor, or the like), an aerosol generating article insertion detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor of the heater 820, and an aerosol generating article reuse detection sensor. The results detected by the sensor 850 are transmitted to the control portion 810, and the control portion 810 can control the aerosol generating device 800 according to the detection results to perform various functions such as controlling the temperature of the heater, limiting smoking, determining whether the aerosol generating article is inserted, displaying a notification, whether the aerosol generating article is reused, or the like.

[0133] The interface 860 can include a display or a lamp for outputting visual information, a motor for outputting tactile information, a speaker for outputting sound information, an input / output (I / O) connection unit (for example, a button or a touch screen) for receiving information input by a user or outputting information to the user, a terminal for data communication or for accepting charging, a communication connection component for performing wireless communication (for example, WI-FI, WI-FI Direct, Bluetooth, Near-Field Communication (NFC), or the like) with an external device, or the like. However, the aerosol generating device 800 can be implemented by selecting only a part of the various connection units exemplified above in a selective manner.

[0134] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and other embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the true scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein but is only limited to the scope of protection defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device, wherein: The aerosol-generating article comprises: a tobacco medium portion comprising tobacco material and a pH adjuster, and an aerosol generating unit comprising an aerosol generating substance; The aerosol generating device comprises: a heater configured to receive power from a battery and heat the tobacco medium portion and the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article to the same temperature range, and a control unit for controlling the power supplied to the heater; When the heater operates in a smoke mode, in the smoke mode, the heater heats the aerosol-generating article within a first temperature range so that the aerosol-generating substance generates an aerosol, and when the heater operates in a smoke-free mode, in the smoke-free mode, the heater heats the aerosol-generating article within a second temperature range so that the aerosol-generating substance does not generate an aerosol, and the temperature of the first temperature range is higher than the temperature of the second temperature range.

2. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein The tobacco medium portion comprises a pH adjuster having a pH value of 7.5 to 8.

5.

3. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein The aerosol generating unit contains 20% or less of the aerosol generating substance.

4. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein The aerosol generating device further comprises a user interface for receiving a user input selecting either the smokeless mode or the smoke mode; The control unit controls the power supplied to the heater so that the heater operates in either the non-smoking mode or the smoking mode based on the user input.

5. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein The first temperature range and the second temperature range are determined by the pH value of the pH adjuster and the molecular weight of the aerosol forming substance.

6. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein In the smoke mode, the heater in the first position heats the aerosol-generating article within a first temperature range. In the smoke-free mode, the heater in the second position heats the aerosol-generating article within a second temperature range. The temperature in the first temperature range is higher than the temperature in the second temperature range, and the heater is movable between the first position and the second position.

7. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein: The downstream end of the aerosol generating section is connected to the tobacco medium section, and the downstream end of the tobacco medium section is connected to the filter section.

8. A method for controlling an aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device, wherein: The aerosol-generating article comprises: a tobacco medium portion comprising tobacco material and a pH adjuster, and an aerosol generating unit comprising an aerosol generating substance; And includes the following steps: receiving a user input step, wherein the user input is an input for selecting either a non-smoking mode or a smoking mode, and a control step of controlling the power supplied to the heater so that the heater operates in either the non-smoking mode or the smoking mode based on the user input; the heater being configured to heat the tobacco medium portion and the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article at the same temperature range, When the heater operates in a smoke mode, in the smoke mode, the heater heats the aerosol-generating article within a first temperature range so that the aerosol-generating substance generates an aerosol, and when the heater operates in a smoke-free mode, in the smoke-free mode, the heater heats the aerosol-generating article within a second temperature range so that the aerosol-generating substance does not generate an aerosol, and the temperature of the first temperature range is higher than the temperature of the second temperature range.

9. The method for controlling an aerosol generating system according to claim 8, wherein: The tobacco medium portion comprises a pH adjuster having a pH value of 7.5 to 8.

5.

10. The control method of an aerosol generating system according to claim 8, wherein: The aerosol generating unit contains 20% or less of the aerosol generating substance.

11. The method for controlling an aerosol generating system according to claim 8, wherein: The first temperature range and the second temperature range are determined by the pH value of the pH adjuster and the molecular weight of the aerosol forming substance.

12. The method for controlling an aerosol generating system according to claim 8, wherein: The control step comprises the following steps: In response to selecting the smoke mode, controlling power supplied to the heater to position the heater in a first position and causing the heater to heat the aerosol-generating article within a first temperature range, In response to selecting the smoke-free mode, controlling power supplied to the heater to position the heater in a second position and cause the heater to heat the aerosol-generating article within a second temperature range; The temperature in the first temperature range is higher than the temperature in the second temperature range, and the heater is movable between the first position and the second position.

13. A computer-readable recording medium, wherein: A program for executing the control method of the aerosol generating system according to claim 8 on a computer is recorded.

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