Aerosol generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device includes: a first vaporizer that generates a first aerosol by heating a first liquid composition; a second vaporizer that generates a second aerosol by heating a second liquid composition; and a control unit that controls power supplied to the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer based on a first mode and a second mode, wherein a smokeless aerosol is generated in the first mode and a nicotine delivery amount of the second liquid composition is adjusted in the second mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device capable of generating smokeless aerosol or smoke aerosol by controlling the power of a plurality of vaporizers. Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods for overcoming the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for methods for generating aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating substance in a cigarette or a liquid storage portion rather than by burning the cigarette.

[0003] However, existing aerosol generating devices have the following problems: they cannot be switched from a smokeless aerosol generating mode to a smoke aerosol generating mode, and the delivery amount of flavor, nicotine, etc. cannot be adjusted according to the user's preference. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] The technical problem of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system capable of adjusting the amount of aerosol generated.

[0006] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the above technical problems, and other technical problems can be derived from the following examples.

[0007] Means used to solve problems

[0008] An aerosol generating device according to one aspect may include: a first vaporizer that generates a first aerosol by heating a first liquid composition; a second vaporizer that generates a second aerosol by heating a second liquid composition; and a control unit that controls power supplied to the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer based on a first mode and a second mode, wherein a smokeless aerosol is generated in the first mode and a nicotine delivery amount of the second liquid composition is adjusted in the second mode.

[0009] On the other hand, the aerosol generating device may include: a first vaporizer that generates a first aerosol by heating a first liquid composition; a second vaporizer that generates a second aerosol by heating a second liquid composition; a control unit that controls the power supplied to the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer based on a first mode and a second mode, generating a smokeless aerosol in the first mode and adjusting the delivery amount of nicotine in the second liquid composition in the second mode; and a chamber in which the first aerosol and the second aerosol are mixed, a portion of the chamber being formed by the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer, the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer being detachably coupled to each other, and forming the portion of the chamber when the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer are coupled.

[0010] Effects of the Invention

[0011] The aerosol generating system and aerosol generating device of the present invention have the following advantages: they can be switched to a smokeless mode for generating smokeless aerosol and a smoke mode for generating smoke aerosol according to needs.

[0012] In addition, aerosol generating systems and aerosol generating devices have the advantage that the delivery amount of flavor, nicotine, etc. can be adjusted according to the user's preference.

[0013] The effects of the invention are not limited to the above, and various effects are included in this specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 This is a diagram schematically showing the aerosol generating device of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first vaporizer, a second vaporizer, and a chamber according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first vaporizer, a second vaporizer, and a chamber according to another embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a diagram for explaining a method of combining a first vaporizer and a second vaporizer and a method of forming a chamber according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 It is a diagram for explaining a method of combining a first vaporizer and a second vaporizer and a method of forming a cavity according to another embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a flowchart for explaining the method of operating the aerosol generating device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] An aerosol generating device according to one aspect may include: a first vaporizer that generates a first aerosol by heating a first liquid composition; a second vaporizer that generates a second aerosol by heating a second liquid composition; and a control unit that controls power supplied to the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer based on a first mode and a second mode, wherein a smokeless aerosol is generated in the first mode and a nicotine delivery amount of the second liquid composition is adjusted in the second mode.

[0021] Additionally, the first liquid composition may contain a first moisturizing agent and nicotine.

[0022] In addition, the first moisturizing agent may contain only vegetable glycerin.

[0023] In addition, the first moisturizing agent may be a mixture of vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol at a predetermined ratio.

[0024] In addition, the ratio of the vegetable glycerin to the propylene glycol of the first humectant may be 4:1 to 9:1.

[0025] In addition, the aerosol generating device may further include a communication unit for communicating with an external device.

[0026] In addition, the communication unit may receive a remote control signal from the external device, and the control unit may control the power supplied to the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer based on the remote control signal.

[0027] In addition, the remote control signal may include mode selection information for the first mode and the second mode and power control information corresponding to the selected mode.

[0028] Additionally, in the first mode, the control portion may supply power only to the second vaporizer.

[0029] In addition, the first mode includes a plurality of sub-modes, and the control portion may supply power to the second vaporizer in response to the plurality of sub-modes so that the second vaporizer outputs power within a range of 50% to 100% of a maximum output.

[0030] In addition, in the second mode, the control unit may selectively supply power to the second vaporizer while supplying power to the first vaporizer.

[0031] In addition, the second mode includes a plurality of sub-modes, and the control unit may supply power to the first vaporizer in response to the plurality of sub-modes so that the first vaporizer outputs within a range of 80% to 100% of the maximum output, and supply power to the second vaporizer so that the second vaporizer outputs within a range of 0% to 70% of the maximum output.

[0032] In addition, the aerosol generating device may further include a chamber for mixing the first aerosol and the second aerosol.

[0033] In addition, at least a portion of the chamber may be formed by combining the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer.

[0034] In addition, the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer are formed as one body, and at least a portion of the chamber may be formed by the integrated first vaporizer and the second vaporizer.

[0035] The terms used in the embodiments are, based on the functions of the present invention, selected to adopt commonly used terms that are currently in wide use, as much as possible. However, these terms may change based on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant may be used, but in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the corresponding invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply based on the names of the terms.

[0036] When a section throughout the specification refers to "including" certain components, unless otherwise stated, it indicates that the system may also include other components, not that it excludes them. Furthermore, terms such as "unit" and "module" used in the specification refer to a unit for processing at least one function or operation, which may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. However, the aerosol generating device and aerosol generating system of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described herein but can be implemented in various different ways.

[0038] In the following embodiments, the output of the vaporizer may have the same meaning as the power consumption of the vaporizer.

[0039] In the drawings, the sizes of various components may be exaggerated or reduced for ease of explanation. For example, the sizes and thicknesses of various structures are arbitrarily shown in the drawings for ease of explanation, and therefore, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the drawings.

[0040] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a diagram schematically showing the aerosol generating device of the present invention.

[0042] Referring to the drawings, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a battery 110, a control unit 120, a first vaporizer 130, a second vaporizer 140, a communication unit 150, and an input unit 160. In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a chamber 170 for mixing the first aerosol and the second aerosol.

[0043] Figure 1 The components related to this embodiment are shown. Furthermore, those skilled in the art of the present embodiment should understand that the aerosol generating device 1 may also include Figure 1 Other common components besides the components shown.

[0044] in addition, Figure 1 The arrangement of the battery 110, the control unit 120, the first vaporizer 130, the second vaporizer 140, the communication unit 150 and the input unit 160 is only an example, and the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 of the present invention is not limited to Figure 1 In other words, the arrangement of the battery 110 , the control unit 120 , the first vaporizer 130 , the second vaporizer 140 , the communication unit 150 , and the input unit 160 may vary depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1 .

[0045] In response to user input or pressure changes within the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 may generate an aerosol by operating at least one of the first vaporizer 130 and the second vaporizer 140. The aerosol generated by the first vaporizer 130 and / or the second vaporizer 140 may be delivered to the user through the chamber 170.

[0046] The battery 110 can provide the power required for the operation of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the battery 110 can provide power to heat the first vaporizer 130 and the second vaporizer 140, and can provide power required for the operation of the control unit 120. In addition, the battery 110 can provide power required for the operation of the display, sensors, motors, etc. provided in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0047] The control unit 120 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. Specifically, the control unit 120 can control not only the battery 110, the first vaporizer 130, and the second vaporizer 140, but also the operations of other components of the aerosol generating device 1. Furthermore, the control unit 120 can determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in an operable state by checking the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0048] The control unit 120 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing programs executable by the microprocessor. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the processor may also be implemented in other hardware forms.

[0049] The first vaporizer 130 and the second vaporizer 140 may generate aerosol by heating the liquid composition therein, and may transmit the generated aerosol to the user through the chamber 170 .

[0050] Specifically, the first vaporizer 130 and the second vaporizer 140 can be housed in the aerosol generating device 1 while containing the liquid composition. When the liquid composition is completely consumed, the first vaporizer 130 and the second vaporizer 140 can be replaced with new vaporizers. According to an embodiment, only the liquid storage portion ( Figure 2 131, 141).

[0051] The liquid composition may include an aerosol-generating substance for generating an aerosol. The first vaporizer 130 and the second vaporizer 140 may generate an aerosol by converting the phase of the aerosol-generating substance thereinto a gas phase. The aerosol may refer to a gas in a state where vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating substance are mixed with air.

[0052] For example, the first vaporizer 130 and the second vaporizer 140 may heat the aerosol generating substance by receiving an electrical signal from the control portion 120 , or change the phase of the aerosol generating substance using an induction heating method.

[0053] The first vaporizer 130 and the second vaporizer 140 may include heating elements for heating the aerosol-generating substance.

[0054] The first vaporizer 130 may contain a first liquid composition for generating a smoke aerosol, and the second vaporizer 140 may contain a second liquid composition for generating a smokeless aerosol.

[0055] The first vaporizer 130 can generate a first aerosol by heating a first liquid composition. The second vaporizer 140 can generate a second aerosol by heating a second liquid composition. The first aerosol and the second aerosol can be mixed in the chamber 170. Furthermore, the mixed first and second aerosols can be discharged to the outside through the discharge port 190.

[0056] The control unit 120 may adjust whether smoke aerosol and / or smokeless aerosol are generated, the generated amount, etc. by controlling the power supplied to the first vaporizer 130 and the second vaporizer 140 .

[0057] The control unit 120 may control the power supplied to the first vaporizer 130 and the second vaporizer 140 based on a first mode for generating a smokeless aerosol and a second mode for adjusting the delivery amount of nicotine in the second liquid composition.

[0058] In the first mode, the control unit 120 may supply power only to the second vaporizer 140. The first mode may include a plurality of sub-modes. The control unit 120 may supply power to the second vaporizer 140 in response to the sub-mode so that the second vaporizer 140 outputs within a range of 50% to 100% of the maximum output.

[0059] The plurality of sub-modes may include a first sub-mode for generating a smoke-free aerosol with minimal power and a second sub-mode for maximizing the delivery amount of nicotine in the second liquid composition. According to an embodiment, the number of sub-modes may be increased.

[0060] In order to make the second vaporizer 140 generate smokeless aerosol, the second heater ( Figure 2 145) needs to be higher than the vaporization temperature of the second liquid composition. Therefore, the minimum power can be set based on the vaporization temperature of the second liquid composition. In one embodiment, the minimum power may refer to the power consumed by the heating element when the heating element of the second vaporizer 140 reaches the vaporization temperature of the second liquid composition. For example, when the second vaporizer 140 operates at 50% of the maximum output, the minimum power may be the same as the power consumed by the second vaporizer 140. In other words, the control unit 120 can supply power to the second vaporizer 140 in the first sub-mode so that the second vaporizer 140 operates at 50% of the maximum output.

[0061] On the other hand, since the amount of nicotine delivered from the second liquid composition is proportional to the output of the second vaporizer 140, the second vaporizer 140 needs to operate at maximum output (100%) to maximize the amount of nicotine delivered from the second liquid composition. Therefore, the control unit 120 can supply power to the second vaporizer 140 in the second sub-mode to operate the second vaporizer 140 at maximum output (100%).

[0062] In the second mode, the control unit 120 can selectively supply power to the second vaporizer 140 while supplying power to the first vaporizer 130. The second mode may also include multiple sub-modes. In response to the sub-modes, the control unit 120 can supply power to the first vaporizer 130 so that the first vaporizer 130 outputs within a range of 80% to 100% of its maximum output, and supply power to the second vaporizer 140 so that the second vaporizer 140 outputs within a range of 0% to 70% of its maximum output.

[0063] The plurality of sub-modes may include: a third sub-mode that maximizes the amount of atomization while minimizing the amount of nicotine delivered; and a fourth sub-mode that is a normal mode. According to an embodiment, the number of sub-modes may be increased.

[0064] The atomization amount is related to the first heater in the first vaporizer 130 ( Figure 2 135 ), therefore, to maximize the amount of atomization, the first vaporizer 130 must operate at maximum output (100%). Conversely, to minimize nicotine delivery, the second vaporizer 140 must operate at minimum output. Therefore, in the third sub-mode, the control unit 120 may supply power to the first vaporizer 130 to operate at maximum output (100%) and not supply power to the second vaporizer 140. Unlike the second sub-mode, in the third sub-mode, since the first vaporizer 130 generates the first aerosol, power is not supplied to the second vaporizer 140.

[0065] The fourth sub-mode may be a normal mode. The fourth sub-mode is a mode for delivering an appropriate amount of nicotine and achieving an appropriate amount of atomization. In the fourth sub-mode, the controller 120 may supply power to the first vaporizer 130 to operate at 80% of its maximum output, and supply power to the second vaporizer 140 to operate at 70% of its maximum output.

[0066] The input unit 160 can receive user input. For example, the input unit 160 can be implemented in the form of a push button.

[0067] Upon receiving an operation command for the aerosol generating device 1, the input unit 160 may transmit a control signal corresponding to the operation command to the control unit 120. For example, the operation command may include an on / off command, a mode change command, a power control command, or a communication command with an external device. The control unit 120 may control various components within the aerosol generating device 1 based on the control signal.

[0068] The communication unit 150 can communicate with external devices ( Figure 63) to conduct wired and / or wireless communication. To this end, the communication unit 150 may include more than one communication module. For example, the communication unit 150 may include: a Wi-Fi communication module, an NFC communication module, a ZigBee communication module, a Bluetooth communication module, a TM )communication module, etc.

[0069] The external device 3 may include: a desktop computer and its corresponding fixed terminal, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a mobile phone and other portable terminals.

[0070] On the other hand, the aerosol generating device 1 may also include other common components in addition to the battery 110, the control unit 120, the first vaporizer 130, the second vaporizer 140, the communication unit 150, and the input unit 160. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 may include at least one sensor (a puff sensing sensor, a temperature sensing sensor, etc.).

[0071] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first vaporizer, a second vaporizer, and a chamber according to an embodiment.

[0072] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the first vaporizer 130 and the second vaporizer 140 can generate a first aerosol and a second aerosol, respectively, by heating a liquid composition. The first aerosol and the second aerosol can be mixed in the chamber 170 and delivered to the user. In this case, the first vaporizer 130 generates smoke, giving the user a similar experience to that of a combustible cigarette, while the second vaporizer adjusts the delivery of nicotine from the second liquid composition.

[0073] Specifically, the first vaporizer 130 may include a first liquid storage portion 131 , a first liquid transfer unit 133 , and a first heater 135 . The second vaporizer 140 may include a second liquid storage portion 141 , a second liquid transfer unit 143 , and a second heater 145 .

[0074] The first liquid storage portion 131 can store a first liquid composition. The first liquid composition can be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. When the first liquid composition is heated, smoke can be generated. In other words, the first liquid composition can be a tobacco-containing substance or a non-tobacco substance that can generate smoke, and the first aerosol generated when the first liquid composition is heated can be a smoke aerosol.

[0075] The first liquid composition may include a first humectant. In one embodiment, the first humectant may include vegetable glycerin (VG). In another embodiment, the first humectant may include vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol to improve the physical properties (fluidity) of the first liquid composition. In this case, the ratio of vegetable glycerin to propylene glycol may be 4:1 to 9:1.

[0076] In addition to the first moisturizing agent, the first liquid composition may further include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a fragrance, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture, etc. In addition, the first liquid composition may further include nicotine.

[0077] Flavoring agents may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruity aromas. Flavoring agents may include ingredients that can provide a variety of aromas or flavors to the user. Vitamin mixtures may include, but are not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E.

[0078] The second liquid storage portion 141 can store a second liquid composition. The second liquid composition can be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The second liquid composition can also not generate smoke even when heated. In other words, the second liquid composition can be a tobacco-containing substance or a non-tobacco substance that does not generate smoke, and the second aerosol generated by the second liquid composition when heated can be a smokeless aerosol.

[0079] The second liquid composition may include a second moisturizing agent. In one embodiment, the second moisturizing agent may include only propylene glycol (PG). In another embodiment, the second moisturizing agent may further include ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol.

[0080] In addition to the second moisturizing agent, the second liquid composition may further contain water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a fragrance, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture, etc. In addition, the second liquid composition may further contain nicotine.

[0081] Flavoring agents may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruity aromas. Flavoring agents may include ingredients that can provide a variety of aromas or flavors to the user. Vitamin mixtures may include, but are not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E.

[0082] The first liquid transfer unit 133 may transfer the first liquid composition to the first heater 135. The second liquid transfer unit 143 may transfer the second liquid composition to the second heater 145. For example, the first liquid transfer unit 133 and the second liquid transfer unit 143 may be wicks such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic, but are not limited thereto.

[0083] The first heater 135 can heat the first liquid composition transferred by the first liquid transfer unit 133. The second heater 145 can heat the second liquid composition transferred by the second liquid transfer unit 143. For example, the first heater 135 and the second heater 145 can be a metal heating wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but are not limited thereto. In addition, the first heater 135 and the second heater 145 can be composed of a conductive heating wire such as a nickel-chromium wire, and arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer units 133 and 143. The first heater 135 and the second heater 145 can be heated by supplying electric current, and heat is transferred to the liquid composition in contact with the first heater 135 and the second heater 145 to heat the liquid composition. As a result, a first aerosol and / or a second aerosol can be generated.

[0084] The first heater 135 can generate a first aerosol by heating a first liquid composition. The first aerosol can be delivered to the chamber 170 via the first path 137. The second heater 145 can generate a second aerosol by heating a second liquid composition. The second aerosol can be delivered to the chamber 170 via the second path 147. The first aerosol and the second aerosol can be mixed in the chamber 170 and then delivered to the user.

[0085] On the other hand, the first vaporizer 130 and the second vaporizer 140 may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but are not limited thereto.

[0086] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first vaporizer, a second vaporizer, and a chamber according to another embodiment.

[0087] and Figure 2 The difference lies in the method of forming the cavity 170. Figure 2 In the embodiment, a chamber 170 is provided separately. On the contrary, in Figure 3 In the embodiment, the first vaporizer 130 and the second vaporizer 140 form a part of the chamber 170. Figure 2 Repeated instructions.

[0088] Referring to the drawings, the first vaporizer 130 and the second vaporizer 140 may be detachably coupled to each other or integrally formed. A portion 170 a of the chamber may be formed by the first vaporizer 130 and the second vaporizer 140 .

[0089] The first vaporizer 130 may include a first through-hole 171 in fluid communication with a portion 170a of the chamber, and the second vaporizer 140 may include a second through-hole 173 in fluid communication with the portion 170a of the chamber. The first through-hole 171 is arranged between the vertical centerline O1 of the first heater 135 and the vertical centerline O3 of the chamber 170, and the second through-hole 173 is arranged between the vertical centerline O2 of the second heater 145 and the vertical centerline O3 of the chamber 170, so that the first vaporizer 130 and the second vaporizer 140 together form a portion of the chamber 170. In this case, the vertical direction may be the same as the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0090] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, when the first vaporizer 130 and the second vaporizer 140 form a portion 170a of the chamber, the volume of the chamber 170 is larger than when the chamber 170 is provided separately. Therefore, the first aerosol and the second aerosol can be mixed more uniformly.

[0091] Figure 4 It is a diagram for explaining a method of combining a first vaporizer and a second vaporizer and a method of forming a chamber according to an embodiment.

[0092] Referring to the drawings, a first vaporizer 130 and a second vaporizer 140 according to an embodiment may be detachably coupled to each other.

[0093] For example, one of the first vaporizer 130 and the second vaporizer may include a hook, and the other vaporizer may include a slot, so that the vaporizers can be coupled to each other.

[0094] As another example, one of the first vaporizer 130 and the second vaporizer 140 may have a protrusion, and the other may have a groove corresponding to the protrusion, so that the vaporizers can be coupled to each other in an insertion coupling manner.

[0095] However, the combination of the first vaporizer 130 and the second vaporizer 140 of the present invention is not limited to the above example, as long as the first vaporizer 130 and the second vaporizer 140 can be detachably combined.

[0096] On the other hand, the first vaporizer 130 and the second vaporizer 140 are combined to form a portion 170 a of a chamber for mixing the first aerosol and the second aerosol.

[0097] The aerosol-generating device 1 of the present invention can operate in a first mode for generating a smokeless aerosol or a second mode for adjusting nicotine delivery. Therefore, the degree of depletion of the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition can vary depending on the user's usage pattern. The aerosol-generating device 1 of one embodiment has the advantage that only the depleted vaporizer can be replaced.

[0098] Figure 5 It is a diagram for explaining a method of combining a first vaporizer and a second vaporizer and a method of forming a cavity according to another embodiment.

[0099] Referring to the drawings, in another embodiment, the first vaporizer 130 and the second vaporizer 140 may be formed as one body. In this case, the first liquid storage portion 131 and the second liquid storage portion 141 may be separated by a partition wall 180 .

[0100] A portion 170 a of a chamber for mixing the first aerosol and the second aerosol may be formed in the integrated first vaporizer 130 and the second vaporizer 140 .

[0101] In the case where the first vaporizer 130 and the second vaporizer 140 are formed as one body, ease of manufacturing is increased.

[0102] Figure 6 This is a flowchart for explaining the method of operating the aerosol generating system of the present invention.

[0103] Referring to the drawings, in step S610, the external device 3 may send a remote control signal to the aerosol generating device 1 in a wireless or wired manner. The remote control signal may include mode selection information and power control information.

[0104] The communication unit 150 in the aerosol generating device 1 can receive remote control signals. To this end, the communication unit 150 can include more than one communication module. For example, the communication unit 150 can include: a Wi-Fi communication module, an NFC communication module, a ZigBee communication module, a Bluetooth communication module, a TM )communication module, etc.

[0105] In step S620, the control unit 120 may analyze the operation mode based on the remote control signal received by the communication unit 150. The control unit 120 may analyze the operation mode based on the mode selection information.

[0106] The operating modes of the present invention may include: a first mode for generating a smokeless aerosol; and a second mode for adjusting the delivery amount of nicotine in the second liquid composition.

[0107] In step S630, when the operation mode in the mode selection information is the first mode, the control unit 120 may supply power only to the second vaporizer 140. In other words, when the operation mode is the first mode, the control unit 120 may not supply power to the first vaporizer 130.

[0108] The second vaporizer 140 may contain a second liquid composition for generating a smokeless aerosol. In one embodiment, the second liquid composition may contain a second humectant, and the second humectant may contain only propylene glycol.

[0109] When power is supplied to the second vaporizer 140 , a smokeless second aerosol may be generated. The second aerosol may contain nicotine and may be delivered to the user through the chamber 170 .

[0110] On the other hand, the first mode may include a plurality of sub-modes. The control portion 120 may supply power to the second vaporizer 140 in response to the sub-modes so that the second vaporizer 140 outputs power within a range of 50% to 100% of the maximum output.

[0111] In step S640 , when the operation mode in the mode selection information is not the first mode, the control unit 120 may analyze whether the operation mode is the second mode.

[0112] In step S650 , when the operation mode is the second mode, the control unit 120 may selectively supply power to the second vaporizer while supplying power to the first vaporizer 130 .

[0113] The first vaporizer 130 may contain a first liquid composition for generating a smoke aerosol. The first liquid composition may contain a first humectant. In one embodiment, the first humectant may contain only vegetable glycerin. In another embodiment, the first humectant may be a mixture of vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol in a specified ratio. For example, the ratio of vegetable glycerin to propylene glycol may be between 4:1 and 9:1. When the first humectant also contains propylene glycol, the physical properties (fluidity) of the first liquid composition may be improved.

[0114] When power is supplied to the first vaporizer 130, a first aerosol containing smoke may be generated. In addition, when power is supplied to the second vaporizer 140, a second aerosol without smoke may be generated.

[0115] The first aerosol may be delivered to the user through the chamber 170. In addition, when power is supplied to the second vaporizer 140, the first aerosol and the second aerosol may be mixed in the chamber 170 and then delivered to the user.

[0116] On the other hand, the second mode may include a plurality of sub-modes. In response to the sub-modes, the control unit 120 may supply power to the first vaporizer 130 so that the first vaporizer 130 outputs within a range of 80% to 100% of the maximum output, and supply power to the second vaporizer 140 so that the second vaporizer 140 outputs within a range of 0% to 70% of the maximum output.

[0117] In step S660 , when the operation mode is neither the first mode nor the second mode, the control portion 120 may determine an error and request retransmission of the remote control signal.

[0118] The above method can be written as a program that can be executed in a computer, and can be implemented in a general-purpose digital computer that executes the program by utilizing a computer-readable recording medium. In addition, the structure of the data used in the above method can be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium in various ways. The computer-readable recording medium includes storage media such as magnetic storage media (e.g., ROM, RAM, USB, floppy disk, hard disk, etc.), optical readable media (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), etc.

[0119] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations of the present invention are possible without departing from the essential characteristics described above. Therefore, the disclosed method should not be considered in a limiting sense, but rather in an illustrative sense. The scope of the present invention is defined not by the foregoing invention but by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope of equivalence thereof are to be construed as encompassed within the present invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, wherein: include: a first vaporizer for generating a first aerosol by heating the first liquid composition; a second vaporizer for generating a second aerosol by heating the second liquid composition; a control unit configured to control power supplied to the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer based on a first mode and a second mode, wherein the smokeless aerosol is generated in the first mode and the nicotine delivery amount of the second liquid composition is adjusted in the second mode; as well as a chamber in which the first aerosol and the second aerosol are mixed, A portion of the chamber is formed by the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer, The first vaporizer and the second vaporizer are detachably coupled to each other, and when the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer are coupled together, they form the portion of the chamber.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The first liquid composition includes a first moisturizer and nicotine.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein: The first humectant comprises only vegetable glycerin.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein: The first moisturizing agent is a mixture of vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol in a specified ratio.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein The ratio of the vegetable glycerin to the propylene glycol in the first moisturizing agent is 4:1 to 9:

1.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The aerosol generating device further includes a communication unit for communicating with an external device.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein: The communication unit receives a remote control signal from the external device, The control portion controls power supplied to the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer based on the remote control signal.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein: The remote control signal includes mode selection information for the first mode and the second mode and power control information corresponding to the selected mode.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: In the first mode, the control portion supplies power only to the second vaporizer.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9, wherein: The first mode includes multiple sub-modes, The control portion supplies power to the second vaporizer in response to the plurality of sub-modes so that the second vaporizer outputs power within a range of 50% to 100% of a maximum output.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: In the second mode, the control unit selectively supplies power to the second vaporizer while supplying power to the first vaporizer.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein The second mode includes multiple sub-modes, The control portion supplies power to the first vaporizer such that the first vaporizer outputs within a range of 80% to 100% of a maximum output, and supplies power to the second vaporizer such that the second vaporizer outputs within a range of 0% to 70% of the maximum output in response to the plurality of sub-modes.

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