Aerosol generating system and method of operating the same

Abstract

An aerosol generating system may include: a plurality of heat-sensitive bodies for heating different parts of a cigarette contained in an aerosol generating device and having different resonant frequencies respectively; a coil for heating the heat-sensitive bodies; a plurality of capacitors connected to the coils; and a processor for determining, among the plurality of capacitors, a combination of capacitors through which current applied to the coils passes, and applying current to the coils according to the combination, thereby heating the heat-sensitive bodies corresponding to the resonant frequencies of the combination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating system and a method of operating the same. Background Art

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

[0003] In addition to internal and external heating methods, induction heating using coils and heat-sensitive elements is also used to heat the aerosol-generating material. Furthermore, aerosol-generating devices typically generate aerosol by heating a single area of the cigarette. However, to improve user satisfaction, a technology is needed to heat multiple areas of the cigarette at different temperatures with time intervals. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] An aerosol generating system and method of operating the same are provided. Specifically, the system heats a plurality of heat-sensitive bodies by determining a combination of capacitors through which current applied to a coil passes, thereby heating the heat-sensitive bodies corresponding to the combination. The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other technical problems can be derived from the following embodiments.

[0006] Means used to solve problems

[0007] An aerosol generating system according to one aspect includes: a plurality of heat-sensitive bodies for heating different parts of a cigarette contained in an aerosol generating device and having different resonant frequencies; a coil for heating the plurality of heat-sensitive bodies; a plurality of capacitors connected to the coils; and a processor for determining, among the plurality of capacitors, a combination of capacitors through which current applied to the coils passes, and applying current to the coils based on the combination to heat the heat-sensitive bodies corresponding to the resonant frequency of the combination.

[0008] Effects of the Invention

[0009] The aerosol generating system can provide the user with a consistent smoking experience and a satisfying feeling by determining which heat-sensitive element to heat from among multiple heat-sensitive elements and changing the heat-sensitive element to heat during the puffing operation. The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above. Other effects not described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette being inserted into an internally heated aerosol generating device.

[0011] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette being inserted into an externally heated aerosol generating device.

[0012] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing another example of inserting a cigarette into an externally heated aerosol generating device.

[0013] Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device using an induction heating method.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the induction heating method.

[0015] Figure 6a and Figure 6b This is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of thermally sensitive bodies having different resonant frequencies at different frequencies.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an aerosol generating system.

[0017] Figure 8 is a diagram showing one example of an aerosol generating system including a circuit in which capacitors are connected in parallel.

[0018] Figure 9 is a diagram showing one example of an aerosol generating system including a cigarette.

[0019] Figure 10 It shows Figure 7 A flow chart of an example of a method of operating an aerosol generating system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] An aerosol generating system according to one aspect includes: a plurality of heat-sensitive bodies for heating different parts of a cigarette contained in an aerosol generating device and having different resonant frequencies; a coil for heating the plurality of heat-sensitive bodies; a plurality of capacitors connected to the coils; and a processor for determining a combination of capacitors among the plurality of capacitors through which current applied to the coils passes, and applying current to the coils according to the combination to heat the heat-sensitive bodies corresponding to the resonant frequency of the combination.

[0021] Additionally, the processor applies a current having a resonant frequency depending on the combination to the coil.

[0022] In addition, within the time corresponding to a single smoking operation, the processor heats the heat-sensitive body corresponding to the resonance frequency of the combination according to a preset time, and then heats the heat-sensitive body corresponding to the resonance frequency of the changed combination during the remaining time by changing the combination.

[0023] In addition, the processor heats at least one heat-sensitive body that does not correspond to the resonant frequency of the combination at a temperature lower than that of the heat-sensitive body that corresponds to the resonant frequency of the combination.

[0024] In addition, a plurality of the heat-sensitive bodies are provided on the device or the cigarette in the longitudinal direction of the cigarette housed in the device, and the coil surrounds the heat-sensitive bodies.

[0025] In addition, the plurality of capacitors are connected in parallel with each other and in series with the coil.

[0026] In addition, the aerosol generating system further comprises a plurality of switches connected in series with each of the heat-sensitive bodies, and the processor controls the closing / opening of the plurality of switches according to the combination.

[0027] In addition, the aerosol generating system further comprises a cigarette, wherein the different parts of the cigarette respectively contain different substances, and as the heat-sensitive body corresponding to the combination is heated, aerosols containing different components are generated from the system.

[0028] In addition, the aerosol generating system further comprises a cigarette, wherein the different parts of the cigarette respectively contain different amounts of humectants, and as the heat-sensitive bodies corresponding to the combination are heated, different amounts of aerosol are generated from the system.

[0029] On the other hand, the operating method of the aerosol generating system includes: a step of determining a combination of capacitors through which current applied to the coil passes among a plurality of capacitors connected to the coil; a step of applying current to the coil according to the combination; and a step of heating a heat-sensitive body corresponding to the resonant frequency of the combination among a plurality of heat-sensitive bodies having different resonant frequencies by applying current to the coil.

[0030] In addition, in the step of applying current, a current according to a resonance frequency of the combination is applied to the coil.

[0031] In addition, in the heating step, the heat-sensitive body is heated for a preset time within a time corresponding to a single puff operation. The operating method of the aerosol generating system further includes: a step of changing the combination; and a step of heating the heat-sensitive body corresponding to a resonant frequency of the changed combination during a remaining time within the time corresponding to the single puff operation.

[0032] In addition, the step of heating further includes heating at least one heat-sensitive body that does not correspond to the resonant frequency of the combination at a temperature lower than that of the heat-sensitive body that corresponds to the resonant frequency of the combination.

[0033] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in various ways and is not limited to the embodiments described here.

[0034] The terms used in the examples are selected from commonly used terms, taking into account the effects of the present invention. However, these terms may be changed based on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, or the emergence of new technologies. Furthermore, in specific circumstances, the applicant may arbitrarily select certain terms, and in such cases, the meanings of the selected terms will be described in detail in the corresponding description of the present invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on their meanings and the content of the entire specification, rather than simply by their names.

[0035] Throughout this specification, when a section "includes" a certain component, unless otherwise specified, it implies that other components are also included, not excluded. Furthermore, terms such as "unit" and "module" used in this specification refer to a unit that performs at least one function or operation and may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0036] 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 can be implemented in various ways and are not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0037] In addition, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" or "second" used in the specification may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components.

[0038] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette being inserted into an internally heated aerosol generating device.

[0040] Reference Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 100 includes a battery 110, a processor 120, and a heater 130. In addition, a cigarette 200 can be inserted into the inner space of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0041] Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 100 shown in the figure shows the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, a person skilled in the art of the present embodiment should understand that, in addition to Figure 1 In addition to the components shown, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include other common components.

[0042] Figure 1 The battery 110, the processor 120 and the heater 130 are shown arranged in a row. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to Figure 1 In other words, the arrangement of the battery 110 , the processor 120 , and the heater 130 may be changed according to the design of the aerosol generating device 100 .

[0043] When the cigarette 200 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, the aerosol generating device 100 can generate aerosol by activating the heater 130. The aerosol generated by the heater 130 is transferred to the user through the cigarette 200.

[0044] If necessary, the aerosol generating device 100 can heat the heater 130 even when the cigarette 200 is not inserted into the aerosol generating device 100 .

[0045] The battery 110 provides the power required for the operation of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the battery 110 can provide power to heat the heater 130 and can provide power required for the operation of the processor 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 100.

[0046] The processor 120 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. Specifically, in addition to controlling the battery 110 and the heater 130, the processor 120 also controls the operations of other components included in the aerosol generating device 100. In addition, the processor 120 can determine whether the aerosol generating device 100 is in an operable state by confirming the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0047] The processor 120 may be implemented by an array of multiple logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable in the microprocessor. Furthermore, those skilled in the art of the present embodiment will appreciate that the processor may also be implemented in other hardware forms.

[0048] The heater 130 can be heated by power provided by the battery 110. For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, the heater 130 can be located outside the cigarette. Therefore, the heated heater 130 can increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating substance in the cigarette.

[0049] The heater 130 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 130 may include a conductive track, and when current flows through the conductive track, the heater 130 generates heat. However, the heater 130 is not limited to the above example; any type of heater is suitable as long as it can heat to a desired temperature. The desired temperature may be pre-set in the aerosol generating device 100 or set by the user.

[0050] For example, the heater 130 may be elongated (eg, rod-shaped, needle-shaped, blade-shaped), or cylindrical, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette 200 depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0051] In addition, the aerosol generating device 100 may be provided with a plurality of heaters 130. In this case, the plurality of heaters 130 may be provided so as to be inserted into the interior of the cigarette 200 or may be provided outside the cigarette 200. In addition, some of the plurality of heaters 130 may be provided so as to be inserted into the interior of the cigarette 200, while others may be provided outside the cigarette 200. In addition, the shape of the heater 130 is not limited to Figure 1 The shape shown can be made into various shapes.

[0052] In one aspect, the aerosol generating device 100 may also include conventional components in addition to the battery 110, the processor 120, and the heater 130. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 100 may include at least one sensor (a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, a cigarette insertion detection sensor, etc.). Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 100 may be configured to allow external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out even when a cigarette 200 is inserted.

[0053] Although Figure 1 Although not shown, the aerosol generating device 100 may also be combined with a separate bracket to form a system. For example, the bracket may be used to charge the battery 110 of the aerosol generating device 100. Alternatively, the heater 130 may heat the aerosol generating device 100 while the bracket and the aerosol generating device 100 are combined.

[0054] The cigarette 200 can be divided into a medium portion containing an aerosol-generating substance and a filter portion including a filter, etc. Alternatively, the filter portion of the cigarette 200 can also contain an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance in the form of granules or capsules can be inserted into the filter portion.

[0055] The entire media portion can be inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, and the filter portion can be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the media portion can be inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, or the entire media portion and a portion of the filter portion can be inserted. The user can inhale the aerosol while holding the filter portion in their mouth. In this case, aerosol is generated by external air passing through the media portion, and the generated aerosol is then transferred to the user's mouth through the filter portion.

[0056] As an example, external air can flow in through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 100 and / or the size of the air passage can be adjusted by the user. Thus, the amount of atomization, the puffing sensation, etc. can be adjusted by the user. As another example, external air can flow into the interior of the cigarette 200 through at least one hole formed in the surface of the cigarette 200.

[0057] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette being inserted into an externally heated aerosol generating device.

[0058] Reference Figure 2 ,remove Figure 1 In addition to the components shown, the aerosol generating device 100 also includes a vaporizer 140 . Figure 2 The cigarette 200, battery 110, processor 120 and heater 130 may correspond to Figure 1 The cigarette 200, the battery 110, the processor 120, and the heater 130 are shown. Therefore, repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0059] Figure 2 The aerosol generating device 100 shown in FIG. 1 shows the components related to the present embodiment. Therefore, as long as a person skilled in the art of the present embodiment can understand that except for Figure 2 In addition to the components shown, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include other common components.

[0060] in addition, Figure 2 The aerosol generating device 100 is shown to include a heater 130 , however, the heater 130 may be omitted as desired.

[0061] Figure 21 , the battery 110 , the processor 120 , the vaporizer 140 , and the heater 130 are shown arranged in a row.

[0062] When the cigarette 200 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, the aerosol generating device 100 can generate aerosol by operating the heater 130 and / or the vaporizer 140. The aerosol generated by the heater 130 and / or the vaporizer 140 is transferred to the user through the cigarette 200.

[0063] The battery 110 can supply power to heat the vaporizer 140. The processor 120 controls the operation of the vaporizer 140.

[0064] The vaporizer 140 can generate an aerosol by heating the liquid composition, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to the user through the cigarette 200. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 140 can move along the airflow path of the aerosol generating device 100, and the airflow path can be configured to enable the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 140 to be delivered to the user through the cigarette.

[0065] For example, the vaporizer 140 may include a liquid storage portion, a liquid transfer unit, and a heating component, but is not limited thereto. For example, the liquid storage portion, the liquid transfer unit, and the heating component may be provided in the aerosol generating device 100 as independent modules.

[0066] The liquid storage unit can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance containing volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage unit can be made to be detachable from the vaporizer 140, or can be integrally formed with the vaporizer 140.

[0067] For example, the liquid composition may include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a fragrance, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. Flavoring agents may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, or various fruit-flavored ingredients. Flavoring agents may include ingredients that can provide the user with various aromas or flavors. The vitamin mixture may include, but is not limited to, a mixture containing at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Furthermore, the liquid composition may include an aerosol former such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

[0068] The liquid transfer unit can transfer the liquid composition in the liquid storage part to the heating component. For example, the liquid transfer unit can be a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

[0069] The heating element is a component used to heat the liquid composition transferred by the liquid transfer unit. For example, the heating element may be a metal heating wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the heating element may be formed of a conductive heating wire such as a nickel-chromium wire and may be provided in a structure wound around the liquid transfer unit. The heating element can be heated by supplying an electric current and can heat the liquid composition by transferring heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element. As a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0070] For example, the vaporizer 140 may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

[0071] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing another example of inserting a cigarette into an externally heated aerosol generating device.

[0072] Figure 3 The cigarette 200, battery 110, processor 120, heater 130 and vaporizer 140 may correspond to Figure 2 The cigarette 200, the battery 110, the processor 120, the heater 130, and the vaporizer 140 are shown. Therefore, repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0073] Figure 3 1 shows an example in which the vaporizer 140 and the heater 130 are arranged in parallel. In other words, the vaporizer 140 and the heater 130 can be arranged in parallel. Figure 2 As shown, it can be set into a column, or as Figure 3 However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to Figure 2 and Figure 3 In other words, the arrangement of the battery 110 , the processor 120 , the heater 130 , and the vaporizer 140 may be changed according to the design of the aerosol generating device 100 .

[0074] Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device using an induction heating method.

[0075] Reference Figure 4 The aerosol generating device 100 includes a battery 110 , a processor 120 , a coil 410 , and a heat-sensitive body 420 . Furthermore, the cavity 430 of the aerosol generating device 100 is capable of accommodating at least a portion of the cigarette 200 . Figure 4 The cigarette 200, the battery 110 and the processor 120 may correspond to Figures 1 to 3 The cigarette 200, the battery 110, and the processor 120 are shown. In addition, the coil 410 and the heat-sensitive body 420 may be included in the heater 130. Therefore, repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0076] Figure 4 The aerosol generating device 100 shown in FIG. 1 shows the components related to the present embodiment. Therefore, as long as a person skilled in the art of the present embodiment can understand that except for Figure 4 In addition to the components shown, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include other common components.

[0077] The coil 410 may be positioned around the cavity 430. Figure 4 4. The coil 410 is shown to be disposed around the cavity 430, but is not limited thereto.

[0078] When the cigarette 200 is accommodated in the cavity 430 of the aerosol generating device 100, the aerosol generating device 100 can supply power to the coil 410, causing the coil 410 to generate a magnetic field. As the magnetic field generated by the coil 410 passes through the heat-sensitive body 420, the heat-sensitive body 420 may heat up.

[0079] This induction heating phenomenon is well known and is explained by Faraday's law of induction. Specifically, when the magnetic flux within the heat-sensitive body 420 changes, an electric field is generated within the heat-sensitive body 420, causing eddy currents to flow within the heat-sensitive body 420. These eddy currents generate heat within the heat-sensitive body 420, and this heat is proportional to the current density and the conductor resistance.

[0080] The heat-sensitive body 420 is heated by the eddy current, and the aerosol-generating substance in the cigarette 200 can be heated by the heated heat-sensitive body 420 to generate aerosol. The aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating substance is transferred to the user through the cigarette 200.

[0081] The battery 110 can supply power so that the coil 410 generates a magnetic field. The processor 120 can be electrically connected to the coil 410.

[0082] The coil 410 may be a conductive coil that generates a magnetic field using power supplied from the battery 110. The coil 410 may be disposed to surround at least a portion of the cavity 430. The magnetic field generated by the coil 410 may be applied to the thermal conductor 420 disposed at an inner end of the cavity 430.

[0083] The heat-sensitive body 420 is heated by the magnetic field generated by the coil 410 and may include metal or carbon. For example, the heat-sensitive body 420 may include at least one of ferrite, ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum.

[0084] In addition, the heat-sensitive element 420 may include at least one of a ceramic such as graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, nickel alloy, metal film, zirconium oxide, a transition metal such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), and a metalloid such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P). However, the heat-sensitive element 420 is not limited to the above examples and is not limited as long as it can be heated to a desired temperature when a magnetic field is applied. The desired temperature can be pre-set in the aerosol generating device 100 or set by the user.

[0085] When the cigarette 200 is received in the cavity 430 of the aerosol generating device 100, the heat-sensitive body 420 may be disposed to surround at least a portion of the cigarette 200. Thus, the heated heat-sensitive body 420 can increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating substance in the cigarette 200.

[0086] Figure 4 The heat-sensitive element 420 is shown as being disposed around at least a portion of the cigarette, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heat-sensitive element 420 may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette 200 depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0087] In addition, the aerosol generating device 100 may be provided with a plurality of heat-sensitive bodies 420. In this case, the plurality of heat-sensitive bodies 420 may be provided outside the cigarette 200, or may be provided to be inserted into the interior of the cigarette 200. In addition, a portion of the plurality of heat-sensitive bodies 420 may be provided to be inserted into the interior of the cigarette 200, and another portion may be provided outside the cigarette 200. In addition, the shape of the heat-sensitive body 420 is not limited to Figure 4 The shape shown can be made into various shapes.

[0088] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the induction heating method.

[0089] The coil can receive alternating current from a battery. The coil, receiving alternating current from the battery, generates a magnetic field. When the magnetic field generated by the coil passes through a load (e.g., a heat-sensitive object), the load may heat up.

[0090] Reference Figure 5 , the coil can be represented by an RLC circuit 510. The coil includes an inductor L, a resistor R, and a capacitor C. The total impedance Z of the RLC circuit 510 is TOTAL The impedance Z of the inductor L , the impedance Z of the resistor R and the impedance Z of the capacitorC The sum is calculated.

[0091] The impedance of the inductor Z L , the impedance Z of the resistor R and the impedance Z of the capacitor C They can be expressed by the following formula 1 respectively.

[0092] Formula 1

[0093] Z L =ωL=2π×f×L

[0094]

[0095] Z R =R On the one hand, resonance refers to the phenomenon in which a vibrator's amplitude significantly increases when subjected to a periodic external force, where the frequency of the external force is the same as the vibrator's natural frequency. Resonance occurs in all vibrations, including mechanical and electrical vibrations. Generally, when a force that causes vibration is applied to a vibrator, if the vibrator's natural frequency and the frequency of the external force are the same, the vibration intensifies and the amplitude increases.

[0096] In the same principle, when a plurality of vibrating bodies spaced apart by a certain distance vibrate at the same frequency, the plurality of vibrating bodies resonate with each other, and in this case, the resistance between the plurality of vibrating bodies decreases.

[0097] The resonant frequency f of the RLC circuit 510 reso , for example, can be determined by a formula such as the following formula 2.

[0098] Formula 2

[0099]

[0100] Reference Figure 5 Graph 520 shows that when an electric field having a resonant frequency f is applied to the RLC circuit 510, reso When the frequency of the AC power applied to the RLC circuit 510 is equal to the resonant frequency f reso The larger the difference, the less power is delivered to the load.

[0101] On the one hand, referring to Equation 2, the resonant frequency f of the RLC circuit 510 is reso Determined by the inductance L of the coil and the capacitance C of the capacitor connected to the coil. In a circuit that uses a coil to generate a magnetic field, the inductance L is determined by factors such as the number of turns in the coil, and the capacitance C is determined by factors such as the set value of the capacitor connected to the coil.

[0102] Figure 6a and Figure 6bThis is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of thermally sensitive bodies having different resonant frequencies at different frequencies.

[0103] Reference Figure 6a , the first heat-sensitive body 621 and the second heat-sensitive body 622 with different resonance frequencies are connected in parallel with the processor 120 (or battery).

[0104] The resonance frequency of the heat-sensitive body may vary depending on the type and composition ratio of the materials constituting the heat-sensitive body.

[0105] In the entire coil 610, when the number of turns, spacing, area, etc. are constant, the heat-sensitive body is also always heated at a constant temperature.

[0106] like Figure 6a As shown, when the first heat-sensing element 621, the second heat-sensing element 622, and the coil 610 surrounding them are connected in parallel with the processor 120, the portions of the coil 610 corresponding to the first heat-sensing element 621 and the second heat-sensing element 622, respectively, can receive alternating current of the same frequency from the processor 120. In this case, if the resonance frequencies of the first heat-sensing element 621 and the second heat-sensing element 622 are different, the power transmitted to the first heat-sensing element 621 and the second heat-sensing element 622, respectively, can be different.

[0107] For example, the first heat-sensitive element 621 may have a resonance frequency f1, and the second heat-sensitive element 622 may have a resonance frequency f2. In this case, when the processor 120 applies AC power of frequency f1 to the coil 610, the first heat-sensitive element 621 may receive maximum power from the coil 610, but the second heat-sensitive element 622 may receive power from the coil 610 that is lower than the maximum power.

[0108] Figure 6b FIG. 6 shows a graph 630 of power values at different frequencies for two heat-sensitive bodies 621 and 622 having different resonance frequencies.

[0109] Referring to a graph 631 regarding the first heat-sensitive body 621 , the first heat-sensitive body 621 has a resonance frequency f1 , and referring to a graph 632 regarding the second heat-sensitive body 622 , the second heat-sensitive body 622 has a resonance frequency f2 .

[0110] When the frequency f1 is applied to the coil 610 that heats the first heat-sensitive body 621 and the second heat-sensitive body 622, the first heat-sensitive body 621 resonates, so that the maximum power P1 can be transmitted thereto. However, as for the second heat-sensitive body 622, f1 does not belong to the resonance frequency, so the power P2 lower than the maximum power P1 can be transmitted thereto.

[0111] Figure 7 This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an aerosol generating system.

[0112] Reference Figure 7The aerosol generating system 700 may include a processor 120 , a plurality of heat-sensitive bodies 710 , a coil 720 , and a plurality of capacitors 730 . Figure 7 The processor 120, the plurality of heat-sensitive bodies 710 and the coil 720 may correspond to Figures 1 to 4 The processor 120, the thermal conductor 420 and the coil 720.

[0113] Figure 7 The aerosol generating system 700 shown in FIG. 1 shows the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, as long as a person skilled in the art of the present embodiment can understand that except for Figure 7 In addition to the components shown, the aerosol generating system 700 may also include other common components.

[0114] The plurality of heat-sensitive elements 710 can heat different portions of the cigarette 200 contained in the aerosol generating device 100. For example, a first heat-sensitive element is disposed at a position corresponding to a first portion of the cigarette 200 and can heat the first portion, while a second heat-sensitive element is disposed at a position corresponding to a second portion of the cigarette 200 and can heat the second portion.

[0115] The multiple heat-sensitive bodies 710 can have different resonant frequencies. They can be made of different materials, or they can contain the same materials in different proportions. For example, a first heat-sensitive body can have a resonant frequency f1, and a second heat-sensitive body can have a resonant frequency f2. Because the resonant frequencies of the multiple heat-sensitive bodies 710 differ, even when current of the same frequency and intensity is applied to the coil 720, the heat-sensitive bodies 710 can be heated to different degrees.

[0116] The coil 720 can heat the heat-sensitive body 710. Figure 4 To explain, the coil 720 receiving the current generates a magnetic field, and the thermally sensitive body 710 may be heated under the influence of the magnetic field.

[0117] The plurality of capacitors 730 may be connected to the coil 720. The plurality of capacitors 730 may be located on a path of current flowing to the coil 720, the current being output from the battery 110 under the control of the processor 120. The current output from the battery 110 is applied to the coil 720 after passing through the plurality of capacitors 730.

[0118] The processor 120 can determine the combination of capacitors 731 through which the current applied to the coil 720 passes, among the plurality of capacitors 730. The resonant frequency of the circuit composed of the coil 720 and the capacitor 730 can be determined by the inductance of the coil 720 and the capacitance depending on the combination of the plurality of capacitors 730. Therefore, the processor 120 can determine the resonant frequency of the circuit composed of the coil 720 and the capacitor 730 by determining the combination of capacitors 731 through which the current passes, among the plurality of capacitors 730.

[0119] The processor 120 can apply current to the coil 720 according to the determined combination. The processor 120 can apply current to the coil 720 according to the determined combination by adjusting the circuit so that the current passes only through at least one capacitor 731 in the determined combination.

[0120] The processor 120 applies current to the coil 720 based on the determined combination, thereby heating the heat-sensitive element 711 of the plurality of heat-sensitive elements 710 corresponding to the resonant frequency of the determined combination. In one embodiment, the processor 120 heats only the heat-sensitive element 711 having a resonant frequency corresponding to the determined combination. In this case, only the portion of the cigarette 200 corresponding to the heat-sensitive element 711 can be heated. In another embodiment, the processor 120 heats the heat-sensitive element 711 having a resonant frequency corresponding to the determined combination, while heating the remaining heat-sensitive elements at a lower temperature. In this case, the portion of the cigarette 200 corresponding to the remaining heat-sensitive elements can be heated at a lower temperature.

[0121] On the one hand, the processor 120 is capable of applying a current having a resonant frequency depending on the determined combination to the coil 720. Even if the resonant frequency of the circuit is consistent with the resonant frequency of the heat-sensitive body 711, if the frequency of the current applied to the coil 720 is inconsistent, resonance does not occur, and the maximum power is not transmitted to the heat-sensitive body 711. Therefore, the processor 120 is capable of adjusting the frequency of the current to apply a current having a resonant frequency depending on the determined combination to the coil 720. For example, the processor 120 adjusts the frequency of the generated PWM signal by performing pulse width modulation (PWM) control on the current output from the battery 110, thereby adjusting the frequency of the current applied to the coil 720 to the resonant frequency of the circuit.

[0122] Figure 8 is a diagram showing one example of an aerosol generating system including a circuit in which capacitors are connected in parallel.

[0123] Reference Figure 8The aerosol generating system 700 may include a processor 120 , a coil 720 , a plurality of heat-sensitive bodies 811 , 812 , a plurality of capacitors 831 , 832 , 833 , and a plurality of switches 851 , 852 , 853 . Figure 8 The processor 120, the coil 720, the plurality of heat-sensitive bodies 811, 812 and the plurality of capacitors 831, 832, 833 may correspond to Figure 7 The processor 120, the coil 720, the multiple thermally sensitive bodies 710 and the multiple capacitors 730.

[0124] Figure 8 The aerosol generating system 700 shown in FIG. 1 shows the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, as long as a person skilled in the art of the present embodiment can understand that except for Figure 8 In addition to the components shown, the aerosol generating system 700 may also include other common components.

[0125] The plurality of capacitors 831, 832, and 833 may be connected in parallel to each other and in series with the coil 720. The plurality of switches 851, 852, and 853 may be connected in series with the respective heat-sensitive bodies 811 and 812. The coil 720 may surround the plurality of heat-sensitive bodies 811 and 812.

[0126] The processor 120 can control the closing / opening of the plurality of switches 851, 852, and 853 based on the combination of capacitors through which current is passed. When the switches are closed, current can pass through them, and when the switches are open, current cannot pass through them. For example, when only the first and second switches 851 and 852 are closed, current only passes through the first and second capacitors 831 and 832, and does not pass through the third capacitor 833.

[0127] When the resonant frequency of the circuit is the same as the resonant frequency of the first heat-sensing body 811, the processor 120 controls only the first switch 851 to close, thereby heating the first heat-sensing body 811. The circuit is a circuit that is determined to allow current to flow only through the first capacitor 831. Furthermore, when the resonant frequency of the circuit is the same as the resonant frequency of the second heat-sensing body 812, the processor 120 can control the multiple switches 851, 852, and 853 to close, thereby heating the second heat-sensing body 812. The circuit is a circuit that is determined to allow current to flow through the multiple capacitors 831, 832, and 833.

[0128] For example, when the capacitance of first capacitor 831 is set to 47nF, the capacitance of second and third capacitors 832 and 833 is set to 150nF, and the inductance of coil 720 is set to 2uH, the first heat-sink 811 resonates at a frequency corresponding to a circuit capacitance of 47nF, while the second heat-sink 812 resonates at a frequency corresponding to a circuit capacitance of 347nF. By closing only first switch 851, processor 120 sets the circuit capacitance to 47nF, thereby transmitting maximum power to first heat-sink 811 and heating it. In this case, second heat-sink 812 is not heated, or can be heated at a lower temperature than first heat-sink 811. Alternatively, processor 120 can set the circuit capacitance to 347nF by closing multiple switches 851, 852, and 853, thereby transmitting maximum power to second heat-sink 812 and heating it. In this case, the first heat-sensitive body 811 is not heated, or can be heated at a lower temperature than the second heat-sensitive body 812. Heat-sensitive bodies 811 and 812 can be made of, for example, SUS304 or SUS430. However, the capacitances of the capacitors 831, 832, and 833, the inductance of the coil 720, and the type of heat-sensitive body are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0129] When the combination is determined in a manner corresponding to the resonant frequency of the first heat-sensitive body 811, as current is applied to the coil 720, in one embodiment, only the first heat-sensitive body 811 is heated, and in another embodiment, the first heat-sensitive body 811 is heated while the second heat-sensitive body 812 is heated at a temperature lower than that of the first heat-sensitive body 811.

[0130] The processor 120 is capable of heating the heat-sensitive element corresponding to the determined resonant frequency combination for a preset time period within the time period corresponding to a single puff. The time period corresponding to a single puff refers to the time from the start of heating the cigarette 200 to generate aerosol to the completion of heating of the cigarette 200. The preset time period is set to a value less than the time period corresponding to a single puff and can be set based on, for example, the type of heat-sensitive element and cigarette 200.

[0131] After heating the heat-sensitive element within a preset time, the processor 120 can change the capacitor combination. During the remaining time, the processor 120 can heat the heat-sensitive element at a resonant frequency corresponding to the changed combination. The resonant frequency of the changed combination differs from the resonant frequency of the previous combination, and therefore, the heat-sensitive element heated during the remaining time differs from the heat-sensitive element heated during the preset time. The remaining time, on the other hand, refers to the time remaining after the preset time has elapsed from the time corresponding to a single puff.

[0132] The aerosol generating system 700 changes the portion of the cigarette 200 that is heated by changing the heat-sensitive element to be heated during a single puff. Thus, rather than heating the same portion of the cigarette 200 throughout the entire puff, the aerosol generating system 700 can control the current supply to heat a certain portion of the cigarette 200 for a preset time and other portions for the remaining time. This prevents the first and second halves of a single puff from providing different puff sensations, and provides the user with a uniform puff sensation.

[0133] Figure 9 is a diagram showing one example of an aerosol generating system 700 including a cigarette 200 .

[0134] Reference Figure 9 The aerosol generating system 700 may include a battery 110, a processor 120, a plurality of heat-sensitive bodies 811 and 812, a coil 720, and a cigarette 200 accommodated in the aerosol generating device 100. The cigarette 200 may include a first part 911 and a second part 912. Figure 9 The battery 110, cigarette 200, processor 120, multiple heat-sensitive bodies 811, 812 and coil 720 may correspond to Figures 1 to 4 Batteries 110, cigarettes 200, Figure 7 The processor 120, multiple thermal sensors 710 and coils 720.

[0135] Figure 9 The aerosol generating system 700 shown in FIG. 1 shows the components related to the present embodiment. Therefore, as long as a person skilled in the art of the present embodiment can understand that except for Figure 9 In addition to the components shown, the aerosol generating system 700 may also include other common components.

[0136] The plurality of heat-sensitive bodies 811 and 812 may be arranged along the length of the cigarette 200 contained in the aerosol generating device 100. In one embodiment, the plurality of heat-sensitive bodies 811 and 812 may be included in the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the plurality of heat-sensitive bodies 811 and 812 may be arranged in the cavity 430 for containing the cigarette 200 and extend along the length of the cavity 430. In another embodiment, the plurality of heat-sensitive bodies 811 and 812 may be arranged in the cigarette 200. For example, the plurality of heat-sensitive bodies 811 and 812 may be arranged inside the cigarette 200 and extend along the length of the cigarette 200, or may be located on the outside of the cigarette 200 and extend along the length of the cigarette 200.

[0137] The first heat-sensitive body 811 is disposed to correspond to the first portion 911 of the cigarette 200, thereby heating the first portion 911 of the cigarette 200, and the second heat-sensitive body 812 is disposed to correspond to the second portion 912 of the cigarette 200, thereby heating the second portion 912 of the cigarette 200. The coil 720 can surround each of the plurality of heat-sensitive bodies 811 and 812 to heat each of the plurality of heat-sensitive bodies 811 and 812.

[0138] In one embodiment, different portions of the cigarette 200 can contain different substances. As the heat-sensitive element corresponding to the capacitor combination is heated, a specific portion of the cigarette 200 is heated, thereby generating an aerosol containing the substance comprising that portion. Therefore, when different heat-sensitive elements are heated, different portions of the cigarette 200 are heated, thereby generating aerosols containing different components. For example, if the first portion 911 of the cigarette 200 contains a first flavoring substance and the second portion 912 contains a second flavoring substance, when the first heat-sensitive element 811 is heated, an aerosol with the first flavor can be generated, and when the second heat-sensitive element 812 is heated, an aerosol with the second flavor can be generated. Furthermore, if the combination is changed during a single puff, resulting in a change in the heat-sensitive element being heated, the composition of the aerosol (e.g., flavor) can change even during a single puff.

[0139] In another embodiment, the cigarette 200 may contain different amounts of humectant in different portions. When different heat-sensitive elements are heated, different portions of the cigarette 200 are heated, thereby generating different amounts of aerosol. For example, if the first portion 911 of the cigarette 200 contains a larger amount of humectant and the second portion 912 contains a smaller amount of humectant, when the first heat-sensitive element 811 is heated, a larger amount of aerosol may be generated compared to when the second heat-sensitive element 812 is heated. The aerosol generating system 700 can determine the amount of aerosol to be atomized by determining the heat-sensitive element to be heated.

[0140] In addition, in another embodiment, the cigarette 200 may contain different amounts of nicotine in different parts. The aerosol generating system 700 can determine the nicotine content in the aerosol by determining the heat-sensitive body to be heated.

[0141] Figure 10 It shows Figure 7 A flow chart of an example of a method of operating an aerosol generating system.

[0142] Reference Figure 10 An example of a method of operating the aerosol generating system 700 is provided by Figure 7 The aerosol generating system 700 shown in FIG. 1 is composed of the steps of the process in chronological order. Therefore, even if the content is omitted below, the above Figures 7 to 9 The contents of the aerosol generating system 700 shown may also be applied to Figure 10 In the method of operating the aerosol generating system 700.

[0143] In step 1010 , the aerosol generating system 700 can determine a combination of capacitors 731 through which a current applied to the coil 720 passes, among the plurality of capacitors 730 connected to the coil 720 .

[0144] A plurality of capacitors 730 may be connected in parallel with each other and in series with the coil 720 .

[0145] In step 1020 , the aerosol generating system 700 can apply current to the coil 720 according to the determined combination.

[0146] The aerosol generating system 700 is capable of applying a current to the coil 720 having a resonant frequency that depends on the determined combination.

[0147] The aerosol generating system 700 controls the closing / opening of each switch connected in series with each thermally sensitive body 710 to apply current to the coil 720 according to the determined combination.

[0148] In step 1030 , the aerosol generating system 700 applies current to the coil 720 to heat the heat-sensitive body 711 corresponding to the determined combined resonance frequency among the plurality of heat-sensitive bodies 710 having different resonance frequencies.

[0149] The aerosol generating system 700 can heat the heat-sensitive body 711 corresponding to the determined resonant frequency combination according to a preset time within a time corresponding to a single puff operation.

[0150] After the combination is changed, the aerosol generating system 700 can heat the heat-sensitive body 711 corresponding to the resonance frequency of the changed combination during the remaining time within the time corresponding to a single puff operation.

[0151] The aerosol generating system 700 can heat at least one heat sensible body that does not correspond to the resonant frequency of the determined combination at a temperature lower than that of the heat sensible body 711 corresponding to the resonant frequency of the determined combination.

[0152] The heat-sensitive body 710 may be disposed in the device or the cigarette 200 along the length direction of the cigarette 200 contained in the aerosol generating device 100 , and the coil 720 may surround the heat-sensitive body 710 .

[0153] On the other hand, in one embodiment, the cigarette 200 contains different substances in different parts. When the heat-sensitive body 711 corresponding to the determined combination is heated, aerosol containing different components can be generated from the aerosol generating system 700.

[0154] In another embodiment, the cigarette 200 contains different amounts of humectants in different portions. When the heat-sensitive body 711 corresponding to the determined combination is heated, different amounts of aerosol can be generated from the aerosol generating system 700 .

[0155] On the other hand, the above embodiments 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 non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. In addition, the structure of the data used in the above embodiments can be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium in various ways. The computer-readable recording medium includes storage media such as magnetic recording media (e.g., ROM, floppy disk, hard disk, etc.), optical recording media (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), and the like.

[0156] The above embodiments are merely illustrative. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and equivalent embodiments may be implemented therefrom. The true scope of the present invention is determined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope of equivalence to the claims are to be construed as being encompassed by the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating system, in, include: a plurality of heat-sensitive bodies for heating different parts of a cigarette contained in the aerosol generating device and having different resonant frequencies; a coil surrounding the plurality of heat-sensitive bodies and used for heating the plurality of heat-sensitive bodies; a plurality of capacitors connected to the coil; and a processor that determines a combination of capacitors through which the current applied to the coil passes, among the plurality of capacitors, and applies current to the coil according to the combination to heat the heat-sensitive body corresponding to a resonant frequency of the combination; The plurality of heat-sensitive bodies are arranged in the aerosol generating device or the cigarette along the length direction of the cigarette contained in the aerosol generating device.

2. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein The processor applies a current to the coil having a resonant frequency that depends on the combination.

3. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein The processor heats the heat-sensitive body corresponding to the resonance frequency of the combination according to a preset time within a time corresponding to a single smoking operation, and then heats the heat-sensitive body corresponding to the resonance frequency of the changed combination within a remaining time by changing the combination.

4. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein The processor heats at least one heat-sensitive body that does not correspond to the resonant frequency of the combination at a temperature lower than that of the heat-sensitive body corresponding to the resonant frequency of the combination.

5. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of capacitors are connected in parallel with each other and in series with the coil.

6. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein The aerosol generating system further comprises a plurality of switches connected in series with each of the heat-sensitive bodies. The processor controls the closing and opening of the plurality of switches according to the combination.

7. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein: The aerosol generating system further comprises a cigarette, The cigarette contains different substances in different parts, As the heat-sensitive bodies corresponding to the combination are heated, aerosols containing different components are generated from the aerosol generating system.

8. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein The aerosol generating system further comprises a cigarette, The cigarette comprises different amounts of moisturizing agents in different parts, As the heat-sensitive bodies corresponding to the combination are heated, different amounts of aerosol are generated from the aerosol generating system.

9. A method of operating an aerosol generating system, in, include: The step of determining a combination of capacitors through which a current applied to the coil passes, among a plurality of capacitors connected to the coil surrounding the plurality of heat-sensitive bodies; the step of applying a current to the coil according to the combination; and applying current to the coil to heat the heat-sensitive body corresponding to the combined resonance frequency among the plurality of heat-sensitive bodies having different resonance frequencies; The plurality of heat-sensitive bodies are arranged in the aerosol generating device or the cigarette along the length direction of the cigarette contained in the aerosol generating device.

10. A method of operating an aerosol generating system according to claim 9, wherein: In the step of applying current, a current having a resonance frequency depending on the combination is applied to the coil.

11. A method of operating an aerosol generating system according to claim 9, wherein: In the heating step, the heat-sensitive body is heated for a preset time within a time corresponding to a single smoking operation. The method of operating the aerosol generating system further comprises: the step of changing said combination; and The step of heating a heat-sensitive body corresponding to the changed resonance frequency of the combination during a remaining time within a time corresponding to the single puff operation.

12. A method of operating an aerosol generating system according to claim 9, wherein: The heating step further includes heating at least one heat-sensitive body that does not correspond to the resonant frequency of the combination at a temperature lower than that of the heat-sensitive body corresponding to the resonant frequency of the combination.

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