Aerosol generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device includes a heater, an inductor path, a capacitive path, and a controller. The heater is configured to heat a cigarette to generate aerosol, and the controller is configured to generate a control signal using information received from the inductor path and the capacitive path. A cigarette insertion space configured to receive a cigarette is provided within the aerosol-generating device, and the controller is configured to: measure a change in capacitance in the capacitive path based on a frequency change in current flowing through the inductor path caused by an object adjacent to the cigarette insertion space exceeding a first reference value; and control the heater to start supplying power based on the measured capacitance change exceeding a second reference value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an aerosol generating device, and particularly to an aerosol generating device capable of generating aerosol by a heater included in the aerosol generating device without bringing the heater into direct contact with a cigarette. Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for methods that generate aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating substance in a cigarette rather than burning the cigarette. Consequently, research into heated cigarettes or heated aerosol generators has been actively conducted.

[0003] With the widespread use of aerosol-generating devices, users of these devices often consider not only smoking satisfaction resulting from aerosol quality but also various conveniences. For example, users prefer to intuitively view important statistics, such as usage history, on a display within the aerosol-generating device. Furthermore, when aerosol-generating devices are used for extended periods, they require regular cleaning, leading users to prefer devices with added features to facilitate cleaning.

[0004] Furthermore, as part of efforts to improve the usability of aerosol-generating devices, aerosol-generating devices with a smart-start function have been released. With this smart-start function, once the aerosol-generating substance is installed on the device, the device's preparation for use is automatically executed. As a result, the time it takes for the user to power on the device and inhale the aerosol can be significantly reduced. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device: the aerosol generating device is used to prevent the smart start function from being activated due to the proximity of the magnetic material to the device when the magnetic material is not an aerosol generating substance, wherein the aerosol generating device including the smart start function includes an inductive path to realize the smart start function.

[0007] Solution to the problem

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus for solving the above-mentioned technical problems may include: a heater for heating a cigarette to generate an aerosol; a cigarette insertion space into which the cigarette is inserted; an inductive path; a capacitive path; and a controller configured to generate a control signal using information received from the inductive path and the capacitive path, wherein, when a frequency change of a current flowing through the inductive path due to an object adjacent to the cigarette insertion space exceeds a first reference value, the controller measures a change in capacitance in the capacitive path, and when the measured change in capacitance exceeds a second reference value, the controller controls to start supplying power to the heater.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus for solving the above-mentioned technical problem may include: a heater for heating a cigarette to generate an aerosol; a cigarette insertion space into which the cigarette is inserted; an inductive path; a capacitive path; and a controller configured to generate a control signal based on information received from the inductive path and the capacitive path, wherein when the frequency change of the current flowing through the inductive path due to an object adjacent to the cigarette insertion space exceeds a first reference value and the change in capacitance measured in the capacitive path exceeds a second reference value, the controller controls to start supplying power to the heater.

[0010] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, even if a magnetic material that does not contain any aerosol-generating substance is adjacent to an aerosol-generating device including the smart-on function, the smart-on function will not be activated, thereby minimizing battery waste and preventing overheating of the heater without the user's awareness. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a first illustration showing an example of a cigarette being inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0013] Figure 2 is a second illustration showing an example of a cigarette being inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0014] Figure 3 is a diagram showing another example of a cigarette being inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0015] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette.

[0016] Figure 5 is a view showing another example of a cigarette.

[0017] Figure 6 It shows that Figure 3 A view of an example of a dual-medium cigarette used in the apparatus.

[0018] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Side view of the device described in.

[0020] Figure 9 It shows in detail Figure 7 Illustration of an example of a cigarette insertion space and passive component pathways.

[0021] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the cigarette insertion space shown in FIG.

[0022] Figure 11 is a diagram schematically showing an example of an arrangement structure of passive component vias.

[0023] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the cigarette insertion space shown in FIG.

[0024] Figure 13 is an example of a graph showing frequency changes detected by an inductive path.

[0025] Figure 14 is another example of a graph showing frequency changes detected by an inductive path.

[0026] Figure 15 is an example of a graph illustrating changes in capacitance sensed by a capacitive path.

[0027] Figure 16 is a flowchart sequentially illustrating a process of operating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] According to one or more embodiments, an aerosol-generating device is provided. The aerosol-generating device includes a heater configured to heat a cigarette to generate aerosol; an inductor path; a capacitor path; and a controller configured to generate a control signal using information received from the inductor path and the capacitor path. A cigarette insertion space configured to receive a cigarette is provided within the aerosol-generating device, and the controller is configured to: measure a change in capacitance in the capacitor path based on a frequency change in current flowing through the inductor path caused by an object adjacent to the cigarette insertion space exceeding a first reference value; and control the heater to start supplying power based on the measured capacitance change exceeding a second reference value.

[0030] According to an embodiment, at least one of the inductive path and the capacitive path is adjacent to the cigarette insertion space.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the cigarette insertion space has a cylindrical shape so that the cigarette insertion space is configured to receive a portion of the cigarette to be heated by the heater, and the inductive path and the capacitive path are arranged around a peripheral boundary of the cigarette insertion space.

[0032] According to an embodiment, at least one of the inductive path and the capacitive path is in a circumferential direction of the cigarette insertion space.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the heater is a susceptor configured to be heated according to a change in electric current.

[0034] According to an embodiment, the heater includes a first heater and a second heater arranged along a height of the cigarette insertion space, and the controller is configured to cause the first heater and the second heater to heat at temperatures different from each other.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the inductive path and the capacitive path are positioned to correspond to the first heater and the second heater, respectively.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the inductive path is an inductance-to-digital converter (LDC) sensor, the LDC sensor is configured to generate interruption information, and the controller is configured to determine that the frequency variation exceeds the first reference value based on the interruption information.

[0037] According to an embodiment, the capacitance path is configured to output a signal indicating a capacitance that changes according to an object inserted into the cigarette insertion space and between two electrodes arranged at respective ends of the cigarette insertion space, and the controller is configured to start supplying power to the heater based on a difference between the capacitance and a preset reference value exceeding a second reference value.

[0038] According to one or more embodiments, an aerosol-generating device is provided. The aerosol-generating device includes: a heater configured to heat a cigarette to generate aerosol; an inductor path; a capacitive path; and a controller configured to generate a control signal using information received from the inductor path and the capacitive path. A cigarette insertion space configured to receive a cigarette is provided within the aerosol-generating device, and the controller is configured to control the heater to start supplying power based on a measured capacitance change exceeding a second reference value when a frequency change of current flowing through the inductor path due to an object adjacent to the cigarette insertion space exceeds a first reference value.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the cigarette insertion space has a cylindrical shape so that the cigarette insertion space is configured to receive a portion of the cigarette to be heated by the heater, and the inductive path and the capacitive path are arranged around a peripheral boundary of the cigarette insertion space.

[0040] According to an embodiment, at least one of the inductive path and the capacitive path is in a circumferential direction of the cigarette insertion space.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the heater is a susceptor configured to be heated according to a change in electric current.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the heater includes a first heater and a second heater arranged along the height of the cigarette insertion space, the controller is configured to cause the first heater and the second heater to heat at different temperatures from each other, and the inductive path and the capacitive path are positioned to correspond to the first heater and the second heater, respectively.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the inductive path is an inductance-to-digital converter (LDC) sensor, the LDC sensor is configured to generate interruption information, and the controller is configured to determine that the frequency variation exceeds the first reference value based on the interruption information.

[0044] Solution of the present invention

[0045] As for the terms used to describe various embodiments, currently widely used general terms are selected taking into account the functions of the structural elements in the various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, the meanings of these terms can be provided based on intention, judicial precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. There are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant in specific scenarios. These terms will be explained in detail in the relevant descriptions. Therefore, the terms used in this article are not just names, but should be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the entire content of this disclosure.

[0046] In addition, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word "include" and variations such as "include" or "comprising" will be understood to mean including the stated elements but not excluding any other elements. In addition, the terms "-device", "-part" and "module" described in this application document refer to units for processing at least one function and / or operation, and can be implemented by hardware components or software components and their combination.

[0047] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “over,” “above,” “below,” “under,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element, the element can be directly over, over, over, below, under, under, connected to, or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly over,” “directly over,” “directly over,” “directly under,” “directly under,” “directly under,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to,” there are no intervening elements present.

[0048] Reference is made to the accompanying drawings that illustrate one or more embodiments to obtain a full understanding of these embodiments, their advantages, and the objectives achieved by the implementations. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein.

[0049] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette being inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0051] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The aerosol generating device 10 includes a battery 120, a controller 110, a heater 130, and a vaporizer 180. A cigarette 200 may be inserted into the inner space of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0052] Figures 1 to 2 Some elements related to the present embodiment are shown in the aerosol generating device 10. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other common elements may also be included in the aerosol generating device 10.

[0053] In addition, although Figure 1 and Figure 21. The heater 130 is shown to be included in the aerosol generating device 10, but according to some embodiments, the heater 130 may be omitted.

[0054] exist Figure 1 In FIG, the battery 120, the controller 110, the heater 130 and the vaporizer 180 are arranged in a row. Figure 2 The vaporizer 180 and the heater 130 are shown to be arranged in parallel with each other. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 10 is not limited to Figure 1 or Figure 2 That is, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 10, the arrangement structure of the battery 120, the controller 110, the heater 130 and the vaporizer 180 may be changed.

[0055] When the cigarette 200 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 10, the aerosol generating device 10 operates the heater 130 and / or the vaporizer 180 to generate aerosol from the cigarette 200 and / or the vaporizer 180. The aerosol generated by the vaporizer 180 can be transmitted to the user via the cigarette 200. The vaporizer 180 will be described in more detail below.

[0056] The battery 120 supplies power for operating the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the battery 120 can supply power for heating the heater 130 or the vaporizer 180, and supply power for operating the controller 110. In addition, the battery 120 can supply power for operating a display, a sensor, a motor, and the like installed in the aerosol generating device 10.

[0057] The controller 110 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10. Specifically, the controller 110 may control the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device 10, such as the battery 120, the heater 130, and the vaporizer 180. In addition, the controller 110 may check the status of each component in the aerosol generating device 10 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 10 is in an operable state.

[0058] The controller 110 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Depending on the embodiment, the program may store computer code that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to perform the functions described in this disclosure. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the controller 110 of the embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0059] The heater 130 may be heated by power supplied from the battery 120. For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device 10, the heater 130 may be located outside the cigarette. Thus, the heated heater 130 may increase the temperature of the aerosol generating substance in the cigarette.

[0060] The heater 130 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 130 may include a conductive trace, and the heater 130 may be heated when current flows through the conductive trace. However, the heater 130 is not limited to the above example, and any type of heater may be used as long as the heater is heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be pre-set on the aerosol generating device 10 or may be set by the user.

[0061] In another example, the heater 130 may include an induction heating type heater. Specifically, the heater 130 may include a conductive coil for heating the cigarette using an induction heating method, and the cigarette may include a base that can be heated by the induction heating type heater.

[0062] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiment, the heater 130 is shown as being disposed outside the cigarette 200, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heater 130 may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element. Furthermore, the interior or exterior of the cigarette 200 may be heated by the heating element.

[0063] In addition, a plurality of heaters 130 may be provided in the aerosol generating device 10. Here, the plurality of heaters 130 may be arranged to be inserted into the cigarette 200, or may be arranged outside the cigarette 200. In addition, some of the plurality of heaters 130 may be arranged to be inserted into the cigarette 200, and other heaters of the plurality of heaters 130 may be arranged outside the cigarette 200. In addition, the shape of the heater 130 is not limited to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The shape shown in , and can be manufactured in various shapes.

[0064] The vaporizer 180 can generate an aerosol by heating the liquid composition, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to the user after passing through the cigarette 200. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 180 can move along the airflow channel of the aerosol generating device 10, and the airflow channel can be configured to allow the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 180 to pass through the cigarette and be delivered to the user.

[0065] For example, the vaporizer 180 may include a liquid storage unit, a liquid delivery unit, and a heating element, but is not limited thereto. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid delivery unit, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generating device 10 as separate 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 having a volatile tobacco aroma component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage unit can be attached to / detached from the vaporizer 180, or can be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 180.

[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, and various fruity ingredients. Flavoring agents may include ingredients that can provide a variety of aromas or flavors to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the liquid composition may include an aerosol former, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0068] The liquid transfer unit can transfer the liquid composition of the liquid storage unit to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer unit can be a core such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber and porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

[0069] The heating element is an element used to heat the liquid composition being transported by the liquid transport 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 include a conductive wire such as a nichrome wire, and the heating element may be wound around the liquid transport unit. The heating element may be heated by a current supply device and transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

[0070] For example, the vaporizer 180 may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

[0071] The aerosol generating device 10 may also include common elements other than the battery 120, the controller 110, the heater 130, and the vaporizer 180. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. In addition, the aerosol generating device 10 may include at least one sensor (a puff sensor, a temperature sensor, a cigarette insertion sensor, etc.). Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 10 may be manufactured to have a structure that allows the introduction of external air or the exhaust of internal air even when the cigarette 200 is inserted.

[0072] Although not in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the aerosol generating device 10 may be configured as part of a system together with the cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 120 of the aerosol generating device 10. Alternatively, the heater 130 may be heated in a state where the cradle and the aerosol generating device 10 are coupled to each other.

[0073] Cigarette 200 can be similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, cigarette 200 can include a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion contains an aerosol-generating substance and the second portion includes a filter. Alternatively, the second portion of cigarette 200 can also include an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance in the form of particles or capsules can be inserted into the second portion.

[0074] The entire first part can be inserted into the aerosol generating device 10, and the second part can be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first part can be inserted into the aerosol generating device 10, or the entire first part and a portion of the second part can be inserted into the aerosol generating device 10. The user can inhale the aerosol while holding the second part by the user's mouth. At this time, an aerosol is generated by the outside air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol passes through the second part and is delivered to the user's mouth.

[0075] For example, external air can be introduced through at least one air channel formed in the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the opening and closing of the air channel formed in the aerosol generating device 10 and / or the size of the air channel can be adjusted by the user. Thus, the amount of puff and the smoking experience can be adjusted by the user. In another example, external air can be introduced into the cigarette 200 through at least one hole formed in the surface of the cigarette 200.

[0076] Figure 3 is a diagram showing another example of a cigarette being inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0077] When the general Figure 3 With through Figure 1 and Figure 2 When comparing the aerosol generating devices described above, it can be seen that the vaporizer 180 is omitted. Since the components performing the functions of the vaporizer 180 are included in the insert Figure 3 In the dual-medium cigarette 300 in the aerosol generating device shown in FIG, Figure 3 The aerosol generating device shown in does not include a vaporizer 180 .

[0078] When the dual medium cigarette 300 is inserted into Figure 3 When the aerosol generating device 10 is in use, the dual-medium cigarette 300 is heated externally so that an aerosol inhalable by the user can be generated from the dual-medium cigarette 300 . Figure 3 The aerosol generating device 10 shown in FIG can have a heater 130 that is divided into two parts to heat the first medium part and the second medium part of the dual medium cigarette 300. The first medium part and the second medium part can be heated to different temperatures. A schematic description of this will be made with reference to FIG. Figure 11 In addition, reference will be made to Figure 6 The dual-medium cigarette 300 will be described.

[0079] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 4 An example of a cigarette 200 will be described.

[0080] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette.

[0081] Reference Figure 4 , the cigarette 200 includes a tobacco rod 210 and a filter rod 220. Figures 1 to 2 The first portion depicted comprises a tobacco rod 210 and the second portion comprises a filter rod 220 .

[0082] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment, the filter rod 220 is shown as including a single segment, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 220 may include multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 220 may include a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering predetermined components included in the aerosol. In addition, depending on the embodiment, the filter rod 220 may also include at least one segment that performs other functions.

[0083] Cigarette 200 can be packaged by at least one packaging member 240. Described at least one packaging member 240 may include at least one hole, and outside air is introduced through described at least one hole or internal air is discharged through described at least one hole. In another example, cigarette 200 can be packaged by two or more packaging members 240. For example, tobacco rod 210 can be packaged by a first packaging member, and filter rod 220 can be packaged by a second packaging member. In addition, tobacco rod 210 and filter rod 220 are packaged by single packaging members respectively, and then cigarette 20 as a whole can be packaged again by a third packaging member. When each of tobacco rod 210 and filter rod 220 includes multiple segments, each segment in these segments can be packaged by a single packaging member. In addition, cigarette 20 that is coupled to each other by each segment packaged by a single packaging member can be packaged again by another packaging member.

[0084] The tobacco rod 210 may include an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the tobacco rod 210 may include other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. Furthermore, a flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a moisturizer, may be added to the tobacco rod 210 by spraying it onto the tobacco rod 210.

[0085] The tobacco rod 210 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 210 can be manufactured as a sheet or shred. In addition, the tobacco rod 210 can be made from tobacco leaves obtained by finely cutting tobacco sheets. In addition, the tobacco rod 210 can be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material can be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 210 can improve the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod by evenly dispersing the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 210, and thus improve the tobacco taste. In addition, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 210 can serve as a base heated by an induction heating heater. Although not shown in the accompanying drawings, in addition to the heat-conducting material surrounding the exterior of the tobacco rod 210, the tobacco rod 210 can also include a base.

[0086] The filter rod 220 may be a cellulose acetate filter. Furthermore, the filter rod 220 is not limited to a specific shape. For example, the filter rod 220 may be a cylindrical or tubular rod having a cavity therein. Furthermore, the filter rod 220 may be a recessed rod. When the filter rod 220 includes multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may have a different shape from the other segments.

[0087] The filter rod 220 can be manufactured to generate a scent. For example, a scented liquid can be sprayed onto the filter rod 220, or a separate fiber to which a scented liquid is applied can be inserted into the filter rod 220.

[0088] Furthermore, filter rod 220 may include at least one capsule 230. Capsule 230 may generate a fragrance or aerosol. For example, capsule 230 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance substance is encapsulated by a membrane. Capsule 230 may have a ring-shaped or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0089] When the filter rod 220 includes a section for cooling the aerosol, the cooling section may be made of a polymer material or a biodegradable polymer material. For example, the cooling section may be made solely of pure polylactic acid, but the materials used to form the cooling section are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the cooling section may include a cellulose acetate filter having multiple pores. However, the cooling section is not limited to the above examples and may be made of any material as long as it achieves the aerosol cooling function.

[0090] Although not in Figure 4 , but the cigarette 200 according to the embodiment may further include a front filter. The front filter is located at the side of the tobacco rod 210 facing the filter rod 220. The front filter can prevent the tobacco rod 210 from escaping to the outside and can prevent the liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco rod 210 to the aerosol generating device 10 during smoking (see Figures 1 to 2 ).

[0091] Figure 5 is a view showing another example of a cigarette.

[0092] Reference Figure 5 It can be seen that the cigarette 200 has the form of a cross tube 205, a tobacco rod 210, a tube 220a and a filter 220b wrapped by a wrapper 240. Figure 5 In the drawings, the package 240 includes individual packages individually wrapped around the cross tube 205, tobacco rod 210, tube 220a and filter 220b, and includes a final package collectively wrapped around the cross tube 205, tobacco rod 210, tube 220a and filter 220b.

[0093] Refer to above Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first part of the description includes the cross tube 205 and the tobacco rod 210, and the second part includes the filter rod 220. For ease of description, reference will be made to Figure 4 The following description will be made and reference will be omitted. Figures 1 to 2 Description of duplicate description.

[0094] The cross tube 205 refers to a cross-shaped tube connected to the tobacco rod 210 .

[0095] The tobacco rod 210 includes an aerosol-generating substrate that generates an aerosol by being heated by the heater 130 of the aerosol-generating device 10 .

[0096] The tube 220a performs the following function: when the aerosol-generating substrate of the tobacco rod 210 is heated by receiving a sufficient amount of energy from the heater 130, it transmits the aerosol generated to the filter 220b. The tube 220a is manufactured by adding a certain amount of triacetin (TA), i.e., a plasticizer, to cellulose acetate tow (tow) to form a ring. Compared with the cross tube 205, the tube 220a is different not only in shape but also in arrangement structure. The difference lies in that the tobacco rod 210 and the filter 220b are connected to each other.

[0097] When the aerosol generated by the tobacco rod 210 passes through the tube 220a, the filter 220b performs the function of allowing the user to inhale the aerosol filtered by the filter 220b by allowing the aerosol to pass through the filter 220b. The filter 220b may include a cellulose acetate filter manufactured based on cellulose acetate tow.

[0098] Wrapper 240 is paper wrapped around cross tube 205, tobacco rod 210, tube 220a and filter 220b, and wrapper 240 may include all of cross tube wrapper 240b, tobacco rod wrapper 240c, tube wrapper 240d, filter wrapper 240e and final wrapper 240a.

[0099] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment, the cross tube package 240b is packaged by an aluminum package, the tube 220a is wrapped by an MFW or 24K package, and the filter 220b is packaged by an oil-resistant hard package or a laminate of a polylactic acid (PLA) material. The tobacco rod package 240c and the final package 240a will be described in more detail below.

[0100] The tobacco rod wrapper 240c is wrapped around the tobacco rod 210 and may be coated with a thermally conductive material to maximize the efficiency of the heat energy transferred by the heater 130. For example, the tobacco rod wrapper 240c may be manufactured in the following manner: a general wrapper or a special-shaped base paper is coated with at least one of silver foil (Ag), aluminum foil (Al), copper foil (Cu), carbon paper, filler, ceramics (AlN, Al2O3), silicon carbide, sodium citrate (Na citrate), potassium citrate (K citrate), polyaramid fiber, nanocellulose, mineral paper, cellophane, and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). The general wrapper refers to a wrapper used for widely known cigarettes and refers to a porous wrapper made of a material that has been verified to have papermaking processability through a water-paper test and a thermal conductivity exceeding a certain value.

[0101] In addition, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the package 240 can be manufactured in the following manner: MFW (a type of sterile paper) base paper is coated with at least one of fillers, ceramics, silicon carbide, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, aromatic polyamide fibers, nanocellulose and SWNTs among various materials used to coat the tobacco rod package 240c.

[0102] Included in Figure 1 and Figure 2 The heater 130 in the aerosol-generating device 10 described in the embodiment is controlled by the controller 110, and the heater 130 heats the aerosol-generating substrate included in the tobacco rod 210 to generate an aerosol. At this time, the heat energy transferred to the tobacco rod 210 includes radiant heat at a ratio of 75%, convective heat at a ratio of 15%, and conductive heat at a ratio of 10%. The ratios of radiant heat, convective heat, and conductive heat constituting the heat energy transferred to the tobacco rod 210 may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0103] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to overcome the difficulty in quickly generating aerosol due to the inability of heat energy to be transferred through the heater 130 that is in direct contact with the aerosol generating substrate, the tobacco rod package 240c and the final package 240a are coated with a thermal conductivity enhancing material to facilitate the effective transfer of heat energy to the aerosol generating substrate of the tobacco rod 210, thereby providing a sufficient amount of aerosol to the user even during the initial puff before the heater 130 is fully heated.

[0104] Depending on the embodiment, only one of the tobacco rod wrapper 240c and the final wrapper 240a may be coated with a thermal conductivity enhancing material, and in some embodiments, the tobacco rod wrapper 240c or the final wrapper 240a is coated with an organic metal, an inorganic metal, a fiber, or a polymer material having a predetermined value of thermal conductivity, as well as the above examples.

[0105] Figure 6 is Figure 3 An example of a dual-medium cigarette used in the device.

[0106] exist Figure 6 The name of the dual-medium cigarette is not only to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The purpose of distinguishing the cigarettes described in the figure is to provide a concise description of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0107] Reference Figure 6 The dual-medium cigarette 300 includes an aerosol base portion 310, a medium portion 320, a cooling portion 330, and a filter portion 340 packaged in one or more packages. The aerosol base portion 310, the medium portion 320, and the filter portion 340 are packaged in separate packages, and the final package 350 packages these separate packages. The separate packages may include an aerosol base package 310a, a medium package 320a, and a filter package 340a.

[0108] The aerosol base portion 310 is formed into a predetermined shape by including a humectant in the pulp-based paper. The aerosol base portion 310 may include propylene glycol or glycerin as a humectant. The humectant of the aerosol base portion 310 may include propylene glycol and glycerin in a certain weight ratio to the weight of the base paper. When the dual-medium cigarette 300 is inserted into Figure 3 When the aerosol generating device 10 is in use, the aerosol base portion 310 is positioned closest to the heater 130 .

[0109] When the aerosol base portion 310 is heated to a certain temperature by the heater 130 , the aerosol base portion 310 generates water vapor.

[0110] The medium portion 320 includes one or more of sheets, shreds, and leaves obtained by finely cutting tobacco sheets, and is a portion that generates nicotine to provide a smoking experience to the user. The medium portion 320 is not directly heated by the heater 130, even if the dual-medium cigarette 300 is inserted into Figure 3 The same is true for the aerosol generating device 10.

[0111] The medium portion 320 can be indirectly heated by conduction, convection, and radiation from the medium packaging member 320a (or final packaging member) that packages the aerosol base portion 310 and / or the medium portion 320. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, considering that the temperature of the medium contained in the medium portion 320 must be lower than the temperature of the moisturizing agent contained in the aerosol base portion 310, the aerosol base portion 310 is heated by the heater 130 to indirectly increase the temperature of the medium portion 320. When the medium portion 320 is heated to a certain temperature by the heater 130, the medium portion 320 generates nicotine vapor.

[0112] According to certain embodiments, when the dual-media cigarette 300 is inserted into Figure 3 When the aerosol generating device 10 is in use, a portion of the medium portion 320 may face the heater 130 .

[0113] The cooling portion 330 is made of a tubular filter containing a plasticizer having a predetermined weight. Water vapor from the aerosol base portion 310 and nicotine vapor from the medium portion 320 are mixed and aerosolized, and are cooled while passing through the cooling portion 330 .

[0114] Unlike other parts, the cooling part 330 is not packaged by a separate package.

[0115] The filter portion 340 may be a cellulose acetate filter, and the filter portion 340 is not limited to a specific shape. For example, the filter portion 340 may be a cylindrical or tubular rod having a cavity therein. When the filter portion 340 includes multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may have a shape different from the other segments. The filter portion 340 may be configured to generate a scent. For example, a scented liquid may be sprayed onto the filter portion 340, or a separate fiber coated with a scented liquid may be inserted into the filter portion 340.

[0116] Furthermore, the filter portion 340 may include at least one capsule. Here, the capsule may generate a fragrance or aerosol. For example, the capsule may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance substance is encapsulated by a membrane. The capsule may have a ring-shaped or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0117] The one or more packages may refer to an aerosol base package 310a, a medium package 320a and a filter package 340a that respectively package the aerosol base part 310, the medium part 320 and the filter part 340, and these independent packages are combined with a final package 350 that packages these independent packages.

[0118] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0119] Reference Figure 7 , it can be seen that the aerosol generating device 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a controller 110, a battery 120, a heater 130 and a cigarette 200. For the convenience of description, Figure 7 Emphasis is placed on illustrating only a portion of the configuration of the aerosol generating device 10. Therefore, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that other configurations may be added to this embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0120] In addition, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 10 is not limited to Figure 7 , and the arrangement structures of the controller 110, the battery 120, the heater 130, and the cigarette 200 may be different depending on the implementation or design. Figure 7 The description of each element has been referred to Figures 1 to 3 is given, and will therefore be omitted.

[0121] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Side view of the device shown in .

[0122] Reference Figure 8 The aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 11, a controller 110, a battery 120, a heater 130, a display 150, and a cigarette insertion space 160. Figure 1 The description of the configurations described will be omitted if they are the same.

[0123] PCB 11 performs a function of electronically integrating various components that collect information of aerosol generating device 10 while communicating with controller 110. Controller 110 and display 150 may be fixedly mounted on a surface of PCB 11, and battery 120 supplies power to elements connected to PCB 11.

[0124] The display 150 is a device that outputs information generated by the aerosol generating device 10 as visual information, and the display 150 may include an LCD panel (or LED panel) provided on the front side of the aerosol generating device 10, which outputs visual information based on the information received from the controller 110.

[0125] The cigarette insertion space 160 refers to a space that is recessed to a predetermined depth toward the inside of the aerosol generating device 10 so that the cigarette 200 can be inserted. The cigarette insertion space 160 has a cylindrical form similar to the rod shape of a cigarette (e.g., the cigarette 200 or the dual-medium cigarette 300) so that the cigarette can be stably installed, and the height (depth) of the cigarette insertion space 160 can be varied according to the length of the region of the cigarette containing the aerosol generating substance.

[0126] For example, in Figure 6 When the dual-medium cigarette 300 described in the embodiment is inserted into the cigarette insertion space 160, the height of the cigarette insertion space 160 can be equal to the sum of the lengths of the aerosol base portion 310 and the medium portion 320. When the cigarette 200 is inserted into the cigarette insertion space 160, an aerosol can be generated as the heater 130 adjacent to the cigarette insertion space 160 is heated. The controller 110 can implement a smart start function by detecting that a cigarette compatible with the aerosol generating device 10 has been inserted to begin supplying power to the heater 130. The aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may also include an inductive path and a capacitive path to stably implement the smart start function. Hereinafter, the inductive path and the capacitive path are collectively referred to as passive component paths.

[0127] Figure 9 It shows in detail Figure 7 Illustration of an example of a cigarette insertion space and passive component pathways.

[0128] For ease of explanation, Figure 9 , elements other than the heater 130, the cigarette insertion space 160, the first passage 910 and the second passage 930 are omitted, and the first passage 910 and the second passage 930 may be collectively or individually referred to as passive component passages.

[0129] The heater 130 is located between the cigarette insertion space 160 and the first passage 910 or between the cigarette insertion space 160 and the second passage 930, and heats the cigarette inserted in the cigarette insertion space 160. Specifically, in the aerosol generating device 10 with the added smart start function, when a cigarette is inserted into the cigarette insertion space 160, aerosol is generated through a sequential operation. For example, the sequential operation may include: the passive component passage (e.g., the first passage 910 and the second passage 930) detecting that a cigarette has been inserted and sending a signal indicating the detection to the controller 110; and in response to the signal, the controller 110 controlling the power supplied to the heater 130 to generate aerosol.

[0130] The cigarette insertion space 160 is a cylindrical space into which a cigarette can be inserted. The cigarette insertion space 160 is a space recessed in the surface of the aerosol generating device 10 and is not a member made of an existing material. However, for the sake of convenience, it is assumed that the cigarette insertion space 160 is an arbitrary cylindrical member. It can be seen that Figure 9 The heater 130 is provided in the form of surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the cigarette insertion space 160. In order to uniformly heat the medium portion of the cigarette 200 inserted in the cigarette insertion space 160, the heater 130 may be as follows: Figure 9 The heater 130 is shown in a tube type including a hollow interior, and according to an embodiment, the heater 130 may be implemented in the form of only a portion of the outer circumferential surface surrounding the cigarette insertion space 160.

[0131] The first passage 910 is a passive component passage and is closest to the end of the cigarette that is inserted into the cigarette insertion space 160. For example, when Figure 6 When the dual-medium cigarette 300 shown in FIG. 1 is inserted into the cigarette insertion space 160, the aerosol base portion 310 is positioned closest to the first passage 910. Figure 8 When erected as shown in FIG, the first path 910 can be positioned lower (downstream) than the second path 930, and the first path 910 can include at least one of an inductive path and a capacitive path. When an object approaches the cigarette insertion space 160, the first path 910 detects the approach of the object as a changed physical characteristic and sends a signal indicating the physical characteristic to the controller 110. Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first passage 910 is of a tubular type surrounding the heater 130 and including a hollow portion therein, and will be referred to as Figure 10 Additional features of the first passage 910 are described.

[0132] The second passage 930 is also a passive component passage, and the second passage 930 is positioned higher (upstream) than the first passage 910. For example, when Figure 6 When the dual-medium cigarette 300 shown in FIG is inserted into the cigarette insertion space 160, the dielectric portion 320 is positioned closest to the second path 930. The second path 930 may include at least one of an inductive path and a capacitive path, and when an object approaches the portion of the cigarette insertion space 160 in the first path 910, the first path 910 detects the approach of the object as a changed physical property and sends a signal indicating the physical property to the controller 110. Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the second passage 930 is a tubular type that surrounds the heater 130 and includes a hollow portion therein, and will be referred to later. Figure 10 The structural features of the second passage 930 are described.

[0133] The aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has a configuration for realizing a smart opening function, and includes each of an inductive path and a capacitive path.

[0134] First, the inductive path is a passive component path comprising a coil with a predetermined number of windings, winding directions, and materials. Even when the aerosol generating device 10 is not generating aerosol, an alternating current with a preset frequency flows through the inductive path to implement the smart start function. The cigarette used in the aerosol generating device 10 may include metal foil to increase the thermal conductivity of the aerosol-generating material, and the frequency of the current flowing through the inductive path may be altered by the metal foil of the cigarette. When the frequency of the current flowing through the inductive path changes due to a magnetic object adjacent to the cigarette insertion space 160, and the change exceeds a first reference range, the controller 110 detects the change in the frequency of the inductive path and subsequently controls the capacitive path to begin measuring capacitance, thereby measuring the change in capacitance of the capacitive path.

[0135] The capacitive path is a passive component path connected to electrodes at both ends of a portion of the cigarette insertion space 160. The capacitive path measures capacitance from the electrodes and transmits a signal indicating the measured capacitance value to the controller 110. When the controller 110 determines that the amount of change in the frequency of the inductive path exceeds a first reference range, the capacitive path measures capacitance passing through the electrodes positioned at both ends of the portion of the cigarette insertion space 160 and transmits a signal indicating the measured capacitance to the controller 110. The controller 110 calculates the difference between the normal capacitance and the measured capacitance. When it determines that the difference exceeds a second reference range, the controller 110 transmits a control signal to the battery 120 to supply power to the heater 130. The controller 110 can determine whether to start supplying power to the heater 130 by pre-storing the first and second reference ranges or receiving the first and second reference ranges from a memory.

[0136] [Mathematical formula 1]

[0137]

[0138] Mathematical formula 1 (Equation 1) is an equation for the capacitance measured in the capacitance path. In Equation 1, accordingly, C is the capacitance measured by the capacitance path (calculated capacitance value), and ε0 is 8.85*10 -12 , that is, the dielectric constant in vacuum, ε r is the relative permittivity of the dielectric, A is the area of ​​the electrodes, and d is the distance between the electrodes.

[0139] In particular, ε rThe capacitance value varies depending on the object positioned between the two electrodes connected to the capacitance path. When a cigarette is inserted into cigarette insertion space 160, the amount of capacitance change measured in the capacitance path is relatively large due to the humectant or moisture in the cigarette, which serves as an aerosol-generating substance, compared to when a general magnetic material is inserted into cigarette insertion space 160.

[0140] When the Smart Start function is implemented by including only an inductive path in the aerosol generating device, the controller detects that a cigarette has been inserted into the cigarette insertion space of the aerosol generating device and supplies power to the heater. However, there is a problem with the Smart Start function malfunctioning when a magnetic material that causes a frequency change in the inductive path is accidentally inserted into the cigarette insertion space, or when the inductive path is close enough to cause a frequency change in the flowing current even when no magnetic material is inserted into the cigarette insertion space.

[0141] The aerosol-generating device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure solves the problem of Smart Start function failure by providing both an inductive path and a capacitive path. Specifically, in the aerosol-generating device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, even if a frequency change is detected through the inductive path, if the capacitance change amount through the capacitive path does not meet the requirements, it is considered that a cigarette suitable for the aerosol-generating device 10 is not inserted, and the Smart Start function will not be activated.

[0142] That is, because the aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an additional capacitor path as a preventive measure, the smart start function is not activated when a cigarette is not inserted into the cigarette insertion space 160. Therefore, it is possible to fundamentally prevent accidents caused by overheating of the heater 130 when the user is unaware of a malfunction of the smart start function.

[0143] According to an embodiment, the capacitance path may first measure capacitance, and when the inductance path does not determine that the frequency variation exceeds a first reference range, the measured capacitance may be sent to the controller 110. In addition, in another embodiment, the controller 110 may check the frequency variation of the inductance path after detecting that the capacitance variation exceeds a second reference range.

[0144] exist Figure 9 In the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is required that at least one of the inductive path and the capacitive path is in a form adjacent to the cigarette insertion space 160, and when Figure 9 When the first passage 910 and the second passage 930 are present as shown in , the first passage 910 and the second passage 930 may be arranged as shown in Table 1 below.

[0145] [Table 1]

[0146]

[0147] Table 1 is a table showing the number of cases of arrangement structure of the passive component vias that can be arranged in the first via 910 and the second via 930. Referring to Table 1, when the vias are arranged as follows Figure 9 As shown in FIG, the inductance path and the capacitance path are divided into the first path 910 and the second path 930, and it can be seen that the inductance path and the capacitance path can be arranged according to one of the seven situations. Figure 11 and Figure 12 An embodiment in which the inductive path and the capacitive path are arranged in the same path will be described.

[0148] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Cross-sectional view of the cigarette insertion space described in.

[0149] In detail, Figure 10 It is schematically shown Figure 9 Illustration of the boundary between the heater 130, cigarette insertion space 160 and passive component passage described in FIG. Figure 10 1 is a cross-sectional view of a structure in which the heater 130 and the passive component path are combined in a vertical direction in a direction in which the aerosol moves when the aerosol is generated from the cigarette 200 and inhaled by the user.

[0150] As located Figure 10 The first circle 1010 , which is a circle in the central portion and has the smallest diameter, is an appearance of the cigarette insertion space 160 when viewed from above.

[0151] The first ring 1030 in the form of a first circle 1010 is Figures 7 to 9 The cross section of the heater 130 described in FIG. 1 is shown as viewed from above.

[0152] Second ring 1050, which surrounds first ring 1030, represents a gap or material between first ring 1030 and third ring 1070. Second ring 1050 represents a space or material provided to prevent the passive component path from being damaged by the heat of heater 130 when heater 130 is heated. Second ring 1050 may be made of a material having very low thermal conductivity, such as an insulating material.

[0153] The third ring 1070 has a form surrounding the second ring 1050 and shows Figure 9 The cross section of the passive component path in . In detail, due to the Figure 9 The second passage 930 is above the first passage 910, so the third ring 1070 can be one of the first passage 910 or the second passage 930, depending on Figure 10 The height of the cross section in .

[0154] Figure 11 is a diagram schematically showing an example of an arrangement structure of passive component vias.

[0155] Figure 11 It is a reference Figure 9 The cross-sectional view of the combination of the heater 130, the cigarette insertion space 160, the first passage 910 and the second passage 930 is described, and in detail, Figure 11 The case number 7 in Table 1 is schematically shown. For ease of explanation, it is assumed that the cigarette 200 includes two media parts, as in the reference Figure 6 As described in the dual-media cigarette 300, and with reference to Figure 10 The depicted gap (or material) between the heater 130 and the passive component pathways is omitted.

[0156] exist Figure 11 In, such as Figure 9 As shown in FIG, the passive component path includes two layers, the cigarette 200 is inserted into the cigarette insertion space 160 , and the heater 130 is divided into a first heater 131 and a second heater 133 .

[0157] The first path 910 includes an inductive path and a capacitive path, and is adjacent to the first heater 131. The first heater 131 may be a base capable of increasing the temperature of the first dielectric portion 291 of the cigarette 200 by being heated by a coil constituting the inductive path of the first path 910. The configuration ratio of the inductive path and the capacitive path constituting the first path 910 may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0158] The second path 930 also includes an inductive path and a capacitive path, and is adjacent to the second heater 133. The second heater 133 may be a base capable of increasing the temperature of the second dielectric portion 293 of the cigarette 200 by being heated by a coil constituting the inductive path of the second path 930. The configuration ratio of the inductive path and the capacitive path constituting the second path 930 may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0159] The filter unit 295 of the cigarette 200 is a part for the user to directly contact and inhale the aerosol, and the filter unit 295 is Figure 11 Although briefly shown in FIG, the filter unit 295 can be divided into a cooling area and a filtering area.

[0160] right Figure 11In summary, the cigarette includes two different dielectrics, two heaters are provided for heating the two dielectrics to different temperatures, and the two layers of passive component paths are arranged to surround the respective heaters. Because the dielectrics included in first dielectric portion 291 and second dielectric portion 293 are different, controller 110 can subdivide and set the second reference range for comparison of capacitance measured in each layer.

[0161] Figure 12 It is a reference Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the cigarette insertion space is depicted.

[0162] In detail, Figure 12 is schematically shown with reference to Figure 11 Illustration of the boundary between the heater 130, cigarette insertion space 160 and passive component pathways depicted. Figure 12 A cross-sectional view taken in a vertical direction in a direction in which the aerosol moves when the aerosol is generated from the cigarette 200 and inhaled by the user is shown.

[0163] As located Figure 12 The first circle 1210 having the smallest diameter in the central portion is Figure 11 The appearance of the cigarette insertion space 160 when viewed from above.

[0164] When the heater 130 is viewed from above, the first ring 1230 appears to surround the first circle 1210. Figure 12 In the cross-sectional view shown in , the heater 130 is in the form of a hollow ring with a constant thickness to surround the outer peripheral surface of the cigarette insertion space 160, and the first ring 1230 can be the first heater 131 or the second heater 133, depending on the height of the cross section.

[0165] Second ring 1250, which surrounds first ring 1230, represents a gap or material between first ring 1230 and a third ring including inductive and capacitive paths (e.g., inductive paths 1271 and 1275 and capacitive paths 1273 and 1277). When heater 130 is heated, second ring 1250 is a space or material that is provided to prevent damage to passive component paths due to heat from heater 130 when viewed from above. Second ring 1250 can be made of a material with extremely low thermal conductivity, such as an insulating material.

[0166] The path boundary point 1270 represents the boundary point between the inductance paths 1271 and 1275 and the capacitance paths 1273 and 1277, which will be described later. The inductance paths 1271 and 1275 and the capacitance paths 1273 and 1277 can form a third ring including four path boundary points 1270, as shown in FIG. Figure 12 However, as the number of inductive paths and the number of capacitive paths increase (or decrease), the number of boundary points may also increase (or decrease). Figure 12 Differently, when there is an inductive path and a capacitive path, there may be two path boundary points 1270. Figure 12 As shown in FIG, the via boundary point 1270 may be implemented as a partition for separating different passive component vias, and may be implemented as a partition wall made of a material according to an embodiment.

[0167] exist Figure 12 In order to implement the smart opening function, an alternating current flows through the inductive paths 1271 and 1275, and the capacitive paths 1273 and 1277 are located between the inductive paths 1271 and 1275. When an object is inserted into the first circle 1210, i.e., the cigarette insertion space, the capacitance sensed by the capacitive paths 1273 and 1277 changes, and the frequency change of the current in the inductive paths 1271 and 1275 and the change in the capacitance of the capacitive paths 1273 and 1277 are collected by the controller and used to implement the smart opening function. Figure 12 As shown in FIG, the inductance paths 1271 and 1275 and the capacitance paths 1273 and 1277 may be provided to be discontinuous with a path boundary point 1270 between the inductance paths 1271 and 1275 and the capacitance paths 1273 and 1277 .

[0168] Figure 12 The diagram is used to illustrate that in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the passive component passages can be implemented in multiple layers and the types of passive component passages included in each layer are also various. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the number and type of passive component passages implemented in the aerosol generating device 10 are not limited to the number and type of passive component passages shown in FIG. Figures 9 to 12 Describe the number and type of passive component paths.

[0169] Figure 13 is an example of a graph showing frequency changes detected by an inductive path.

[0170] Reference Figure 13 , it can be seen that the AC current flowing through the inductive path has a constant frequency during the first time period 1310, the second time period 1330, and the third time period 1350. The frequency changes at 6.2 seconds and returns to the normal frequency at 12.4 seconds. The controller 110 of the aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure monitors the change in the AC current flowing through the inductive path and determines whether a frequency change exceeding a first reference range is detected. Figure 13 It is a diagram mainly used to illustrate the frequency change, and Figure 13In the example, it is assumed that the current amplitude does not change.

[0171] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, whether to start supplying power to the heater 130 is determined only by the frequency change amount in the inductance path. Figure 13 , even if the controller 110 detects a frequency change exceeding the first reference range after 6.2 seconds, the controller 110 does not immediately start supplying power to the heater 130 due to the detection.

[0172] Figure 14 is another example of a graph illustrating frequency variation detected by an inductive path with respect to a first time period 1410 , a second time period 1430 , and a third time period 1450 .

[0173] when Figure 13 When the inductance path measures the maximum and minimum values ​​of the oscillation in the sinusoidal current and sends the maximum and minimum values ​​to the controller 110, Figure 14 The difference in inductance path can be: Figure 14 The inductance path of the AC current is provided with an inductance digital converter (LDC) sensor, and the frequency (angular frequency) change of the AC current is immediately determined and sent to the controller 110. Figure 13 compared to, Figure 14 The vertical axis is not the current value but the frequency value (unit is Hz or rad / s). It can be seen that Figure 14 According to an embodiment, the LDC sensor may determine whether the frequency variation exceeds the first reference range based on the interruption information, and may directly transmit the determined result to the controller 110 .

[0174] Figure 15 is an example of a graph illustrating changes in capacitance sensed by a capacitive path.

[0175] exist Figure 15 In the second time period 1430 starting at 6.2 seconds, the capacitance path senses the capacitance change and calculates the capacitance change ΔC, but the controller 110 determines that the measured capacitance change does not reach the second reference range and does not start supplying power to the heater 130.

[0176] On the other hand, in the third time period 1450 starting at 12.4 seconds, the capacitance path detects a capacitance change again, and the controller 110 determines that the measured capacitance change amount ΔC exceeds the second reference range, and starts supplying power to the heater 130. It has been described that the second reference range can be pre-stored in the controller 110 like the first reference range, and the second reference range is described as a range representing a comprehensive meaning, but according to embodiments, the second reference range may be a constant value.

[0177] Figure 16 is a flowchart sequentially illustrating a process of operating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0178] Because according to Figure 16 The method can be referred to by Figures 1 to 15 The aerosol generating device 10 described above is implemented, and thus the description provided previously is omitted.

[0179] In operation S1610, the controller 110 detects a frequency variation of the current flowing through the inductor path, and in operation S1620, the controller 110 determines whether the frequency variation exceeds a first reference range (eg, a first reference value).

[0180] When the frequency variation exceeds the first reference range in operation S1620 , the controller 110 controls the capacitance path to measure the variation of capacitance in operation S1630 .

[0181] In working step S1640, the controller 110 determines whether the change in capacitance exceeds a second reference range (e.g., a second reference value) based on the value received from the capacitance path, and if the change in capacitance exceeds the second reference range, in working step S1650, the controller 110 starts supplying power to the heater 130.

[0182] The embodiments described in the present disclosure are example embodiments and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. For the sake of brevity of the specification, descriptions of existing electronic configurations, control systems, software and other functional aspects of the system may be omitted. The connections of lines or connecting members between components shown in the drawings illustratively show functional connections and / or physical or circuit connections, and may be represented as various functional connections, physical connections or circuit connections that are alternatives or additional in actual devices. Unless specifically mentioned as "indispensable", "important", etc., a component may not be a necessary component for applying the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0183] As used herein (particularly, in the claims), the use of the term "the" and similar indicative terms may correspond to both the singular and the plural. When a range is described in the present disclosure, the present disclosure may include embodiments to which the various values ​​belonging to the range are applied (unless otherwise described), and the various values ​​constituting the range are the same as described in the detailed description of the present disclosure. Unless there is a clear description or contrary description of the order of the steps constituting the method according to the present disclosure, the steps may be performed in an appropriate order. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited to the described order of the steps. The use of all examples or example terms (such as, etc.) is only for describing the present disclosure in detail, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the examples or example terms. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications, combinations and changes may be made to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0184] Industrial Applicability

[0185] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be used to manufacture next generation electronic cigarette devices.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a heater configured to heat the cigarette to generate an aerosol; Inductive path; Capacitive path; as well as a controller configured to generate a control signal using information received from the inductive path and the capacitive path, wherein a cigarette insertion space is provided in the aerosol generating device, and the cigarette insertion space is configured to receive the cigarette, and The controller is configured to: The controller measures a change in capacitance in the capacitive path based on a frequency change in current flowing through the inductive path due to an object adjacent to the cigarette insertion space exceeding a first reference value, and The controller controls to start supplying power to the heater based on the measured amount of change in the capacitance exceeding a second reference value.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein At least one of the inductive path and the capacitive path is adjacent to the cigarette insertion space.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The cigarette insertion space has a cylindrical shape so that the cigarette insertion space is configured to receive a portion of the cigarette to be heated by the heater, and The inductive path and the capacitive path are arranged around a peripheral boundary of the cigarette insertion space.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein: At least one of the inductive path and the capacitive path is in a circumferential direction of the cigarette insertion space.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The heater is a susceptor configured to be heated according to a change in electric current.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The heater includes a first heater and a second heater arranged along the height of the cigarette insertion space, and The controller is configured to cause the first heater and the second heater to heat at temperatures different from each other.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein: The inductive path and the capacitive path are positioned to correspond to the first heater and the second heater, respectively.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The inductive path is an inductance-to-digital converter sensor, The inductance-to-digital converter sensor is configured to generate interrupt information, and The controller is configured to determine that the frequency change amount exceeds the first reference value based on the interruption information.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The capacitance path is configured to output a signal indicating a capacitance that changes according to an object inserted into the cigarette insertion space between two electrodes arranged at respective ends of the cigarette insertion space, and The controller is configured to start supplying power to the heater based on a difference between the capacitance and a preset reference value exceeding a second reference value.

10. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a heater configured to heat the cigarette to generate an aerosol; Inductive path; Capacitive path; as well as a controller configured to generate a control signal using information received from the inductive path and the capacitive path, wherein a cigarette insertion space is provided in the aerosol generating device, and the cigarette insertion space is configured to receive the cigarette, and The controller is configured to control the start of power supply to the heater based on a change in capacitance measured to exceed a second reference value when a change in frequency of a current flowing through the inductance path due to an object adjacent to the cigarette insertion space exceeds a first reference value.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein: The cigarette insertion space has a cylindrical shape so that the cigarette insertion space is configured to receive a portion of the cigarette to be heated by the heater, and The inductive path and the capacitive path are arranged around a peripheral boundary of the cigarette insertion space.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein: At least one of the inductive path and the capacitive path is in a circumferential direction of the cigarette insertion space.

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein: The heater is a susceptor configured to be heated according to a change in electric current.

14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein: The heater includes a first heater and a second heater arranged along the height of the cigarette insertion space, The controller is configured to cause the first heater and the second heater to heat at temperatures different from each other, and The inductive path and the capacitive path are positioned to correspond to the first heater and the second heater, respectively.

15. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein: The inductive path is an inductance-to-digital converter sensor, The inductance-to-digital converter sensor is configured to generate interrupt information, and The controller is configured to determine that the frequency change amount exceeds the first reference value based on the interruption information.

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