Laser-based aerosol-generating device and method of heating the same

Abstract

A laser-based aerosol generating device and a heating method thereof are provided. The aerosol generating device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure can include a laser irradiation portion that heats an aerosol generating article by irradiating a laser to generate an aerosol. The laser heating method instantaneously heats a local surface of the aerosol generating article, thereby ensuring immediate generation of an aerosol without a preheating time.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a laser-based aerosol-generating device and a heating method thereof. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device and a heating control method performed in the device, which can ensure immediate generation of aerosol by laser heating, while also having an effective heating function. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for alternative products that overcome the shortcomings of existing cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for devices that generate aerosol by electrically heating an aerosol-generating article such as a cigarette or a liquid cartridge (e.g., a cigarette-type electronic cigarette, a liquid-type electronic cigarette), and thus, research into electrically heated aerosol-generating devices is actively being conducted.

[0003] Most of the electrically heated aerosol-generating devices proposed to date employ a method of heating an aerosol-generating article by a resistance heater or an induction heating-type heater. However, such a heating method has a problem in that a waiting time before smoking is long due to a warm-up time of the heater itself and a time required for sufficient heating of the aerosol-generating article. Also, these problems tend to reduce user satisfaction with the aerosol-generating device. SUMMARY

[0004] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0005] A technical problem to be solved by some embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol-generating device that can ensure immediate generation of aerosol and a heating control method performed in the device.

[0006] Another technical problem to be solved by some embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol-generating device having an effective heating function and a heating control method performed in the device.

[0007] Still another technical problem to be solved by some embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol-generating device having a precise heating control function and a heating control method performed in the device.

[0008] The technical problem of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned technical problem, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art through the following description.

[0009] SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

[0010] To solve the above technical problem, an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments of the disclosure can include a laser irradiation portion that heats an aerosol generating article by irradiating laser light to generate an aerosol, at least one of the aerosol generating article and the laser irradiation portion being configured to be movable during the heating.

[0011] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article can include a cylindrical aerosol forming substrate.

[0012] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article can further include a holder that rotates the aerosol forming substrate, and an irradiation position of the laser light can be changed by the rotation.

[0013] In some embodiments, the aerosol forming substrate can have a thickness of 2 mm or less.

[0014] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article can include a planar aerosol forming substrate.

[0015] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article can be linearly moved in a long axis direction or in a direction perpendicular to the long axis direction, and an irradiation position of the laser light can be changed by the linear movement.

[0016] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device can further include a laser guide portion that is tubular and guides the irradiated laser light to the aerosol generating article.

[0017] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device can further include a laser reflection portion located below the aerosol generating article to reflect the irradiated laser light to the aerosol generating article, and a mouthpiece portion located above the aerosol generating article.

[0018] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device can further include a control portion that controls heating of the aerosol generating article based on an irradiation area of the laser light.

[0019] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device can further include a control portion that controls heating of the aerosol generating article based on a characteristic of laser light reflected from the aerosol generating article.

[0020] Effects of Invention

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure described above, immediate generation of aerosol is ensured by employing a laser heating method and an aerosol-forming substrate having a thin thickness. Specifically, by heating the surface of the aerosol-forming substrate having a thin thickness with a laser, aerosol can be immediately generated without a preheating time. Thus, the waiting time for smoking can be minimized, and user satisfaction with the aerosol-generating device can be improved.

[0022] Also, the aerosol-generating article and / or the laser irradiation portion can be provided to move during the heating process. Further, since the irradiation position of the laser is changed by the above-described movement, even if a small number of laser irradiation portions are provided, the entire aerosol-forming substrate can be effectively heated.

[0023] Further, by providing the laser reflection portion at an appropriate position or providing the laser guide portion in a form of passing through the surrounding aerosol, it is possible to easily solve the problem of a decrease in laser heating performance due to the aerosol around the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0024] In addition, heating control can be performed based on the irradiation area of the laser and the characteristics of the laser reflected from the aerosol-generating article, etc. For example, by setting the irradiation area of the laser to an appropriate size, more accurate temperature control can be performed, and it is also possible to prevent the problem of carbonization of the local surface of the aerosol-forming substrate due to laser concentration. Or, by accurately determining whether the aerosol-forming substrate is carbonized based on the characteristics of the reflected laser, it is also possible to prevent the problem of re-heating the carbonized portion.

[0025] Further, since instantaneous heating (temperature increase) by a laser and immediate generation of aerosol are possible, it is not necessary to continuously supply power to the heater portion (i.e., the laser irradiation portion). For example, unlike the case of heating a cigarette by a resistance heater, it is not necessary to continuously supply power, but it is possible to supply power to the heater portion only when aerosol generation is required (e.g., at the time of puffing). Thus, the power consumed at the time of smoking can be greatly reduced, and thus the heating efficiency can be improved.

[0026] The effects according to the technical idea of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned herein can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic view for schematically showing an aerosol-generating device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2 And Figure 3 A schematic view for illustrating the shape of an aerosol-generating article according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 4 AndFigure 5 is a schematic view for explaining a heating method of an aerosol-generating device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 6 is a schematic view for explaining a heating method of an aerosol-generating device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 7 and Figure 8 is a schematic view for explaining a heating method of an aerosol-generating device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figures 9 to 11 is a schematic view for explaining a heating method of an aerosol-generating device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 12 is a schematic view for explaining a heating control method of an aerosol-generating device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 13 and Figure 14 is a schematic view for explaining a heating control method of an aerosol-generating device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Advantages and features of the present disclosure and methods of achieving them can be apparent from the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the technical idea of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below, and can be implemented by various forms different from each other, and the embodiments are merely provided to enable the present disclosure to be sufficiently disclosed as a complete disclosure for those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains to fully understand the scope of the present disclosure, and the technical idea of the present disclosure is defined by the scope of the claims of the present disclosure.

[0036] When adding reference numerals to the components in all the drawings, it should be noted that the same components are designated by the same reference numerals even if they are illustrated in different drawings. Also, in explaining the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of related known technologies which constitute or function to confuse the gist of the present disclosure can be omitted.

[0037] If it is not otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the present specification can be used as meanings that can be commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Also, terms commonly used in a dictionary are not to be interpreted as having an abnormal or excessively formal meaning unless they are specifically defined in the present specification. The terms used in the following embodiments are for the purpose of illustrating the embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In the following embodiments, a singular form of a noun includes a plural form thereof unless it is specifically stated otherwise.

[0038] Also, in describing the components of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b) or the like can be used. These terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing a component from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the related component is not limited by the terms. It should be understood that if a component is described as being "connected", "coupled", or "linked" to another component, it can be directly connected, coupled, or linked to the other component, or can be indirectly connected, coupled, or linked to the other component via a third component.

[0039] The terms "comprises" and / or "comprising", as used in the present disclosure, specify the presence of the stated components, steps, operations and / or elements but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, operations and / or elements.

[0040] Before describing various embodiments of the present disclosure, some terms used in the following embodiments will be clarified.

[0041] In the following embodiments, "aerosol-forming substrate" can refer to a material capable of forming an aerosol. The aerosol can include volatile compounds. The aerosol-forming substrate can be solid or liquid.

[0042] For example, the solid aerosol-forming substrate can include a solid material based on a tobacco raw material, such as reconstituted tobacco, cut rag, reconstituted tobacco, etc., and the liquid aerosol-forming substrate can include a liquid composition based on nicotine, tobacco extract, and / or various flavorings. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the examples listed above.

[0043] As a more specific example, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate can include at least one of propylene glycol (PG) and glycerol (GLY), and can further include at least one of ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. As another example, the aerosol-forming substrate can further include at least one of nicotine, moisture, and flavoring substances. As another example, the aerosol-forming substrate can further include various additive substances such as cinnamon and capsaicin. The aerosol-forming substrate can include not only a liquid substance having high fluidity, but also a substance in the form of a gel or a solid powder. Accordingly, the constituent components of the aerosol-forming substrate can be variously selected according to embodiments, and the composition ratio thereof can vary according to embodiments. In the present disclosure, the liquid can refer to a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0044] In the following embodiments, the "aerosol-generating device" can refer to a device that generates an aerosol using an aerosol-forming substrate in order to generate an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into a user's lungs through the user's mouth.

[0045] In the following embodiments, the "aerosol-generating article" can refer to an article capable of generating an aerosol. The aerosol-generating article can include an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0046] In the following embodiments, the "puff" refers to inhalation by a user, which refers to a condition in which air is inhaled into the user's mouth, nose, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.

[0047] In the following embodiments, the "longitudinal direction" can refer to a direction corresponding to a longitudinal axis of an aerosol-generating device or an aerosol-generating article.

[0048] In the following embodiments, the "sheet" can refer to a thin layer element having a width and a length that are significantly greater than its thickness. In the technical field, the term "sheet" can be used interchangeably with terms such as "web" and "film".

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

[0050] Figure 1 A schematic view to schematically show an aerosol-generating device 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] As Figure 1 shown, the aerosol-generating device 100 according to an embodiment can include a housing, a mouthpiece portion 110, a heater portion, a battery 130, and a control portion 120. However, Figure 1 Only components related to the embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Accordingly, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains that components other than theFigure 1 The aerosol-generating device 100 can further include other general components other than the components illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the aerosol-generating device 100 can further include an input module (e.g., a button, a touchable display, etc.) for a user to input an instruction, etc., and an output module (e.g., an LED, a display, a vibration module) to output a state of the aerosol-generating device 100, smoking information, etc. Hereinafter, the components of the aerosol-generating device 100 will be described.

[0052] The housing can form an appearance of the aerosol-generating device 100. Preferably, the housing can be implemented by a material capable of protecting the internal components from external forces.

[0053] In some embodiments, the housing can form a space into which the aerosol-generating article 150 is inserted. Alternatively, the housing can have a structure of a heating space 141 into which the aerosol-generating article 150 can be inserted. For example, the housing can have a structure in which a surface is openable (e.g., a front surface is open) or a portion is separable (e.g., an upper portion and a lower portion are separated), and a user can insert (mount) the aerosol-generating article 150 into the heating space 141 by opening a surface or separating a portion.

[0054] In addition, the mouthpiece portion 110 can be located at one end of the aerosol-generating device 100 to serve as a mouthpiece that contacts the mouth of a user. The user can inhale an aerosol by suction through the mouthpiece portion 110. The mouthpiece portion 110 can be implemented in a form that occupies a portion of the housing, or can be implemented in a form of a separate structure body mounted on the aerosol-generating device 100.

[0055] In addition, the heater portion can generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating article 150 located in the heating space 141. The operation of the heater portion can be controlled by the control portion 120.

[0056] As illustrated, the heater portion can include one or more laser irradiation portions 140. The laser irradiation portion 140 can immediately generate an aerosol by irradiating a laser on the surface of the aerosol-generating article 150 without a preheating time. The laser irradiation portion 140 is a module that emits (irradiates) a laser, for example, can be implemented as a semiconductor type laser diode, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Also, for example, the laser can be light having an infrared wavelength, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Depending on the case, the laser irradiation portion 140 can be referred to as a "laser light source 140".

[0057] Figure 1 The case in which the aerosol-generating device 100 has two laser irradiation portions 140 is illustrated in FIG. 1, but the aerosol-generating device 100 can include one laser irradiation portion 140, and of course, more than three laser irradiation portions 140.

[0058] The detailed structure and operation of the heater section will be discussed later. Figure 4 The accompanying diagrams will provide a more detailed explanation.

[0059] On the other hand, the aerosol generating article 150 may include a solid aerosol forming matrix 151. For example, as shown, the aerosol generating article 150 may include the aerosol forming matrix 151 and its support 152. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0060] Furthermore, the aerosol generating article 150 may have a structure in which the surface of the aerosol forming matrix 151 is exposed to the outside and can be directly heated by a laser. For example, as shown, the aerosol generating article 150 may have a structure in which the aerosol forming matrix 151, which is not wrapped in a wrapper, is mounted to a support 152. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0061] Furthermore, the aerosol generating article 150 can be manufactured in the form of a smoke cartridge. In other words, the aerosol generating article 150 can be manufactured in a form that allows it to be replaced after the aerosol forming matrix 151 is depleted. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0062] The shape, thickness, and / or size of the aerosol forming matrix 151 can be designed and manufactured differently. However, preferably, the aerosol forming matrix 151 is manufactured to have a thin thickness in order to utilize the properties of lasers that heat local surfaces.

[0063] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the aerosol forming matrix 151 can be manufactured in a cylindrical shape. For example, a hollow cylindrical aerosol forming matrix 151 can be prepared by processing a sheet-shaped (or planar) aerosol forming matrix 153 (e.g., a sheet-shaped tobacco material such as reconstituted tobacco). In this case, laser heating can ensure immediate aerosol generation, and the entire aerosol forming matrix 151 can be easily heated. Specifically, even if only the outer surface of the aerosol forming matrix 151 is heated by laser, the interior of the aerosol forming matrix 151 can be heated due to its thin thickness, thereby enabling immediate aerosol generation. Furthermore, as described later, the entire aerosol forming matrix 151 can be easily heated (see reference 151) by rotating the aerosol forming matrix 151. Figure 4 , Figure 5 (Explanation section).

[0064] In some other embodiments, such as Figure 3As illustrated, the aerosol forming substrate 151 can be manufactured in a planar shape. For example, the aerosol forming substrate 153 in a sheet shape can be used as it is, or the aerosol forming substrate 153 in a sheet shape can be stacked in multiple layers to manufacture the aerosol forming substrate 151. In this case, the generation of aerosol can be ensured immediately by laser heating, and the entire aerosol forming substrate 151 can be heated easily. In detail, even if only the outer surface of the aerosol forming substrate 151 is heated by the laser, the inside of the aerosol forming substrate 151 can be heated due to the thin thickness, so that aerosol can be generated immediately. Also, as will be described later, the entire aerosol forming substrate 151 can be heated easily by linear movement of the aerosol forming substrate 151 (refer to Figure 6 the detailed description section).

[0065] In some other embodiments, the aerosol forming substrate 151 can be manufactured in a shape different from Figure 2 or Figure 3 the shapes exemplified above.

[0066] In the foregoing embodiments, the thickness of the processed aerosol forming substrate 151 or the sheet-shaped aerosol forming substrate 153 can be about 5 mm or less, and preferably, can be about 3 mm, 2 mm, or 1 mm or less. Within this numerical range, the inside of the aerosol forming substrate 151 can be heated sufficiently by the irradiated laser.

[0067] In addition, the size of the aerosol forming substrate 151 can be determined appropriately in consideration of the size of the heating space 141, the number of puffs, etc. For example, the size of the aerosol forming substrate 151 can be determined based on the target number of puffs of the aerosol generating article 150. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0068] On the other hand, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one of the aerosol generating article 150 and the laser irradiation portion 140 can be provided to move during the heating process. In addition, the irradiation position of the laser (i.e., the position at which the laser is irradiated to the aerosol forming substrate 151 or the heating site) can be changed by the above-described movement. Among them, the movement includes not only rotational movement and linear movement, but also movement (adjustment) of the angle at a fixed position. In the present embodiment, the movement of the aerosol generating article 150 and the laser irradiation portion 140 can be performed in a manual manner, or can be performed in an automatic manner. For example, the above-described movement can be performed automatically under the control of the control portion 120. This embodiment will be described in detail later. Figures 4 to 8

[0069] ​In addition, the battery 130 can supply power used to operate the aerosol-generating device 100. For example, the battery 130 can supply power so that the heater portion (e.g., the laser irradiation portion 140) can heat the aerosol generating substrate 151 included in the aerosol generating article 150, and can also supply power required for the operation of the control portion 120.

[0070] In addition, the control portion 120 can control the operation of the aerosol-generating device 100 as a whole. For example, the control portion 120 can control the operation of the heater portion (e.g., the laser irradiation portion 140) and the battery 130, and can also control the operation of other components included in the aerosol-generating device 100. The control portion 120 can control the power supplied by the battery 130, the heating operation of the heater portion (e.g., the laser irradiation portion 140), etc. For example, the control portion 120 can control the irradiation intensity, the irradiation shape, the irradiation area, etc. of the laser irradiation portion 140, and can control the movement of the laser irradiation portion 140 and / or the aerosol generating article 150. In addition, the control portion 120 can determine whether the aerosol-generating device 100 is in an operable state by confirming the state of each component of the aerosol-generating device 100.

[0071] In some embodiments, the control portion 120 can control the battery 130 so that the battery 130 supplies power to the laser irradiation portion 140 in response to detecting a puff of a user. For example, the control portion 120 can control so that power is supplied to the laser irradiation portion 140 only at the time of a puff, rather than continuously supplying power to the laser irradiation portion 140. In this case, the power consumption of the aerosol-generating device 100 can be greatly reduced, and the heating efficiency can be significantly improved.

[0072] The control portion 120 can be implemented by at least one processor. The above-described processor can be implemented by a plurality of logic gate arrays, or can be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program capable of being executed by the microprocessor is stored. In addition, the control portion 120 can also be implemented by other forms of hardware, as long as it is understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0073] As for additional control operations of the control portion 120, they will be described later with reference to Figure 12 and the accompanying drawings.

[0074] Thus far, reference has been made to Figures 1 to 3An aerosol-generating device 100 according to some embodiments of the disclosure is schematically illustrated. According to the foregoing, it is possible to ensure immediate generation of aerosol by employing a laser heating method and an aerosol-forming substrate 151 having a thin thickness. Specifically, by heating the surface of the aerosol-forming substrate 151 having a thin thickness with a laser, it is possible to immediately generate aerosol without a preheating time. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize smoking waiting time and to improve user satisfaction with the aerosol-generating device 100.

[0075] Hereinafter, a heating method and a heating control method performed in a laser-based aerosol-generating device will be explained with reference to Figure 4 and subsequent drawings. For ease of understanding, the following is assumed to be performed in the aerosol-generating device 100 exemplified in Figure 1 .

[0076] First, a heating method of an aerosol-generating device according to a first embodiment of the disclosure will be explained with reference to Figure 4 and Figure 5 .

[0077] As shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the present embodiment relates to a method of heating an aerosol-generating article 150 based on rotation movement of the laser irradiation portion 140 or the aerosol-generating article 150.

[0078] For example, as shown in Figure 4 , the laser irradiation portion 140 can irradiate laser light at a fixed position, and the aerosol-generating article 150 can gradually move upward (e.g., in the direction of the mouthpiece portion 110) by rotation. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 5 , the aerosol-generating article 150 can move downward by rotation. In other words, the irradiation position of the laser light can be changed by the rotation movement of the aerosol-generating article 150 while heating the aerosol-forming substrate 151. In this case, even with a small number of laser irradiation portions 140, it is possible to easily heat the entire aerosol-forming substrate 151.

[0079] In the foregoing examples, the rotation movement of the aerosol-generating article 150 or the aerosol-forming substrate 151 can be implemented in various ways. For example, as shown in Figure 4 or Figure 5 , the aerosol-generating article 150 can further include a rotation guide portion 154 formed in a spiral shape (or a spring shape). Further, the rotation movement of the aerosol-generating article 150 can be implemented in such a way that the bracket 152 rotates along the rotation guide portion 154. However, the scope of the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0080] As another example, the laser irradiation portion 140 can also irradiate laser light while the periphery of the aerosol-generating article 150 rotates.

[0081] Hereinafter, a heating control method of an aerosol generating device according to a second embodiment of the disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 6

[0082] As shown in FIG. 1, the present embodiment relates to a method of heating an aerosol generating article 150 based on linear movement of the laser irradiation portion 140 or the aerosol generating article 150. Figure 6

[0083] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the laser irradiation portion 140 irradiates laser light at a fixed position, and the aerosol generating article 150 can move in the long axis direction (i.e., the up-down direction) or the perpendicular direction thereof (i.e., the left-right direction). In other words, the irradiation position of the laser light can be changed (e.g., up, down, left, and right) by linear movement of the aerosol generating article 150 while heating the aerosol forming substrate 151. In this case, even with a small number of laser irradiation portions 140, the entire aerosol forming substrate 151 can be easily heated. Figure 6

[0084] In the foregoing example, the method for achieving linear movement of the aerosol generating article 150 can be various, and can be implemented in any manner.

[0085] As another example, the laser irradiation portion 140 can irradiate laser light while moving in the long axis direction or the perpendicular direction thereof.

[0086] Hereinafter, a heating method of an aerosol generating device according to a third embodiment of the disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 7

[0087] As shown in FIG. 3, the present embodiment relates to a method of heating an aerosol generating article 150 based on angular movement (adjustment) of the laser irradiation portion 140 or the aerosol generating article 150. Figure 7

[0088] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the laser irradiation portion 140 irradiates laser light at a fixed position, and the aerosol generating article 150 can move in the long axis direction (i.e., the up-down direction) or the perpendicular direction thereof (i.e., the left-right direction). In other words, the irradiation position of the laser light can be changed (e.g., up, down, left, and right) by angular movement of the aerosol generating article 150 while heating the aerosol forming substrate 151. In this case, even with a small number of laser irradiation portions 140, the entire aerosol forming substrate 151 can be easily heated. Figure 7 ​​​​​As shown, the laser irradiation portion 140 can change the irradiation angle at a fixed position to heat the aerosol forming substrate 151. As a more specific example, the laser irradiation portion 140 can change the up-down angle or the left-right angle to heat the aerosol forming substrate 151. In other words, the irradiation position of the laser is changed (e.g., up-down-left-right change) by the angle movement of the laser irradiation portion 141, while heating the aerosol forming substrate 151. In this case, even with a small number of laser irradiation portions 140, the entire aerosol forming substrate 151 can be easily heated.

[0089] As another example, the laser irradiation portion 140 can irradiate laser light at a fixed angle, and the up-down-left-right angle (inclination) of the aerosol generating article 150 can be changed.

[0090] On the other hand, although Figure 7 In the above, the case in which one laser irradiation portion 140 is provided is exemplified, but as described above, a plurality of laser irradiation portions 140 can be provided. For example, a first laser irradiation portion for heating one surface of the aerosol forming substrate 151 and a second laser irradiation portion for heating the other surface (e.g., the opposite surface) can be provided.

[0091] Hereinafter, a heating method of an aerosol generating device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 8 A heating method of an aerosol generating device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to

[0092] As Figure 8 shown, the present embodiment relates to a method of heating the aerosol generating article 150 based on the angle movement of the laser irradiation portion 140-1, the laser irradiation portion 140-2, and the linear movement (or rotational movement) of the aerosol generating article 150. Although Figure 8 In the above, the case in which a plurality of laser irradiation portions 140-1, 140-2 are provided is exemplified, but it is self-evident that one laser irradiation portion 140 can be provided according to the situation.

[0093] For example, as Figure 8As shown, the first laser irradiation part 140-1 can irradiate laser to one surface of the planar-shaped aerosol forming substrate 151 while changing the irradiation angle, and the second laser irradiation part 140-2 can irradiate laser to the other surface (for example, the opposite surface) of the aerosol forming substrate 151 while changing the irradiation angle. Also, the aerosol generating article 150 can perform linear movement (or rotational movement). As a more specific example, the laser irradiation part 140-1, the laser irradiation part 140-2 can heat the aerosol generating article 150 while changing the up-and-down angle, and the aerosol generating article 150 can perform linear movement (for example, linear reciprocating motion) in the left-and-right direction (that is, the direction perpendicular to the long axis direction). Or, the laser irradiation part 140-1, the laser irradiation part 140-2 can heat the aerosol generating article 150 while changing the left-and-right angle, and the aerosol generating article 150 can perform linear movement (for example, linear reciprocating motion) in the up-and-down direction (that is, the long axis direction). In any case, by the angle movement of the laser irradiation part 140-1, 140-2 and the linear movement of the aerosol generating article 150, the entire aerosol forming substrate 151 can be easily heated, and the degree (distance) of movement of the aerosol generating article 150 can be greatly reduced.

[0094] Hereinafter, a heating method of an aerosol generating device according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figures 9 to 11 A heating method of an aerosol generating device according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0095] The present embodiment relates to a method for solving the problem that the efficiency of laser heating decreases as aerosol is generated. For ease of understanding, first, a description will be made with reference to Figure 9 A problem will be described.

[0096] As Figure 9 shown, when the aerosol forming substrate 151 is heated by laser heating, aerosol 155 can be formed at the periphery of the aerosol forming substrate 151. However, the formed aerosol 155 can become a hindering factor that reduces the efficiency of laser heating. For example, since the aerosol 155 located on the irradiation path of the laser can cause phenomena such as absorption and scattering of the laser, the efficiency of laser heating can be reduced. That is, a problem that the energy of the laser reaching the aerosol forming substrate 151 is reduced by the aerosol 155 can occur.

[0097] To solve the above problem, as Figure 10As illustrated, the heater portion according to some embodiments of the present disclosure can further include a laser reflection portion 142. The laser reflection portion 142 can be positioned below the aerosol generating article 150 to reflect the irradiated laser to the aerosol generating article 150 positioned above. In this case, as the irradiated laser passes by the aerosol 155 around the periphery of the aerosol generating substrate 151 and reaches the aerosol generating substrate 151, or the laser is reflected in the direction of the airflow (i.e., upward), it is possible to minimize contact between the laser and the aerosol 155. In addition, it is thereby possible to address the problem of reduced laser heating efficiency due to the aerosol 155.

[0098] In some other embodiments of the present disclosure, as Figure 11 illustrated, a laser guide portion 143 can be further included, which guides the laser irradiated by the heater portion to the aerosol generating substrate 151. The laser guide portion 143 can have a tube (e.g., waveguide tube, diffusion tube) shape and be disposed in the form of passing through the aerosol 155 around the periphery of the aerosol generating substrate 151. In this case, the laser irradiated through the passage inside the laser guide portion 143 can reach the aerosol generating substrate 151 without energy loss, and thus it is possible to address the problem of reduced laser heating efficiency due to the aerosol 155.

[0099] Thus far, the heating method of the aerosol generating device according to the first to fifth embodiments of the present disclosure has been described with reference to Figures 4 to 11 Although each of the embodiments has been described in a separate manner, the above-described embodiments can be combined in various forms.

[0100] Hereinafter, a heating control method of an aerosol generating device will be described with reference to Figure 12 the accompanying drawings.

[0101] The heating control method to be described below can be implemented as one or more instructions executed by a computing module (e.g., the control portion 120) having a processor. Also, hereinafter, for ease of understanding, the above-described heating control method is assumed to be executed by the control portion 120 of the illustrated aerosol generating device 100. Thus, if the description of the subject that executes a specific step / work is omitted, it can be understood that it is executed by the illustrated module (e.g., the control portion 120). Figure 1

[0102] First, a heating control method of an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 12

[0103] As illustrated, the present embodiment relates to a method of performing heating control based on the irradiation area (or irradiation shape) of a laser. Figure 12

[0104] ​​​Specifically, assuming that the laser irradiation portion 140 irradiates laser light with the same intensity (output), the heating temperature (or heating intensity) inevitably changes depending on the area of the laser irradiation region (the first irradiation region 144, the second irradiation region 145). For example, since the area of the first irradiation region 144 is smaller than the area of the second irradiation region 145, the first irradiation region 144 can be heated to a higher temperature than the second irradiation region 145. This is because the smaller the irradiation area, the more concentrated the laser energy, and the larger the irradiation area, the more dispersed the laser energy, and thus the heating intensity per unit area decreases.

[0105] Accordingly, the control portion 120 can perform an accurate heating control function on the aerosol generating article 150 by adjusting the irradiation area (i.e., the size of the irradiation area). However, the specific heating control method thereof can be various.

[0106] As an example, the control portion 120 can increase or decrease the size of the irradiation area based on the heating temperature of the aerosol generating article 150. For example, the control portion 120 can increase the size of the irradiation area in response to a determination that the heating temperature of the aerosol generating article 150 is equal to or greater than a reference value. Alternatively, the control portion 120 can decrease the size of the irradiation area in response to a determination that the heating temperature of the aerosol generating article 150 is less than the reference value. According to the above control, the heating temperature of the aerosol generating article 150 can be precisely controlled.

[0107] As another example, the control portion 120 can increase or decrease the size of the irradiation area based on the heating state (e.g., the degree of carbonization) of the aerosol generating substrate 151. For example, the control portion 120 can increase the size of the irradiation area in response to a determination that the degree of carbonization (heating) of a specific portion of the aerosol generating substrate 151 is equal to or greater than a reference value. Alternatively, the control portion 120 can decrease the size of the irradiation area in response to a determination that the degree of carbonization (heating) of a specific portion of the aerosol generating article 150 is less than the reference value. According to the above control, the problem of the occurrence of a burnt taste during smoking can be greatly alleviated.

[0108] As still another example, the control portion 120 can increase or decrease the size of the irradiation area based on the smoking elapsed time. Specifically, at the initial stage of smoking, in order to immediately generate an aerosol, the control portion 120 can heat the aerosol generating article 150 with a relatively small irradiation area, and at the middle stage of smoking, in order to prevent a carbonization phenomenon or the like, the control portion 120 can heat the aerosol generating article 150 with a relatively large irradiation area. According to circumstances, in order to improve the taste of the latter half of smoking, the control portion 120 can also heat the aerosol generating article 150 with a relatively small irradiation area again at the latter half of smoking.

[0109] On the other hand, the specific method of adjusting the laser irradiation area can also be various.

[0110] As an example, the laser irradiation area can be adjusted by adjusting the focal length. This is because if the focal length is changed while the distance between the laser irradiation unit 140 and the aerosol generating article 150 remains constant, the laser irradiation area will change. As a more specific example, an adjustable-focus lens can be used to adjust the focal length. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0111] As another example, multiple lenses with different characteristics (e.g., focal length, laser irradiation area, etc.) can be provided, and the irradiation area can be adjusted by changing (exchanging) the lens of the laser irradiation unit 140 with another lens.

[0112] As another example, the irradiation area can be adjusted by changing the distance between the laser irradiation unit 140 and the aerosol generating article 150. This is because if the distance between the laser irradiation unit 140 and the aerosol generating article 150 is changed when the focal length of the lens provided with the laser irradiation unit 140 is constant, the laser irradiation area will change.

[0113] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 13 to 14 The heating control method of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0114] Figure 13 A schematic flowchart illustrating a heating control method for an aerosol generating apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. In particular, Figure 13 A method for controlling the heating of aerosol-generating article 150 based on the reflective properties of a laser is schematically illustrated.

[0115] like Figure 13 As shown, the heating control method according to this embodiment can start from step S10, which initiates laser heating. For example, the control unit 120 can control the supply of power to the laser irradiation unit 140, so that when power is supplied, the laser irradiation unit 140 can irradiate the aerosol generating article 150 with a laser.

[0116] In step S20, the characteristics of the laser reflected from the aerosol-generated article 150 can be measured (analyzed). For example, the control unit 120 can detect the laser reflected from the aerosol-generated article 150 using a light-receiving element (e.g., a photodiode) and measure (analyze) the characteristics of the detected laser. The characteristics of the laser may include, for example, quantity, wavelength, frequency, and energy level, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0117] In step S30, the heating state of the laser irradiation location (i.e., the irradiated portion of the aerosol forming matrix 151) can be determined based on the measurement results. For example, the control unit 120 can determine the degree of carbonization, temperature, etc., at the irradiation location based on the characteristics of the reflected laser. For easier understanding, refer to... Figure 14A more detailed description will be given.

[0118] Figure 14 The case where the second irradiation region 147 of the aerosol forming substrate 151 is more carbonized than the first irradiation region 146 is illustrated as an example.

[0119] Referring to Figure 14 A conventional aerosol forming substrate 151 such as a tobacco material changes color as it is carbonized. Further, since the characteristics of the reflected laser light 148, the laser light 149 change as the color changes (for example, the amount of reflected laser light changes), it is possible to judge the degree of carbonization of the relevant region (the first irradiation region 146, the second irradiation region 147) based on the characteristics of the reflected laser light 148, the laser light 149 (for example, the amount of reflected laser light).

[0120] Referring to Figure 13 will be described.

[0121] In step S40, heating control can be performed in accordance with the judgment result. However, the specific heating control method thereof can be various.

[0122] For example, the irradiation position of the laser light can be controlled based on the judgment result. For example, when it is judged that the degree of carbonization of the current irradiation region of the aerosol forming substrate 151 is the reference value or more, the control section 120 can change the current irradiation region to another region (for example, to a region that is not carbonized). For example, the control section 120 can change the current irradiation region by moving the laser light irradiation section 140 and / or the aerosol generating article 150. The control section 120 can irradiate laser light to one or more candidate regions, judge the degree of carbonization of each of the candidate regions based on the reflected laser light, and change the candidate region whose degree of carbonization is the reference value or less to the current irradiation region. Alternatively, the control section 120 can change the current irradiation region to a random location. Alternatively, if it is a case where each region of the aerosol forming substrate 151 is sequentially heated, the control section 120 can change the next region to the current irradiation region.

[0123] As another example, the irradiation area of the laser light can be adjusted based on the judgment result. In this regard, reference can be made to the description section of Figure 12 .

[0124] As yet another example, the irradiation intensity of the laser light can be controlled based on the judgment result. For example, when it is judged that the degree of carbonization of the current irradiation region of the aerosol forming substrate 151 is the reference value or more, the control section 120 can reduce the irradiation intensity of the laser light. In the opposite case, the control section 120 can increase the laser light irradiation intensity.

[0125] As still another example, the moving speed of the laser irradiation section 140 and / or the aerosol generating article 150 can be controlled based on the determination result. For example, when it is determined that the carbonization degree of the current irradiation region of the aerosol-forming substrate 151 is the reference value or more, the control section 120 can increase the moving speed of the laser irradiation section 140 and / or the aerosol generating article 150. In the opposite case, the control section 120 can decrease the moving speed.

[0126] Thus far, the heating control method of the aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure has been described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 Thus far, the heating control method of the aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure has been described with reference to

[0127] Thus far, the heating control method of the aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure has been described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 The technical idea of the present disclosure described thus far or the technical idea related to the operation of the control section 120 can be implemented by computer readable codes in a computer readable medium. The above computer readable medium can be, for example, a mobile storage medium (CD, DVD, Blu-ray disc, USB storage, mobile hard disk) or a fixed storage medium (ROM, RAM, computer-equipped hard disk). The above computer program stored in the above computer readable storage medium can be transmitted to other computing devices through a network such as the Internet and installed in the above other computing devices, and thus can be used in the above other computing devices.

[0128] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical idea or essential characteristics of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative and non-limiting in all aspects. The scope of protection of the present disclosure should be determined by the claims, and all technical spirits of interpretation within the equivalent scope should fall within the scope of the technical idea defined by the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that, include: The laser irradiation section heats the aerosol-generating product by irradiating it with a laser to generate an aerosol. The control unit controls the irradiation area of ​​the laser irradiation unit based on at least one of the heating temperature of the aerosol generating product, the heating state of the aerosol generating product, and the smoking time. At least one of the aforementioned aerosol generating article and the aforementioned laser irradiation unit is configured to be movable during the aforementioned heating process.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned aerosol-generating products include cylindrical aerosol-forming matrices.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The aforementioned aerosol generating article also includes a support for rotating and moving the aforementioned aerosol forming matrix; The irradiation position of the laser is changed by the aforementioned rotational movement.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The thickness of the aerosol matrix is ​​less than 2 mm.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned aerosol-generating articles include planar aerosol-forming matrices.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The aforementioned aerosol-generated product moves linearly along its long axis or in a direction perpendicular to the long axis. The irradiation position of the laser is changed by the aforementioned linear movement.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The irradiation position of the laser is changed by moving the angle of the laser irradiation part.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a laser guide section, which is tubular and used to guide the irradiated laser to the aerosol generating article.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A laser reflector is located below the aerosol-generating article to reflect the irradiated laser back onto the aerosol-generating article; and The mouthpiece is located above the aforementioned aerosol-generating product.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned control unit controls the heating of the aforementioned aerosol-generated product based on the characteristics of the laser reflected from the aforementioned aerosol-generated product.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The control unit controls the irradiation position of the laser based on the reflection characteristics of the reflected laser.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A battery supplies power to the aforementioned laser irradiation unit; The aforementioned control unit controls the supply of power to the aforementioned laser irradiation unit in response to the detection of a user's suction.

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