Aerosol generating device and aerosol generating article
The aerosol product article and generating device combination addresses the need for effective aerosol production by incorporating a nicotine-free aerosol generator, a nicotine-containing tobacco filler, a cooling portion, and a control unit to optimize temperature profiles, resulting in a satisfying smoking experience.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025001718
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2020-04-08
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-06
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-10
- Estimated Expiration
- 2040-06-11
AI Technical Summary
There is a need for an aerosol production device that can heat aerosol product articles effectively, providing a satisfying smoking experience while addressing the demand for alternatives to traditional cigarettes.
The aerosol product article includes an aerosol generator without nicotine, a tobacco filler portion with nicotine, a cooling portion, and a mouthpiece, coupled with an aerosol generating device featuring a heater, sensor, and control unit to optimize temperature profiles based on the aerosol product article and external environment.
This solution provides a user with a satisfying smoking experience by efficiently heating aerosol product articles, optimizing temperature profiles for different aerosol products and environments, and ensuring a rich atomization amount and optimal flavor.
Smart Images

Figure 2025061015000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device and an aerosol product. [Background technology]
[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternatives to traditional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for a method in which an aerosol is generated by heating an aerosol generating material in a cigarette, rather than a method in which an aerosol is generated by burning a cigarette. As a result, research into heated cigarettes and heated aerosol generating devices has been actively conducted. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0003] The problem that the present invention seeks to solve is to provide an aerosol generating device for heating an aerosol product. [Means for solving the problem]
[0004] According to one or more embodiments, an aerosol product includes an aerosol-generating section containing a first aerosol-generating material that does not contain nicotine, a tobacco packing section positioned adjacent to one end of the aerosol-generating section and containing a second aerosol-generating material that contains the nicotine, a cooling section positioned adjacent to one end of the tobacco packing section for cooling the aerosol, and a mouthpiece positioned adjacent to one end of the cooling section. Effect of the Invention
[0005] The aerosol generating device and aerosol product according to one or more embodiments provide a satisfying smoking experience for the user. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0006] [Figure 1A] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol product. [Figure 1B] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol product. [Figure 1C] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol product. [Figure 2A] 1 is a diagram illustrating another example of an aerosol product. [Figure 2B] 1 is a diagram illustrating another example of an aerosol product. [Figure 2C] 1 is a diagram illustrating another example of an aerosol product. [Figure 2D] 1 is a diagram illustrating another example of an aerosol product. [Figure 2E] 1 is a diagram illustrating another example of an aerosol product. [Figure 2F] 1 is a diagram illustrating another example of an aerosol product. [Figure 2G] 1 is a diagram illustrating another example of an aerosol product. [Figure 3A] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cooling section for an aerosol product. [Figure 3B] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cooling section for an aerosol product. [Figure 3C] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cooling section for an aerosol product. [Figure 3D] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cooling section for an aerosol product. [Figure 4A] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a heating unit of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4B] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a heating unit of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4C] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a heating unit of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4D] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a heating unit of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4E] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a heating unit of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4F] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a heating unit of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4G]1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a heating unit of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4H] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a heating unit of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4I] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a heating unit of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4J] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a heating unit of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4K] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a heating unit of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4L] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a heating unit of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4M] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a heating unit of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4N] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a heating unit of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 5A] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a coupling relationship between an aerosol generating device and an aerosol product. [Figure 5B] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a coupling relationship between an aerosol generating device and an aerosol product. [Figure 5C] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a coupling relationship between an aerosol generating device and an aerosol product. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 7A] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an identification structure is included in an aerosol product. [Figure 7B] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an identification structure is included in an aerosol product. [Figure 7C] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an identification structure is included in an aerosol product. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram illustrating another example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram illustrating another example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 10] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an aerosol generating apparatus is connected to an external device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0007] According to one or more embodiments, an aerosol product includes an aerosol-generating section containing a first aerosol-generating material that does not contain nicotine, a tobacco packing section positioned adjacent to one end of the aerosol-generating section and containing a second aerosol-generating material that contains the nicotine, a cooling section positioned adjacent to one end of the tobacco packing section for cooling the aerosol, and a mouthpiece positioned adjacent to one end of the cooling section.
[0008] According to one or more embodiments, the aerosol generating device includes a heater for heating an aerosol product, a first sensor for detecting whether the aerosol product is inserted, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the heater based on the detection result of the first sensor.
[0009] According to one or more embodiments, the aerosol generation system includes an aerosol generation device that includes a space into which an aerosol product is inserted and heats the inserted aerosol product, and an external device that controls at least one function of the aerosol generation device via a wireless communication network using an application installed on the external device.
[0010] The terms used in various embodiments are currently common terms that are selected as much as possible while considering the functions in the present invention, but they may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, or the emergence of new technologies. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select a term, and in such cases, the meaning of the term will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention must be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply the name of the term.
[0011] Throughout the specification, when a part "comprises" a certain element, this does not mean excluding other elements, but means that the part may further include other elements, unless specifically stated to the contrary.
[0012] As used herein, phrases such as "at least one" modify the entire list of components and not the individual components of the list. For example, "at least one of a, b, and c" should be understood to include any of "a," "b," "c," "a and b," "a and c," "b and c," or "a, b, and c." When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "on top of," "connected," or "coupled" with another element or layer, it may be directly connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be other elements or layers that are connected or coupled to it. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly above," "directly connected," or "directly coupled" with another element or layer, it should be understood that there are no other intervening elements or layers. Like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout.
[0013] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the preferred embodiments set forth herein.
[0014] Additionally, as used herein, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first" or "second," are used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.
[0015] One or more embodiments include an aerosol generating device and an aerosol product (e.g., a cigarette) that can be coupled to the aerosol generating device. The aerosol product according to one or more embodiments includes at least one of an aerosol generating section, a tobacco filling section, a cooling section, and a filter section (e.g., a mouthpiece or mouthpiece section). For example, the filter section is typically an acetate filter, and the cooling section and the filter section may include a capsule and a flavoring agent.
[0016] For example, the aerosol-generating part may contain nicotine.
[0017] On the other hand, the materials, order, and lengths of the aerosol generating section and the tobacco filling section are not limited to the specific examples, and the materials and lengths of the cooling section and the filter section are also not limited to the specific examples.
[0018] The aerosol generating device generates an aerosol containing nicotine by heating the aerosol generating section and the tobacco filling section, and the aerosol is discharged to the outside via the cooling section and the filter section.
[0019] For example, the aerosol generating device may generate an aerosol by heating at least one of the aerosol-generating section and the tobacco-filled section of the aerosol product, or the aerosol generating device may selectively or generally heat the interior or exterior of the aerosol product.
[0020] A sheet made of a thermally conductive material may be disposed on the outer periphery of the aerosol-generating part and the tobacco-filling part of the aerosol product, and cigarette paper for fixing the segments of the aerosol product may be disposed on the outer periphery of the sheet. In this case, the aerosol generating device may generate an aerosol by uniformly heating the outside of the sheet of the thermally conductive material.
[0021] The aerosol generating device can automatically distinguish between different aerosol product types, and automatically select the optimal temperature profile for each aerosol product type according to the distinguishing result.
[0022] In addition, the aerosol generating device can recognize the external environment, and a sensor capable of recognizing the external environment can be installed in the aerosol generating device, or the aerosol generating device can receive local weather information in the area where the user is located through communication with an external device. The aerosol generating device recognizes the external environment and automatically selects an optimal temperature profile according to the external environment, thereby providing the user with a rich amount of atomization and optimal flavor.
[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the preferred embodiments set forth herein.
[0024] In addition, even if omitted below, the contents described above may be applicable to the aerosol generating device or aerosol product according to the present invention.
[0025] 1A-1C are diagrams illustrating an example of the aerosol product.
[0026] 1A to 1C, the aerosol product 100 includes an aerosol-generating part 110, a tobacco-packing part 120, a cooling part 130, and a mouthpiece 140. For example, the mouthpiece 140 may be a filter made of cellulose acetate, and the cooling part 130 and the mouthpiece 140 may include a capsule and a flavoring agent. The materials, order, and lengths of the aerosol-generating part 110 and the tobacco-packing part 120 are not limited to a specific example, and the materials and lengths of the cooling part 130 and the mouthpiece 140 are also not limited to a specific example. In addition, the aerosol product 100 may or may not include a heat conductor depending on the heating method of the aerosol product 100.
[0027] The outer shell of the aerosol-producing article 100 is also surrounded by a wrapping material (i.e., a wrapper), and a heat conductor may be disposed partially or entirely between the wrapping material and the aerosol-generating portion 110 and the tobacco filling portion 120, as shown in FIG.
[0028] The aerosol generating unit 110 does not contain nicotine. The aerosol generating unit 110 may also contain an aerosol generating material from which nicotine has been removed. For example, the aerosol generating unit 110 may contain 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. For example, the aerosol generating unit 110 may contain a material in which glycerin and propylene glycol are mixed in a ratio of about 8:2. However, the mixture ratio is not limited to the above. The aerosol generating unit 110 may also contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. The aerosol generating unit 110 may also contain a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a moisturizing agent.
[0029] The aerosol-generating unit 110 may include a rolled sheet, and the aerosol-generating material may be contained in the aerosol-generating unit 110 in a state in which it is impregnated in the rolled sheet. In addition, other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids and flavoring liquids may be contained in the aerosol-generating unit 110 in a state in which they are absorbed in the rolled sheet.
[0030] The crimped sheet may be a sheet made of a polymeric material. For example, the polymeric material may include at least one of paper, cellulose acetate, lyocell, and polylactic acid. For example, the crimped sheet may be a paper sheet that does not generate an unpleasant odor due to heat even when heated to a high temperature. However, the crimped sheet is not limited thereto.
[0031] The length of the aerosol-generating part 110 may be, but is not limited to, 4 mm to 12 mm. For example, the length of the aerosol-generating part 110 may be, but is not limited to, about 10 mm.
[0032] The tobacco-filled portion 120 may contain nicotine. The tobacco-filled portion 120 may also contain an aerosol-generating substance, such as glycerin or propylene glycol. The tobacco-filled portion 120 may also contain other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. Flavoring liquids, such as menthol or humectants, may also be added to the tobacco-filled portion 120 by being sprayed into the tobacco-filled portion 120.
[0033] As an example, the aerosol generating material may include cut tobacco or reconstituted tobacco material. Specifically, the aerosol generating material may include nicotine obtained by molding or reconstituting tobacco leaves. As another example, the aerosol generating material may include free base nicotine, a nicotine salt, or a combination thereof. Specifically, the nicotine may be naturally occurring nicotine or synthetic nicotine.
[0034] For example, the tobacco filling section 120 may include blends of different types of tobacco, and the blends may be processed through a variety of processing steps, including, but not limited to, the above.
[0035] Nicotine salts can also be formed by adding a suitable acid, including organic or inorganic acids, to nicotine. The acid for forming the nicotine salt is appropriately selected in consideration of the blood nicotine absorption rate, the heating temperature of the heater, the flavor or taste, solubility, etc. For example, the acid for forming the nicotine salt can be, but is not limited to, a single acid selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharic acid, malonic acid, or malic acid, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group.
[0036] The tobacco filling section 120 can be made in a variety of ways. For example, the tobacco filling section 120 can be made from a sheet or from strands. The tobacco filling section 120 can also be made from cut tobacco, which is a tobacco sheet cut into small pieces.
[0037] The length of the tobacco filling portion 120 may be, but is not limited to, 6 mm to 18 mm. For example, the length of the tobacco filling portion 120 may be, but is not limited to, about 12 mm.
[0038] The cooling unit 130 can lower the temperature of the aerosol so that the user can take a puff at the appropriate temperature.
[0039] For example, the cooling section 130 is made of cellulose acetate and is a tubular structure having a hollow space inside. For example, the cooling section 130 is made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the mono denier of the cooling section 130 is 5.0, and the total denier is 28,000, but is not limited thereto.
[0040] For example, the cooling unit 130 may be a tube-shaped structure made of paper and having a hollow space therein, and may have at least one hole formed in the cooling unit 130 through which external air can flow.
[0041] The cooling section 130 may also be made of a slip sheet made of several sheets of paper. For example, the cooling section 130 may be made of a slip sheet made of an outer sheet, a middle sheet, and an inner sheet, but is not limited thereto. Meanwhile, the inner surface of the inner sheet constituting the slip sheet may also be coated with a predetermined substance (e.g., polylactic acid).
[0042] When the cooling portion 130 is made of paper, the total thickness of the cooling portion 130 can be 330 μm to 340 μm, or the total thickness of the cooling portion 130 can be about 333 μm, but is not limited thereto.
[0043] In addition, when the cooling section 130 is made of paper, the weight per unit area of the cooling section 130 is 230 g / m 2 or 250g / m 2 Alternatively, the weight per unit area of the cooling section 130 is about 240 g / m 2 However, it is not limited to this.
[0044] The diameter of the hollow of the cooling portion 130 may be within a range of 4 mm to 8 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the diameter of the hollow of the cooling portion 130 may be within a range of 7.0 mm to 7.5 mm, but is not limited thereto. The length of the cooling portion 130 may be within a range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the cooling portion 130 is about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.
[0045] The cooling unit 130 is not limited to the above example, and any cooling unit capable of performing the function of cooling the aerosol may be used.
[0046] The mouthpiece 140 is also made of cellulose acetate tow with a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin). The length of the mouthpiece 140 may be any suitable length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the mouthpiece 140 is about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.
[0047] The mouthpiece 140 is also manufactured to generate a flavor. For example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed into the mouthpiece 140, or a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the mouthpiece 140.
[0048] The mouthpiece 140 may also include at least one capsule. As an example, the capsule may contain a flavoring liquid, and the flavor may be generated by the flavoring liquid leaking out when the capsule is crushed. As another example, the capsule may contain an aerosol-generating substance, and the aerosol may be generated by the substance leaking out when the capsule is crushed. The capsule may have a structure in which the flavoring liquid or the aerosol-generating substance is covered with a coating. The capsule may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.
[0049] 1B, the tobacco filling section 120 may include cooling holes 150. For example, the tobacco filling section 120 may be perforated to perform primary cooling of the aerosol, and the primary cooled aerosol may pass through the cooling section 130 to perform secondary cooling. This maximizes the cooling effect of the aerosol. However, depending on the material of the cooling section 130, the cooling holes 150 may not be provided.
[0050] 1C, the aerosol-generating unit 110 is disposed downstream of the tobacco packing unit 120. That is, the aerosol product 100 of FIG 1A and the aerosol product 100 of FIG 1C are different from each other in the order in which the aerosol-generating unit 110 and the tobacco packing unit 120 are disposed.
[0051] 2A-2G are diagrams illustrating other examples of aerosol product articles.
[0052] 1A to 1C, Fig. 2A to 2E show an example in which nicotine is contained in aerosol-generating parts 210, 211, 212, and 213. Fig. 2F and Fig. 2G show an example in which aerosol-generating part 240 and nicotine-containing part 250 are separate segments.
[0053] The aerosol-generating units 210, 211, 212, 213 of Figures 2A to 2E are also combinations of the aerosol-generating unit 110 and the tobacco packing unit 120 of Figures 1A to 1C, while the aerosol-generating unit 240 of Figures 2F and 2G is identical to the aerosol-generating unit 110 of Figures 1A to 1C.
[0054] The outer shell of the aerosol product 200 of Figures 2A-2G may also be surrounded by a wrapping material (i.e., a wrapper). Depending on the embodiment, the aerosol product 200 may further include a thermal conductor.
[0055] The nicotine-containing portion 250 may include nicotine obtained by molding or reconstituting tobacco leaves. Alternatively, the nicotine-containing portion 250 may include one of organic base nicotine, nicotine salts, or a combination thereof. For example, the nicotine-containing portion 250 may include a crimped sheet, and nicotine may be included in the nicotine-containing portion 250 in a state in which it is impregnated in the crimped sheet. Also, other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids and flavoring liquids may be included in the nicotine-containing portion 250 in a state in which they are absorbed in the crimped sheet.
[0056] The crimped sheet may also be a sheet made of a polymeric material. For example, the polymeric material may include at least one of paper, cellulose acetate, lyocell, and polylactic acid. For example, the crimped sheet may also be a paper sheet that does not generate an unpleasant odor due to heat even when heated to a high temperature. However, the crimped sheet is not limited thereto.
[0057] The cooling unit 220 and the mouthpiece 230 shown in Figures 2A to 2G are as described with reference to Figures 1A to 1C. In addition, depending on the heating method of the aerosol product 200, the aerosol product 200 may or may not include a heat conductor.
[0058] The length extension 214 may also be made from cellulose acetate. For example, the length extension 214 may be made from cellulose acetate tow with the addition of a plasticizer, such as triacetin.
[0059] 3A-3D are diagrams illustrating examples of cooling sections for aerosol product.
[0060] 3A-3D, examples of cooling sections 310, 320, 330, and 340 are shown.
[0061] 3A to 3C, the cooling units 310, 320, and 330 may have a configuration in which segments 312, 322, and 332 made of polylactic acid are connected to different segments 311, 321, and 331, respectively. Here, the segments 311, 321, and 331 may be made of cellulose acetate and / or paper. In addition, the other segments 311, 321, and 331 may include a hollow, but are not limited thereto.
[0062] 3D, the cooling unit 340 is a tube-shaped structure made of paper and having a hollow space therein. For example, the inner or outer surface of the cooling unit 340 is coated with a predetermined material (e.g., polylactic acid).
[0063] Although not shown in Figures 1A-3D, the aerosol product 100, 200 may further include a plug disposed at the front end, for example, but not limited to, made of cellulose acetate.
[0064] 4A to 4N are diagrams illustrating examples of a heating unit (eg, a heater) of an aerosol generating device.
[0065] 4A to 4N, the heating temperature of the inside and / or outside of the aerosol production article is selectively (or generally) adjusted by the internal heaters 410, 411, and 412 and the external heaters 420, 421, and 422.
[0066] 4I and 4J, the first temperature achieved by the first internal heater 411 and the second temperature achieved by the second internal heater 412 may be the same or different from each other. The first temperature and the second temperature may also be different from each other depending on the type of medium contained in the aerosol product.
[0067] 4K-4M show an example in which the internal heater 410 and the external heater 420 are separated so that different portions of the aerosol product can be heated to different temperatures.
[0068] Referring to Fig. 4N, an example in which the aerosol generating device includes a plurality of heating units 411, 412, 421, and 422 is illustrated. Fig. 4N illustrates two internal heaters 411 and 412 and two external heaters 421 and 422, but the number of heaters is not limited to that illustrated in Fig. 4N. Also, Fig. 4N illustrates that the internal heaters 411 and 412 and the external heaters 421 and 422 are heated as a whole, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the internal heaters 410, 411, and 412 or the external heaters 420, 421, and 422 illustrated in Figs. 4A to 4N are heated as a whole or in part.
[0069] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating examples of coupling relationships between an aerosol generating device and an aerosol product.
[0070] The external heaters 520, 540, 561, and 562 shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C may be any one of the external heaters 420, 421, and 422 shown in FIGS. 4A to 4N.
[0071] 5A, at least a portion of the aerosol product 510 is also covered with a packaging material (hereinafter, referred to as a "thermally conductive wrapper") 530 containing a thermally conductive material. Here, the thermally conductive wrapper 530 is also the thermal conductor illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 2G. An external heater 520 is also disposed near at least a portion of the thermally conductive wrapper 530. In this case, the thermally conductive material is also a paramagnetic material (e.g., aluminum, platinum, ruthenium, etc.) that does not act as a susceptor.
[0072] As an example, the external heater 520 may be an induction heater. When the external heater 520 is an induction heater, the thermally conductive wrapper 530 of the aerosol product 510 may play a role in conducting heat generated by the susceptor. This is because a portion 511 of the aerosol product 510 that is directly heated by the external heater 520 maintains a high temperature state, and the other portion 512 is thermally conducted via the thermally conductive wrapper 530.
[0073] As another example, the external heater 520 may be an electric resistance heater. When the external heater 520 is an electric resistance heater, the portion 511 directly heated by the heater 520 is shorter than the entire length of the thermally conductive wrapper 530. Through this, a portion 511 of the aerosol product 510 can maintain a high temperature, and another portion 512 can maintain a relatively low temperature.
[0074] 5B, at least a portion of the aerosol product 510 is also surrounded by a thermally conductive wrapper 550, which is also the thermal conductor depicted in FIGS. 1A-2G. A heater 540 may be disposed on the exterior or interior of the portion surrounded by the thermally conductive wrapper 550. For example, the thermally conductive wrapper 550 may include a paramagnetic material (e.g., aluminum, platinum, ruthenium, etc.) that does not act as a susceptor.
[0075] For example, the power density or heat capacity of the A and B regions of the heater 540 may be different from each other. As an example, the A and B regions of the heater 540 may be made to have different heat capacities by making differences in the pattern, shape, density, etc. of the heating electrodes (e.g., electrically conductive tracks). As another example, if the heater 540 is an induction heater, the A and B regions of the heater 540 may be made to have different heat capacities by making differences in the pattern, shape, density, etc. of the coils or susceptors of the A and B regions.
[0076] 5C, at least a portion of the aerosol product 510 is also surrounded by a thermally conductive wrapper 570, which is also the thermal conductor illustrated in FIGS. 1A-2G. A plurality of heaters 561, 562 may be disposed on the exterior or interior of the portion surrounded by the thermally conductive wrapper 570. For example, the thermally conductive wrapper 570 may include a paramagnetic material (e.g., aluminum, platinum, ruthenium, etc.) that does not act as a susceptor.
[0077] As an example, the heaters 561, 562 may be induction heaters or may be formed of one or more coils. As another example, the heaters 561, 562 may be electrical resistive heaters.
[0078] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device.
[0079] 6, an aerosol generating device 610 includes an identification sensor 611 and a control unit 612. Components related to the present embodiment are illustrated in the aerosol generating device 610 illustrated in FIG 6. Therefore, it would be understood by a person skilled in the art of the present embodiment that other components may be further included in the aerosol generating device 610 in addition to the components illustrated in FIG 6.
[0080] The control unit 612 can automatically identify the aerosol product 620 inserted into the aerosol generating device 610. The control unit 612 can also automatically activate the aerosol generating device 610 and / or select an optimal temperature profile based on the identification result.
[0081] As an example, the identification sensor 611 is a sensor that generates a magnetic field signal of a certain frequency and reads the frequency signal of the magnetic field reflected back from the aerosol product 620. As another example, the identification sensor 611 is a sensor that distinguishes the external color of the aerosol product 620 or a band-like shape formed on the aerosol product 620. As yet another example, the identification sensor 611 is configured to sense the reflection, refractive index, or transmittance of light. As yet another example, the identification sensor 611 is an optical sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like.
[0082] The control unit 612 generally controls the operation of the aerosol generation device 610. Specifically, the processor 612 controls the operation of not only the identification sensor 611 and the heater but also other components included in the aerosol generation device 610. The processor 612 can also check the state of each component of the aerosol generation device 610 and determine whether the aerosol generation device 610 is in an operable state.
[0083] The control unit 612 is also at least one processor. Here, the processor may be realized by an array of a number of logic gates, or may be realized by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the control unit 612 may also be realized by other types of hardware.
[0084] 7A to 7C are diagrams illustrating examples in which an identification structure is included in an aerosol product.
[0085] Referring to Figures 7A to 7C, the distinguishing features in each segment of the aerosol product may include the same material or different materials. For example, referring to Figure 7C, the distinguishing features in the aerosol product may have the same material or the same color, but the thickness, area, shape, etc. of the material may be different. Alternatively, referring to Figures 7A or 7B, the distinguishing features in each segment of the aerosol product may have different materials or different colors. The arrangement order of the distinguishing features is not limited to the specific example.
[0086] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another example of the aerosol generating device.
[0087] 8, an aerosol generating device 800 includes a heater 810, a temperature and humidity sensor 820, and a controller 830. The aerosol generating device 800 shown in FIG 8 includes components related to the present embodiment. Therefore, it would be understood by a person skilled in the art that the aerosol generating device 800 may further include other components in addition to the components shown in FIG 8.
[0088] The heater 810 shown in FIG. 8 may be at least one of the internal heaters 410, 411, and 412 and the external heaters 420, 421, and 422 shown in FIGS. 4A to 4N.
[0089] 8, the aerosol generating device 800 recognizes the external environment, selects an optimal temperature profile accordingly, and operates the heater 810. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 800 can provide the user with vapor that is most suited to the user's taste.
[0090] In order to adjust the quality of the aerosol (e.g., flavor, atomization amount, etc.), the aerosol generating device 800 can be operated according to a preset temperature heating condition (i.e., temperature profile). In general, the temperature profile has one fixed pattern and is uniformly and identically applied in order to prevent sensory differences in the aerosol caused by deviations between the aerosol generating devices 800, deviations between the aerosol product products 850, etc.
[0091] 8, a temperature and humidity sensor 820 is disposed inside the aerosol generating device 800, and temperature or humidity information of a current location where the aerosol generating device 800 is located can be obtained. As a result, the aerosol generating device 800 can apply various temperature profiles for heating the aerosol product 850. For example, the temperature profile A can be optimized for a hot and humid region, the temperature profile B can be optimized for a cold and dry region, and the temperature profile C can be optimized for a region with flat temperature and humidity. The aerosol generating device 800 can recognize the external environment of the aerosol generating device 800 through the temperature and humidity sensor 820, and select the most appropriate temperature profile from A, B, and C based on the recognition result.
[0092] For example, the aerosol generating device 800 may select a temperature profile using the sensing value of the temperature and humidity sensor 820, or may select a temperature profile using weather information received from the external device 860.
[0093] In addition, the aerosol generating device 800 can convert to another temperature profile by considering the air pressure, temperature, humidity, etc. of the current location. For example, the aerosol generating device 800 can confirm the location information of the user and accurately recognize the weather information of the user's location based on the location information. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 800 can convert to another temperature profile based on the recognized weather information.
[0094] For example, the aerosol generating device 800 may select one of a plurality of temperature profiles based on the temperature and / or humidity sensed by the temperature and humidity sensor 820.
[0095] [Table 1]
[0096] Table 1 is a table for explaining a process in which the control unit 830 determines a temperature profile related to the heater 810. Referring to Table 1, the memory of the aerosol generating device 800 may store a criterion for distinguishing between high temperature, normal temperature, and low temperature, and a criterion for distinguishing between high humidity, normal humidity, and low humidity. For example, the control unit 830 may further subdivide the temperature and humidity, and in this embodiment, the number of temperature profiles generated by the combination of temperature and humidity is more than nine. The control unit 830 may check the detection result from the temperature and humidity sensor 820 and determine a criterion that is closest to the external temperature and / or humidity of the aerosol generating device 800. Thus, the control unit 830 may select an appropriate temperature profile from a plurality of pre-stored temperature profiles. In Table 1, the pre-stored temperature profiles are mapped to combinations of temperature and humidity for convenience of explanation, but are not limited thereto. In other words, the pre-stored temperature profile is mapped only to the external temperature and only to the external humidity.
[0097] Meanwhile, the control unit 830 can finely adjust the preset temperature profile based on the temperature and / or humidity sensed by the temperature and humidity sensor 820 .
[0098] [Table 2]
[0099] Table 2 shows an example of a plurality of fine adjustment units outputted from the aerosol generating device 800. Specifically, Table 2 shows nine types of fine adjustment unit groups. For example, the control unit 830 may select one of the stored temperature profiles as shown in Table 1 according to the external temperature sensed by the temperature and humidity sensor 820. The control unit 830 may then fine-tune the temperature profile selected according to Table 2 based on the external humidity sensed by the temperature and humidity sensor 820. In addition, the user may adjust or select a temperature profile via the aerosol generating device 800.
[0100] In addition, the aerosol generating device 800 may record smoking history and temperature profile information selected at each location, and may form a certain data collection (e.g., big data). As a result, the aerosol generating device 800 may obtain optimal temperature profile information applied to the aerosol product 850 in various situations, and may perform learning based on the obtained information. Therefore, when a user moves to a new area or is unable to obtain the latest weather information in the user's area, an optimized temperature profile may be selected or the temperature profile may be adjusted based on the data stored in the aerosol generating device 800 and the sensing result of the temperature and humidity sensor 820 of the aerosol generating device 800.
[0101] The aerosol generating device 800 also includes a plurality of temperature sensors, and the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors can be used to check whether the aerosol generating device 800 is overheating.
[0102] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating another example of the aerosol generating device.
[0103] 9, the aerosol generating device 900 may further include a heater 910, a battery 920, a PCM (protection circuit module) 925, a first thermistor 930, a second thermistor 940, a temperature sensor 960, and a temperature and humidity sensor 970. Meanwhile, only certain components related to the present embodiment are shown in the aerosol generating device 900 shown in FIG 9. Therefore, it would be understood by a person skilled in the art of the present embodiment that other components may be further included in the aerosol generating device 900 in addition to the components shown in FIG 9.
[0104] Meanwhile, in this specification, it is assumed that the heater 910 is disposed above the battery 920, and a long portion of the PCB (printed circuit board) 950 is disposed opposite the front surface of the battery 920. However, the positional relationship of the components may differ depending on the embodiment.
[0105] 9 may be at least one of the internal heaters 410, 411, and 412 and the external heaters 420, 421, and 422 shown in FIGS. 4A to 4N. Also, the PCB 950 shown in FIG. 9 may be the controller 830 shown in FIG.
[0106] The battery 920 can supply power to the heater 910 and is disposed such that its upper surface faces the lower surface of the heater 910. Although not shown in Fig. 9, the battery 920 and the heater 910 can be electrically connected to each other. The battery 920 can be connected to the heater 910 via the PCB 950 and can also be directly connected to the heater 910.
[0107] The PCM 925 is also disposed adjacent to an upper surface of the battery 920. The PCM 925 is a circuit for protecting the battery 920, and can prevent overcharging and over-discharging of the battery 920. In addition, the PCM 925 prevents overcurrent from flowing to the battery 920, and can cut off the electric path if a circuit connected to the battery 920 is short-circuited.
[0108] The first thermistor 930 is a resistor whose resistance changes sensitively with temperature change and is also used for sensing temperature. The first thermistor 930 is also electrically connected to the PCM 925 disposed on the upper surface of the battery 920, and information measured using the first thermistor 930 is also transmitted to the PCB 950 via the PCM 925 circuit.
[0109] Meanwhile, the first thermistor 930 is also disposed adjacent to the front or rear surface of the battery 920. For example, the first thermistor 930 is also disposed adjacent to the rear surface of the battery 920 as shown in FIG. 9. The first thermistor 930 is also disposed adjacent to the center of the front or rear surface of the battery 920. The center of the front or rear surface of the battery 920 corresponds to the part of the battery 920 having the highest temperature, which corresponds to the part that most affects the damage or explosion of the battery 920. The aerosol generating device 900 can measure the temperature of the part that most affects the damage or explosion of the battery 920 by using the first thermistor 930, and based on the measured temperature, it can be determined whether the aerosol generating device 900 is in an overheated state.
[0110] The second thermistor 940 is also disposed between the heater 910 and the battery 920. The portion between the heater 910 and the battery 920 corresponds to the hottest portion in the aerosol generating device 900, and is suitable for determining an overall overheating state of the aerosol generating device 900. Meanwhile, at least a portion of the PCB 950 is extended to cross between the heater 910 and the battery 920, and the second thermistor 940 is also disposed adjacent to the at least a portion of the PCB 950 extended to cross between the heater 910 and the battery 920.
[0111] The PCB 950 may determine whether the aerosol generating device 900 is in an overheated state based on the temperatures measured by the first thermistor 930 and the second thermistor 940. If it is determined that the aerosol generating device 900 is in an overheated state, the PCB 950 may wait until the overheated state is relieved and then automatically perform a heating operation using the heater 910.
[0112] The temperature sensor 960 is disposed adjacent to the heater 910 and can directly or indirectly measure the temperature of the heater 910. The heater 910 is the part that has the greatest effect on the cigarette inserted in the aerosol generating device 900, and the characteristics of the aerosol generated from the cigarette may change depending on the temperature of the heater 910. The aerosol generating device 900 according to the present embodiment can determine whether the aerosol generating device 900 is in an overheated state based on the temperature of the heater 910 measured using the temperature sensor 960. Therefore, if the hardware components inside the aerosol generating device 900 are expected not to be damaged even if further heating is performed, but the additional heating operation is expected to have an undesirable effect on the characteristics of the aerosol generated from the cigarette, it can be determined that the aerosol generating device 900 is in an overheated state.
[0113] The temperature and humidity sensor 970 is disposed near the bottom surface of the battery 920 and can measure temperature or humidity. The vicinity of the bottom surface of the battery 920 is the part least affected by the heater 910 and can have a temperature similar to that of the external housing constituting the exterior of the aerosol generating device 900. The aerosol generating device 900 according to the present embodiment can determine whether the aerosol generating device 900 is in an overheated state based on the temperature near the bottom surface of the battery 920 measured using the temperature and humidity sensor 970. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 900 can determine that a state in which the external temperature of the aerosol generating device 900 is excessively high is an overheated state.
[0114] The PCB 950 can determine whether the aerosol generating device 900 is in an overheated state based on temperatures measured from at least two or more of the first thermistor 930, the second thermistor 940, the temperature sensor 960, and the temperature and humidity sensor 970. In this manner, the aerosol generating device 900 according to the present embodiment can determine an overheated state by comprehensively considering the possibility of damage to hardware components inside the aerosol generating device 900, the characteristics of the aerosol generated from the cigarette, the possibility of a safety problem occurring due to the external temperature, etc., and thus the aerosol generating device 900 can be maintained in an optimal state.
[0115] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 900 is also connected to an external device via a wireless communication method, and the aerosol generating device 900 is also controlled via an application installed in the external device.
[0116] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the aerosol generating device is connected to an external device.
[0117] The aerosol generating device 1010 of FIG. 10 is also the device 810, 820, 900 described with reference to FIGS. 8A to 9.
[0118] The external device 1020 may be, but is not limited to, a smartphone, a tablet PC, a PC, a smart TV, a mobile phone, a PDA (personal digital assistant), a laptop, a media player, a microserver, a GPS (global positioning system) device, an e-book reader, a digital broadcasting terminal, a navigation system, a kiosk, an MP3 player, a digital camera, a home appliance, and other mobile or non-mobile computing devices. The external device 1020 may also be a wearable device such as a watch, glasses, a hair band, or a ring that has a communication function and a data processing function. However, the external device 1020 may include all kinds of devices that can communicate with the aerosol generating device 1010, without being limited thereto.
[0119] The aerosol generating device 1010 and the external device 1020 may be communicatively coupled.
[0120] As an example, the aerosol generating device 1010 and the external device 1020 are also communicatively connected via a network. In this case, the network may include a local area network (LAN: loVAN: value added network), a mobile radio communication network, a satellite communication network, and combinations thereof, and is a comprehensive data communication network that enables the aerosol generating device 1010 and the external device 1020 to smoothly communicate with each other, and may include the wireless Internet and a mobile wireless communication network.
[0121] For example, the wireless communication may include, but is not limited to, wireless LAN (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark) low energy, ZigBee, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct), UWB (ultra-wideband), infrared communication (IrDA: infrared Data Association), and NFC (near field communication).
[0122] As another example, the aerosol generating device 1010 and the external device 1020 may be communicatively connected via a wire. The wired communication may include, for example, a universal serial bus (USB), a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a recommended standard 232 (RS-232), or a plain old telephone service (POTS).
[0123] When the aerosol generating device 1010 and the external device 1020 are connected, a user can control the aerosol generating device 1010 through an application 1030 installed in the external device 1020. For example, the user can turn on / off the power of the aerosol generating device 1010 and determine the temperature profile of the heater through the application 1030. The user can also update the software of the aerosol generating device 1010 through the application 1030.
[0124] A user can check information related to the aerosol generating device 1010 through the application 1030. For example, the user can check the status of components (e.g., battery, heater, etc.) included in the aerosol generating device 1010 through the application 1030. In addition, the user can check environmental information (e.g., temperature, humidity, level of fine dust, etc.) of the area where the aerosol generating device 1010 is located through the application 1030. In addition, the user can check information related to nearby service centers through the application 1030.
[0125] At least one of the components, elements, modules or units (referred to as "components" in this paragraph) represented by blocks in the drawings, such as the controllers in FIG. 6 and FIG. 8, may be embodied as various numbers of hardware, software and / or firmware structures that perform their respective functions according to the exemplary embodiments described above. For example, at least one of the components may use a direct circuit structure that can perform its respective functions through the control of one or more microprocessors, such as a memory, a processor, a logic circuit, a look-up table, or other control device. At least one of the components may also be embodied as a module, a part of a program or code, which includes one or more executable instructions for performing a particular logical function and is executed by one or more microprocessors or other control devices. At least one of the components may also include or be embodied by a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, that performs its respective function. Two or more of the components may be combined into one or more single components, and the single component may perform all the operations or functions of the two or more components combined. At least one of the components may also have a part of the function performed by another component. Also, although a bus is not shown in the block diagram, communication between components may also be accomplished via a bus. Functional aspects of the exemplary embodiments described above may also be embodied by algorithms executed on one or more processors. Additionally, components depicted as blocks or processing steps may employ any number of related techniques for electronic configuration, signal processing and / or control, data processing, etc.
[0126] Those skilled in the art in the art to which the present invention relates will understand that the present invention may be embodied in modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the above description. Therefore, the disclosed method should be considered from an explanatory perspective, not a limiting one. The scope of the present invention is defined in the claims, not the above, and all differences within the scope of the claims should be interpreted as being included in the present invention.
Claims
1. In the aerosol product, an aerosol generating unit containing a first aerosol generating substance that does not contain nicotine; a tobacco packing section disposed adjacent to one end of the aerosol generating section and containing a second aerosol forming material including nicotine; a cooling section disposed adjacent to one end of the tobacco filling section and configured to cool the aerosol; A mouthpiece disposed adjacent to one end of the cooling portion; and a plurality of structures for identifying the aerosol product, each of which is arranged in a plurality of segments of the aerosol product along the axial direction of the aerosol product, the plurality of structures for identifying the aerosol product being arranged in each segment such that there is at least one difference in material, hue, thickness, area, and shape along the axial direction of the aerosol product.
2. The aerosol production article according to claim 1 , wherein the aerosol generating portion includes a crimped sheet made of a polymer material, and the first aerosol generating material is impregnated into the crimped sheet.
3. 3. The aerosol product of claim 2, wherein the polymeric material comprises at least one of paper, cellulose acetate, lyocell, and polylactic acid.
4. The aerosol product article of claim 1, wherein the cooling section is made of interleaved paper consisting of an outer paper, a middle paper and an inner paper, and includes a tubular structure containing a single hollow inside.
5. 5. The aerosol product article of claim 4, wherein the inside surface of the cooling section is coated with polylactic acid.
6. 10. The aerosol product of claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece includes at least one capsule containing a flavoring liquid or an aerosol generating substance.
7. 2. The aerosol product of claim 1, wherein the tobacco filling section includes a cooling hole for primary cooling the aerosol prior to secondary cooling by the cooling section.
Citation Information
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