Aerosol generation device

Abstract

To provide an aerosol generation device capable of distinguishing the type of stick inserted into an insertion space, and a system including the same.SOLUTION: An aerosol generation device includes an insertion space, a heater for heating a stick, a stick detection sensor, a display, and a controller. The stick detection sensor includes a first inductance channel and a second inductance channel disposed to correspond to a first region and a second region of the insertion space, respectively. The controller determines the type of the stick on the basis of at least one of a signal corresponding to the first inductance channel and a signal corresponding to the second inductance channel. When the determined type of the stick is the same as a predetermined type, the controller supplies power to the heater, and when the determined type of the stick is different from the predetermined type, the controller outputs a screen corresponding to the determined type of the stick on the display.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol generating devices. [Background technology]

[0002] An aerosol generating device is used to extract a predetermined component from a medium or substance via an aerosol. The medium may contain a variety of components. The components contained in the medium may be flavorings of a variety of components. For example, the components contained in the medium may include nicotine, herbal, and / or coffee components. In recent years, much research has been conducted on such aerosol generating devices. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present disclosure is directed to solving the above-mentioned problems and other problems.

[0004] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device and a system including the same that can distinguish the type of stick inserted into the insertion space.

[0005] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device and a system including the same that can provide the user with information about the type of stick inserted into the insertion space.

[0006] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device and a system including the same that can notify the user that a different type of stick than the one previously used is being inserted.

[0007] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device and a system including the same that can determine whether to heat the heater depending on the type of stick inserted into the insertion space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned object, an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a housing having an insertion space, a heater for heating a stick inserted into the insertion space, a stick detection sensor for outputting a signal corresponding to the insertion space, a display, and a controller. The sensor may include a first inductance channel disposed corresponding to a first region of the insertion space and a second inductance channel disposed corresponding to a second region of the insertion space. The controller may determine the type of the stick inserted into the insertion space based on at least one of the signal corresponding to the first inductance channel and the signal corresponding to the second inductance channel. If the determined stick type is the same as a predetermined type, the controller may supply power to the heater. If the determined stick type is different from the predetermined type, the controller may output a screen corresponding to the determined stick type via the display.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a system including an aerosol generating device and a stick, the aerosol generating device including a housing having an insertion space, a heater for heating the stick inserted into the insertion space, a stick detecting sensor for outputting a signal corresponding to the insertion space, a display, and a control unit. , and the stick detection sensor may include a first inductance channel disposed corresponding to a first region of the insertion space and a second inductance channel disposed corresponding to a second region of the insertion space. The controller may determine the type of the stick inserted into the insertion space based on at least one of a signal corresponding to the first inductance channel and a signal corresponding to the second inductance channel. If the determined stick type is the same as a predetermined type, the controller may supply power to the heater. If the determined stick type is different from the predetermined type, the controller may output a screen corresponding to the determined stick type via the display. The stick includes a wrapper surrounding an aerosol-generating material, and the wrapper may include a first partial wrapper formed to have a first thickness corresponding to the first region and a second partial wrapper formed to have a second thickness corresponding to the second region. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to distinguish the type of stick inserted into the insertion space.

[0011] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide the user with information about the type of stick inserted into the insertion space.

[0012] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the user can be notified that a different type of stick than the one previously used is being inserted.

[0013] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to determine whether to heat the heater depending on the type of stick inserted into the insertion space.

[0014] Further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of example only.

[0015] The above and other objects, features and characteristics of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 illustrates a stick according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates a stick according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of multiple inductance channels according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 10 is a graph showing a change in frequency of a current due to insertion of a stick according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a stick type according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13]1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar components are given the same reference numerals even if they are shown in different drawings, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0018] The suffixes "module" and "section" for components used in the following description are used solely for the convenience of explanation of the specification. "Module" and "section" do not have different meanings or roles from each other.

[0019] Furthermore, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed herein, detailed descriptions of related known technologies may be omitted if they may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein. The accompanying drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and do not limit the technical ideas disclosed herein. Therefore, the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as including all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc. may be used to describe various components, but it should be understood that the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0021] When a component is said to be "connected" to another component, it will be understood that there may be other components in between, whereas when a component is said to be "directly connected" to another component, it will be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0022] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1 , the aerosol generating device 10 may include a communication interface 11 , an input / output interface 12 , an aerosol generating module 13 , a memory 14 , a sensor module 15 , a battery 16 , and / or a control unit 17 .

[0025] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may be composed of only a main body. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be located in the main body. In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may be composed of a cartridge that stores the aerosol generating material and the main body. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge.

[0026] The communication interface 11 may include at least one communication module for communication with an external device and / or a network. For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wired communication such as a universal serial bus (USB). For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wireless fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like. The device may include a communication module for wireless communication such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, or near field communication (NFC).

[0027] The input / output interface 12 may include an input interface that receives commands from a user and / or an output interface that outputs information to a user. For example, the input interface may include a touch panel, physical buttons, a microphone, etc. For example, the output interface may include a display device that outputs visual information such as a display or a light emitting diode (LED), an audio device that outputs auditory information such as a speaker or a buzzer, a motor that outputs tactile information such as a haptic effect, etc.

[0028] The input / output interface 12 can transmit data corresponding to commands input by a user via the input interface to other components (etc.) of the aerosol generating device 10. The input / output interface 12 can output information corresponding to data received from other components (etc.) of the aerosol generating device 10 via the output interface.

[0029] The aerosol-generating module 13 can generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. Here, the aerosol-generating material can be any one or a combination of two or more substances in various states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, or a gel state, that can generate an aerosol.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the liquid aerosol-forming material may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance, including a volatile tobacco flavor component. According to another embodiment, the liquid aerosol-forming material may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. For example, the liquid aerosol-forming material may include water, solvent, nicotine, plant extracts, flavorings, flavoring agents, vitamin mixtures, etc.

[0031] The solid-state aerosol-forming material may include a solid material based on tobacco raw materials, such as reconstituted tobacco sheets, shredded tobacco, or granulated tobacco. The solid-state aerosol-forming material may also include a solid material containing a taste modifier, a flavoring, or the like. For example, the taste modifier may include calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium oxide, or the like. For example, the flavoring may include natural substances such as herb granules, or silica, zeolite, dextrin, or the like containing flavoring ingredients.

[0032] The aerosol generating material may further include an aerosol forming agent such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

[0033] The aerosol generation module 13 can include at least one heater.

[0034] The aerosol generation module 13 may include an electrical resistive heater. For example, the electrical resistive heater may include at least one electrically conductive track and may be heated by passing an electric current through the electrically conductive track. The heated electrical resistive heater may then heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0035] The electrically conductive tracks may comprise an electrically resistive material. As an example, the electrically conductive tracks may be made of a metal material. As another example, the electrically conductive tracks may be made of a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite of a ceramic material and a metal. .

[0036] The electric resistance heater may include an electrically conductive track formed in a variety of shapes, for example, the electrically conductive track may be formed in any one of a tube shape, a plate shape, a needle shape, a rod shape, and a coil shape.

[0037] The aerosol generation module 13 may include a heater that uses induction heating. For example, an induction heater may include an electrically conductive coil, and an alternating magnetic field whose direction periodically changes may be generated by adjusting the current flowing through the electrically conductive coil. When an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic material, energy loss due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss may occur in the magnetic material. The lost energy may be released as thermal energy, heating the aerosol-generating material adjacent to the magnetic material. Here, the object that generates heat due to the magnetic field may be referred to as a susceptor.

[0038] On the other hand, the aerosol generation module 13 can also generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substance by generating ultrasonic vibrations.

[0039] The aerosol generating module 13 may be referred to as a cartomizer, an atomizer, a vaporizer, or the like.

[0040] The memory 14 can store programs for various signal processing and control within the control unit 17, and can store data processed by the control unit 17 and data to be processed.

[0041] For example, memory 14 may store application programs designed to perform various tasks that can be processed by control unit 17, and may selectively provide some of the stored application programs upon request of control unit 17.

[0042] For example, the memory 14 may store the operating time of the aerosol generating device 10, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, the number of times the battery 16 has been charged, the number of times the battery 16 has been discharged, at least one temperature profile, data on the user's inhalation pattern, data on charging and discharging, etc. Here, a puff may refer to the user's inhalation, and inhalation may be a situation in which the user inhales through the mouth or nose into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs.

[0043] The memory 14 may include at least one of volatile memory (e.g., DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.), non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), etc.).

[0044] The sensor module 15 can include at least one sensor.

[0045] For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for detecting a puff (hereinafter referred to as a puff sensor). Here, the puff sensor may be implemented by a proximity sensor such as an IR sensor, a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or the like.

[0046] For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for detecting a puff (hereinafter referred to as a puff sensor). Here, the puff sensor may include a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, etc. , an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, etc.

[0047] For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a temperature sensor) that detects the temperature of the heater included in the aerosol generation module 13, the temperature of the aerosol-generating material, etc. Here, the heater included in the aerosol generation module 13 may also function as a temperature sensor. For example, the electrically resistive material of the heater may be a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance. The sensor module 15 may sense the temperature of the heater by measuring the resistance of the heater, which changes depending on the temperature.

[0048] For example, if a stick can be inserted into the main body of the aerosol generation device 10, the sensor module 15 can include a sensor that detects the insertion of the stick (hereinafter referred to as a stick detection sensor).

[0049] For example, if the aerosol generation device 10 includes a cartridge, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a cartridge detection sensor) that detects the attachment / detachment, position, etc. of the cartridge relative to the main body.

[0050] Here, the stick detection sensor and / or cartridge detection sensor may be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance-type sensor, a resistance sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC) using the hall effect, or the like.

[0051] For example, the sensor module 15 may include a voltage sensor that detects the voltage applied to a component (e.g., the battery 16) provided in the aerosol generating device 10 and / or a current sensor that detects the current.

[0052] The battery 16 can supply power used for the operation of the aerosol generation device 10 under the control of the control unit 17. The battery 16 can supply power to other components provided in the aerosol generation device 10. For example, the battery 16 can supply power to a communication module included in the communication interface 11, an output device included in the input / output interface 12, a heater included in the aerosol generation module 13, etc.

[0053] The battery 16 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 16 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium-ion battery or a lithium polymer (Li-Polymer) battery. For example, if the battery 16 is rechargeable, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 16 may be, but is not limited to, 10C and the discharge rate (C-rate) of the battery 16 may be, but is not limited to, 10C to 20C. For stable use, the battery 16 may be manufactured to maintain 80% or more of its total capacity even after 2000 charge / discharge cycles.

[0054] The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a protection circuit module (PCM), which is a circuit for protecting the battery 16. The protection circuit module (PCM) may be disposed adjacent to the upper surface of the battery 16. For example, to prevent overcharging and over-discharging of the battery 16, the protection circuit module (PCM) may cut off the electrical path to the battery 16 when a short circuit occurs in a circuit connected to the battery 16, when an overvoltage is applied to the battery 16, when an overcurrent flows through the battery 16, or the like.

[0055] The aerosol generating device 10 further includes a charging terminal to which power supplied from an external source is input. For example, a charging terminal may be formed on one side of the body of the aerosol generating device 10, and the aerosol generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using power supplied through the charging terminal. Here, the charging terminal may be a wired terminal for USB communication, a pogo pin, or the like.

[0056] The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a power terminal (not shown) to which externally supplied power is input. For example, a power line may be connected to the power terminal disposed on one side of the body of the aerosol generating device 100. The aerosol generating device 10 may charge a battery using power supplied through the power line connected to the power terminal. Here, the power terminal may be a wired terminal for USB communication.

[0057] The aerosol generation device 10 can also wirelessly receive power supplied from an external source via the communication interface 11. For example, the aerosol generation device 10 can receive power wirelessly using an antenna included in a communication module for wireless communication, and can charge the battery 16 using the wirelessly supplied power.

[0058] The control unit 17 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generation device 10. The control unit 17 is connected to each component provided in the aerosol generation device 10, and can transmit and / or receive signals between each component to control the overall operation of each component.

[0059] The control unit 17 may include at least one processor and may use the processor to control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10. Here, the processor may be a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). Of course, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an ASIC or a processor based on other hardware.

[0060] The control unit 17 can perform any one of the multiple functions of the aerosol generation device 10. For example, the control unit 17 can execute any one of the multiple functions of the aerosol generation device 10 (e.g., preheating function, heating function, charging function, cleaning function, etc.) depending on the state of each component provided in the aerosol generation device 10, a user command received via the input / output interface 12, etc.

[0061] The control unit 17 can control the operation of each component included in the aerosol generation device 10 based on the data stored in the memory 14. For example, the control unit 17 can control the battery 16 to supply a predetermined amount of power to the aerosol generation module 13 for a predetermined period of time based on data about the temperature profile, the user's inhalation pattern, etc. stored in the memory 14.

[0062] The control unit 17 can determine whether a puff has occurred through the puff sensor included in the sensor module 15. For example, the control unit 17 can check changes in temperature, flow rate, pressure, voltage, etc. within the aerosol generating device 10 based on the sensing value of the puff sensor, and can determine whether a puff has occurred based on the confirmed results based on the sensing value of the puff sensor.

[0063] The control unit 17 can control the operation of each component included in the aerosol generating device 10 depending on whether or not a puff is performed and / or the number of puffs. For example, the control unit 17 can control the heater temperature to be changed or maintained based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 14.

[0064] The control unit 17 controls the heater so as to cut off the power supply under predetermined conditions. For example, the control unit 17 can control the heater to cut off power supply when the stick is removed and the cartridge is separated, when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs, when no puffs are detected for a preset time, or when the remaining charge of the battery 16 is less than a predetermined value.

[0065] The control unit 17 may calculate the remaining amount of power (hereinafter referred to as the remaining amount) stored in the battery 16. For example, the control unit 17 may calculate the remaining amount of the battery 16 based on the sensing values ​​of the voltage sensor and / or the current sensor included in the sensor module 15.

[0066] The control unit 17 can control the supply of power to the heater using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0067] For example, the control unit 17 may use a PWM method to control the supply of a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to the heater, where the control unit 17 may control the power supplied to the heater by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

[0068] For example, the control unit 17 can determine a target temperature based on the temperature profile. Here, the control unit 17 can control the power supplied to the heater using a PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference between the heater temperature and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference over time.

[0069] Meanwhile, although the PWM method and the PID method have been described as examples of control methods for supplying power to the heater, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various control methods such as a Proportional-Integral (PI) method and a Proportional-Differential (PD) method can be used.

[0070] Meanwhile, the control unit 17 may control the heater to supply power under preset conditions. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning a space where the stick is inserted is selected according to a command input by the user via the input / output interface 12, the control unit 17 may control the heater to supply a predetermined amount of power.

[0071] 2 to 4 are diagrams illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol generating device 10 can include a body 100 and / or a cartridge 200 .

[0073] Referring to FIG. 2, an aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment may include a main body 100 configured to allow the stick 20 to be inserted into a space formed by a housing 101.

[0074] The stick 20 may be similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, the stick 20 may be divided into a first portion containing an aerosol-generating substance and a second portion containing a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the stick 20 may also contain an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance formed in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

[0075] The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generation device 10, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generation device 10, or both the first part and the second part may be inserted. A user can inhale the aerosol by holding the second part in their mouth. Here, the aerosol is generated by external air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to the user's mouth by passing through the second part.

[0076] The main body 100 may be formed to have a structure that allows external air to flow into the main body 100 when the stick 20 is inserted. Here, the external air that has flowed into the main body 100 may pass through the stick 20 and flow into the user's mouth.

[0077] The heater may be positioned within the body 100 at a location that corresponds to the location of the stick 20 when the stick 20 is inserted into the body 100. In this drawing, the heater is shown as an electrically conductive heater 110 that includes needle-like electrically conductive tracks, although the invention is not limited in this respect.

[0078] The heater can heat the inside and / or outside of the stick 20 using power supplied from the battery 16. An aerosol can be generated in the heated stick 20. A user can inhale the tobacco-flavored aerosol by inhaling through one end of the stick 20 with their mouth.

[0079] Meanwhile, the control unit 17 may control the heater to supply power under preset conditions even when the stick 20 is not inserted. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning the space into which the stick 20 is inserted is selected according to a command input by the user via the input / output interface 12, the control unit 17 may control the heater to supply a predetermined amount of power.

[0080] The control unit 17 can monitor the number of puffs based on the sensing value of the puff sensor from the time the stick 20 is inserted.

[0081] When the inserted stick 20 is removed, the control unit 17 can initialize the current number of puffs stored in the memory 14.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 3, an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment can include a body 100 that supports a cartridge 200, and the cartridge 200 that stores an aerosol generating substance.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the cartridge 200 may be configured to be detachable from the main body 100. According to another embodiment, the cartridge 200 may be configured integrally with the main body 100. For example, the cartridge 200 may be attached to the main body 100 by inserting at least a portion of the cartridge 200 into an internal space formed by the housing 101 of the main body 100.

[0084] The main body 100 may be formed in a structure that allows external air to flow into the main body 100 when the cartridge 200 is inserted. Here, the external air that has flowed into the main body 100 may flow to the user's mouth through the cartridge 200.

[0085] The control unit 17 can determine whether the cartridge 200 is attached or detached by using a cartridge sensor included in the sensor module 15. For example, The sensor may transmit a pulse current through one terminal connected to the cartridge 200. Here, the cartridge detection sensor may detect whether the cartridge 200 is connected based on whether the pulse current is received through the other terminal.

[0086] The cartridge 200 may include a heater 210 for heating an aerosol-generating substance and / or a reservoir 220 for storing the aerosol-generating substance. For example, a liquid transfer means impregnated (containing) the aerosol-generating substance may be disposed inside the reservoir 220. The electrically conductive track of the heater 210 may be formed in a structure that wraps around the liquid transfer means. Here, the liquid transfer means may be heated by the heater 210 to generate an aerosol. Here, the liquid transfer means may include a wick made of cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0087] The cartridge 200 may include an insertion space 230 configured to allow the insertion of the stick 20. For example, the cartridge 200 may include an insertion space formed by an inner wall (not shown) extending circumferentially along the direction in which the stick 20 is inserted. Here, the insertion space may be formed by opening the inside of the inner wall upward and downward. The stick 20 may be inserted into the insertion space 230 formed by the inner wall.

[0088] The insertion space into which the stick 20 is inserted may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of a portion of the stick 20 to be inserted into the insertion space. For example, if the stick 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the insertion space may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0089] When the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space, the outer circumferential surface of the stick 20 is surrounded by the inner wall and can come into contact with the inner wall.

[0090] A part of the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 230 of the cartridge 200, and the remaining part can be exposed to the outside.

[0091] A user can inhale the aerosol while holding one end of the stick 20 in their mouth. The aerosol generated by the heater 210 can be delivered to the user's mouth through the stick 20. As the aerosol passes through the stick 20, the substance contained in the stick 20 is added to the aerosol, and the aerosol with the added substance can be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick 20.

[0092] 4, an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment may include a main body 100 supporting a cartridge 200, and the cartridge 200 storing an aerosol-generating substance. The main body 100 may be configured so that the stick 20 can be inserted into an insertion space 130.

[0093] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a first heater that heats the aerosol-generating material stored in the cartridge 200. For example, when a user inhales through one end of the stick 20 into the mouth, the aerosol generated by the first heater can pass through the stick 20. Here, a flavor can be added to the aerosol as it passes through the stick 20. The flavored aerosol can be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick 20.

[0094] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a first heater for heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200 and a second heater for heating the stick 20 inserted into the body 100. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a first heater for heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200 and a second heater for heating the stick 20 inserted into the body 100. The aerosol can also be generated by heating the aerosol-forming material and the stick 20, respectively.

[0095] 5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating a stick according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] 5, a stick 20 according to one embodiment can include a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first portion described above with reference to FIG. 2 can include the tobacco rod 21. The second portion described above with reference to FIG. 2 can include the filter rod 22.

[0097] Although the filter rod 22 is shown in Figure 5 as a single segment, this is not limiting. In other words, the filter rod 22 may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a specific component contained in the aerosol. If necessary, the filter rod 22 may also include at least one additional segment that performs another function.

[0098] The stick 20 may have a diameter ranging from 5 mm to 9 mm and a length of approximately 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may have a length of approximately 12 mm, the first segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of approximately 10 mm, the second segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of approximately 14 mm, and the third segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of approximately 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0099] The stick 20 may be wrapped in at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole formed therein, allowing external air to enter or internal gas to escape. As an example, the stick 20 may be wrapped in a single wrapper 24. As another example, the stick 20 may be wrapped in two or more overlapping wrappers 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped in a first wrapper 241. For example, the filter rod 22 may be wrapped in wrappers 242, 243, and 244. The tobacco rod 21 and the filter rod 22 wrapped in individual wrappers may be combined, and the entire stick 20 may be further wrapped in a third wrapper. If each filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, each segment may be wrapped in an individual wrapper 242, 243, and 244. The entire stick 20, including the combined segments wrapped in individual wrappers, may be further wrapped in another wrapper.

[0100] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of a common filter wrapper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be porous or non-porous. The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may also be made of oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum laminate packaging material.

[0101] The third wrapper 243 may be made of hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be in the range of 88 g / m² to 96 g / m². For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be in the range of 90 g / m² to 94 g / m². The thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be 125 μm.

[0102] The fourth wrapper 244 may be made of oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in the range of 88 g / m² to 96 g / m². For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in the range of 90 g / m² to 94 g / m². The thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm. For example, The thickness may be 125 μm.

[0103] The fifth wrapper 245 may be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) may be paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in the range of 57 g / m² to 63 g / m². For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 60 g / m². Furthermore, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 67 μm.

[0104] The fifth wrapper 245 may include a predetermined material. An example of the predetermined material may be, but is not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon may have properties such as heat resistance (i.e., small changes due to temperature), oxidation resistance (i.e., no oxidation), resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any material other than silicon that has the above-mentioned properties may be applied or coated onto the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

[0105] The fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the stick 20 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 210, the stick 20 may burn. Specifically, if the temperature of the tobacco rod 21 rises above the flash point of any one of the materials contained in the tobacco rod 21, the stick 20 may burn. Even in such a case, the fifth wrapper 245 contains a non-flammable material, so the stick 20 can be prevented from burning.

[0106] In addition, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the main body 100 from being contaminated by the substance produced in the stick 20. A liquid substance can be produced in the stick 20 when the user puffs. For example, a liquid substance (e.g., water) can be produced when the aerosol produced in the stick 20 is cooled by external air. The fifth wrapper 245 wraps the stick 20, thereby preventing the liquid substance produced in the stick 20 from leaking out of the stick 20.

[0107] The tobacco rod 21 may contain an aerosol-forming substance. For example, the aerosol-forming substance may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco rod 21 may also contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. A flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it onto the tobacco rod 21.

[0108] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in a variety of ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured from a sheet. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured from a strand. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured from finely chopped tobacco sheets. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material can be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can uniformly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21 and improve thermal conductivity to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the tobacco taste. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 can further include an additional susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the exterior.

[0109] The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. However, the shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a tube-type rod having a hollow interior. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a recess-type rod. When the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0110] The first segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure having a hollow interior. The first segment prevents the inner material of the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed backward when the heater 110 is inserted, and also provides a cooling effect for the aerosol. The diameter of the hollow interior of the first segment may be an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0111] The length of the first segment can be an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the first segment can be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0112] The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 110 heating the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0113] The length or diameter of the second segment can be determined in various ways depending on the shape of the stick 20. For example, the length of the second segment can be appropriately set within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment can be about 14 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0114] The second segment can be made by weaving polymer fibers, in which case a flavor liquid can be applied to the polymer fibers, or by weaving the polymer fibers together with separate fibers that have been coated with a flavor liquid, or by forming the second segment from a crimped polymer sheet.

[0115] For example, the polymer may be made from a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[0116] The second segment may be formed from woven polymer fibers or a crimped polymer sheet, such that the second segment includes one or more longitudinally extending channels, where the channels may be passageways through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) may pass.

[0117] For example, the second segment of the crimped polymer sheet can be formed from a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, e.g., between about 10 μm and about 250 μm, and the total surface area of ​​the second segment can be between about 300 mm / mm and about 1000 mm / mm, and the aerosol cooling element can be formed from a material having a specific surface area between about 10 mm / mg and about 100 mm / mg.

[0118] Meanwhile, the second segment may comprise a thread containing a volatile flavor component, which may be, but is not limited to, menthol. For example, the thread may be loaded with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol in the second segment.

[0119] The third segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be appropriately selected within a range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be approximately 12 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0120] The filter rod 22 may be manufactured to emit a flavor. For example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod 22. For example, a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 22.

[0121] The filter rod 22 may also include at least one capsule 23. The capsule 23 may function to generate a flavor. The capsule 23 may also function to generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enclosed in a coating. The capsule 23 may have, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0122] 6, the stick 30 according to one embodiment may further include a front-end plug 33. The front-end plug 33 is located on one side of the tobacco rod 31, facing the filter rod 32. The front-end plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from detaching to the outside. The front-end plug 33 can prevent aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generation device 100.

[0123] Filter rod 32 can include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. First segment 321 can correspond to the first segment of filter rod 22 of Figure 5. Second segment 322 can correspond to the third segment of filter rod 22 of Figure 5.

[0124] The diameter and overall length of the stick 30 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the stick 20 in Figure 5. For example, but not limited to, the length of the front end plug 33 may be about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 may be about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 may be about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 may be about 14 mm.

[0125] The stick 30 may be wrapped in at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may have at least one hole formed therein through which external air can enter or internal gas can escape. For example, the front end plug 33 may be wrapped in a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 may be wrapped in a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 may be wrapped in a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped in a fourth wrapper 354. The entire stick 30 may then be rewrapped in a fifth wrapper 355.

[0126] In addition, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, but not limited to, the perforation 36 may be formed in the area surrounding the tobacco rod 31. For example, the perforation 36 may serve to transfer heat generated by the heater 210 shown in FIG. 3 to the interior of the tobacco rod 31.

[0127] The second segment 322 may also include at least one capsule 34. The capsule 34 may also function to generate a flavor. The capsule 34 may also function to generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enclosed in a coating. The capsule 34 may have, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0128] The first wrapper 351 may be formed by bonding a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, to a common filter wrapper. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be within a range of 45 μm to 55 μm. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be 50.3 μm. The thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be within a range of 6 μm to 7 μm. For example, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be 6.3 μm. The basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be within a range of 50 g / m2 to 55 g / m2. For example, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be 53 g / m2.

[0129] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be made of a common filter wrapper, for example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be a porous wrapper or a non-porous wrapper.

[0130] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be, but is not limited to, 35,000 CU. The thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be in the range of 70 μm to 80 μm. For example, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be 78 μm. The basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be in the range of 20 g / m to 25 g / m. For example, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be 23.5 g / m.

[0131] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be, but is not limited to, 24,000 CU. The thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be in the range of 60 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be 68 μm. The basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be in the range of 20 g / m2 to 25 g / m2. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be 21 g / m2.

[0132] The fourth wrapper 354 may be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, the PLA laminated paper may be a triple-ply paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and another paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 110 μm. The basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in the range of 80 g / m2 to 100 g / m2. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 88 g / m2.

[0133] The fifth wrapper 355 may be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) may be paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in the range of 57 g / m2 to 63 g / m2. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 60 g / m2. Furthermore, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 67 μm.

[0134] The fifth wrapper 355 may include a predetermined material. An example of the predetermined material may be, but is not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance (i.e., small changes due to temperature), oxidation resistance (i.e., no oxidation), resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any material other than silicon that has the above-mentioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.

[0135] The front end plug 33 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the front end plug 33 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono-denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono-denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. For example, the mono-denier of the filaments of the front end plug 33 may be 5.0. The cross section of the filaments constituting the front end plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the front end plug 33 may be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the front end plug 33 may be in the range of 25,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the front end plug 33 may be 28,000.

[0136] Optionally, the front end plug 33 may also include at least one channel, the cross section of which may be fabricated in a variety of shapes.

[0137] The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to Figure 5. Therefore, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

[0138] The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a hollow, tubular structure. The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate to which a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) is added. For example, the mono-denier and total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the mono-denier and total denier of the front end plug 33.

[0139] The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be 9.0. The cross section of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 may be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the second segment 322 may be 25,000.

[0140] 7 to 10 are diagrams illustrating the configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 7, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an insertion space into which the stick 20 is placed may be formed at the upper end of the housing 101 of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0142] The insertion space may be formed by recessing the housing 101 to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the stick 20 can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of the region of the stick 20 that contains the aerosol-generating substance. For example, if the aerosol-generating device 10 is a device that can use the stick 20 of FIG. 5 , the depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of the tobacco rod 21 of the stick 20.

[0143] A battery 16, a printed circuit board 710, and a heater may be arranged inside the housing 101 of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0144] Each component included in the aerosol generation device 10 may be mounted on one side and / or the other side of the printed circuit board 710. The components mounted on the printed circuit board 710 may transmit or receive signals to each other via the wiring layer of the printed circuit board 710. For example, at least one communication module included in the communication interface 11, at least one sensor included in the sensor module 15, and the control unit 17 may be mounted on the printed circuit board 710.

[0145] The printed circuit board 710 may be disposed adjacent to the battery 16. For example, 710 can be positioned so that one side faces the battery 16.

[0146] A temperature sensor may be mounted on one side of the printed circuit board 710. The temperature sensor may be implemented using a thermistor, which is a device that changes resistance depending on temperature. For example, the temperature sensor may include a negative temperature coefficient thermistor (NTC thermistor), which has a property that its resistance decreases as the temperature increases.

[0147] The control unit 17 can determine the temperature of the battery 16 based on the detected value of the temperature sensor. For example, the control unit 17 can determine the detected value of the temperature sensor as the temperature of the battery 16. For example, the control unit 17 can determine the result of compensating the detected value of the temperature sensor according to a predetermined standard as the temperature of the battery 16.

[0148] A display 720 may be disposed on one side of the housing 101. The display 720 may display a screen in response to a signal transmitted from the control unit 17.

[0149] The display 720 may include a cover glass 821 , a display panel 823 and / or a touch panel 825 .

[0150] The cover glass 821, together with the housing 101, can form the exterior of the aerosol generating device 10. The cover glass 821 can come into contact with a part of the user's body. The cover glass 821 can protect the display panel 823 and / or the touch panel 825 from external impact.

[0151] The display panel 823 may be disposed in a direction from the cover glass 821 toward the inside of the housing 201. For example, the display panel 823 may be disposed parallel to the cover glass 821.

[0152] The display panel 823 can output an image in response to a signal transmitted from the control unit 17. For example, the display panel can be implemented as a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0153] The touch panel 825 may be disposed in a direction from the cover glass 821 toward the inside of the housing 201. For example, the touch panel 825 may be disposed parallel to the cover glass 821 and the display panel 823.

[0154] The touch panel 825 can sense a touch corresponding to contact with an object, for example, the touch panel 825 can sense a touch corresponding to contact with a part of the user's body.

[0155] The touch panel 825 may include at least one touch sensor for detecting a touch. For example, the touch sensor may be a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, or the like. The touch sensor may include, but is not limited to, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an ultrasonic touch sensor, and an infrared touch sensor.

[0156] A plurality of touch sensors included in the touch panel 825 may receive driving signals at predetermined intervals, and each touch sensor may output an electrical signal corresponding to a state (e.g., pressure, magnetic field, capacitance, or light intensity) in response to the driving signals.

[0157] At least one motor 730 that generates vibrations for a haptic effect may be disposed inside the housing 101. The motor 730 may be mounted on the other side of the printed circuit board 710. For example, the motor 730 may be embodied by, but is not limited to, a linear actuator.

[0158] The structure of the aerosol generating device 10 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 7. Depending on the embodiment, the locations of the battery 16, the printed circuit board 710, the display 720, and the motor 730 may vary.

[0159] Referring to FIG. 8, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a housing 101, a heater 110, an insertion space 130, a sensor module 15, a battery 16, a control unit 17, a printed circuit board 710, and / or a stick detection sensor 800.

[0160] At least one sensor included in the sensor module 15 and the control unit 17 may be mounted on the printed circuit board 710. The printed circuit board 710 may be electrically connected to the battery 16. The components mounted on the printed circuit board 710 may operate using power supplied from the battery 16.

[0161] The inner wall 103 of the housing 101 may extend vertically. The inner wall 103 of the housing 101 may extend along the inner periphery of the housing 101. The inner wall 103 of the housing 101 may extend in the circumferential direction and be formed into a cylindrical shape.

[0162] The inner wall 103 of the housing 101 may form an insertion space 130 into which the stick 20 is inserted. The insertion space 130 of the housing 101 may be a space formed by recessing the housing 101 to a predetermined depth toward the interior of the aerosol generating device 100 so that at least a portion of the stick 20 can be inserted. The predetermined depth may correspond to the length of the portion of the stick 20 containing the aerosol-generating substance (e.g., the tobacco rod 21).

[0163] The insertion space 130 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of a portion of the stick 20. For example, if the stick 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the insertion space 130 may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0164] The heater 110 may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space 130. The heater 110 can heat the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130. The heater 110 may be disposed corresponding to the position of the tobacco rod 21 of the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130. In the present disclosure, the heater 110 is described as an induction heater that generates an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically by adjusting the current flowing through an electrically conductive coil, but is not limited to this.

[0165] The stick detection sensor 800 may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space 130 into which the stick 20 is inserted. The stick detection sensor 800 may extend vertically along the insertion space 130.

[0166] The stick detection sensor 800 may be an inductive sensor including at least one coil. The coil of the stick detection sensor 800 may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space 130. For example, when a magnetic field changes around a coil through which current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may include the frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc. of the AC current.

[0167] The stick detection sensor 800 may output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil, for example, the stick detection sensor 800 may output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

[0168] The control unit 17 can determine whether the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 using the induction sensor 151. For example, the control unit 17 can determine that the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 when an inductance value corresponding to a signal from the induction sensor 151 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. For example, the control unit 17 can determine that the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 when a change in frequency of a current corresponding to a signal from the induction sensor 151 is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value.

[0169] 9 and 10, the shape of the insertion space 130 may be cylindrical, corresponding to the shape of the stick 20.

[0170] The heater 110 may be disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the insertion space 130. For example, the heater 110 may be disposed inside the housing 101 along the inner wall 103 of the housing 101 that defines the insertion space 130. Here, the heater 110 can be understood as surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the insertion space 130. The heater 110 may be configured in the form of a tube having a hollow interior so as to uniformly heat the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130.

[0171] The heater 110 may be disposed corresponding to the first and second regions of the insertion space 130. Here, the first region of the insertion space 130 may correspond to the first region 1010 of the tobacco rod 21 of the stick 20. The second region of the insertion space 130 may correspond to the second region 1020 of the tobacco rod 21 of the stick 20. The heater 110 may be disposed corresponding to the first region 1010 and the second region 1020 of the tobacco rod 21 of the stick 20.

[0172] The stick detection sensor 800 may include a plurality of inductance channels 910, 920. The plurality of inductance channels 910, 920 may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the heater 110. The plurality of inductance channels 910, 920 may be configured in the form of a tube having a hollow interior corresponding to the shape of the heater 110.

[0173] The multiple inductance channels 910, 920 may be arranged side by side in the vertical direction. For example, the first inductance channel 910 may be arranged adjacent to the lower end of the insertion space 130. For example, the second inductance channel 920 may be arranged adjacent to the upper end of the insertion space 130. The first inductance channel 910 may be arranged corresponding to a first region of the insertion space 130. The second inductance channel 920 may be arranged corresponding to a second region of the insertion space 130.

[0174] Each of the plurality of inductance channels 910, 920 may include at least one coil. An alternating current having a predetermined frequency may flow through each of the plurality of inductance channels 910, 920.

[0175] The first wrapper 241 surrounding the tobacco rod 21 of the stick 20 is The material may be made of metal foil to increase the thermal conductivity of the material. When the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130, the characteristics of the current flowing through each of the multiple inductance channels 910, 920 may change. For example, the frequency of the current flowing through each of the multiple inductance channels 910, 920 may change in response to the insertion of the stick 20.

[0176] The stick detection sensor 800 can transmit signals corresponding to each of the multiple inductance channels 910 and 920 to the control unit 17. The control unit 17 can determine changes in the characteristics of the current flowing through each of the multiple inductance channels 910 and 920 based on the signals received from the stick detection sensor 800. For example, the control unit 17 can calculate a frequency change amount of the current flowing through the first inductance channel 910 (hereinafter referred to as a first frequency change amount) and a frequency change amount of the current flowing through the second inductance channel 920 (hereinafter referred to as a second frequency change amount).

[0177] The control unit 17 can determine whether the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 based on a signal received from the stick detection sensor 800. For example, if the frequency change amount of the current flowing through one of the multiple inductance channels 910, 920 is equal to or greater than a predetermined frequency change amount, it can determine that the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130.

[0178] 11 is a graph showing a current flowing through the first inductance channel 910 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 11, a current having a first frequency may flow through the first inductance channel 910 until time t1. If the stick 20 is inserted at time t1, the frequency of the current flowing through the first inductance channel 910 may change to a second frequency. Meanwhile, at time t2, a predetermined time after time t1, a current having the first frequency may again flow through the first inductance channel 910.

[0179] The control unit 17 may calculate a frequency change amount of the current flowing through the first inductance channel 910 based on the first frequency and the second frequency. For example, the stick detection sensor 800 may include an inductance digital converter (LDC). Here, the inductance digital converter (LDC) may output a signal corresponding to the frequency of the current flowing through the first inductance channel 910. Here, the control unit 17 may determine a frequency change amount of the current flowing through the first inductance channel 910 based on the signal received from the inductance digital converter (LDC). The inductance digital converter (LDC) may be mounted on the printed circuit board 710. Meanwhile, the inductance digital converter (LDC) may be included in the control unit 17.

[0180] The control unit 17 can determine the type of the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 based on the signal received from the stick detection sensor 800 .

[0181] 12 , the first wrapper 241 surrounding the tobacco rod 21 of the stick 20 may include a first partial wrapper 1210 and a second partial wrapper 1220. The first partial wrapper 1210 may be the region of the first wrapper 241 surrounding the first region 1010 of the tobacco rod 21 of the stick 20. The second partial wrapper 1220 may be the region of the first wrapper 241 surrounding the second region 1020 of the tobacco rod 21 of the stick 20.

[0182] The first frequency change amount may correspond to the thickness of the first portion wrapper 1210. The second frequency change amount may correspond to the thickness of the second portion wrapper 1220. If the thicknesses of the first portion wrapper 1210 and the second portion wrapper 1220 are different from each other, the first frequency change amount and the second frequency change amount may correspond to the thickness of the second portion wrapper 1220. The wave number change amounts may differ from one another.

[0183] The control unit 17 can determine the type of the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 based on at least one of the first frequency change amount and the second frequency change amount. For example, the control unit 17 can determine the type of the stick 20 based on whether the first frequency change amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold. For example, the control unit 17 can determine the type of the stick 20 based on whether the second frequency change amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold. For example, the control unit 17 can determine the type of the stick 20 based on whether the sum of the first frequency change amount and the second frequency change amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined third threshold. For example, the control unit 17 can determine the type of the stick 20 based on whether the difference between the square of the first frequency change amount and the square of the second frequency change amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined fourth threshold.

[0184] 13 and 14 are flowcharts illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0185] 13, in operation S1310, the aerosol generation device 10 can monitor a signal corresponding to the first inductance channel 910 and / or a signal corresponding to the second inductance channel 920. For example, the aerosol generation device 10 can monitor at least one of a first frequency change amount corresponding to the first inductance channel 910 and a second frequency change amount corresponding to the second inductance channel 920 based on the signal corresponding to the first inductance channel 910.

[0186] In operation S1320, the aerosol generation device 10 can determine whether the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 based on the signal corresponding to the first inductance channel 910 and / or the signal corresponding to the second inductance channel 920. For example, the aerosol generation device 10 can determine that the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 if at least one of the first frequency change amount and the second frequency change amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined minimum change amount.

[0187] According to one embodiment, when the aerosol generating device 10 determines that a stick 20 has been inserted into the insertion space 130 based on a signal corresponding to either the first inductance channel 910 or the second inductance channel 920, it can check the signal corresponding to the other of the first inductance channel 910 and the second inductance channel 920.

[0188] In operation S1330, the aerosol generation device 10 can determine the type of stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 based on the insertion of the stick 20. For example, the aerosol generation device 10 can determine the type of stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 based on the signal corresponding to the first inductance channel 910 and / or the signal corresponding to the second inductance channel 920. This will be described with reference to FIG. 14.

[0189] Referring to FIG. 14, the aerosol generation device 10 can determine whether the first frequency change amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold value in operations S1410 and S1420.

[0190] In operation S1430, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine that the type of the stick 20 is a first type if the first frequency change amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold value. Here, the first threshold value may correspond to the thickness of the first partial wrapper 1210 included in the stick 20 of the first type.

[0191] In operation S1440, the aerosol generation device 10 can check the second frequency change amount when the first frequency change amount is less than a predetermined first threshold value.

[0192] In operation S1450, the aerosol generation device 10 can determine whether the second frequency change amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined second frequency change amount.

[0193] In operation S1460, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine that the type of the stick 20 is a second type if the second frequency change amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold value. Here, the second threshold value may correspond to the thickness of the second partial wrapper 1220 included in the second type stick 20.

[0194] In operation S1470, when the second frequency change amount is less than a predetermined second threshold, the aerosol generation device 10 can determine that the type of the stick 20 is the third type.

[0195] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generation device 10 can determine the type of the stick 20 based on whether the sum of the first frequency change amount and the second frequency change amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined third threshold. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generation device 10 can determine the type of the stick 20 based on whether the difference between the square of the first frequency change amount and the square of the second frequency change amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined fourth threshold. This allows the aerosol generation device 10 to accurately determine the type of the stick 20 even when the first frequency change amount and / or the second frequency change amount is small or the difference between the two frequency change amounts is small.

[0196] 13, the aerosol generating device 10 can determine in operation S1340 whether the type of the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 is the same as a predetermined type. For example, the predetermined type may be the type of stick 20 used by the user immediately before the stick 20 was inserted into the insertion space 130. For example, the predetermined type may be a type set by the user via the input / output interface 12.

[0197] In operation S1350, if the type of stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 is different from a predetermined type, the aerosol generating device 10 can output a screen corresponding to the type of stick 20 via the display 720. Here, the screen corresponding to the type of stick 20 may include at least one object indicating the type of stick 20 usable in the aerosol generating device 10.

[0198] 15, the aerosol generation device 10 can output a screen 1500 corresponding to the type of stick 20 via the display 720 when the type of stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 is different from a predetermined type. Here, the screen corresponding to the type of stick 20 can be a screen for setting the usage mode of the aerosol generation device 10. The usage mode of the aerosol generation device 10 can correspond to the type of stick 20. For example, if the number of modes that can be set as the usage mode of the aerosol generation device 10 is three, the number of types of stick 20 that can be used with the aerosol generation device 10 can be three.

[0199] The screen 1500 corresponding to the type of stick 20 may include objects 1510, 1520, and 1530 corresponding to each of the multiple types. Here, if the type of stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 is different from a predetermined type, an indicator 1540 indicating the type of the currently inserted stick 20 may be displayed. Thus, if a stick 20 of a type different from the type of stick 20 previously used by the user is inserted into the insertion space 130, the type of stick 20 selected by the user's input may be displayed. The user can intuitively check the type.

[0200] The user can select one of the objects included in the screen 1500 corresponding to the type of stick 20. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 can receive a touch input to select one of the objects 1510, 1520, and 1530 output via the display 720. According to one embodiment, when a type of stick 20 is selected, the aerosol generating device 10 can change the predetermined type to the type of the selected stick 20.

[0201] 16, the aerosol generating device 10 can output a screen corresponding to a change in a predetermined type via the display 720 based on receiving a touch input selecting one of objects 1510, 1520, and 1530 corresponding to each of a plurality of types. For example, when the aerosol generating device 10 receives a user input selecting object 1520 corresponding to the type of the currently inserted stick 20, the aerosol generating device 10 can display object 1520 corresponding to the type of the currently inserted stick 20 more clearly than the remaining objects 1510 and 1530. This allows the user to intuitively confirm the type of stick 20 selected by the user input.

[0202] According to one embodiment, when the aerosol generating device 10 receives a user input selecting an object 1520 corresponding to the type of currently inserted stick 20, the motor 730 can generate a vibration corresponding to the predetermined type change.

[0203] Referring again to FIG. 13, the aerosol generating device 10 can determine whether the type of stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 is to be selected in operation S1360.

[0204] In operation S1370, the aerosol generating device 10 can supply power to the heater 110 if the type of stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 is the same as a predetermined type, or if the type of stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 is selected.

[0205] According to one embodiment, the memory 14 can store a temperature profile corresponding to the type of stick 20. For example, if there are multiple types of sticks 20 that can be used with the aerosol generation device 10, the memory 14 can store multiple temperature profiles corresponding to the multiple types. Here, the aerosol generation device 10 can supply power to the heater 110 based on the temperature profile corresponding to the type of stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130, among the multiple temperature profiles stored in the memory 14.

[0206] On the other hand, the aerosol generating device 10 can cut off the supply of power to the heater 110 if the type of stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 is different from a predetermined type and a type different from the type of stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 is selected.

[0207] As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to distinguish the type of stick inserted into the insertion space, and also to provide the user with information about the type of stick inserted into the insertion space.

[0208] Furthermore, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to notify the user that a different type of stick than the one previously used is being inserted.

[0209] Furthermore, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to determine whether to heat the heater depending on the type of stick inserted into the insertion space.

[0210] 1 to 16 , an aerosol generating device 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a housing 101 having an insertion space 130 formed therein, a heater 110 for heating a stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130, a stick detection sensor 800 for outputting a signal corresponding to the insertion space 130, a display 720, and a controller 17. The sensor 800 may include a first inductance channel 910 disposed corresponding to a first region of the insertion space 130, and a second inductance channel 920 disposed corresponding to a second region of the insertion space 130. The controller 17 may determine the type of the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 based on at least one of the signal corresponding to the first inductance channel 910 and the signal corresponding to the second inductance channel 920. If the determined type of stick 20 is the same as a predetermined type, the control unit supplies power to the heater 110, and if the determined type of stick 20 is different from the predetermined type, the control unit can output a screen corresponding to the determined type of stick 20 through the display 720.

[0211] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the device may further include an interface 12 for receiving a user input. When the control unit 17 receives a user input selecting the determined type of stick 20 via the interface 12, the control unit 17 may change the predetermined type to the determined type of stick 20.

[0212] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the device may further include an interface 12 for receiving a user input. When the control unit 17 receives a user input for selecting the determined type of stick 20 through the interface 12, the control unit 17 may output a screen corresponding to the change of the predetermined type through the display 720.

[0213] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the device may further include an interface 12 for receiving a user input. The control unit 17 may supply power to the heater 110 when the control unit 17 receives a user input selecting the determined type of stick 20 via the interface 12.

[0214] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 17 can determine that the type of the stick 20 is a first type when the amount of change in frequency of the current flowing through the first inductance channel 910 is equal to or greater than a first threshold. When the amount of change in frequency of the current flowing through the first inductance channel 910 is less than the first threshold, the control unit 17 can determine that the type of the stick 20 is a second type based on whether the amount of change in frequency of the current flowing through the second inductance channel 920 is equal to or greater than a second threshold.

[0215] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 17 may determine that the type of the stick 20 is a first type when the amount of change in frequency of the current flowing through the first inductance channel 910 is equal to or greater than a first threshold. When the amount of change in frequency of the current flowing through the first inductance channel 910 is less than the first threshold, the control unit 17 may determine that the type of the stick 20 is a second type based on whether a sum of the amount of change in frequency of the current flowing through the first inductance channel 910 and the amount of change in frequency of the current flowing through the second inductance channel 920 is equal to or greater than a third threshold.

[0216] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 17 determines that the type of the stick 20 is the first type when a frequency change amount of the current flowing through the first inductance channel 910 is equal to or greater than a first threshold value. If the frequency change amount of the current flowing through the first inductance channel 910 is less than the first threshold, it may be determined whether the type of the stick 20 is a second type based on whether the difference between the square of the frequency change amount of the current flowing through the first inductance channel 910 and the square of the frequency change amount of the current flowing through the second inductance channel 920 is equal to or greater than a fourth threshold.

[0217] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater 110 may be disposed to surround the insertion space 130 , and the first inductance channel 910 and the second inductance channel 920 may be disposed to surround the heater 110 .

[0218] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater 110 may be disposed corresponding to at least a portion of the first region and at least a portion of the second region of the insertion space 130 .

[0219] A system according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include an aerosol generating device 10 and a stick 20. The aerosol generating device 10 may include a housing 101 having an insertion space 130 formed therein, a heater 110 for heating the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130, a stick detection sensor 800 for outputting a signal corresponding to the insertion space 130, a display 720, and a control unit 17. The stick detection sensor 800 may include a first inductance channel 910 arranged corresponding to a first region of the insertion space 130, and a second inductance channel 920 arranged corresponding to a second region of the insertion space 130. The control unit 17 may determine the type of the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 based on at least one of the signal corresponding to the first inductance channel 910 and the signal corresponding to the second inductance channel 920. If the determined type of stick 20 is the same as a predetermined type, the controller supplies power to the heater 110, and if the determined type of stick 20 is different from the predetermined type, the controller can output a screen corresponding to the determined type of stick 20 via the display 720. The stick 20 includes a wrapper 241 surrounding an aerosol-generating material, and the wrapper 241 can include a first partial wrapper 1210 formed to have a first thickness corresponding to the first region, and a second partial wrapper 1220 formed to have a second thickness corresponding to the second region.

[0220] The specific embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct, and the structure or function of any or all elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be combined with other elements or combined with each other.

[0221] For example, configuration A described in one embodiment of the present disclosure and drawings and configuration B described in another embodiment of the present disclosure and drawings can be combined with each other. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible unless it is described that the combination is not possible.

[0222] While the embodiments have been described above in accordance with a number of exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that many other variations and embodiments are possible for those skilled in the art that fall within the scope of the principles of the present disclosure. More particularly, various modifications and variations are possible in the components and / or arrangements of the subject combinations within the scope of the present disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. In addition to the modifications and variations of the components and / or arrangements, other uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. a housing having a long insertion space; a heater for heating the stick when inserted into the insertion space; a stick detection sensor that outputs a signal related to the insertion space; The display and at least one processor; The at least one processor: determining the type of the first stick inserted into the insertion space based on a signal from the stick detection sensor; If the type of the first stick is the same as the type of the second stick most recently used, supplying power to the heater; An aerosol generating device characterized in that, when the type of the first stick is different from the type of the second stick, the display is controlled to output a screen for setting a predetermined type corresponding to the usage mode of the aerosol generating device.

2. further including an input interface; The aerosol generating device described in claim 1, characterized in that the at least one processor further changes the predetermined type to the type of the first stick when receiving user input selecting the type of the first stick via the input interface.

3. further including an input interface; The aerosol generating device described in claim 1, characterized in that the at least one processor further controls the display to output a screen corresponding to the change in the specified type when receiving user input selecting the type of the first stick via the input interface.

4. further including an input interface; The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor further supplies power to the heater when receiving user input selecting the type of the first stick via the input interface.

5. The stick detection sensor is a first inductance channel disposed corresponding to a first region of the insertion space; a second inductance channel disposed corresponding to the second region of the insertion space; The at least one processor: comparing a frequency change amount of the current flowing through the first inductance channel with a first threshold value to determine whether the type of the first stick is a first type; The aerosol generating device described in claim 1, characterized in that if the type of the first stick is not the first type, a predetermined value based on the frequency change of the current flowing in the second inductance channel is compared with a predetermined threshold different from the first threshold to determine whether the type of the first stick is the second type.

6. The at least one processor further comprises: If a frequency change amount of the current flowing through the first inductance channel is equal to or greater than the first threshold, it is determined that the type of the first stick is the first type; The aerosol generating device described in claim 5, characterized in that when the frequency change amount of the current flowing through the first inductance channel is less than the first threshold, it is determined whether the type of the first stick is the second type based on whether the frequency change amount of the current flowing through the second inductance channel is greater than or equal to a second threshold.

7. The at least one processor further comprises: If a frequency change amount of the current flowing through the first inductance channel is equal to or greater than the first threshold, it is determined that the type of the first stick is the first type; The frequency change amount of the current flowing through the first inductance channel and the second inductance channel The aerosol generating device described in claim 5, characterized in that it determines whether the type of the first stick is the second type based on whether the sum of the frequency changes of the current flowing through the sense channel is greater than or equal to a second threshold.

8. The at least one processor: If a frequency change amount of the current flowing through the first inductance channel is equal to or greater than the first threshold, it is determined that the type of the first stick is the first type; The aerosol generating device described in claim 5, characterized in that when the frequency change of the current flowing through the first inductance channel is less than the first threshold, it is determined whether the type of the first stick is the second type based on whether the difference between the squared value of the frequency change of the current flowing through the first inductance channel and the squared value of the frequency change of the current flowing through the second inductance channel is greater than or equal to a second threshold.

9. The heater is disposed so as to surround the insertion space, The aerosol generating device according to claim 5 , wherein the first inductance channel and the second inductance channel are arranged to surround the heater.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5 , wherein the heater is disposed corresponding to at least a part of the first region of the insertion space and at least a part of the second region of the insertion space.

11. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the first threshold value corresponds to the thickness of a first partial wrapper included in a stick of the first type, and the second threshold value corresponds to the thickness of a second partial wrapper included in a stick of the second type.

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