Aerosol generation system and method of operating the same

Abstract

An aerosol generation system according to an embodiment includes a cigarette in which a first color band whose hue changes according to humidity is formed, a main body including a receiving passage into which the cigarette is inserted, a heater that heats the cigarette, a color sensor disposed on one side of the receiving passage to detect the color of the first color band, and an aerosol generator including a control unit that determines the humidity state of the cigarette based on the detected color of the first color band.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generation system and an operation method thereof, and more particularly, to an aerosol generation system and an operation method thereof that can provide an operation mode corresponding to the type and / or humidity of a cigarette sensed using a color sensor.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for smoking methods that replace conventional cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for methods of generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating substance in a cigarette, rather than by burning the cigarette to generate an aerosol. Accordingly, research related to heated cigarettes or heated aerosol generation devices has been actively conducted.

[0003] A cigarette may include an aerosol generation unit, a tobacco filling unit, a cooling unit, and a filter unit. The tobacco filling unit can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco filling unit can be manufactured by any one of shredded tobacco, granules, and liquid. Despite the variety of types of tobacco filling units, when applying a uniform heating profile, it may not be possible to provide a suitable atomization amount and flavor sensation.

[0004] On the other hand, moisture has a higher specific heat than air and a larger heat capacity than air at the same temperature. As a result, when a user inhales an aerosol with a high moisture content, there is a problem that the user feels a higher heat sensation than when inhaling air at the same temperature.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an aerosol generation system and an operation method thereof that can distinguish the type of cigarette (i.e., the type of tobacco filling unit).

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an aerosol generation system and an operation method thereof that can distinguish between general cigarettes and over-wet cigarettes.

[0007] The problem to be solved through the embodiments is not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the accompanying drawings.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] An aerosol generation system according to an embodiment includes a cigarette in which a first color band whose hue changes corresponding to humidity is formed, a main body including a housing passage into which the cigarette is inserted, a heater for heating the cigarette, a color sensor disposed on one side of the housing passage for detecting the color of the first color band, and a control unit for determining the humidity state of the cigarette based on the detected color of the first color band, including an aerosol generator.

[0009] The first color band may include litmus that changes from a first color to a second color when exposed to moisture.

[0010] When the color of the first color band is the first color, the control unit determines that the cigarette is a general cigarette, and when the color of the first color band is the second color, the control unit determines that the cigarette is an over-wet cigarette.

[0011] When the cigarette is determined to be the general cigarette, the control unit operates the heater with a first temperature profile, and when the cigarette is determined to be the over-wet cigarette, the control unit may operate the heater with a second temperature profile.

[0012] The preheating section of the second temperature profile is longer than the preheating section of the first temperature profile.

[0013] The cigarette includes an aerosol generation section, a tobacco filling section, a cooling section, and a mouthpiece, wherein the aerosol generation section, the tobacco filling section, the cooling section, and the mouthpiece are packaged by a packaging material, and the first color band may be formed on the packaging material corresponding to the tobacco filling section.

[0014] The cigarette may further include a second color band having different colors according to the type of the cigarette.

[0015] The types of the cigarette may include a first cigarette in which the tobacco filling section is filled with cut tobacco, a second cigarette in which the tobacco filling section is filled with tobacco granules, and a third cigarette in which the tobacco filling section is filled with nicotine liquid.

[0016] The second color band is the third color in the case of the first cigarette, the fourth color in the case of the second cigarette, and also the fifth color in the case of the third cigarette.

[0017] The control unit may operate the heater with a temperature profile corresponding to the colors of the first color band and the second color band.

[0018] The second color band is formed on the packaging material corresponding to the tobacco filling section and may be disposed between the first color band and the boundary line between the tobacco filling section and the cooling section.

[0019] The first color band is formed so as to be superimposed on the second color band in the thickness direction and has a mesh shape.

[0020] The color sensor may sense a mixed color in which the colors of the first color band and the second color band are mixed.

[0021] In a method of operating an aerosol generation system according to an embodiment, the method includes inserting a cigarette having a color band into a housing passage of a main body, detecting the color of the color band by a color sensor, and determining a humidity state of the cigarette based on the detected color of the color band.

[0022] When the ribbon is exposed to moisture, it may contain litmus that changes from a first color to a second color.

[0023] In the step of determining the humidity state of the cigarette, when the color of the ribbon is the first color, the cigarette is determined to be a general cigarette, and when the color of the ribbon is the second color, the cigarette is determined to be an over-moist cigarette.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] The aerosol generation system and its operating method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can distinguish the type of cigarette (i.e., the type of tobacco filling part) by using the ribbon and color sensor displayed on the cigarette.

[0025] Also, the aerosol generation system and its operating method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can distinguish a general cigarette and an over-moist cigarette by using the ribbon and color sensor displayed on the cigarette.

[0026] The effects according to the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and the effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 4C

Figure 5

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 7A

Figure 7B

Figure 8

Figure 9A

Figure 9B

Figure 10A

Figure 10B

Figure 11A

Figure 11B

Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] The terms used in the embodiments are, as much as possible, general terms that are currently widely used while taking into account the functions in the present invention. However, this may also vary depending on the intentions or precedents of those skilled in the art, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, the meaning thereof will be described in detail in the description part of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention are not merely the names of the terms, but must be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the present disclosure.

[0029] Throughout the specification, when a certain part "includes" a certain component, it means that, unless there is a special contrary description, it does not exclude other components and may further include other components. Also, terms such as "… part" and "… module" described in the specification mean units that process at least one function or operation, and these may be implemented by hardware or software, or may also be implemented by a combination of hardware and software.

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings so that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily implement it. However, the present invention can be embodied in various mutually different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0032] FIGS. 1 to 3 are drawings showing examples in which cigarettes are inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generation system 100 may include an aerosol generating device and a cigarette (or, an aerosol generating article) for use therewith.

[0034] The aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 13. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the aerosol generating device 1 further includes an atomizer 14. Also, a cigarette 2 can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0035] In the aerosol generating device 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the components according to this embodiment are illustrated. Therefore, those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment will understand that the aerosol generating device 1 further includes other general-purpose components in addition to the components illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0036] Also, in FIGS. 2 and 3, the heater 13 is illustrated as being included in the aerosol generating device 1, but the heater 13 can be omitted if necessary.

[0037] In FIG. 1, the battery 11, the control unit 12, and the heater 13 are arranged in a row. Also, in FIG. 2, the battery 11, the control unit 12, the atomizer 14, and the heater 13 are arranged in a row. Also, in FIG. 3, the atomizer 14 and the heater 13 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to that illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3. That is, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1, the arrangement of the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the atomizer 14 can be changed.

[0038] When the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 can operate the heater 13 and / or the atomizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and / or the atomizer 14 passes through the cigarette 2 and is transmitted to the user.

[0039] If necessary, even when the cigarette 2 is not inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 can heat the heater 13.

[0040] The battery 11 supplies the power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the battery 11 can supply power so that the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14 is heated, and can supply the power necessary for the operation of the control unit 12. Further, the battery 11 can supply the power necessary for the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. provided in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0041] The control unit 12 generally controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 1. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the operation of not only the battery 11, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14, but also other components included in the aerosol generating device 1. Further, the control unit 12 can check the state of each component of the aerosol generating device 1 and determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in an operable state.

[0042] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor can also be embodied by an array of a large number of logic gates, and can also be embodied by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored. Also, those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs will understand that it can also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0043] The heater 13 can be heated by the power supplied from the battery 11. For example, if a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the heater 13 can be located outside the cigarette. Therefore, the heated heater 13 can raise the temperature of the aerosol generating substance in the cigarette.

[0044] The heater 13 is also an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater 13 includes a conductive track, and when an electric current flows through the conductive track, the heater 13 can be heated. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above-described example, and can be applicable without limitation as long as it can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 1, or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0045] On the other hand, as another example, the heater 13 is also an induction heater. Specifically, the heater 13 includes a conductive coil for heating the cigarette by induction heating, and the cigarette may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heater.

[0046] For example, the heater 13 includes a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and can heat the inside or outside of the cigarette 2 depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0047] In addition, a plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged in the aerosol generating device 1. At this time, the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted into the cigarette 2, and may also be arranged outside the cigarette 2. Also, some of the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted into the cigarette 2, and the rest may be arranged outside the cigarette 2. Further, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shape illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, and can also be manufactured in various shapes.

[0048] The vaporizer 14 heats the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be transmitted to the user through the cigarette 2. That is, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 moves along the air flow path of the aerosol generating device 1, and the air flow path can be configured such that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 passes through the cigarette and is transmitted to the user.

[0049] For example, the vaporizer 14 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generating device 1 as independent modules.

[0050] The liquid storage unit can store the liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition is also a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage unit is manufactured so as to be detached from / attached to the vaporizer 14, and can be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 14.

[0051] For example, the liquid composition may contain water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a fragrance, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The fragrance may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and aroma components of various fruits. The flavoring agent may contain components that provide various fragrances or flavors to the user. The vitamin mixture may also be a mixture in which at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E is mixed, but is not limited thereto. Further, the liquid composition may contain an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0052] The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition in the liquid storage unit to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means can also be a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

[0053] The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition transferred by the liquid transfer means. For example, the heating element can also be a metal heating wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited thereto. Further, the heating element is composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire and can be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element is heated by current supply, transfers heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, and can heat the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0054] For example, the vaporizer 14 is also referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

[0055] On the other hand, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a general-purpose configuration in addition to the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information.

[0056] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 1 may include at least one sensor (such as a puff sensing sensor, a temperature sensing sensor, a cigarette insertion sensing sensor, and a color sensor). The aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment may use a color sensor to identify the type of the cigarette 2 and / or the humidity state of the cigarette 2, and select a suitable heating profile suitable for each cigarette 2 according to the identification result to operate the heater 13.

[0057] In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 may also be manufactured by a structure in which external air flows in or internal gas flows out even when the cigarette 2 is inserted.

[0058] Although not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the aerosol generating device 1 may constitute a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle is used for charging the battery 11 of the aerosol generating device 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 can be heated in a state where the cradle and the aerosol generating device 1 are combined.

[0059] A cigarette according to one embodiment includes at least one of an aerosol generating part, a tobacco filling part, a cooling part, and a filter part (mouthpiece or mouthpiece part). For example, the filter part is usually an acetate filter, and the cooling part and the filter part may contain capsules and flavoring agents.

[0060] On the other hand, the materials, order, and length of the aerosol generating part and the tobacco filling part are not limited to specific examples, and the materials and length of the cooling part and the filter part are also not limited to specific examples.

[0061] The aerosol generating device generates an aerosol accompanied by nicotine by heating the aerosol generating part and the tobacco filling part, and the aerosol is discharged to the outside through the cooling part and the filter part.

[0062] For example, an aerosol generating device can generate an aerosol by heating at least one of the aerosol generating part and the tobacco filling part of a cigarette. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device can selectively or entirely heat the inside or outside of the cigarette.

[0063] Hereinafter, an example of the cigarette 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4C.

[0064] FIGS. 4A to 4C are drawings showing an example of a cigarette.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 4A to 4C, the cigarette 2 includes an aerosol generating part 210, a tobacco filling part 220, a cooling part 230, and a mouthpiece 240. For example, the mouthpiece 240 is also a filter made of cellulose acetate, and the cooling part 230 and the mouthpiece 240 may contain capsules and flavoring agents. The materials, order, and lengths of the aerosol generating part 210 and the tobacco filling part 220 are not limited to specific examples, and the materials and lengths of the cooling part 230 and the mouthpiece 240 are also not limited to specific examples. Also, depending on the manner in which the cigarette 2 is heated, the cigarette 2 may or may not include a heat conductor.

[0066] The outer shell of the cigarette 2 is covered with a packaging material (wrapper). Also, a heat conductor may be disposed in part or all of the space between the packaging material (wrapper) and the aerosol generating part 210 and the tobacco filling part 220.

[0067] The aerosol generating unit 210 does not contain nicotine. Further, the aerosol generating unit 210 may contain an aerosol generating substance that does not contain nicotine. For example, the aerosol generating unit 210 may contain at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the aerosol generating unit 210 may contain a substance in which glycerin and propylene glycol are mixed at a ratio of about 8:2. However, it is not limited to the above-described mixing ratio. Further, the aerosol generating unit 210 may contain other additive substances such as flavoring agents, wetting agents, and / or organic acids, and may also contain a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a moisturizing agent.

[0068] The aerosol generating unit 210 includes a wound sheet, and the aerosol generating substance may be included in the aerosol generating unit 210 in a state of being impregnated in the wound sheet. Further, other additive substances such as flavoring agents, wetting agents, and / or organic acids and the flavoring liquid may be included in the aerosol generating unit 210 in a state of being absorbed by the wound sheet.

[0069] The wound sheet is also a sheet made of a polymer material. For example, the polymer material may include at least one of paper, cellulose acetate, lyocell, and polylactic acid. For example, the wound sheet is also a paper sheet that does not generate an abnormal odor due to heat even when heated to a high temperature. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0070] The length of the aerosol generating unit 210 may be an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 12 mm, but is not limited thereto. Desirably, the length of the aerosol generating unit 210 is about 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0071] The tobacco filling part 220 may contain nicotine. Also, the tobacco filling part 220 may contain aerosol generating substances such as glycerin and propylene glycol. Further, the tobacco filling part 220 may contain other additive substances such as flavoring agents, wetting agents and / or organic acids. Also, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the tobacco filling part 220 by spraying it into the tobacco filling part 220.

[0072] As an example, the aerosol generating substances may include cut tobacco or reconstituted tobacco substances. Specifically, the aerosol generating substances contain nicotine, and the nicotine can be obtained by shaping or reconstituting tobacco leaves. As another example, the aerosol generating substances may include one of free base nicotine, nicotine salt or a combination thereof. Specifically, the nicotine is also naturally occurring nicotine or synthetic nicotine.

[0073] For example, the tobacco filling part 220 may contain a blend of different types of tobacco leaves. Also, the blend can be processed through various processing steps, but is not limited thereto.

[0074] The nicotine salt can be formed by adding a suitable acid containing an organic or inorganic acid to nicotine. The acid for forming the nicotine salt is also a single acid selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharic acid, malonic acid or malic acid, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the said group, but is not limited thereto.

[0075] The tobacco filling part 220 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco filling part 220 can be made of cut tobacco in which the tobacco sheet is finely cut. Also, the tobacco filling part 220 can include a wound sheet and can be made in a granular form in which a plurality of tobacco granules are dispersedly arranged in the wound sheet. Further, the tobacco filling part 220 can include a wound sheet and can be made into a vapor liquid in which the nicotine liquid is impregnated into the wound sheet.

[0076] The length of the tobacco filling part 220 can adopt an appropriate length within the range of 6 mm to 18 mm, but is not limited thereto. Desirably, the length of the tobacco filling part 220 is about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0077] The cooling part 230 can generate a cooling effect on the aerosol. Therefore, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0078] For example, the cooling part 230 is made of cellulose acetate and is also a tubular structure including a hollow inside. For example, the cooling part 230 can be made by adding a plasticizer (for example, triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the monodenier of the cooling part 230 is 5.0 and the total denier is 28,000, but is not limited thereto.

[0079] For example, the cooling part 230 is made of paper and is also a tubular structure including a hollow inside. Also, at least one hole through which external air can flow can be formed in the cooling part 230.

[0080] The cooling part 230 can be made of a laminated paper composed of a plurality of papers. For example, the cooling part 230 can be made of a laminated paper composed of an outer paper, an intermediate paper, and an inner paper, but is not limited thereto. On the other hand, the inner surface of the inner paper constituting the laminated paper can be coated with a predetermined substance (for example, polylactic acid).

[0081] On the one hand, when the cooling part 230 is made of paper, the overall thickness of the cooling part 230 can be within the range of 330 μm to 340 μm. Desirably, the overall thickness of the cooling part 230 is also about 333 μm, but is not limited thereto.

[0082] Also, when the cooling part 230 is made of paper, the overall basis weight of the cooling part 230 can be within the range of 230 g / m 2 to 250 g / m 2 Desirably, the overall basis weight of the cooling part 230 is also about 240 g / m 2 but is not limited thereto.

[0083] The diameter of the hollow included in the cooling part 230 can be an appropriate diameter within the range of 4 mm to 8 mm, but is not limited thereto. Desirably, the diameter of the hollow of the cooling part 230 can be an appropriate diameter within the range of 7.0 mm to 7.5 mm, but is not limited thereto. The length of the cooling part 230 can be an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Desirably, the length of the cooling part 230 is also about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0084] The cooling part 230 is not limited to the above-described examples, and can be applicable without limitation as long as it can perform the function of cooling the aerosol.

[0085] The mouthpiece 240 can be made by adding a plasticizer (for example, triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The length of the mouthpiece 240 can be an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Desirably, the length of the mouthpiece 240 is also about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0086] The mouthpiece 240 can be made to generate a fragrance. As an example, a flavoring liquid can be sprayed on the mouthpiece 240, and a separate fiber coated with the flavoring liquid can be inserted into the mouthpiece 240.

[0087] In addition, the mouthpiece 240 may contain at least one capsule. As an example, the capsule may contain a perfume liquid, and the perfume may be generated by the perfume liquid leaking due to the capsule being crushed. As another example, the capsule may contain an aerosol generating substance, and the aerosol may be generated by the substance leaking due to the capsule being crushed. The capsule is also a structure that wraps the perfume liquid or the aerosol generating substance with a coating. The capsule has a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 4B, the tobacco filling portion 220 may include a cooling hole 250. For example, by perforating the tobacco filling portion 220, the primary cooling of the aerosol is advanced, and the secondary cooling is advanced when the primary cooled aerosol passes through the cooling portion 230. Therefore, the cooling effect of the aerosol can be maximized. On the other hand, the cooling hole 250 may not be provided depending on the material of the cooling portion 230.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 4C, the aerosol generating portion 210 is disposed downstream of the tobacco filling portion 220. That is, in the cigarette 2 of FIG. 4A and the cigarette 2 of FIG. 4C, the arrangement order of the aerosol generating portion 210 and the tobacco filling portion 220 is different from each other.

[0090] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0091] The aerosol generating device 500 may include a control unit 510, a sensing unit 520, an output unit 530, a battery 540, a heater 550, a user input unit 560, a memory 570, and a communication unit 580. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 500 is not limited to what is shown in FIG. 5. That is, a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment will understand that some of the configurations shown in FIG. 5 may be omitted or a new configuration may be further added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 500.

[0092] The sensing unit 520 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 500 or the state around the aerosol generating device 500, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 510. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 510 can control the aerosol generating device 500 so that various functions such as operation control of the heater 550, restriction of smoking, determination of whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and notification display are performed.

[0093] The sensing unit 520 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 522, an insertion sensing sensor 524, a puff sensor 526, and a color sensor 528, but is not limited thereto.

[0094] The temperature sensor 522 can sense the temperature at which the heater 550 (or the aerosol generating substance) is heated. The aerosol generating device 500 includes a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 550, or the heater 550 itself serves as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 522 is also arranged around the battery 540 to monitor the temperature of the battery 540.

[0095] The insertion sensing sensor 524 can sense the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol generating article. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 524 includes at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can sense a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol generating article.

[0096] The puff sensor 526 can sense the user's puff based on various physical changes in the air flow path or air flow channel. For example, the puff sensor 526 can sense the user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0097] The color sensor 528 can sense the light reflected by the cigarette (2 in FIG. 4A). The color sensor 528 can obtain information related to the hue from the sensed light.

[0098] The color sensor 528 may include a light emitting unit 528a and a light receiving unit 622. The light emitting unit 528a can emit light toward the cigarette 2. For example, the light emitting unit 528a may include a first condenser that condenses light generated from a light source toward an object. Here, the first condenser may be composed of an imaging lens, a diffractive optical element (DOE), or the like.

[0099] The light emitted from the light emitting unit 528a may be reflected from the cigarette 2. The reflected light can reach the light receiving unit 622. For example, the light receiving unit 528b may include a photo diode that reacts to light. The light receiving unit 528b can output an electrical signal corresponding to the light incident on the photo diode.

[0100] The light receiving unit 528b may include a second condenser that condenses the light reflected from the object (hereinafter referred to as reflected light). For example, the reflected light condensed by the second condenser can be transmitted to the photo diode included in the light receiving unit 528b. At this time, the second condenser may include a lens that receives the reflected light incident from a predetermined direction.

[0101] The control unit 510 may be transmitted a signal related to color information from the color sensor 528. The control unit 51 can determine information based on the color information acquired by the color sensor 528. The control unit 51 can analyze the value output by the color information acquired by the color sensor 528 to determine information related to the cigarette 2. For example, the information related to the cigarette 2 is also the type of the cigarette 2 and / or the humidity state of the cigarette 2.

[0102] In addition to the aforementioned sensors (temperature sensor 522, insertion detection sensor 524, puff sensor 526, and color sensor 528), the sensing unit 520 may further include at least one of a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an ordinary technician from its name, specific descriptions may be omitted.

[0103] The output unit 530 can output information related to the state of the aerosol generating device 500 and provide it to the user. The output unit 530 may include at least one of a display unit 532, a haptic unit 534, and an acoustic output unit 536, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 532 and the touch pad form a layer structure and are configured as a touch screen, the display unit 532 can also be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0104] The display unit 532 visually provides information related to the aerosol generating device 500 to the user. For example, the information related to the aerosol generating device 500 means various information such as the charge / discharge state of the battery 540 of the aerosol generating device 500, the preheating state of the heater 550, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article, or the state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 500 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article), and the display unit 532 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 532 is, for example, also a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. Further, the display unit 532 is also in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0105] The haptic unit 534 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus and provides information related to the aerosol generating device 500 to the user tactilely. For example, the haptic unit 534 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0106] The audio output unit 536 provides information related to the aerosol generation device 500 to the user auditorily. For example, the audio output unit 536 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it externally.

[0107] The battery 540 can supply the electric power used for the operation of the aerosol generation device 500. The battery 540 can supply electric power so that the heater 550 is heated. Further, the battery 540 can supply the electric power necessary for the operation of other components (for example, the sensing unit 520, the output unit 530, the user input unit 560, the memory 570, and the communication unit 580) provided in the aerosol generation device 500. The battery 540 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 540 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0108] The heater 550 can be supplied with electric power from the battery 540 and heat the aerosol generating substance. Although not shown in FIG. 5, the aerosol generation device 500 can further include a power conversion circuit (for example, a DC / DC converter) that converts the electric power of the battery 540 and supplies it to the heater 550. Further, when the aerosol generation device 500 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol generation device 500 can further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 540 into an AC power supply.

[0109] The control unit 510, the sensing unit 520, the output unit 530, the user input unit 560, the memory 570, and the communication unit 580 can be supplied with electric power from the battery 540 and perform their functions. Although not shown in FIG. 5, the aerosol generation device 500 can further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the electric power of the battery 540 and supplies it to each component.

[0110] In one embodiment, the heater 550 can be made of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys such as titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Further, the heater 550 can be embodied by, but is not limited to, a metal wire, a metal plate with conductive tracks disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0111] In other embodiments, the heater 550 is also an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 550 can include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil and heats the aerosol generating substance.

[0112] In one embodiment, the heater 550 can include a plurality of heaters. For example, the heater 550 can include a first heater for heating a cigarette and a second heater for heating a liquid.

[0113] The user input unit 560 receives information input from the user or outputs information to the user. For example, the user input unit 560 includes, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touch pad (a touch pad using a capacitive touch method, a pressure resistive film method, an infrared sensing method, a surface acoustic wave conduction method, an integral tension measurement method, a piezo effect method, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Also, although not shown in FIG. 5, the aerosol generating device 500 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can be connected to other external devices via a connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information, or can charge the battery 540.

[0114] The memory 570 is hardware that stores various data (e.g., temperature profiles) processed within the aerosol generating device 500, and can store the data processed by the control unit 510 and the data to be processed. The memory 570 may include at least one type of recording medium such as a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk. The memory 570 can store data related to the operating time of the aerosol generating device 500, the maximum puff count, the current puff count, at least one temperature profile, and the smoking pattern of the user.

[0115] The communication unit 580 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 580 may include a short-range communication unit 582 and a wireless communication unit 584.

[0116] The short-range wireless communication unit 582 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0117] The wireless communication unit 584 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 584 can identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 500 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., the International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0118] The control unit 510 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 500. In one embodiment, the control unit 510 may include at least one processor. The processor can also be implemented by an array of a large number of logic gates, and can also be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored. Also, those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs will understand that it can also be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0119] The control unit 510 can control the temperature of the heater 550 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 540 to the heater 550. For example, the control unit 510 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 540 and the heater 550. In another example, the heating direct circuit may control the power supply to the heater 550 according to the control command of the control unit 510.

[0120] The control unit 510 can analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 520 and control subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 510 can control the power supplied to the heater 550 so that the operation of the heater 550 is started or terminated based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 520. As another example, the control unit 510 can control the amount and duration of the power supplied to the heater 550 so that the heater 550 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 520.

[0121] Based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 520, the control unit 510 can control the output unit 530. For example, if the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 526 reaches a preset number, the control unit 510 notifies the user via at least one of the display unit 532, the haptic unit 534, and the acoustic output unit 536 that the aerosol generating device 500 is about to end.

[0122] Based on the color information sensed by the color sensor 528, the control unit 510 can determine the type and / or humidity state of the cigarette 2. The control unit 510 can operate the heater 550 according to a temperature profile corresponding to the determined type and / or humidity state of the cigarette 2.

[0123] FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views schematically showing a part of the aerosol generation system.

[0124] FIG. 6A is a side cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation system 600, and FIG. 6B is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation system 600.

[0125] Referring to FIGS. 6A to 6B, the aerosol generation system 600 may include aerosol generation devices 601, 602, and a cigarette 2. The aerosol generation devices 601, 602 may include a main body 601 and a cover 602. On the other hand, the cigarette 2 and the cover 602 may be detachably coupled to the main body 601.

[0126] According to an embodiment, the cigarette 2 may include a color ribbon CB in a partial region of a packaging material (wrapper). The color ribbon CB can indicate the type and / or humidity state information of the cigarette 2.

[0127] The main body 601 may be formed with a receiving passage 603 capable of accommodating the cigarette 2. The cigarette 2 may be accommodated inside the receiving passage 603 through a hole formed in the cover 602. After the cigarette 2 is accommodated in the receiving passage 603, an aerosol may be generated by heating the cigarette 2 with a heater (not shown) located in the receiving passage 603.

[0128] In one embodiment, a color sensor 528 may be formed on a side surface of the receiving passage 603 of the main body 601. The color sensor 528 may include a light emitting portion 528a and a light receiving portion 528b. The color sensor 528 may be separated from the heater by 6 mm or more so as not to be affected by the heater. The color sensor 528 may be located on the same line as the color band CB of the cigarette 2 accommodated in the receiving passage 603.

[0129] According to one embodiment, when it is detected by an insertion detection sensor (524 in FIG. 5) that the cigarette 2 has been inserted into the receiving passage 603, the light emitting portion 528a can irradiate light onto the cigarette 2. Also, the light receiving portion 528b can receive the light reflected from the cigarette 2.

[0130] In the present disclosure, by using the color band CB of the cigarette 2 and the color sensor 528 to sense the light reflected from the color band CB, the type and / or humidity state of the cigarette 2 accommodated in the receiving passage 603 can be determined. Details thereof will be described later with reference to FIGS. 7A to 10B.

[0131] FIGS. 7A and 7B are drawings for explaining a cigarette according to one embodiment.

[0132] Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the cigarette 2 may include an aerosol generating portion 210, a tobacco filling portion 220, a cooling portion 230, and a mouthpiece 240. The cigarette 2 may include a color band CB in a partial region of the packaging material (wrapper). For example, the cigarette 2 may include the color band CB on the packaging material (wrapper) corresponding to the tobacco filling portion 220. At this time, the color band CB indicates the humidity state of the cigarette 2.

[0133] The ribbon CB may contain a substance whose color changes in response to changes in the humidity of the surrounding environment. For example, the ribbon CB may contain litmus. Litmus is a pigment extracted from lichens. Litmus indicator is purple in neutral, blue in basic, and red in acidic. Commonly known litmus paper is made by dipping paper into solutions of hydrochloric acid and ammonia water respectively in a litmus alcohol solution and then drying it. There are two types of litmus paper, blue and red. If the blue litmus paper turns red, the solution is acidic, and if the red litmus paper turns blue, it indicates that the solution is basic.

[0134] The ribbon CB according to one embodiment is formed on the principle of blue litmus paper. When the humidity is normal, it indicates blue, and when the humidity is high, since the moisture in the atmosphere generally has a weak acidity, it indicates red. Therefore, in the case of a general cigarette 2, as shown in FIG. 7A, the ribbon CB indicates blue, and in the case of an over-wet cigarette 2', as shown in FIG. 7B, the ribbon CB' indicates red.

[0135] By disposing the ribbon CB on the packaging material (bellows) corresponding to the tobacco filling portion 220 in this way and using the color sensor 528 to sense the color of the ribbon CB, the humidity state of the cigarette 2 can be easily detected.

[0136] If a uniform heating profile is applied without considering the humidity state of the tobacco filling portion 220, it may not provide the user with the best satisfaction. Moisture has a higher specific heat than air and a greater heat capacity than air at the same temperature. As a result, when the user inhales an aerosol with a high moisture content, there may be a problem that the user feels a higher heat sensation than when inhaling air at the same temperature. Hereinafter, an exemplary temperature profile corresponding to each of the general cigarette 2 and the over-wet cigarette 2' will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0137] FIG. 8 is a graph for explaining the temperature profile. At this time, the graph shown by the solid line indicates the first temperature profile for general cigarettes, and the graph shown by the one-dot chain line indicates the second temperature profile for over-wet cigarettes.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 8, the first temperature profile TP1 shows the temperature values by time optimized for general cigarettes (2 in FIG. 7A). The first temperature profile TP1 can be divided into a first section P1 which is a preheating section and a second section P2 which is a smoking section.

[0139] The first section P1 may include a section that rises from the first temperature T1 which is the outside air temperature to the second temperature T2 at which the aerosol product substance volatilizes, and a section that descends to the third temperature T3 which is the smoking start temperature. The second section P2 may include a section that descends from the third temperature T3 to the fourth temperature T4, and a section that holds the fourth temperature T4. At this time, the second temperature T2, the third temperature T3, and the fourth temperature T4 are equal to or higher than the temperature at which the aerosol product substance volatilizes, and may vary depending on the type of the aerosol product substance.

[0140] On the other hand, the second temperature profile TP2 shows the temperature values by time optimized for over-wet cigarettes (2' in FIG. 7B). The second temperature profile TP2 can be divided into a third section P3 which is a preheating section and a fourth section P4 which is a smoking section.

[0141] The third section P3 may include a section that rises from the first temperature T1 which is the outside air temperature to the second temperature T2 at which the aerosol product substance volatilizes, a section that holds the second temperature T2, and a section that descends to the fourth temperature T4 which is the smoking start temperature. The fourth section P4 may include a section that holds the fourth temperature T4.

[0142] At this time, the time taken to reach the second temperature T2 corresponding to the second temperature profile TP2 is longer than the time taken to reach the second temperature T2 corresponding to the first temperature profile TP1 due to the moisture contained in the cigarette 2000.

[0143] Also, after the second temperature profile TP2 reaches the second temperature T2, at least a part of the moisture contained inside the over-wet cigarette 2' can evaporate while being kept at the second temperature T2 constantly. Thereby, the initial heat feeling can be alleviated. On the other hand, in the case of the general cigarette 2, since it is less likely that the user feels the heat feeling due to the moisture contained inside, the first temperature profile TP1 can omit the section for evaporating the moisture contained inside the cigarette 2. That is, the preheating section P3 of the second temperature profile TP2 is longer than the preheating section P1 of the first temperature profile TP1, and the third temperature T3 which is the smoking start temperature of the general cigarette (2 in Fig. 7A) is higher than the fourth temperature T4 which is the smoking start temperature of the over-wet cigarette (2' in Fig. 7B).

[0144] However, the first temperature profile TP1 and the second temperature profile TP2 illustrated in Fig. 8 are merely examples, and the temperature profiles related to the general cigarette (2 in Fig. 7A) and the over-wet cigarette (2' in Fig. 7B) respectively are not limited thereto.

[0145] Figs. 9A and 9B are drawings for explaining cigarettes according to other embodiments.

[0146] The cigarettes 2_1a, 2_1b, 2_1c illustrated in Figs. 9A and 9B are different from the cigarette 2 illustrated in Figs. 7A and 7B which includes only one color band CB in that they further include not only the first color band CB1 but also the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, CB2c in a partial area of the packaging material (wrapper). The remaining configurations are substantially the same. Hereinafter, redundant descriptions will be omitted, and the description will focus on the differences.

[0147] The cigarettes 2_1a, 2_1b, 2_1c may include an aerosol generating section 210, a tobacco filling section 220, a cooling section 230, and a mouthpiece 240. The cigarettes 2_1a, 2_1b, 2_1c may include the first color band CB1 and the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, CB2c in a partial area of the packaging material (wrapper). For example, the cigarette 2 may include the first color band CB1 and the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, CB2c on the packaging material (wrapper) corresponding to the tobacco filling section 220.

[0148] At this time, the first color band CB1 has substantially the same configuration as the color band CB in FIG. 7A and indicates the humidity states of the cigarettes 2_1a, 2_1b, and 2_1c. The first color band CB1 is formed on the principle of blue litmus paper. When the humidity is normal, it indicates blue. When the humidity is high, generally, the moisture in the air is weakly acidic, so it indicates red. Therefore, when the first cigarette 2_1a, the second cigarette 2_1b, and the third cigarette 2_1c are general cigarettes, as shown in FIG. 9A, the first color band CB1 indicates blue. When the first cigarette 2_1a, the second cigarette 2_1b, and the third cigarette 2_1c are overwet cigarettes, as shown in FIG. 9B, the first color band CB1' indicates red.

[0149] Also, the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c indicate the types of the cigarettes 2_1a, 2_1b, and 2_1c. In FIGS. 9A and 9B, for the first cigarette 2_1a, the tobacco filling part 220 is filled with cut tobacco. For the second cigarette 2_1b, the tobacco filling part 220 is filled with tobacco granules. For the third cigarette 2_1c, the tobacco filling part 220 can be filled with nicotine liquid. For example, the second color band CB2a of the first cigarette 2_1a is red, the second color band CB2b of the second cigarette 2_1b is yellow, and the second color band CB2c of the third cigarette 2_1c is also black. However, the colors of the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c and the contents of the tobacco filling parts corresponding to their respective colors are only an example and can be variously deformed.

[0150] The second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c according to an embodiment are formed on the packaging material (wrapper) corresponding to the tobacco filling part 220, and the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c can be arranged adjacent to the first color band CB1 in the longitudinal direction. For example, the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c can be arranged between the first color band CB1 and the boundary line between the tobacco filling part 220 and the cooling part 230.

[0151] Figures 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of an aerosol generation system for explaining the positions of color sensors.

[0152] Referring to FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A and 10B, color sensors 528a, 528b can be formed on the side surface of the accommodation passage 603 of the main body 601.

[0153] According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10A, a plurality of color sensors 528a, 528b can be formed on the side surface of the accommodation passage 603. For example, the first color sensor 528a can be arranged collinearly with the first color band CB1 of the first cigarette 2_1a accommodated in the accommodation passage 603, and the second color sensor 528b can be arranged collinearly with the second color band CB2a of the first cigarette 2_1a accommodated in the accommodation passage 603. In that case, the first color sensor 528a determines the color of the first color band CB1, and the second color sensor 528b determines the color of the second color band CB2a.

[0154] According to another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10B, only one color sensor 528 can be formed on the side surface of the accommodation passage 603. For example, the color sensor 528 can be arranged collinearly with the second color band CB2a of the first cigarette 2_1a accommodated in the accommodation passage 603. When the user accommodates the tobacco in the accommodation passage 603, the first color band CB1 and the second color band CB2 can pass through the color sensor 528 continuously. In such a case, the color sensor 528 can determine the colors of the first color band CB1 and the second color band CB2a based on the change in the sensing value over time.

[0155] In this way, by arranging the first color band CB1 and the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, CB2c on the packaging material (wrapper) corresponding to the tobacco filling part 220 and using the color sensors 528a, 528b to sense the color of the first color band CB1, the humidity state of the cigarette can be easily detected, and by sensing the colors of the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, CB2c, the type of the cigarette can be easily detected.

[0156] The control unit (510 in FIG. 5) can operate the heater (550 in FIG. 5) according to temperature profiles corresponding to the colors of the first color ribbon CB1 and the second color ribbons CB2a, CB2b, CB2c. For example, when the aerosol generating device (500 in FIG. 5) has three types of cigarettes 2, that is, the substances filled in the tobacco filling part 220 are cut tobacco, granules, and liquid, it can include a general cigarette temperature profile and an over-wet cigarette temperature profile for each substance, and a total of six temperature profiles can be included in the memory (570 in FIG. 5).

[0157] FIGS. 11A and 11B are drawings for explaining cigarettes according to still other embodiments.

[0158] The cigarettes 2_2a, 2_2b, 2_2c shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B differ from the cigarettes 2_1a shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B only in that the first color ribbon CB1_1 is arranged so as to overlap the second color ribbons CB2a, CB2b, CB2c in the thickness direction, and the remaining configuration is substantially the same. Hereinafter, duplicate descriptions will be omitted, and the differences will be mainly described.

[0159] The cigarettes 2_2a, 2_2b, 2_2c can include an aerosol generation part 210, a tobacco filling part 220, a cooling part 230, and a mouthpiece 240. The cigarettes 2_2a, 2_2b, 2_2c can include the first color ribbon CB1_1 and the second color ribbons CB2a, CB2b, CB2c in a partial area of the packaging material (wrapper). For example, the cigarette 2 can include the first color ribbon CB1_1 and the second color ribbons CB2a, CB2b, CB2c on the packaging material (wrapper) corresponding to the tobacco filling part 220.

[0160] The first color ribbon CB1_1 contains litmus and indicates the humidity state of the cigarettes 2_2a, 2_2b, 2_2c.

[0161] The first color band CB1_1 is formed on the principle of blue litmus paper. When the humidity is normal, it indicates blue. When the humidity is high, generally, moisture in the air is weakly acidic, so it indicates red. Therefore, when the cigarette is a general cigarette 2_2a, 2_2b, 2_2c, as shown in FIG. 11A, the first color band CB1_1 indicates blue. When the cigarette is an over-wet cigarette 2_2a’, 2_2b’, 2_2c, as shown in FIG. 11B, the first color band CB1_1’ indicates red.

[0162] Also, the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, CB2c indicate the types of cigarettes 2_2a, 2_2b, 2_2c. The types of cigarettes 2_2a, 2_2b, 2_2c are also the first cigarette 2_2a filled with cut tobacco in the tobacco filling part 220, the second cigarette 2_2b filled with tobacco granules in the tobacco filling part 220, and the third cigarette 2_2c filled with nicotine liquid in the tobacco filling part 220. For example, the second color band CB2a of the first cigarette 2_2a is red, the second color band CB2b of the second cigarette 2_2b is yellow, and the second color band CB2c of the third cigarette 2_2c is also black. However, the colors of the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, CB2c and the contents of the tobacco filling parts matched with their respective colors are only examples and can be deformed in various ways.

[0163] The first color band CB1_1 according to an embodiment can be arranged to overlap with the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, CB2c in the thickness direction. At this time, the first color band CB1_1 has a mesh shape. Thereby, the first color band CB1_1 includes a plurality of square mesh holes MH, and the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, CB2c can be exposed to the outside through the mesh holes MH. However, the shape of the first color band CB1_1 is not limited thereto. For example, the shape of the first color band CB1_1 seen from one side is rectangular, but by forming the first color band CB1_1 to be translucent, the first color band CB1_1 may indicate a color mixed with the colors of the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, CB2c arranged below when seen from the outside.

[0164] As described above, in the case of general cigarettes 2_2a, 2_2b, 2_2c, the first color band CB1_1 indicates blue, and in the case of over-wet cigarettes 2_2a’, 2_2b’, 2_2c’, the first color band CB1_1’ may indicate red. In such a case, the first cigarette 2_2a having the red second color band CB2a is displayed in purple when it is a general cigarette, while it is displayed in red when it is an over-wet cigarette. The second cigarette 2_2b having the yellow second color band CB2b is displayed in green when it is a general cigarette, while it is displayed in orange when it is an over-wet cigarette. The third cigarette 2_2c having the black second color band CB2c is displayed in blue when it is a general cigarette, while it may be displayed in brown when it is an over-wet cigarette.

[0165] Referring to FIG. 6A, the color sensor 528 may be formed on the side surface of the accommodation passage 603 of the main body 601. For example, the color sensor 528 is arranged on the same line as the color bands CB (i.e., the first color band CB1_1 and the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, CB2c) of the cigarette 2 accommodated in the accommodation passage 603, and the color sensor 528 may determine the mixed color of the first color band CB1_1 and the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, CB2c.

[0166] In this way, by arranging the first color band CB1_1 and the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, CB2c to be superimposed in the thickness direction on the packaging material (bellows) corresponding to the tobacco filling portion 220 and sensing the mixed color of the first color band CB1_1 and the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, CB2c using the color sensor 528, the humidity of the cigarette and the type of the cigarette can be easily detected. For example, when the mixed color of the first color band CB1_1 and the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, CB2c is determined to be purple, green, or blue, it may correspond to the general first cigarette 2_2a, the general second cigarette 2_2b, and the general third cigarette 2_2c, respectively. On the other hand, when the mixed color of the first color band CB1_1 and the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, CB2c is determined to be red, orange, or brown, it may correspond to the over-wet first cigarette 2_2a’, the over-wet second cigarette 2_2b’, and the over-wet third cigarette 2_2c’, respectively.

[0167] The control unit (510 in FIG. 5) can operate the heater (550 in FIG. 5) according to a temperature profile corresponding to the mixed colors of the first color ribbon CB1_1 and the second color ribbons CB2a, CB2b, CB2c. For example, when the aerosol generating device (500 in FIG. 5) has three types of cigarettes 2, that is, the substances filled in the tobacco filling part 220 are cut tobacco, granules, and liquid, it may include a temperature profile for general cigarettes and a temperature profile for over-wet cigarettes for each substance, and a total of six temperature profiles may be included in the memory (570 in FIG. 5).

[0168] FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a method of operating an aerosol generation system according to an embodiment. At this time, it goes without saying that the content described above not only in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12 but also in FIGS. 1 to 11B is applicable to the method of operating the aerosol generation system.

[0169] Referring to FIG. 12, the method of operating the aerosol generation system 100 includes a step (S100) of inserting a cigarette with a formed color ribbon into the accommodation passage of the main body, a step (S200) of detecting the color of the color ribbon by a color sensor, and a step (S300) of determining the humidity state of the cigarette based on the detected color of the color ribbon. The method of operating the aerosol generation system 100 may further include a step (S400) of operating the heater according to a temperature profile corresponding to the determined humidity state of the cigarette.

[0170] Specifically, referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, in step (S100), a cigarette 2 according to an embodiment may include a color ribbon CB in a partial region of the packaging material (bellows). The color ribbon CB can indicate the type and / or humidity state information of the cigarette 2.

[0171] The ribbon CB may contain a substance whose color changes in response to changes in the humidity of the surrounding environment. For example, the ribbon CB may contain litmus. The ribbon CB according to one embodiment is formed on the principle of blue litmus paper, so that when the humidity is normal, it indicates blue, and when the humidity is high, since the moisture in the atmosphere generally has a weak acidity, it can indicate red.

[0172] An accommodation passage 603 capable of accommodating the cigarette 2 may be formed in the main body 601. The cigarette 2 may be accommodated inside the accommodation passage 603 through a hole formed in the cover 602. After the cigarette 2 is accommodated in the accommodation passage 603, an aerosol may be generated by heating the cigarette 2 with a heater (not shown) located in the accommodation passage 603.

[0173] In one embodiment, a color sensor 528 may be formed on the side surface of the accommodation passage 603 of the main body 601. The color sensor 528 may include a light emitting part 528a and a light receiving part 528b. The color sensor 528 may be separated from the heater by 6 mm or more so as not to be affected by the heater. The color sensor 528 may be located on the same line as the ribbon CB of the cigarette 2 accommodated in the accommodation passage 603.

[0174] In step S200, when it is detected by the insertion detection sensor (524 in FIG. 5) that the cigarette 2 has been inserted into the accommodation passage 603, the light emitting part 528a can irradiate the cigarette 2 with light. Also, the light receiving part 528b can receive the light reflected from the cigarette 2.

[0175] In step S300, when the color of the ribbon CB is the first color (for example, blue), the control unit (510 in FIG. 5) determines that the cigarette is a general cigarette, and when the color of the ribbon CB is the second color (for example, red), the control unit determines that the cigarette is an over-wet cigarette.

[0176] In step S400, referring to FIG. 8, the first temperature profile TP1 shows the temperature values over time optimized for a general cigarette (2 in FIG. 7A). The first temperature profile TP1 can be divided into a first section P1 which is a preheating section and a second section P2 which is a smoking section. On the other hand, the second temperature profile TP2 shows the temperature values over time optimized for an over-wet cigarette (2' in FIG. 7B). The second temperature profile TP2 can be divided into a third section P3 which is a preheating section and a fourth section P4 which is a smoking section.

[0177] At this time, the time taken to reach the second temperature T2 corresponding to the second temperature profile TP2 is longer than the time taken to reach the second temperature T2 corresponding to the first temperature profile TP1 due to the moisture contained in the cigarette 2.

[0178] Also, after the second temperature profile TP2 reaches the second temperature T2, at least a part of the moisture contained inside the over-wet cigarette 2' can evaporate while the second temperature T2 is kept constant. Thereby, the initial heat feeling can be alleviated. On the other hand, in the case of a general cigarette 2, since it is less likely for the user to feel a heat feeling due to the moisture contained inside, the first temperature profile TP1 can omit the section for evaporating the moisture contained inside the cigarette 2. That is, the preheating section P3 of the second temperature profile TP2 is longer than the preheating section P1 of the first temperature profile TP1, and the third temperature T3 which is the smoking start temperature of the general cigarette (2 in FIG. 7A) is higher than the fourth temperature T4 which is the smoking start temperature of the over-wet cigarette (2' in FIG. 7B).

[0179] Those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment will understand that it can be embodied in a modified form within a range not deviating from the essential characteristics described above. Therefore, the disclosed method should be considered from an illustrative perspective rather than a limiting perspective. The scope of the present invention is shown not in the foregoing description but in the claims, and all differences within the equivalent scope thereof should be construed as being included in the present invention.

Claims

1. A cigarette having a first color band whose hue changes according to humidity, a main body including a receiving passage into which the cigarette is inserted, a heater for heating the cigarette, a color sensor disposed on one side of the receiving passage for detecting the color of the first color band, and a control unit for determining the humidity state of the cigarette based on the detected color of the first color band, and an aerosol generating device including the same, an aerosol generation system.

2. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1, wherein the first color band includes litmus that changes from a first color to a second color when exposed to moisture.

3. The control unit, when the color of the first color band is the first color, determines the cigarette as a general cigarette, when the color of the first color band is the second color, determines the cigarette as an over-wet cigarette, the aerosol generation system according to claim 2.

4. The control unit, when the cigarette is determined to be the general cigarette, operates the heater with a first temperature profile, when the cigarette is determined to be the over-wet cigarette, operates the heater with a second temperature profile, the aerosol generation system according to claim 3.

5. The aerosol generation system according to claim 4, wherein a preheating section of the second temperature profile is longer than a preheating section of the first temperature profile.

6. The cigarette includes an aerosol generation section, a tobacco filling section, a cooling section, and a mouthpiece, and the aerosol generation section, the tobacco filling section, the cooling section, and the mouthpiece are packaged by a packaging material, the first color band is formed on a region of the packaging material corresponding to the tobacco filling section, the aerosol generation system according to claim 1.

7. The aerosol generation system according to claim 6, wherein the cigarette further includes a second color band having other colors according to the type of the cigarette.

8. The types of the cigarettes include a first cigarette in which the tobacco filling section is filled with cut tobacco, a second cigarette in which the tobacco filling section is filled with tobacco granules, and a third cigarette in which the tobacco filling section is filled with nicotine liquid, the aerosol generation system according to claim 7.

9. The aerosol generation system according to claim 8, wherein the second color ribbon is of a third color in the case of the first cigarette, a fourth color in the case of the second cigarette, and a fifth color in the case of the third cigarette.

10. The aerosol generation system according to claim 7, wherein the control unit operates the heater with a temperature profile corresponding to the colors of the first color ribbon and the second color ribbon.

11. The aerosol generation system according to claim 7, wherein the second color ribbon is formed on another region of the packaging material corresponding to the tobacco filling portion and is disposed between the first color ribbon and the boundary line between the tobacco filling portion and the cooling portion.

12. The aerosol generation system according to claim 7, wherein the first color ribbon is formed to overlap the second color ribbon in the thickness direction and has a mesh shape.

13. The aerosol generation system according to claim 12, wherein the color sensor senses a mixed color in which the color of the first color ribbon and the color of the second color ribbon are mixed.

14. In an operating method of an aerosol generation system, sensing the insertion of a cigarette body with a color ribbon formed thereon into an accommodation passage; detecting the color of the color ribbon by a color sensor; and determining the humidity state of the cigarette based on the detected color of the color ribbon. An operating method of an aerosol generation system, including these steps.

15. The color ribbon includes litmus that changes from a first color to a second color when exposed to moisture, and in the step of determining the humidity state of the cigarette, when the color of the color ribbon is the first color, the cigarette is determined to be a general cigarette, and when the color of the color ribbon is the second color, the cigarette is determined to be an over-wet cigarette. The operating method of the aerosol generation system according to claim 14.

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