Aerosol producing product and aerosol generating system including the same

Abstract

An aerosol generation system comprising: an aerosol product including a first medium portion containing a first aerosol-generating substance; and a second medium portion disposed adjacent to one end of the first medium portion and containing a second aerosol-generating substance; an aerosol generation device including a housing having a storage space for accommodating the aerosol product; and a heating element disposed to surround at least a portion of the aerosol product contained in the storage space and for heating the aerosol product, wherein the area surrounded by the heating element is different from the area surrounded by the second medium portion.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol product and an aerosol generating system including the same, and more particularly to an aerosol generating system capable of generating an aerosol through induction heating. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods that overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, rather than generating aerosols by burning cigarettes, there has been an increasing demand for systems that generate aerosols by heating cigarettes or aerosol-generating substances using an aerosol generator. This has led to active research into heated aerosol generators.

[0003] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for a method for efficiently generating aerosol by arranging various components inside an aerosol product in various ways, and therefore active research has been conducted into a method for providing users with an optimal smoking experience using an aerosol product or an aerosol generating device that generates aerosol by heating. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One embodiment of the present invention can provide the user with an optimal smoking experience by generating aerosol by heating an aerosol producing product having a variety of internal configurations arranged to a predetermined temperature without burning it.

[0005] Problems to be solved through the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An aerosol generation system according to one embodiment may include an aerosol generation device including an aerosol product including a first medium portion containing a first aerosol-generating substance and a second medium portion disposed adjacent to one end of the first medium portion and containing a second aerosol-generating substance, a housing including a storage space for accommodating the aerosol product, and a heating element disposed to surround at least a portion of the aerosol product contained in the storage space and for heating the aerosol product, wherein the area surrounded by the heating element is different from the area surrounded by the second medium portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The aerosol generating system according to various embodiments of the present invention can adjust the resistance to draw to improve the user's smoking experience.

[0008] Furthermore, the aerosol generating system according to various embodiments of the present invention can maintain a uniform atomization amount throughout the entire puffing operation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is an enlarged view of some components of an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment. [Figure 3A] 1 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol product according to one embodiment. [Figure 3B] 1 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol product according to one embodiment. [Figure 4A] 1 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol product according to another embodiment. [Figure 4B] 1 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol product according to another embodiment. [Figure 5A] 10 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol product according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 5B] 10 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol product according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating system according to an embodiment. [Figure 7A] 1 is a graph showing the change in atomization amount due to puffing operation in an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment. [Figure 7B] 10 is a graph showing the change in atomization amount due to puffing operation in an aerosol generating system according to another embodiment. [Figure 7C] 10 is a graph showing the change in atomization amount due to puffing operation in an aerosol generating system according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating system according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The terms used in the embodiments are generally used in the present invention, taking into consideration their functions in the present invention. However, these terms may change depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, legal precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply by their names.

[0011] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain element, this does not mean that it excludes other elements and may further include other elements, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as "module" and "unit" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0012] As used herein, when a phrase such as "at least one of," precedes an element in an arrangement, it modifies the entire element and not each individual element in the arrangement. For example, the phrase "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, and c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0013] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette contained in an internal space.

[0014] The aerosol generating device comprises a heater, in one embodiment the heater is an electrically resistive heater, for example the heater comprises an electrically conductive track, and when an electric current is passed through the electrically conductive track the heater is heated.

[0015] The heater may include a tube-type heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0016] Cigarettes include tobacco rods and filter rods. The tobacco rods may be made of sheets, strands, or shredded tobacco from a tobacco sheet. The tobacco rods may also be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto.

[0017] The filter rod may also be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may be composed of at least one or more segments. For example, the filter rod may have a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters out certain components contained in the aerosol.

[0018] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material.

[0019] The aerosol generating device includes a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating material and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge is detachably connected to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be integrally formed with the body, assembled thereto, or fixed so as not to be detachable by a user. The cartridge is attached to the body with the aerosol-generating material contained therein. However, is not limited thereto, and the aerosol-generating material may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is connected to the body.

[0020] The cartridge contains an aerosol-forming material in any one of various states, such as a liquid, solid, gas, or gel. The aerosol-forming material includes a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0021] The cartridge is activated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body to convert the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge into a gas phase, thereby generating an aerosol. The aerosol refers to a gas mixture of vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material and air.

[0022] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol is delivered to the user through the cigarette, i.e., the aerosol generated from the liquid composition travels along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow passage is configured to deliver the aerosol through the cigarette to the user.

[0023] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method, which refers to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing an aerosol generating material using ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0024] The aerosol generating device includes a vibrator that generates short-period vibrations to atomize the aerosol generating material. The vibrations generated by the vibrator are ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations is, but is not limited to, about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz.

[0025] The aerosol generating device further includes a wick that absorbs the aerosol-generating substance, for example, the wick is positioned to surround or contact at least a region of the vibrator.

[0026] When a voltage (e.g., an AC voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator are transferred to the aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick. The aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick is converted into a gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transferred from the vibrator, resulting in the generation of an aerosol.

[0027] For example, the heat generated from the vibrator reduces the viscosity of the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the core, and the ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator break the reduced viscosity aerosol-generating substance into fine particles, thereby generating an aerosol, but this is not limiting.

[0028] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol product contained in the aerosol generating device using an induction heating method.

[0029] The aerosol generating device includes a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil applies a magnetic field to the susceptor. When power is supplied from the aerosol generating device to the coil, a magnetic field is formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor is a magnetic material that generates heat when an external magnetic field is applied. When the susceptor is located inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied, the susceptor generates heat, thereby heating the aerosol product. Alternatively, the susceptor may be located inside the aerosol product.

[0030] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device further comprises a cradle.

[0031] The aerosol generating device may be combined with a separate cradle to form a system. For example, the cradle may charge a battery of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heater may heat the aerosol generating device while the cradle and the aerosol generating device are coupled together.

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in a form that can be implemented in the aerosol generating device of the various embodiments described above, or may be embodied in various different forms, but is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment includes a housing 120 into which an aerosol product 110 is inserted.

[0036] In one embodiment, the housing 120 forms the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device 100 and has an internal space (or "arrangement space") in which components of the aerosol generating device 100 are arranged. Although only an embodiment in which the overall cross section of the housing 120 is formed in a semicircular shape is shown in the drawings, the shape of the housing 120 is not limited thereto. Depending on the embodiment (not shown), the housing 120 may be formed in an overall cylindrical shape or a polygonal prism shape (e.g., a triangular prism or a quadrangular prism).

[0037] In one embodiment, the internal space of the housing 120 is provided with components for heating the aerosol product 110 inserted into the housing 120 to generate an aerosol, and components for outputting a screen showing the status of the aerosol generating device 100, which will be described in detail later.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the housing 120 comprises an opening 100h through which the aerosol product article 110 can be inserted into the interior of the housing 120. At least a portion of the aerosol product article 110 is inserted or housed inside the housing 120 through the opening 100h.

[0039] An aerosol is generated by heating the aerosol production product 110 inserted or housed inside the housing 120 inside the housing 120. The generated aerosol is discharged to the outside of the aerosol generation device 100 through the inserted aerosol production product 110 and / or the space between the aerosol production product 110 and the opening 100h, and the user inhales the discharged aerosol.

[0040] The aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment further comprises a display 130 on which visual information is displayed.

[0041] In one embodiment, the display 130 is disposed such that at least a portion of the display 130 is exposed to the outside of the housing 120. For example, at least a portion of the display 130 is exposed through a cover glass on the outside of the housing 120.

[0042] In one embodiment, the display 130 includes a display panel and a touch panel that receives touch input. For example, the display panel includes scan lines, data lines, and light-emitting elements (e.g., organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs)) that emit light based on signals provided from the scan lines and data lines. The touch panel detects changes in electrical characteristics (e.g., capacitance, radio waves, etc.) caused by a user's touch input, and position information of the detected changes is transmitted to a processor.

[0043] In one embodiment, the display 130 displays a user interface, which is converted by a touch input received through the touch panel, on a display panel. In this case, the display 130 may be formed as a stacked structure of a display panel and a touch panel.

[0044] The aerosol generating device 100 provides various visual information to the user via the display 130. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 displays pre-heating and heating information for the aerosol product 110, remaining battery power, time and date information, usage mode information, weather information, Bluetooth® connection information, etc. The information displayed via the display 130 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of some components of an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment.

[0046] 2, an aerosol generation system 1000 according to one embodiment includes an aerosol generation device 100 including an aerosol product 110, a housing 120 (e.g., the housing 120 of FIG. 1), and a heating element 200. The components of the aerosol generation system 1000 according to one embodiment are substantially the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generation system 1000 shown in FIG. 1, and therefore, overlapping descriptions will be omitted below.

[0047] The heating element 200 generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol production product 110 inserted or housed inside the housing 120 through the opening 100h. The heating element 200 generates heat, for example, by supplying power, to heat the aerosol production product 110. At this time, vaporized particles generated by heating the aerosol production product 110 are mixed with air flowing into the housing 120 through the opening 100h to form an aerosol.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the heating element 200 comprises an inductive heater, for example, the heating element 200 includes a coil 201 (or "electrically conductive coil") that provides a magnetic field that changes as power is supplied to the heating element 200, and a susceptor 202 that generates heat due to the changing magnetic field generated by the coil 201, thereby inductively heating the aerosol product 110 contained in the housing 120.

[0049] When the aerosol product 110 is accommodated inside the housing 120, the susceptor 202 is disposed to surround at least a portion of the outer periphery of the aerosol product 110 and heats the aerosol product 110 accommodated in the housing 120. The susceptor 202 generates heat due to, for example, an alternating magnetic field generated by the coil 201, and as a result, the aerosol product 110 is heated.

[0050] According to one example, the susceptor 202 is arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the medium portion of the aerosol production product 110 containing the aerosol-generating material, and the coil 201 is arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the susceptor 202, so that the aerosol production product 110 contained in the housing 120 generates an aerosol by heating.

[0051] According to another embodiment, the heating element 200 includes an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heating element 200 includes a film heater disposed to wrap around at least a portion of the outer periphery of the aerosol product article 110 contained within the housing 120. The film heater includes an electrically conductive track, and when an electric current is passed through the electrically conductive track, the film heater generates heat to heat the aerosol product article 110 inserted into the housing 120.

[0052] According to yet another embodiment, the heating element 200 includes at least one of a needle heater, a rod heater, and a tube heater that heats the interior of the aerosol product product 110 contained in the housing 120. The heaters described above can be inserted into at least one region of the aerosol product product 110, for example, to heat the interior of the aerosol product product 110.

[0053] The heating element 200 is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the embodiment of the heating element 200 can be varied as long as it can heat the aerosol product 110 to a specified temperature. In the present invention, the "specified temperature" refers to the temperature at which the aerosol-generating material contained in the aerosol product 110 can be heated to generate an aerosol. The specified temperature is a preset temperature for the aerosol generating device 100, but the temperature may vary depending on the type of the aerosol generating device 100 and / or the user's operation.

[0054] The heating element 200 may be hollow and tubular, and is coaxial with the aerosol production article 110 contained in the interior space of the housing 120 in the +z-axis direction.

[0055] The support 204 is disposed in the interior space of the housing 120. The support 204 has a shape that protrudes from the bottom surface of the housing 120, which is the +z-axis direction, toward the interior space. The support 204 supports at least one of the aerosol production product 110 and the heating element 200.

[0056] According to one example, the support 204 includes a first support 204a that supports one end of the susceptor 202 and a second support 204b that supports the other end of the susceptor 202. The first support 204a supports at least one of at least a region of one end of the aerosol product 110 and at least a region of one end of the susceptor 202. The second support 204b supports at least a region of the other end of the susceptor 202.

[0057] The contact area between the heating element 200 and the aerosol product 110 can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the aerosol product 110 and / or the heating element 200 supported by the support portion 204. By supporting the aerosol product 110 and the heating element 200 with the support portion 204 so that they are at different heights from the bottom surface of the housing 120 with respect to the +z-axis direction, the heating element 200 can heat a desired area of the aerosol product 110.

[0058] The heat insulating structure 256 is disposed to surround the outer periphery of the heating element 200 and prevents heat generated by the heating element 200 from escaping to the outside, thereby maintaining a high temperature around the heating element 200. In addition, the heat insulating structure 256 seals the heating element 200 and prevents droplets generated during the aerosol generation process from leaking to the outside.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the thermal insulation structure 256 is arranged to surround a region (e.g., the bottom end surface and / or the side surface) of the outer circumferential surface of the heating element 200. The thermal insulation structure 256 includes a first thermal insulation structure 205 arranged to surround a region of the outer circumferential surface of the susceptor 202, and a second thermal insulation structure 206 arranged to surround a region of the outer circumferential surface of the coil 201.

[0060] The susceptor 202 is located within an internal space formed by the first thermal insulation structure 205 and the second thermal insulation structure 206 , and the first thermal insulation structure 205 and the second thermal insulation structure 206 enclose the susceptor 202 .

[0061] In one example, the second thermal insulation structure 206 includes, but is not limited to, a vacuum insulation layer to provide vacuum insulation for the susceptor 202. In another example, the second thermal insulation structure 206 may be bonded to at least a region of the lower end of the first thermal insulation structure 205, or the first thermal insulation structure 205 and the second thermal insulation structure 206 may be integrally formed.

[0062] The heat insulating structure 256 is hollow and substantially tubular. The aerosol production article 110, the susceptor 202, the coil 201, and the heat insulating structure 256, which are housed in the housing 120, are coaxial with each other in the +z-axis direction.

[0063] 3A-3B are diagrams illustrating an aerosol product according to one embodiment.

[0064] 3A, the aerosol product 310 includes a first medium portion 330, a second medium portion 320, a cooling portion 340, and a filter portion 350. For example, the filter portion 350 is a filter made of cellulose acetate, and the cooling portion 340 and the filter portion 350 contain capsules and flavoring agents. Depending on the method of heating the aerosol product 310, the aerosol product 310 may or may not include a heat conductor.

[0065] The first medium portion 330 contains nicotine. The first medium portion 330 is made of shredded tobacco, which is made by shredding a tobacco sheet. For example, the first medium portion 330 may contain a mixture of shredded tobacco and flat tobacco in a ratio of approximately 4:1, but is not limited to this ratio.

[0066] The second medium 320 includes a substance that causes atomization. For example, the second medium 320 may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto. The second medium 320 may also be nicotine-free.

[0067] The cooling unit 340 can provide aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature to a user by lowering the temperature of the generated aerosol. For example, the cooling unit 340 can be a hollow tubular structure containing cellulose acetate. However, the cooling unit 340 is not limited to the above example, and can be used without limitation as long as it has the effect of cooling the aerosol.

[0068] The filter unit 350 includes at least one capsule. For example, the capsule may contain a liquid fragrance, and the flavor may be generated by the exposed fragrance when the capsule is crushed, but this is not limiting.

[0069] 3B, a wrapper 361 or wrapper 364 surrounds the outer periphery of the aerosol product 310. For example, the wrapper 361 surrounds the second medium portion 320 and the first medium portion 330 and may be a heat-conductive wrapper depending on the heating method. For example, the wrapper 361 may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto.

[0070] As an example, the wrapper 364 may have water and / or oil resistance to prevent substances exposed when capsules contained in the aerosol product 310 are broken from penetrating outside the aerosol product 310. However, the wrapper 364 is not limited to this example.

[0071] 3B, an outer periphery of the wrapper 361 and the wrapping paper 364 is surrounded by an outer cover 362. In order to prevent the outer cover 362 from getting wet due to aerosol generated when the user inhales the aerosol, or the user's breath or saliva, the outer periphery of the outer cover 362 surrounding the wrapping paper 364 may be surrounded by tipping paper 363.

[0072] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating an aerosol product according to another embodiment.

[0073] The aerosol product 410 shown in Figures 4A and / or 4B is an aerosol product in which only the first medium portion 330 or the wrapper paper 364 is different from the aerosol product 310 shown in Figures 3A and / or 3B, and overlapping explanations will be omitted below.

[0074] 4A, the aerosol product 410 includes a first medium portion 430, a second medium portion 420, a cooling portion 440, and a filter portion 450. The second medium portion 420 contains a substance that causes atomization. For example, but not limited to, the second medium portion 420 may contain only glycerin.

[0075] 3A, the first medium portion 430 is a crimped sheet impregnated with a nicotine solution. For example, the crimped sheet may be, but is not limited to, a paper sheet that does not generate an unpleasant odor even when heated to a high temperature.

[0076] 4B, a wrapper 461 or wrapper 464 surrounds the outer periphery of the aerosol production article 410. In comparison to FIG. 3B, the wrapper 464 is positioned to surround only the filter portion 450.

[0077] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an aerosol product according to yet another embodiment.

[0078] The aerosol product 510 shown in Figures 5A and / or 5B is an aerosol product in which only the first medium portion 330 is different from the aerosol product 310 shown in Figures 3A and / or 3B, and overlapping explanations will be omitted below.

[0079] 5A, an aerosol-producing product 510 includes a first medium portion 530, a second medium portion 520, a cooling portion 540, and a filter portion 550. The second medium portion 520 contains a substance that causes atomization. For example, but not limited to, the second medium portion 520 may contain only glycerin.

[0080] 3A, the first medium portion 530 includes a plurality of tobacco granules. The tobacco granules refer to spherical particles containing tobacco material. The plurality of tobacco granules are embedded among the filter material. For example, but not limited to, the first medium portion 530 may include a paper sheet, in which the plurality of tobacco granules are uniformly dispersed within the rolled paper sheet.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 5B, a wrapper 561 or wrapper 564 surrounds the outer periphery of the aerosol production article 510 .

[0082] 6 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment. In FIG. 6, the length of the second medium section 620, the length of the first medium section 630, the length of the cooling section 640, and the length of the filter section 650 are indicated by A+B, C+D, E, and F, respectively. Here, the term "length" refers to the length of the second medium section 620, the first medium section 630, the cooling section 640, and / or the filter section 650 extending along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol product (e.g., the z direction in FIG. 1 or 2), and this term will be used in the following description with the same meaning.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 6, the aerosol generating system 1000 includes a second medium section 620, a first medium section 630, a cooling section 640, a filter section 650, and a susceptor 602.

[0084] In one embodiment, the first medium portion 630 is disposed adjacent to one end of the second medium portion 620, the cooling portion 640 is disposed adjacent to one end of the first medium portion 630, and the filter portion 650 is disposed adjacent to one end of the cooling portion 640.

[0085] The length (A+B) of the second medium portion 620 is preferably within the range of about 8 mm to 12 mm, but is not limited to this. Preferably, the length (A+B) of the second medium portion 620 is about 10 mm, but is not limited to this. The diameter of the second medium portion 620 is preferably within the range of about 7 mm to 7.4 mm, but is not limited to this. Preferably, the diameter of the second medium portion 620 is about 7.2 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0086] The length (C+D) of the first medium portion 630 is preferably within the range of about 10 mm to 14 mm, but is not limited to this. Preferably, the length (C+D) of the first medium portion 630 is about 12 mm, but is not limited to this. The diameter of the first medium portion 630 is preferably within the range of about 7 mm to 7.4 mm, but is not limited to this. Preferably, the diameter of the first medium portion 630 is about 7.2 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0087] The length F or diameter of the cooling section 640 may vary depending on the type of aerosol product. For example, the length F of the cooling section 640 may be within a range of about 10 mm to 14 mm. Preferably, the length E of the cooling section 640 is about 12 mm, but is not limited to this. The diameter of the cooling section 640 may be within a range of about 7 mm to 7.4 mm, but is not limited to this. Preferably, the diameter of the cooling section 640 is about 7.2 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0088] The length E of the filter portion 650 is preferably within the range of about 12 mm to 16 mm, but is not limited to this. Preferably, the length E of the filter portion 650 is about 14 mm, but is not limited to this. The diameter of the filter portion 650 is preferably within the range of about 7 mm to 7.4 mm, but is not limited to this. Preferably, the diameter of the filter portion 650 is about 7.2 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0089] The susceptor 602 is arranged to surround at least a portion of the second medium portion 620 and at least a portion of the first medium portion 630, and generates heat by an alternating magnetic field generated by a coil (e.g., coil 201 in Figure 2), thereby heating at least a portion of the second medium portion 620 and the first medium portion 630.

[0090] 6, the total length of the susceptor 602 is represented by B+C. In this case, the length of the susceptor 602 that is disposed to surround the outer circumferential surface of the second medium portion 620 and heats the second medium portion 620 is represented by B, and the length of the susceptor 602 that is disposed to surround the outer circumferential surface of the first medium portion 630 and heats the first medium portion 630 is represented by C.

[0091] The total length (B+C) of the susceptor 602 is preferably within the range of about 12 mm to 16 mm, but is not limited to this. Preferably, the total length (B+C) of the susceptor 602 is about 14 mm, but is not limited to this. The diameter of the susceptor 602 is preferably within the range of about 7 mm to 7.4 mm, but is not limited to this. Preferably, the diameter of the susceptor 602 is about 7.2 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0092] In the aerosol generating system 1000 according to an embodiment, the area of the outer circumferential surface of the first medium portion 630 and the second medium portion 620 surrounded by the susceptor 602 and / or the area of the outer circumferential surface of the susceptor 602 surrounded by the coil may vary. The quality of the generated aerosol varies depending on the area and position of the outer circumferential surface of the first medium portion 630 and the second medium portion 620 surrounded by the susceptor 602 and / or the area and position of the outer circumferential surface of the susceptor 602 surrounded by the coil. In the present invention, "aerosol quality" refers to the amount of aerosol generated and / or the resistance to inhalation felt by a user when inhaling the aerosol, and this expression will be used with the same meaning hereinafter.

[0093] In the aerosol generating system 1000 according to one embodiment, one susceptor 602 and one coil are arranged to surround a partial area of the outer peripheral surface of the first medium portion 630 and a partial area of the outer peripheral surface of the second medium portion 620. By using one susceptor 602 and one coil to heat the aerosol product, the structure of the aerosol generating device can be simplified and the weight of the aerosol generating device can be reduced.

[0094] Resistance to draw refers to the force with which a user inhales aerosol when smoking. Experiments have shown that in order to provide a user with a stable smoking sensation, the size of the resistance to draw needs to be maintained at approximately 6mmWG.

[0095] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating system 1000 adjusts the inhalation resistance by varying the ratio between the length C of the first medium portion 630, which is the length of the susceptor 602 surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the first medium portion 630, and the length B of the second medium portion 620, which is the length of the susceptor 602 surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the second medium portion 620, thereby maintaining an inhalation resistance that improves the user's smoking experience.

[0096] For example, as the area of the first medium 630 heated by the susceptor 602 increases, the pores in the first medium 630 expand, resulting in a smaller suction resistance. Also, as the area of the second medium 620 heated by the susceptor 602 decreases, the heat transferred to the first medium 630 decreases, causing the pores in the first medium 630 to close, resulting in a larger suction resistance.

[0097] That is, if the length C of the first medium portion 630, which is the portion of the susceptor 602 surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the first medium portion 630, is longer than the length B of the second medium portion 620, which is the portion of the susceptor 602 surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the second medium portion 620, the size of the suction resistance will be small, but if the length B of the second medium portion 620, which is the portion of the susceptor 602 surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the second medium portion 620, is too short, the size of the suction resistance may actually increase.

[0098] Therefore, the aerosol generation system 1000 according to one embodiment can adjust the ratio between the length C of the first medium portion 630, where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the first medium portion 630, and the length B of the second medium portion 620, where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the second medium portion 620, to realize a resistance to inhalation that provides the user with an optimal smoking experience.

[0099] For example, in one embodiment, the aerosol generating system 1000 adjusts the ratio between the length C of the first medium portion 630, where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the first medium portion 630, and the length B of the second medium portion 620, where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the second medium portion 620, to maintain the size of the resistance to draw at approximately 6 mm WG, which provides an optimal smoking experience.

[0100] Below, with reference to Table 1, we will explain the change in suction resistance depending on the ratio between the length C of the first medium portion 630, where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the first medium portion 630, and the length B of the second medium portion 620, where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the second medium portion 620.

[0101] In Table 1, Example 1 indicates an example in which the length C of the first medium portion 630, where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the first medium portion 630, is 7 mm, and the length B of the second medium portion 620, where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the second medium portion 620, is 7 mm, and therefore the ratio of the length C of the first medium portion 630, where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the first medium portion 630, to the length B of the second medium portion 620, where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the second medium portion 620, is 1:1.

[0102] Furthermore, Example 2 shows an example in which the length C of the first medium portion 630 is 8 mm, and the length B of the second medium portion 620 where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the second medium portion 620 is 6 mm, and therefore the ratio of the length C of the first medium portion 630 where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the first medium portion 630 to the length B of the second medium portion 620 where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the second medium portion 620 is approximately 1.3:1.

[0103] Furthermore, Example 3 shows an example in which the length C of the first medium portion 630 is 9 mm, and the length B of the second medium portion 620 where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the second medium portion 620 is 5 mm, and therefore the ratio of the length C of the first medium portion 630 where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the first medium portion 630 to the length B of the second medium portion 620 where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the second medium portion 620 is 1.8:1.

[0104] Experimental example 1: Measurement experiment of attraction resistance size

[0105] 150 aerosol generation systems 1000 (100%) each configured as in Examples 1 to 3 were prepared, and aerosol was generated, and the resistance to inhalation (mmWG) generated when a user inhaled the generated aerosol was measured. The measurement results are as follows.

[0106] In the case of the aerosol generation system 1000 of Example 1, the resistance to suction was measured as 1 (0.7%) for 5 mmWG, 42 (28.0%) for 6 mmWG, and 107 (71.3%) for 7 mmWG, resulting in an average resistance to suction of 6.71 mmWG. In the case of the aerosol generation system 1000 of Example 2, the resistance to suction was measured as 4 (2.7%) for 5 mmWG, 119 (79.3%) for 6 mmWG, and 27 (18.0%) for 7 mmWG, resulting in an average resistance to suction of 6.15 mmWG. In the case of the aerosol generation system 1000 of Example 3, the resistance to draw was measured as 3 (2.0%) for 5 mmWG, 62 (41.3%) for 6 mmWG, and 85 (56.7%) for 7 mmWG, with an average resistance to draw of 6.57 mmWG. The measured resistance to draw is shown in Table 1 below.

[0107] [Table 1]

[0108] Referring to Table 1, as described above, in the aerosol generation system 1000 according to one embodiment, when the ratio of the length C of the first medium portion 630, where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the first medium portion 630, to the length B of the second medium portion 620, where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the second medium portion 620, is less than 1:1 or more than 1.8:1, the size of the smoking resistance achieved increases. Therefore, when the ratio of the length C of the first medium portion 630, where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the first medium portion 630, to the length B of the second medium portion 620, where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the second medium portion 620, is in the range of 1:1 to 1.8:1, a drawing resistance of a size that provides an optimal smoking experience to the user can be achieved. In particular, when the ratio is 1.4:1, a drawing resistance of approximately 6.15 mmWG can be achieved.

[0109] The aerosol generation system 1000 generates aerosol from one aerosol product more than once. For example, the amount of atomization generated by the aerosol generation system 1000 varies from one aerosol product to several puffs performed by a user. The smaller the deviation in the amount of atomization generated between several puffs, the better the durability of the aerosol generation system 1000.

[0110] The aerosol generating system 1000 according to one embodiment has both a region where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the first medium portion 630 and a region where the susceptor 602 does not surround the outer peripheral surface of the first medium portion 630. For example, the ratio between the two regions is expressed as the ratio between the length C of the first medium portion 630 where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the first medium portion 630 and the length D of the first medium portion 630 where the susceptor 602 does not surround the outer peripheral surface of the first medium portion 630.

[0111] In the aerosol generating system 1000 according to one embodiment, when an initial puffing operation (e.g., 1 to 7 puffing operations) is performed, aerosol is generated mainly from a first region (e.g., part C in FIG. 6 ) of the first medium portion 630 that is in contact with the susceptor 602, and when a later puffing operation (e.g., 8 to 14 puffing operations) is performed, aerosol is generated mainly from a second region (e.g., part D in FIG. 6 ) of the first medium portion 630 that is not in contact with the susceptor 602. For example, in the initial puffing operation, aerosol is generated mainly in the first region of the first medium portion 630 by direct heating by the susceptor 602, and in the later puffing operation, aerosol is generated mainly in the second region of the first medium portion 630 by heat conducted from the susceptor 602.

[0112] The longer the length C of the first medium portion 630 where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the first medium portion 630, the more abundant the amount of aerosol generated in the early stage. Also, the shorter the length D of the first medium portion 630 where the susceptor 602 does not surround the outer circumferential surface of the first medium portion 630, the less aerosol generated in the later stage. That is, in the aerosol generating system 1000, the continuity of the amount of atomization provided to the user changes depending on the ratio between the length C of the first medium portion 630 where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the first medium portion 630 and the length D of the first medium portion 630 where the susceptor 602 does not surround the outer circumferential surface of the first medium portion 630.

[0113] The more sustained the amount of atomization that occurs over several puffs, the better the smoking experience the user will have. The ratio between the length C of the first medium portion 630, where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the first medium portion 630, and the length D of the first medium portion 630, where the susceptor 602 does not surround the outer circumferential surface of the first medium portion 630, is adjusted to provide the user with a uniform amount of atomization throughout the entire puffing operation. For example, the ratio between the length C of the first medium portion 630, where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the first medium portion 630, and the length D of the first medium portion 630, where the susceptor 602 does not surround the outer circumferential surface of the first medium portion 630, is adjusted to minimize deviations in the amount of atomization that occur throughout the entire puffing operation.

[0114] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating system 1000 heats one aerosol product including both the first medium portion 630 and the second medium portion 620 using one susceptor 602 and one coil, but the susceptor 602 is arranged to surround only a portion of the first medium portion 630 and the second medium portion 620, and by adjusting the ratio between the length C of the first medium portion 630 where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer surface of the first medium portion 630 and the length D of the first medium portion 630 where the susceptor 602 does not surround the outer surface of the first medium portion 630, a continuous amount of atomization can be generated without the need for additional components.

[0115] A susceptor 602 or a coil may be further provided to heat the first medium portion 630 and the second medium portion 620 to a desired temperature or to generate a desired amount of atomization. However, the aerosol generation system 1000 does not include a further susceptor 602 or coil, and can achieve a simplified structure and a lighter device weight while generating an optimal, sustained amount of atomization by adjusting the ratio between the length C of the first medium portion 630 where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the first medium portion 630 and the length D of the first medium portion 630 where the susceptor 602 does not surround the outer circumferential surface of the first medium portion 630.

[0116] Below, with reference to Table 2, we will explain the uniformity of the amount of atomization throughout the entire puff operation, which is determined by the ratio between the length C of the first medium portion 630 where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer surface of the first medium portion 630 and the length D of the first medium portion 630 where the susceptor 602 does not surround the outer surface of the first medium portion 630.

[0117] Examples 1 to 3 in Table 2 are aerosol products equivalent to Examples 1 to 3 in Table 1, and the overlapping explanations will be omitted below.

[0118] Experimental example 2: Experiment to evaluate the sustainability of atomization amount

[0119] The aerosol generating system 1000 configured as in Examples 1 to 3 was operated for a total of 14 puffs, and the amount of atomization generated per puff was measured. It was assumed that the user inhaled 55 cc per puff for 1.5 seconds. The measurement results were as follows.

[0120] FIG. 7A is a graph showing the relative change in the amount of atomization due to the puffing operation of the aerosol generation system according to Example 1. In the case of the aerosol generation system 1000 of Example 1, the maximum amount of atomization generated is 1.2, the minimum amount of atomization generated is 0.50, and the deviation is 0.70. FIG. 7B is a graph showing the relative change in the amount of atomization due to the puffing operation of the aerosol generation system according to Example 2. In the case of the aerosol generation system 1000 of Example 2, the maximum amount of atomization generated is 0.99, the minimum amount of atomization generated is 0.60, and the deviation is 0.39. FIG. 7C is a graph showing the relative change in the amount of atomization due to the puffing operation of the aerosol generation system according to Example 3. In the case of the aerosol generation system 1000 of Example 3, the maximum amount of atomization generated is 1.0, and the minimum amount of atomization generated is 0.50, and the deviation is 0.50. The measured amounts of atomization are shown in Table 2 below.

[0121] [Table 2]

[0122] Referring to Table 2, as described above, in the aerosol generation system 1000 according to one embodiment, when the ratio of the length C of the first medium portion 630 where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the first medium portion 630 to the length B of the first medium portion 630 where the susceptor 602 does not surround the outer peripheral surface of the first medium portion 630 is less than 1.4:1 or more than 3:1, it can be seen that the deviation between the maximum and minimum values of the amount of atomization generated becomes large. Therefore, it can be seen that the ratio of the length C of the first medium portion 630 where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the first medium portion 630 to the length D of the first medium portion 630 where the susceptor 602 does not surround the outer peripheral surface of the first medium portion 630 is in the range of 1.4:1 to 3:1, which can provide the user with a sustained amount of atomization that provides the optimal smoking experience, and in particular, when the ratio is 2:1, the user can be provided with a sustained amount of atomization with the least deviation throughout the entire puffing operation.

[0123] Referring to Tables 1 and 2, in order to realize an optimal resistance to attraction in the aerosol generating system 1000 according to an embodiment and to generate a constant amount of atomization from one aerosol product during several puffing operations, the ratio of the length C of the first medium portion 630, where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the first medium portion 630, to the length B of the second medium portion 620, where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the second medium portion 620, is within a range of 1:1 to 1.8:1, preferably 1.4:1, and the ratio of the length C of the first medium portion 630, where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the first medium portion 630, to the length D of the first medium portion 630, where the susceptor 602 does not surround the outer circumferential surface of the first medium portion 630, is within a range of 1.4:1 to 3:1, preferably 2:1.

[0124] As a result, the ratio between the length B of the second medium portion 620 where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the second medium portion 620 and the length A of the second medium portion 620 where the susceptor 602 does not surround the outer peripheral surface of the second medium portion 620 is in the range of 1:1 to 2.3:1, and preferably 2:3.

[0125] Mainstream smoke refers to the smoke that is inhaled into the user's mouth when smoking, and in order to provide the user with an optimal smoking experience, the temperature of the mainstream smoke needs to be maintained at approximately 50°C.

[0126] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating system 1000 adjusts the temperature of the mainstream smoke by varying the ratio between the length C of the first medium portion 630, where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer surface of the first medium portion 630, and the length E of the cooling portion 640, thereby maintaining a temperature of the mainstream smoke that improves the user's smoking experience.

[0127] The temperature of the mainstream smoke is affected by the degree to which the first medium portion 630 is heated, and the temperature of the mainstream smoke increases as the length C of the first medium portion 630, which is the length of the first medium portion 630 where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the first medium portion 630, increases. Also, the temperature of the mainstream smoke decreases as the length E of the cooling portion 640 increases.

[0128] For example, in one embodiment, the aerosol generating system 1000 adjusts the ratio between the length C of the first medium portion 630, where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer surface of the first medium portion 630, and the length E of the cooling portion 640, to maintain the temperature of the mainstream smoke at approximately 50°C, which provides an optimal smoking experience.

[0129] Below, with reference to Table 3, the temperature change of the mainstream smoke depending on the ratio between the length C of the first medium portion 630, where the susceptor 602 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the first medium portion 630, and the length E of the cooling portion 640, will be described.

[0130] Examples 1 to 3 in Table 3 are aerosol products equivalent to Examples 1 to 3 in Table 1, and the overlapping explanations will be omitted below.

[0131] Experimental example 3: Mainstream smoke temperature measurement experiment

[0132] Ten aerosol generation systems 1000 each arranged as in Examples 1 to 3 were prepared, and aerosol was generated and the temperature (°C) of the generated mainstream smoke was measured. The measurement results are as follows.

[0133] In the case of the aerosol generating system 1000 of Example 1, the minimum temperature of the mainstream smoke was measured to be 61.4°C, the maximum temperature was 67.3°C, and the average was 64.1°C. In the case of the aerosol generating system 1000 of Example 2, the minimum temperature of the mainstream smoke was measured to be 62.2°C, the maximum temperature was 68.1°C, and the average was 64.4°C. In the case of the aerosol generating system 1000 of Example 3, the minimum temperature of the mainstream smoke was measured to be 66.8°C, the maximum temperature was 69.5°C, and the average was 65.4°C. The measured temperatures of the mainstream smoke are shown in Table 3 below.

[0134] [Table 3]

[0135] Referring to Table 3, as described above, in the aerosol-generating system 1000 according to an embodiment, the temperature of the mainstream smoke increases as the length C of the first medium portion 630, which is the length of the susceptor 602 surrounding the outer periphery of the first medium portion 630, increases. Therefore, in the aerosol-generating system 1000 according to an embodiment, when the ratio of the length E of the cooling unit 640 to the length C of the first medium portion 630, which is the length of the susceptor 602 surrounding the outer periphery of the first medium portion 630, is in the range of 1.3:1 to 1.7:1, it is possible to provide the user with an optimal mainstream smoke temperature by continuously generating an amount of atomization while realizing an optimal inhalation resistance. In particular, when the ratio is 1.5:1, it is possible to minimize deviations in the amount of atomization generated throughout the entire puffing operation while maintaining the size of the inhalation resistance at about 6 mmWG and maintain the temperature of the mainstream smoke at about 50°C.

[0136] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment.

[0137] 8, an aerosol generating system 1000 according to one embodiment further includes a sensor 810 and a processor 1010. According to one example, the sensor 810 is electrically or operatively coupled to the processor 1010, is positioned adjacent to the opening 100h of the housing 120, and is used to detect the type of aerosol product 110 contained in the opening 100h and / or whether or not an aerosol product 110 is contained.

[0138] According to another example, the sensor 810 detects an inductance value inside the housing 120 corresponding to the type of aerosol product 110 accommodated in the opening 100h and / or whether the aerosol product 110 has been accommodated or removed. The processor 1010 acquires an inductance value corresponding to the type of aerosol product 110 and / or whether the aerosol product 110 has been accommodated or removed by the sensor 810, and detects the type of aerosol product 110 accommodated in the opening 100h and / or whether the aerosol product 110 has been accommodated or removed based on the acquired inductance value.

[0139] In another embodiment of the aerosol generating system 1000, the processor 1010 detects whether the aerosol product 110 is placed in the opening 100h using the sensor 810. For example, the processor 1010 detects whether the aerosol product 110 is placed in or removed from the opening 100h using the sensor 810.

[0140] Although not shown, the aerosol production article 110 includes a thermally conductive thin film therein, which changes the electrical properties of the interior of the housing 120 when the aerosol production article 110 is placed in or removed from the opening 100h.

[0141] The processor 1010 can sense changes in the electrical characteristics inside the housing 120 using the sensor 810, and based on the sensing results, detect whether the aerosol product 110 is contained in or removed from the opening 100h.

[0142] In yet another embodiment of the aerosol generating system 1000, the processor 1010 detects the type of aerosol product 110 contained in the opening 100h using the sensor 810. For example, the processor 1010 detects, using the sensor 810, whether the aerosol product 110 contained in the opening 100h is the aerosol product of Figures 3A and 3B, the aerosol product of Figures 4A and 4B, or the aerosol product of Figures 5A and 5B.

[0143] The aerosol product 110 includes a thermally conductive thin film therein, so that when the aerosol product 110 is placed in the opening 100h, the electrical characteristics inside the housing 120 change. The size, shape, and material of the thermally conductive thin film included in the aerosol product 110 vary depending on the type of aerosol product 110, and therefore the change in the electrical characteristics inside the housing 120 varies depending on the type of aerosol product 110 placed in the opening 100h.

[0144] The processor 1010 senses a change in the electrical characteristics inside the housing 120 using the sensor 810, and detects the type of aerosol-producing product 110 contained in the opening 100h based on the sensing result.

[0145] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. In the following, the method of operating the aerosol generating device shown in Figure 9 will be described with reference to the components of the aerosol generating system 1000 shown in Figure 1 and / or Figure 8.

[0146] 9, in step 910, the aerosol generating device of the aerosol generating system 1000 according to one embodiment determines whether the aerosol product 110 is accommodated using the sensor 810. When the aerosol product 110 is accommodated in the internal space through the opening 100h, the processor 1010 senses a change in the electrical characteristics of the interior of the housing 120 using the sensor 810, and detects whether the aerosol product 110 is accommodated inside the housing 120 through the opening 100h based on the sensing result.

[0147] If it is determined in step 920 that the aerosol product 110 is contained in the containment space through the opening 100h, step 930 is performed, and if it is determined that this is not the case, the aerosol generating system 1000 ends without operating.

[0148] If it is determined in step 920 that the aerosol product 110 is contained within the housing 120, the aerosol generating device of the aerosol generating system 1000 detects the type of aerosol product 110 contained in the internal storage space of the housing 120 using an inductance sensor included in the sensor 810 in step 930. The processor 1010 senses a change in the electrical characteristics of the interior of the housing 120, which differs depending on the type of aerosol product 110 contained in the internal space through the opening 100h, and detects the type of the contained aerosol product 110 based on the sensing result. For example, the processor 1010 senses whether the contained aerosol product 110 is the aerosol product shown in Figures 3A and 3B, 4A and 4B, or 5A and 5B.

[0149] In step 940, the aerosol generating device of the aerosol generating system 1000 controls the power supplied to the heating element 200 depending on the type of aerosol product 110 detected in step 930. When a first aerosol product is contained in the accommodation space, the processor 1010 supplies power to the heating element 200 so that the heating element is heated according to a first temperature profile. When a second aerosol product different from the first aerosol product is contained in the accommodation space, the processor 1010 supplies power to the heating element so that the heating element is heated according to a second temperature profile. For example, a temperature profile corresponding to the aerosol product 110 of FIGS. 3A and 3B may be input by a user or may be pre-set in the aerosol generating system 1000. When it is determined that the aerosol product 110 of FIGS. 3A and 3B is contained, the processor 1010 controls the power supplied to the coil so that the susceptor 602 generates heat according to the temperature profile.

[0150] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 100 according to another embodiment.

[0151] The aerosol generating device 100 includes a processor 1010, a sensing unit 1020, an output unit 1030, a battery 1040, a heater 1050, a user input unit 1060, a memory 1070, and a communication unit 1080. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 10. That is, a person skilled in the art would understand that some of the components shown in Fig. 10 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0152] The sensing unit 1020 senses the state of the aerosol generating device 100 or the state around the aerosol generating device 100, and transmits the sensed information to the processor 1010. Based on the sensed information, the processor 1010 controls the aerosol generating device 100 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 1050, restricting smoking, determining whether to insert an aerosol product (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.), and displaying notifications.

[0153] The sensing unit 1020 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 1022, an insertion sensor 1024, and a puff sensor 1026, but is not limited thereto.

[0154] The temperature sensor 1022 senses the temperature to which the heater 1050 (or the aerosol-generating substance) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 100 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 1050, or the heater 1050 itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1022 may be disposed around the battery 1040 so as to monitor the temperature of the battery 1040.

[0155] The insertion detection sensor 1024 detects the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product. For example, the insertion detection sensor 1024 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and detects a change in signal due to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product.

[0156] The puff sensor 1026 detects a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel, such as a temperature change, a flow rate change, a voltage change, or a pressure change.

[0157] The sensing unit 1020 further includes at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor in addition to the above-described sensors (temperature sensor 1022, insertion sensor 1024, and puff sensor 1026). The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a skilled artisan from its name, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0158] The output unit 1030 outputs and provides to the user information about the status of the aerosol generating device 100. The output unit 1030 includes at least one of a display unit 1032, a haptic unit 1034, and an audio output unit 1036, but is not limited to these. When the display unit 1032 and the touchpad are layered to form a touch screen, the display unit 1032 is used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0159] The display unit 1032 visually provides a user with information about the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 100 refers to various information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 1040 of the aerosol generating device 100, the preheating status of the heater 1050, the insertion / removal status of an aerosol generating product, or a status in which use of the aerosol generating device 100 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display unit 1032 outputs the information to the outside. The display unit 1032 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display unit 1032 may also be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0160] The haptic unit 1034 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to tactilely provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the haptic unit 1034 includes a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0161] The acoustic output unit 1036 audibly provides the user with information about the aerosol generation device 100. For example, the acoustic output unit 1036 converts an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and outputs it to the outside.

[0162] The battery 1040 supplies power used for the operation of the aerosol generation device 100. The battery 1040 supplies power to the heater 1050 so that it can be heated. The battery 1040 also supplies power necessary for the operation of other components provided within the aerosol generation device 100 (e.g., the sensing unit 1020, the output unit 1030, the user input unit 1060, the memory 1070, and the communication unit 1080). The battery 1040 is a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 1040 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to this.

[0163] The heater 1050 receives power from the battery 1040 and heats the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in Fig. 10, the aerosol-generating device 100 further includes a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 1040 and supplies it to the heater 1050. Furthermore, when the aerosol-generating device 100 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol-generating device 100 further includes a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 1040 into AC power supply.

[0164] The processor 1010, the sensing unit 1020, the output unit 1030, the user input unit 1060, the memory 1070, and the communication unit 1080 perform their functions by receiving power from a battery 1040. Although not shown in Fig. 10, the device further includes a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 1040 and supplies it to each component.

[0165] In one embodiment, heater 1050 is formed of any suitable electrically resistive material, such as, but not limited to, metals or metal alloys including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Additionally, heater 130 may be embodied as, but not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate having an electrically conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0166] In another embodiment, heater 1050 is an induction heater, for example, heater 1050 includes a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0167] The user input unit 1060 receives information input by a user or outputs information to a user. For example, the user input unit 1060 may be, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (such as a contact-type capacitance type, a pressure-type resistive film type, an infrared sensing type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an integral tension measurement type, or a piezoelectric effect type), a jog wheel, or a jog switch. Although not shown in FIG. 10 , the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, through which the aerosol generating device 100 can connect to other external devices to send and receive information or charge the battery 1040.

[0168] The memory 1070 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 100, and stores data that has been processed by the processor 1010 and data to be processed by the processor 1010. The memory 1070 includes at least one type of recording medium selected from the group consisting of flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 1070 stores the operating time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data regarding the user's smoking pattern.

[0169] The communication unit 1080 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 1080 includes a short-range communication unit 1082 and a wireless communication unit 1084.

[0170] The short-range communication unit 1082 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a short-range wireless communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a ZigBee 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.

[0171] The wireless communication unit 1084 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 1084 may use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 100 within the communication network.

[0172] The processor 1010 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. The processor 1010 may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor 1010 and a memory storing a program executed by the microprocessor 1010. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor 1010 may also be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0173] The processor 1010 controls the temperature of the heater 1050 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 1040 to the heater 1050. For example, the processor 1010 controls the power supply by controlling the switching of switching elements between the battery 1040 and the heater 1050. In another example, a heating direct circuit may control the power supply to the heater 1050 in accordance with a control command from the processor 1010.

[0174] The processor 1010 analyzes the results sensed by the sensing unit 1020 and controls subsequent processing. For example, the processor 1010 controls the power supplied to the heater 1050 so that the operation of the heater 1050 starts or ends based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1020. As another example, the processor 1010 controls the amount of power supplied to the heater 1050 and the time for which the power is supplied based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1020 so that the heater 1050 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0175] The processor 1010 controls the output unit 1030 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1020. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 1026 reaches a predetermined number, the processor 1010 notifies the user through at least one of the display unit 1032, the haptic unit 1034, and the audio output unit 1036 that the aerosol generating device 100 will soon be finished.

[0176] An embodiment may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as a program module executed by a computer. Computer-readable media are any available media accessible by a computer, including both volatile and nonvolatile media, and detachable and non-detachable media. Computer-readable media also include both computer recording media and communication media. Computer recording media include both volatile and non-volatile, detachable and non-detachable media embodied in any method or technology for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, or other transmission mechanism, and include any information delivery media.

[0177] The above description of the embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope of the claims should be construed as being included in the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. an aerosol-producing article including a first medium portion containing a first aerosol-forming material and a second medium portion disposed adjacent to one end of the first medium portion and containing a second aerosol-forming material; an aerosol generating device including a housing including a storage space for storing the aerosol product product, and a heating element arranged to surround at least a portion of the aerosol product product stored in the storage space and for heating the aerosol product product; An aerosol generating system, wherein the area of the heating element surrounding the first medium portion is different from the area of the heating element surrounding the second medium portion.

2. The heating element comprises: a coil for generating an alternating magnetic field; The aerosol product is disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the first medium portion and at least a portion of the second medium portion of the aerosol product contained in the containing space, The aerosol generation system according to claim 1 , further comprising: a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field generated by the coil to heat the first medium portion and the second medium portion.

3. 2. The aerosol generation system of claim 1, wherein the ratio of the area of the heating element surrounding the first medium portion to the area of the heating element surrounding the second medium portion is greater than 1:1 and less than 1.8:

1.

4. 2. The aerosol generation system of claim 1, wherein the ratio of the area of the heating element surrounding the first medium portion to the area of the heating element not surrounding the first medium portion is 1.4:1 or more and 3:1 or less.

5. 2. The aerosol generation system of claim 1, wherein the ratio of the area of the heating element surrounding the second medium portion to the area of the heating element not surrounding the second medium portion is 1:1 or more and 2.3:1 or less.

6. The aerosol production product includes a cooling section disposed adjacent to one end of the second medium section for cooling the aerosol; The aerosol generating system of claim 1 , further comprising: a filter section disposed adjacent to one end of the cooling section.

7. 7. The aerosol generation system of claim 6, wherein the ratio of the longitudinal length of the aerosol product in the cooling section to the longitudinal length of the aerosol product where the susceptor contacts the first medium section is 1.3:1 or more and 1.7:1 or less.

8. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1 , wherein the first medium portion contains nicotine and the second medium portion contains glycerin.

9. 2. The aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the first medium portion includes a paper filter containing a nicotine solution, and the second medium portion includes glycerin.

10. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1 , wherein the first medium portion includes granules and the second medium portion includes glycerin.

11. The aerosol generating device comprises: The aerosol generation system of claim 1, further comprising an insulating structure arranged to surround the outer circumferential surface of the heating element, sealing the heating element and insulating it from heat generated by the heating element.

12. The heating element comprises: The aerosol product is disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the first medium portion and at least a portion of the second medium portion of the aerosol product contained in the containing space, a susceptor for heating the aerosol product; a coil for supplying a varying magnetic field to the susceptor; The thermal insulation structure is a first heat insulating structure that surrounds at least a region of an outer peripheral surface of the susceptor and is disposed between the susceptor and the coil; The aerosol generation system according to claim 11 , further comprising: a second insulating structure arranged to surround the outer circumferential surface of the coil and including a vacuum tube.

13. The aerosol generating device includes a sensor for detecting whether the aerosol generating product is contained therein; a processor electrically coupled to the sensor; The processor: The aerosol generating system according to claim 1 , wherein whether the aerosol product is contained or not is detected based on the sensing result of the sensor.

14. the sensor comprises an inductance sensor for detecting the type of the aerosol product contained in the containing space; The processor: The aerosol generating system of claim 13, wherein the power supplied to the heating element is controlled based on the type of the aerosol product contained in the storage space detected.

15. The processor: providing power to the heating element such that the heating element is heated according to a first temperature profile when the first aerosol product is contained in the containment space; The aerosol generation system of claim 14, wherein when a second aerosol product different from the first aerosol product is contained in the containment space, power is supplied to the heating element so that the heating element is heated according to a second temperature profile.

Images