Aerosol generating device and method of operation thereof

Abstract

According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a storage space into which an aerosol product is inserted, a heater for heating the aerosol product, an insertion detection sensor for detecting whether the aerosol product has been inserted into the storage space, a memory including a look-up table with preset values ​​for each aerosol product, and a controller. When the controller detects via the insertion detection sensor that the aerosol product inserted in the storage space has been removed from the storage space during a heating operation of the heater, the controller suspends the heating operation of the heater and determines whether to resume the heating operation of the heater depending on whether the aerosol product is reinserted into the storage space within a preset grace period from the point at which the heating operation was suspended.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to an aerosol generating device capable of controlling the heating operation of a heater depending on whether an aerosol product is inserted into an accommodation space of the aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for smoking methods that can replace conventional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for methods that generate aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating substance in a cigarette, rather than by burning a cigarette. As a result, research into heated cigarettes or heated aerosol generators has been actively conducted.

[0003] The aerosol product inserted into the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device may be partially detached or removed from the accommodation space due to various reasons. For example, when a user inhales in dry weather, the aerosol product may stick to the user's lips and rise up.

[0004] If the heater continues to heat when the aerosol product is partially removed from the storage space, the amount of atomization may be insufficient, and the user may not be able to enjoy a satisfactory smoking experience. Furthermore, if the heater continues to heat even when the aerosol product is completely removed from the storage space, the heater may overheat, resulting in increased power consumption and malfunction. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention provides an aerosol generating device that provides a satisfactory smoking sensation and reduces unnecessary power consumption by applying smart-off technology.

[0006] The problems to be solved through the embodiments are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus includes a storage space into which an aerosol product is inserted, a heater for heating the aerosol product, an insertion detection sensor for detecting whether the aerosol product is inserted into the storage space, a memory including a look-up table with preset values ​​for each aerosol product, and a controller. When the controller detects via the insertion detection sensor that the aerosol product inserted in the storage space has been removed from the storage space during a heating operation of the heater, the controller suspends the heating operation of the heater, and determines whether to resume the heating operation of the heater depending on whether the aerosol product is reinserted into the storage space within a preset grace period from the point at which the heating operation was suspended.

[0008] An operating method of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a step of detecting whether an aerosol product inserted into a storage space has been moved from the storage space via an insertion detection sensor during the heating operation of the heater, a step of temporarily suspending the heating operation of the heater if the aerosol product has been moved from the storage space, and a step of determining whether to resume the heating operation of the heater based on whether the aerosol product has been reinserted into the storage space within a predetermined grace period from the point at which the heating operation was temporarily suspended. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention can provide a user with a satisfactory smoking sensation and reduce unnecessary power consumption by controlling the heating operation of a heater when the movement of an aerosol product from the storage space of the aerosol generating device is detected using an insertion detection sensor.

[0010] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and any unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] 4 is a flowchart showing how the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 controls the power supply to the heater. [Figure 3] 3 is a graph illustrating a temperature change according to a method of controlling the heater power shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4A] 1 is a diagram illustrating a method for controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4B] 1 is a diagram illustrating a method for controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5A] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process by which an aerosol generating device determines whether an aerosol product is moving, according to one embodiment. [Figure 5B] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of an aerosol generating device controlling power supply to a heater based on whether an aerosol product is inserted. [Figure 6A] 1 is a diagram illustrating a method of controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generating device when the aerosol product is in a first state according to an embodiment. [Figure 6B] 10 is a diagram illustrating a method of controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generating device when the aerosol product is in a second state according to an embodiment. [Figure 6C] 10 is a diagram illustrating a method of controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generating device when the aerosol product is in a third state according to an embodiment. [Figure 7]1 is a diagram illustrating components of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a drawing showing an example of a cigarette. [Figure 9] 1 is a drawing showing an example of a cigarette. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The terms used in the embodiments are currently commonly used terms, and have been selected as much as possible while taking into consideration the functions of the present invention. However, this may vary depending on the intentions of engineers in the field, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, the meanings of these terms 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.

[0013] Throughout the specification, when a part "comprises" a certain component, this does not mean excluding other components, but means that it further includes other components, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as "... unit" and "... module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this is realized by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0014] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily understand and practice the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating device 100 and an aerosol producing article 15 .

[0018] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a control unit 110, a heater 120, an insertion detection sensor 130, and a receiving space 140. According to one embodiment, an aerosol product 15 may be received in the receiving space 140. The aerosol generating device 100 may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol product 15 inserted into the receiving space 140 via the heater 120.

[0019] The aerosol-producing product 15 may be, but is not necessarily limited to, a cigarette. The aerosol-producing product 15 may be any article containing an aerosol-generating material, without limitation. The aerosol-producing product 15 may include an aerosol-generating material and a thermally conductive material TC. The aerosol-generating material may be heated and vaporized by the heater 120 of the aerosol-generating device 100 to generate an aerosol.

[0020] The aerosol-generating material may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The aerosol-generating material may also include other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. Flavoring liquids, such as menthol or humectants, may also be added to the aerosol-generating material.

[0021] The thermal conductive material TC is a material that is self-reflective and conductive, and has inherent permeability and permittivity. Therefore, the presence and movement of the thermal conductive material TC can change the inductance value of a coil and the capacitance value of a capacitor. For example, the thermal conductive material TC can be a metal material containing at least one of aluminum, nickel, and iron. The thermal conductive material TC can be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the thermal conductive material TC can be made in the form of ink, tape, band, paper, etc.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the aerosol product 15 may be in the form of a cigarette extending in one direction. In this case, the aerosol product 15 may include a tobacco rod containing an aerosol-generating material, a cooling rod for cooling the aerosol, and a filter rod for filtering impurities. When the aerosol product 15 is in the form of a cigarette, the tobacco rod is surrounded by a thermally conductive material TC. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod may uniformly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod and improve the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the aerosol product 15 is a cartridge type containing a liquid aerosol-forming substance. The aerosol product 15 may include a container for containing the liquid aerosol-forming substance, a wick for transporting the aerosol-forming substance from the container, a heater surrounding the wick for heating the aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick, and contact terminals for connecting the heater to a battery.

[0024] In one embodiment, the heater 120 can heat the aerosol production item 15 inserted into the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 100 .

[0025] For example, the heater 120 may be an induction heating heater. Specifically, the heater 120 may include an induction coil for heating the aerosol product 15 by induction heating and a susceptor that can be heated by passing through a variable magnetic field generated by the induction coil.

[0026] As another example, the heater 120 may be an electrical resistance heater. Specifically, the heater 120 may include a conductive track and be heated by passing an electric current through the conductive track. However, the heater 120 is not limited to the above example and may be any heater capable of heating to a desired temperature. In this case, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 100 or may be set to a desired temperature by a user.

[0027] In one embodiment, the insertion sensor 130 may include at least one of an inductive sensor 132 , a temperature sensor 133 , and a capacitive sensor 134 .

[0028] The inductive sensor 132 can sense whether the aerosol production item 15 has been removed, partially moved, or inserted into the receiving space of the aerosol generating device 100 .

[0029] The inductive sensor 132 may measure the coil and its inductance value. According to Faraday's law, if the magnetic field changes around a coil through which a current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change.

[0030] When the aerosol product 15 is inserted into or removed from the receiving space 140, the current flowing through the coil may induce eddy currents in the thermally conductive material TC of the aerosol product 15. The eddy currents flowing through the thermally conductive material TC may again change the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil, such as the frequency of the current and the inductance value of the coil, through mutual induction with the coil.

[0031] The inductive sensor 132 may measure a characteristic value of the changing current. For example, the characteristic value of the current flowing through the coil may include the frequency value, current value, voltage value, inductance value, effective resistance value, impedance value, etc. The inductive sensor 132 may further include a frequency measuring element, a rectifier, an amplifier, an oscillator circuit that generates electrical oscillations, etc.

[0032] The inductive sensor 132 measuring the inductance value of the coil includes measuring any one of the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil and obtaining the inductance value through calculation from the measured characteristic value of the current. The temperature sensor 133 may detect whether the aerosol product 15 has been removed, partially moved, or inserted into the accommodation space of the aerosol generation device 100. The temperature sensor 133 may detect a temperature change that occurs when the aerosol product 15 is removed, partially moved, or inserted into the accommodation space.

[0033] The capacitive sensor 134 may sense whether the aerosol production item 15 has been removed, partially moved, or inserted into the receiving space of the aerosol generating device 100 .

[0034] The capacitive sensor 134 may measure the capacitance value between two electrodes.

[0035] The capacitive sensor 134 may include two electrodes facing each other. A dielectric may be disposed between the two electrodes. Movement of the thermally conductive material TC due to insertion and removal of the aerosol-generating material 14 into the storage space 140 may affect the electric field between the two electrodes, causing a change in the capacitance value between the two electrodes. The capacitive sensor 134 may measure the capacitance value.

[0036] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may determine whether the aerosol product 15 has been inserted into the receiving space 140 based on a sensing value sensed using the insertion detection sensor 130. In this case, the sensing value may include at least one of an inductance value measured by the inductive sensor 132, a temperature value measured by the temperature sensor 133, and a capacitance value measured by the capacitive sensor 134.

[0037] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 is also hardware that controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the control unit 110 may control the operation of not only the heater 120 and the insertion detection sensor 130 but also other components included in the aerosol generating device 100. In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 100 and determine whether the aerosol generating device 100 is in an operable state.

[0038] Meanwhile, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 1. A person skilled in the art will understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 100, some of the hardware components shown in Fig. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart for controlling the power supply to the heater in the aerosol generating device of FIG.

[0040] 1 and 2, in operation 201, the control unit 110 may detect whether the aerosol product 15 inserted into the receiving space 140 has been moved out of the receiving space 140 via the insertion detection sensor 130 during the heating operation of the heater 120. In this case, the movement of the aerosol product 15 may include a case where the front end FE of the aerosol product 15 is moved away from the bottom of the receiving space 140 by a predetermined distance, or a case where the front end FE of the aerosol product 15 facing the bottom of the receiving space 140 is completely moved out of the receiving space 140.

[0041] The control unit 110 may determine that the aerosol product 15 has been moved if the amount of change in the sensing value sensed using the insertion detection sensor 130 is different from a predetermined value. For example, the control unit 110 may determine that the aerosol product 15 has been moved if the amount of change in the sensing value sensed using the insertion detection sensor 130 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (or a first critical value).

[0042] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may detect whether the aerosol product 15 has been moved from the accommodation space 140 of the aerosol generation device 100 by detecting the amount of inductance change via the inductive sensor 132. For example, the aerosol product 15 inserted into the accommodation space 140 of the aerosol generation device 100 may include a thermally conductive material TC. A magnetic field may be generated on one side of the inductive sensor 132. If the thermally conductive material TC located within the magnetic field generated by the inductive sensor 132 is moved, the control unit 110 may detect, via the inductive sensor 132, that the inductance value has changed due to the movement of the thermally conductive material TC. If the amount of inductance change is greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 110 may detect that the aerosol product 15 has been moved from the accommodation space 140 of the aerosol generation device 100.

[0043] In another embodiment, the control unit 110 may detect a temperature change through the temperature sensor 133 and detect whether the aerosol product 15 has been moved from the accommodation space 140 of the aerosol generation device 100. For example, if the aerosol product 15 inserted and positioned in the accommodation space of the aerosol generation device 100 is moved (or removed), the temperature sensor 133 may detect a sudden increase in the internal temperature of the aerosol generation device 100. If the amount of temperature change is greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 110 may detect that the aerosol product 15 has been moved from the accommodation space of the aerosol generation device 100.

[0044] In another embodiment, the control unit 110 may detect a change in capacitance via the capacitive sensor 134 to determine whether the aerosol product 15 has been removed from the accommodation space 140 of the aerosol generation device 100. For example, the aerosol product 15 inserted into the accommodation space 140 of the aerosol generation device 100 may include a thermally conductive material TC. The movement of the thermally conductive material TC due to the insertion and removal of the aerosol-generating material 15 into the accommodation space 140 may affect the electric field between two electrodes, causing a change in the capacitance value between the two electrodes. If the thermally conductive material TC is moved between the two electrodes, the control unit 110 may detect a change in the capacitance value due to the movement of the thermally conductive material TC via the capacitive sensor 134. If the change in capacitance is greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 110 may detect that the aerosol product 15 has been removed from the accommodation space 140 of the aerosol generation device 100.

[0045] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a memory (see 1070 in FIG. 10) containing a lookup table in which the preset value is matched for each aerosol producing product 15. The preset value refers to a critical value (i.e., the amount of change in the sensing value) at which the amount of atomization of the aerosol provided to the user is deemed appropriate, and may be calculated experimentally and / or statistically for each aerosol producing product 15. This is because, even if the movement of the aerosol-generating article 15 within the accommodation space 140 occurs in the same manner, the amount of atomization generated will differ if the type and / or content of the aerosol-generating material contained in the aerosol producing product 15 is different.

[0046] Meanwhile, the predetermined value (i.e., the amount of change in the sensing value) may be converted into the distance moved from the bottom of the accommodating space 140. When the aerosol product 15 is moved within the predetermined distance from the bottom of the accommodating space 140, the amount of atomization provided by the aerosol product 15 may provide the user with a sufficient smoking sensation. For example, when the aerosol product 15 is moved within 4 mm from the bottom of the accommodating space 140, the amount of atomization provided to the user may be substantially the same as when the aerosol product 15 is properly inserted into the accommodating space 140.

[0047] In operation 202, if the control unit 110 detects via the insertion detection sensor 130 that the aerosol product 15 inserted into the storage space 140 has been moved out of the storage space 140 during the heating operation of the heater 120, it may pause the heating operation of the heater 120.

[0048] If the aerosol product 15 moves within the storage space 140 regardless of the user's intention, the control unit 110 can immediately turn off the heating operation of the heater 120. This can prevent the aerosol generating device 100 from consuming unnecessary power.

[0049] In addition, if the aerosol product 15 is moved more than a predetermined distance within the storage space 140, the heating operation of the heater 120 is interrupted to prevent the user from experiencing a poor smoking experience due to insufficient atomization. If the aerosol product 15 is completely removed from the storage space 140, the heating operation of the heater 120 is interrupted to prevent the heater from overheating, thereby preventing an increase in power consumption and the occurrence of malfunctions.

[0050] In one embodiment, if the control unit 110 detects via the insertion detection sensor 130 that the aerosol product 15 inserted into the storage space 140 has been moved out of the storage space 140 during the heating operation of the heater 120, it may provide an alarm and / or warning to the user via the output unit (see 1030 in Figure 10).

[0051] For example, if the insertion sensor 130 detects that the aerosol product 15 inserted in the receiving space 140 has been removed from the receiving space 140 during the heating operation of the heater 120, the control unit 110 may display a message or graphic indicating that the aerosol product 15 has been improperly inserted through the display unit (see 1032 in FIG. 10 ) or a flashing red screen. In addition, the control unit 110 may provide a preset vibration pattern through the haptic unit (see 1034 in FIG. 10 ) or output a sound such as a voice or beep through the audio output unit (see 1036 in FIG. 10 ) indicating that the aerosol product 15 has been improperly inserted.

[0052] In operation 203, the control unit 110 may determine whether the aerosol product 15 is reinserted into the receiving space 140 within a preset grace period from the point at which the heating operation of the heater 120 is paused.

[0053] If the change in the sensing value detected by the insertion detection sensor 130 within the preset grace period is equal to or greater than a preset value (or a second critical value), the control unit 110 may determine that the aerosol product 15 has been reinserted. For example, if the preset grace period is 5 seconds, the control unit 110 may determine that the aerosol product 15 has been reinserted if the change in the sensing value detected for 5 seconds is greater than the preset value.

[0054] Conversely, if the amount of change in the sensing value detected using the insertion detection sensor 130 within the preset grace period is less than a predetermined value (or a second critical value), the control unit 110 may determine that the aerosol product 15 has not been reinserted. For example, if the specified period is 5 seconds, the control unit 110 may determine that the aerosol product 15 has not been reinserted if the amount of change in the sensing value detected for 5 seconds is less than the predetermined value.

[0055] In operation 204 , the control unit 110 may determine whether to resume the heating operation of the heater 120 depending on whether the aerosol product 15 has been reinserted into the receiving space 140 .

[0056] The control unit 110 may automatically resume the heating operation of the heater 120 when it determines that the aerosol product 15 has been reinserted into the receiving space 140 within a preset grace period. If the aerosol product 15 is accidentally removed from the aerosol generating device 100 contrary to the user's intention, the control unit 110 immediately suspends the heater 120. However, if the aerosol product 15 is reinserted within the grace period, the control unit 110 automatically resumes the heating operation of the heater 120, thereby providing convenience in use and uninterrupted smoking. In addition, the control unit 110 may minimize power waste by controlling the power supply of the heater 120 in a suspend and resume manner rather than by completely turning it off and on.

[0057] Conversely, if the control unit 110 determines that the aerosol product 15 has not been reinserted into the receiving space 140 within the preset grace period, it may completely turn off the heating operation of the heater 120. In this case, the turning off of the power supply to the heater 120 may indicate that the user has finished smoking.

[0058] Figure 3 is a graph illustrating temperature changes according to the heater power control method shown in Figure 2. In this case, the graph indicated by the solid line represents a first temperature graph when the aerosol product is reinserted within the grace period, and the graph indicated by the dashed line represents a second temperature graph when the aerosol product is not reinserted within the grace period.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 3, a first temperature graph TG1 shows temperature values ​​over time and can be divided into a first section P1, which is a pre-heating section, and a second section P2, which is a smoking section, based on a first time point t1.

[0060] The first section P1 may include a section where the temperature rises from a first temperature t1, which is the outside air temperature, to a second temperature T2, at which the aerosol-generating substance volatilizes, and a section where the temperature falls to a third temperature T3, which is the smoking start temperature. The second section P2 may include a section where the temperature falls from the third temperature T3 to a fourth temperature T4, which is a holding temperature, and a section where the fourth temperature T4 is held. In this case, the second temperature T2, the third temperature T3, and the fourth temperature T4 are all equal to or higher than the temperatures at which the aerosol-generating substance volatilizes, and may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating substance.

[0061] 1 to 3, an event may occur in which the aerosol product 15 is moved from the receiving space 140 in the second section P2.

[0062] The control unit 110 may determine that the aerosol product 15 has been moved if the change in the sensing value sensed using the insertion sensor 130 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (or a first critical value). The control unit 110 may immediately suspend the heating operation of the heater 120 at a second time T2 when it determines that the aerosol product 15 inserted into the receiving space 140 via the insertion sensor 130 has been moved out of the receiving space 140 during the heating operation of the heater 120.

[0063] Accordingly, the first temperature graph TG1 and the second temperature graph TG2 may include a section in which the temperature drops from the fourth temperature T4, which is the holding temperature, to the fifth temperature T5, which is the standby temperature. In this case, the fifth temperature T5 may decrease in proportion to the time until the aerosol product 15 is reinserted. However, the fifth temperature T5 may have a lower limit value defined by a preset grace period (e.g., 5 seconds). The fifth temperature T5 may be set to a temperature that allows the temperature to return to the fourth temperature T4 before the user notices a temperature drop (or a decrease in the smoking sensation) due to the resumption of the heating operation of the heater 120.

[0064] If the control unit 110 determines that the aerosol product 15 has been reinserted into the receiving space 140 within the preset grace period at the third time point T3, it may automatically resume the heating operation of the heater 120. As a result, the first temperature graph TG1 may include a section in which the temperature rises from a fifth temperature T5, which is a standby temperature, to a fourth temperature T4, which is a holding temperature.

[0065] Conversely, if the control unit 110 determines that the aerosol product 15 has not been reinserted into the receiving space 140 within the preset grace period at the third time point T3, it may completely turn off the heating operation of the heater 120. As a result, the second temperature graph TG2 may include a section in which the temperature drops from the fifth temperature T5, which is the standby temperature, to the first temperature t1, which is the ambient temperature.

[0066] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating a method for controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0067] 1 and 4A, the control unit 110 may sense a change in inductance through the inductive sensor 132 during the grace period 400. For example, the control unit 110 may sense a change in inductance by controlling the voltage of the inductive sensor 132 using a pulse width modulation (PWM) method. In this case, the control unit 110 may preset the number of times that the inductive sensor 132 is switched to the activated state during the grace period 400. Although FIG. 4 illustrates that the inductive sensor 132 is switched to the activated state five times during the grace period 400, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0068] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may determine that the aerosol product 15 has been moved from the storage space 140 of the aerosol generating device 100 at an eleventh time point t11. The eleventh time point t11 ​​may represent the time point at which the counting of the grace period 400 begins.

[0069] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 controls the supply voltage to the inductive sensor 132 at the 21st time point t21 to periodically switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an activated state. In this case, if the aerosol product 15 is not reinserted within the grace period 400, the heating operation of the heater 120 is temporarily stopped, and the internal temperature of the aerosol generating device 100 may decrease from the fourth temperature T4 to the fifth temperature T5. Therefore, there is no need to periodically stop the heating of the heater 120 to prevent distortion of the inductance value sensed by the inductive sensor 132 at high temperatures.

[0070] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to the inactive state at a 31st time point t31.

[0071] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may detect an inductance change via the inductive sensor 132 at least once (e.g., five times) from the 11th time point t11 ​​to the 41st time point t41. The control unit 110 may determine whether the aerosol product 15 has been reinserted based on the amount of change in inductance detected during the delay time 400 from the 11th time point t11 ​​to the 41st time point t41. For example, if the amount of change in inductance detected during the delay time 400 from the 11th time point t11 ​​to the 41st time point t41 is less than a critical value, the control unit 110 may determine that the aerosol product 15 has not been reinserted. If the amount of change in inductance detected during the delay time 400 from the 11th time point t11 ​​to the 41st time point t41 is greater than or equal to the critical value, the control unit 110 may determine that the aerosol product 15 has been reinserted.

[0072] However, unlike FIG. 4A , which illustrates only the time after the aerosol product 15 is removed from the accommodation space 140 of the aerosol generation device 100 (or during the grace period), in the case of the designated time 410 for determining whether the aerosol product 15 has been removed from the accommodation space 140 of the aerosol generation device 100, as illustrated in FIG. 4B , the controller 110 may control the supply voltage to the inductive sensor 132 at the 21st time point t21 to switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an activated state. In this case, the controller 110 may cut off the power supplied from the battery to the heater 120 at the 21st time point t21. That is, the controller 110 may perform the operation of cutting off the power supplied to the heater 120 and the operation of switching the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an activated state in parallel. In one embodiment, the internal temperature of the aerosol generation device 100 may be substantially reduced by cutting off the power supplied to the heater 120 at the 21st time point t21. Since the inductance value sensed by the inductive sensor 132 may be distorted at high temperatures, the controller 110 may periodically stop the heating of the heater 120 and sense the inductance change through the inductive sensor 132 .

[0073] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 switches the state of the inductive sensor 132 to the inactive state at the 31st time point t31. In this case, the control unit 110 may control the supply of power from the battery to the heater 120 at the 31st time point t31. That is, the control unit 110 may perform the operation of supplying power to the heater 120 and the operation of switching the state of the inductive sensor 132 to the inactive state in parallel. In one embodiment, the internal temperature of the aerosol generating device 100 may be substantially increased by supplying power to the heater 120 at the 31st time point t31.

[0074] 5A is a flowchart illustrating a process for determining whether an aerosol product is moving in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. Because FIG. 5A is a flowchart specifically illustrating operations 201 and 202 of FIG. 2, details that correspond to, are the same as, or are similar to those described above in the description of FIG. 5A may be omitted.

[0075] 1, 2, and 5A, in operation 201a, the control unit 110 may periodically sense a first inductance change via the inductive sensor 132. For example, the first inductance change may represent a minimum inductance change value at which it is determined that the aerosol product 15 has been moved.

[0076] In one embodiment, the controller 110 may switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an activated state at regular intervals and cut off power supplied to the heater 120. In this case, the regular interval may refer to an optimal interval for sensing a change in inductance via the inductive sensor 132. For example, if the regular interval is set to one second, the controller 110 may switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an activated state and cut off power supplied to the heater 120 at one-second intervals.

[0077] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 switches the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an activated state during a fixed period, acquires data related to an inductance change, and switches the state of the inductive sensor 132 to a deactivated state. For example, if the fixed period is set to 1 second, the control unit 110 may switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an activated state, acquire data related to an inductance change during 30 ms, switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to a deactivated state, and maintain the state for more than 970 ms.

[0078] According to an embodiment, in operation 201b, the control unit 110 may determine whether the magnitude of the first inductance change sensed through the inductive sensor 132 is equal to or greater than a first critical value. For example, the first critical value may refer to the minimum value of the inductance change that occurs when the aerosol product 15 containing the thermally conductive material TC is moved out of the accommodation space of the aerosol generation device 100.

[0079] In one embodiment, if the magnitude of the detected first inductance change is determined to be equal to or greater than the first critical value, the control unit 110 may determine that the aerosol product 15 has been moved in operation 201c. In another embodiment, if the magnitude of the detected first inductance change is determined to be less than the first critical value, the control unit 110 may return to operation 201a and perform the following operations again.

[0080] According to one embodiment, in operation 202a, if the control unit 110 detects that the aerosol product 15 inserted into the storage space 140 has been moved out of the storage space 140 via the insertion detection sensor 130 during the heating operation of the heater 120, it may temporarily suspend the heating operation of the heater 120.

[0081] If the aerosol product 15 moves within the storage space 140 regardless of the user's intention, the control unit 110 immediately turns off the heating operation of the heater 120. This allows the aerosol generating device 100 to prevent unnecessary power consumption.

[0082] According to one embodiment, in operation 202a, if the control unit 110 detects that the aerosol product 15 inserted into the storage space 140 has been moved out of the storage space 140 via the insertion detection sensor 130 during the heating operation of the heater 120, the control unit 110 may provide an alarm and / or warning to the user via the output unit (see 1030 in Figure 10).

[0083] 5B is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of an aerosol generating device controlling power supply to a heater based on whether an aerosol product is inserted. Fig. 5B is a flowchart specifically illustrating operations 203 and 204 of Fig. 2, and may correspond to the content described above in Fig. 5B, or the same or similar content may be omitted.

[0084] 5B, in operation 203a, the control unit 110 sets the inductance change sensing time t to 1. For example, the control unit 110 may set the inductance change sensing time t to 1 and perform counting for a specified time (e.g., the grace period 400 in FIG. 3).

[0085] According to one embodiment, in operation 203b, the control unit 110 may sense a second inductance change via the inductive sensor 132. For example, the second inductance change may represent a minimum inductance change value at which it is determined that the aerosol product item 15 has been reinserted.

[0086] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 switches the state of the inductive sensor 132 to the activated state at regular intervals. In this case, the regular interval may refer to an optimal interval for sensing a change in inductance via the inductive sensor 132. For example, if the regular interval is set to 1 second, the control unit 110 switches the state of the inductive sensor 132 to the activated state at 1-second intervals.

[0087] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an activated state within a certain period, acquire data related to an inductance change, and switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to a deactivated state. For example, if the certain period is set to 1 second, the control unit 110 may switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an activated state, acquire data related to an inductance change within 30 ms, switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to a deactivated state, and maintain the state for 970 ms.

[0088] According to an embodiment, in operation 203c, the control unit 110 determines whether the magnitude of the second inductance change sensed through the inductive sensor 132 is equal to or greater than a second critical value. For example, the second critical value may refer to the minimum value of the inductance change that occurs when the aerosol product 15 including the thermally conductive material TC is reinserted into the receiving space 140 of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0089] In one embodiment, if it is determined that the magnitude of the sensed second inductance change is equal to or greater than the second critical value, the controller 110 resumes the heating operation of the heater 120 in operation 204a. For example, if it is determined that the magnitude of the sensed second inductance change is equal to or greater than the second critical value, the controller 110 may resume the supply of power from the battery to the heater 120.

[0090] In another embodiment, if it is determined that the magnitude of the sensed second inductance change is less than the second critical value, the control unit 110 may extend the inductance change sensing time t to the grace time t in operation 203d. 猶予 It can be determined whether it is the same as

[0091] In one embodiment, if it is determined that the inductance change sensing time t is not equal to the grace time, the control unit 110 may calculate the inductance change sensing time t as t+1 in operation 203e. For example, if the inductance change sensing time is 1 second (t=1) and the grace time is 5 seconds (t=1), the control unit 110 may calculate the inductance change sensing time t as t+1 in operation 203e. 猶予 If t=5, the control unit 110 may calculate the inductance change sensing time as 2 seconds (t=2). Then, the control unit 110 returns to operation 203b and performs the following operations again.

[0092] In one embodiment, if it is determined that the inductance change detection time t is equal to the designated time, the control unit 110 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 120 in operation 204b. For example, if the inductance change detection time is 5 seconds (t=5) and the scheduled time is 5 seconds (t 予定=5), the control unit 110 can cut off the power supplied from the battery to the heater 120.

[0093] 6A is a diagram illustrating a method of controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generating device when the aerosol product according to an embodiment is in a first state. The first state may refer to a state in which the aerosol product 15 is fully inserted into the receiving space 140 of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6A, an aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating device 100 and an aerosol producing article 15.

[0095] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a receiving space 140 into which the aerosol product item 15 may be inserted.

[0096] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may include an inductive sensor 132, a susceptor 620, and an induction coil 630. In one embodiment, the induction coil 630 generates a variable magnetic field by being supplied with power from a battery, and the susceptor 620 may be heated via the variable magnetic field generated from the induction coil 630. For example, the induction coil 630 may be disposed to surround the outer circumferential surface of the susceptor 620.

[0097] In one embodiment, the inductive sensor 132 may include a first channel 600 and a second channel 610. For example, the first channel 600 may sense an inductance change caused by a first portion of the aerosol product, and the second channel 610 may sense an inductance change caused by a second portion distinct from the first portion. In one embodiment, the first channel 600 and the second channel 610 may be arranged so as not to overlap with the susceptor 620. For example, the first channel 600 may be arranged in a region below the susceptor 620 (e.g., a region in the -x direction), and the second channel 610 may be arranged in a region above the susceptor 620 (e.g., a region in the +x direction). By arranging the first channel 600 and the second channel 610 so as not to overlap with the susceptor 620, the first channel 600 and the second channel 610 may sense an inductance change without being affected by the variable magnetic field generated by the induction coil 630.

[0098] 6B is a diagram illustrating a method of controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generating device when the aerosol product according to an embodiment is in a second state. The second state may indicate that a portion of the aerosol product 15 has moved a predetermined distance from the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0099] 1 and 6B, when the aerosol product 15 moves in the +x direction from the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 100, the control unit 110 may detect an inductance change through some of the channels of the inductive sensor 132. For example, the control unit 110 may detect the inductance change through the first channel 600 of the inductive sensor 132. In one embodiment, when an inductance change is detected through some of the channels of the inductive sensor 132, the amount of inductance change is less than the first critical value (see FIG. 5), so the control unit 110 does not start counting the designated time.

[0100] 6C is a diagram illustrating a method of controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generating device when the aerosol product 15 is in a third state according to an embodiment. The third state may indicate a state in which the aerosol product 15 is completely removed from the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0101] 6C, when the aerosol product 15 is completely removed in the +x direction from the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 100, the control unit 110 may detect an inductance change through multiple channels of the inductive sensor 132. For example, the control unit 110 may detect the inductance change through the first channel 600 and the second channel 610 of the inductive sensor 132. In one embodiment, when an inductance change is detected through multiple channels of the inductive sensor 132, the amount of inductance change is greater than or equal to the first critical value (see FIG. 5), and therefore the control unit 110 may start counting a specified time.

[0102] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating elements constituting an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0103] 7, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a susceptor 122, an induction coil 124, a battery 115, and a control unit 110. However, the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited thereto, and may further include other general components in addition to the components illustrated in FIG.

[0104] The aerosol generating device 100 may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol product 15 accommodated in the aerosol generating device 100 using an induction heating method. The induction heating method may refer to a method of applying an alternating magnetic field, the direction of which is periodically changed, to a susceptor 122 that generates heat due to an external magnetic field, thereby causing the susceptor 122 to generate heat.

[0105] When an alternating magnetic field is applied to the susceptor 122, energy loss occurs in the susceptor 122 due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss, and the lost energy may be released as thermal energy from the susceptor 122. The greater the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field applied to the susceptor 122, the more thermal energy may be released from the susceptor 122. The aerosol generation device 100 may apply an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor 122 to release thermal energy from the susceptor 122 and transfer the thermal energy released from the susceptor 122 to the aerosol product 15. In one embodiment, the susceptor 122 may be provided in the aerosol generation device 100 in the shape of a slice, a flake, a strip, or the like.

[0106] At least a portion of the susceptor 122 may be made of a ferromagnetic substance. For example, the susceptor 122 may include a metal or carbon. The susceptor 122 may include at least one of ferrite, a ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). The susceptor 122 may also include at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, a nickel alloy, a metal film, a ceramic such as zirconia, a transition metal such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), or a metalloid such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P).

[0107] The aerosol generating device 100 can accommodate an aerosol production product 15. The aerosol generating device 100 can be formed with an accommodating space 140 for accommodating the aerosol production product 15.

[0108] The susceptor 122 may surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the aerosol product article 15 contained in the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the susceptor 122 may surround the tobacco medium contained in the aerosol product article 15. This may allow for more efficient transfer of heat from the susceptor 122 to the tobacco medium.

[0109] The induction coil 124 may be included in the aerosol generation device 100. The induction coil 124 may apply an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor 122. When power is supplied from the aerosol generation device 100 to the induction coil 124, a magnetic field may be formed inside the induction coil 124. When an alternating current is applied to the induction coil 124, the direction of the magnetic field formed inside the induction coil 124 may be continuously changed. When the susceptor 122 is positioned inside the induction coil 124 and exposed to the alternating magnetic field whose direction periodically changes, the susceptor 122 may generate heat, and the aerosol product 15 accommodated in the accommodation space of the aerosol generation device 100 may be heated.

[0110] The induction coil 124 may be wound along the outer surface of the susceptor 122. Alternatively, the induction coil 124 may be wound along the inner surface of the outer housing of the aerosol generating device 100. The susceptor 122 may be located in an internal space formed by the winding of the induction coil 124. When power is supplied to the induction coil 124, an alternating magnetic field generated by the induction coil 124 may be applied to the susceptor 122.

[0111] The induction coil 124 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 100. The induction coil 124 may extend a suitable length along the longitudinal direction. For example, the induction coil 124 may extend a length corresponding to the length of the susceptor 122, or may extend a length longer than the length of the susceptor 122.

[0112] The induction coil 124 may be disposed at a position suitable for applying an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor 122. For example, the induction coil 124 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the susceptor 122. Depending on the size and arrangement of the induction coil 124, the efficiency with which the alternating magnetic field of the induction coil 124 is applied to the susceptor 122 may be improved.

[0113] When the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field generated by the induction coil 124 is changed, the degree to which the susceptor 122 heats the aerosol product 15 can also be changed. Because the amplitude or frequency of the magnetic field generated by the induction coil 124 can be changed by the power applied to the induction coil 124, the aerosol generation device 100 can control the heating of the aerosol product 15 by adjusting the power applied to the induction coil 124. For example, the aerosol generation device 100 can control the amplitude and frequency of the alternating current applied to the induction coil 124.

[0114] As an example, the induction coil 124 may be embodied as a solenoid. The induction coil 124 may be a solenoid wound along the inner surface of the outer housing of the aerosol generating device 100, and the susceptor 122 and the aerosol generating article 15 may be located in the internal space of the solenoid. The material of the conductor constituting the solenoid may be copper (Cu). However, the material is not limited thereto, and the conductor constituting the solenoid may also be any one of silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni), or an alloy containing at least one of them.

[0115] The battery 115 may supply power to the aerosol generation device 100. The battery 115 may supply power to the induction coil 124. The battery 115 may include a battery that supplies direct current to the aerosol generation device 100 and a converter that converts the direct current supplied from the battery into alternating current that is supplied to the induction coil 124.

[0116] The battery 115 may supply direct current to the aerosol generating device 100. The battery 115 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery. For example, the battery may be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, etc.

[0117] The converter may include a low-pass filter that filters the DC supplied from the battery and outputs the AC supplied to the induction coil 124. The converter may further include an amplifier that amplifies the DC supplied from the battery. For example, the converter may be implemented as a low-pass filter that forms a load network of a class-D amplifier.

[0118] The control unit 110 may control the power supplied to the induction coil 124. The control unit 110 may control the battery 115 to adjust the power supplied to the induction coil 124. For example, the control unit 110 may perform control based on the temperature of the susceptor 122 to maintain a constant temperature at which the susceptor 122 heats the aerosol product 15.

[0119] 8 and 9 are drawings showing examples of cigarettes.

[0120] Referring to Figure 8, the cigarette 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. Although Figure 8 illustrates the filter rod 22 as a single segment, this is not limiting. That is, the filter rod 22 may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a segment that cools the aerosol and a segment that filters predetermined components contained in the aerosol. Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment that performs another function, as needed.

[0121] The cigarette 2 has a diameter in the range of 5 mm to 9 mm and a length of, but not limited to, approximately 48 mm. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may have a length of, but not limited to, approximately 12 mm, the first segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of, but not limited to, approximately 10 mm, the second segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of, but not limited to, approximately 14 mm, and the third segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of, but not limited to, approximately 12 mm.

[0122] The cigarette 2 may be wrapped using at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole formed therein, allowing external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out. As an example, the cigarette 2 may be wrapped using one wrapper 24. As another example, the cigarette 2 may be wrapped by two or more wrappers 24 stacked one on top of the other. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped using a first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 22 may be wrapped using wrappers 242, 243, and 244. The entire cigarette 2 may then be rewrapped using a single wrapper 245. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, each segment may be wrapped using one of the wrappers 242, 243, and 244.

[0123] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of common filter wrapping paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be porous or non-porous wrapping paper. The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may also be made of oil-resistant oil paper and / or aluminum interleaved paper wrapping.

[0124] The third wrapper 243 may be made of hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be 88 g / m 2 ~96g / m 2 and preferably 90 g / m 2 ~94g / m 2 The thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and is preferably 125 μm.

[0125] The fourth wrapper 244 may be made of oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 is 88 g / m 2 ~96g / m 2 and preferably 90 g / m 2 ~94g / m 2 The thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and is preferably 125 μm.

[0126] The fifth wrapper 245 may be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) refers to paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 is 57 g / m 2 ~63g / m 2 and preferably within the range of 60 g / m 2 The thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 is in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and is preferably 67 μm.

[0127] A predetermined material may be added to the fifth wrapper 245. An example of the predetermined material may be, but is not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance (i.e., small changes due to temperature), oxidation resistance (i.e., resistance to various chemicals), water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any material having the above-mentioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

[0128] The fifth trumpet 245 can prevent the cigarette 2 from burning. For example, if the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 13, the cigarette 2 may burn. Specifically, if the temperature of any one of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 21 rises above the ignition point, the cigarette 2 may burn. Even in such a case, the fifth trumpet 245 can prevent the cigarette 2 from burning because it contains a non-combustible substance.

[0129] Furthermore, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the aerosol generation device 1 from being contaminated by a substance generated in the cigarette 2. A liquid substance can be generated in the cigarette 2 when the user puffs. For example, a liquid substance (e.g., moisture) can be generated when the aerosol generated in the cigarette 2 is cooled by external air. By wrapping the cigarette 2 with the fifth wrapper 245, the liquid substance generated in the cigarette 2 can be prevented from leaking outside the cigarette 2.

[0130] The tobacco rod 21 includes an aerosol-forming material. For example, the aerosol-forming material 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 to this. The tobacco rod 21 may also include other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. A flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may also be added to the tobacco rod 21 by being sprayed onto the tobacco rod 21.

[0131] The tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured in the form of a sheet or strand. The tobacco rod 21 may also be manufactured from shredded tobacco, which is a tobacco sheet cut into small pieces. The tobacco rod 21 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 to this. In one embodiment, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may uniformly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, improving the thermal conductivity of the tobacco rod and thereby improving the tobacco taste. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may also function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. In this case, although not shown, the tobacco rod 21 may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the exterior.

[0132] The filter rod 22 is also a cellulose acetate filter. However, the shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod or a hollow tubular rod. The filter rod 22 may also be a recessed rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may be manufactured to have a different shape.

[0133] The first segment of the filter rod 22 is also a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment is a hollow tubular structure. When the heater 13 is inserted through the first segment, it prevents the internal material of the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed back and may also have a cooling effect on the aerosol. The diameter of the hollow portion of the first segment may be an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0134] The length of the first segment may be an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first segment is 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0135] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of plasticizer used during manufacturing of the first segment. The first segment can also be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or tube made of the same or different material inside (e.g., hollow).

[0136] The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 13 heating the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0137] The length or diameter of the second segment may be determined in various ways depending on the shape of the cigarette 2. For example, the length of the second segment may be appropriately set within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment is about 14 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0138] The second segment may be made by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, a scented liquid may be applied to the polymer fibers. Alternatively, the second segment may be made by weaving a separate fiber coated with a scented liquid and a polymer fiber together. Alternatively, the second segment may be formed by a crimped polymer sheet.

[0139] For example, the polymer may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[0140] When the second segment is formed from woven polymer fibers or a crimped polymer sheet, the second segment may include one or more longitudinally extending channels, where channel refers to a passageway through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

[0141] For example, the second segment of crimped polymer sheet can be made of a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, e.g., between about 10 μm and about 250 μm, and the total surface area of ​​the second segment can be less than about 300 mm 2 / mm and approximately 1000mm 2 / mm. The aerosol cooling element has a specific surface area of ​​approximately 10 mm 2 / mg and about 100mm 2 / mg of material.

[0142] Meanwhile, the second segment may include a thread containing a volatile flavor component, such as, but not limited to, menthol. For example, the thread may be loaded with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

[0143] The third segment of the filter rod 22 is also a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be suitably within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be approximately 12 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0144] During the manufacturing process of the third segment, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the third segment to generate a flavor. Alternatively, separate fibers coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the third segment. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 21 is cooled as it passes through the second segment of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user via the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, the effect of enhancing the persistence of the flavor delivered to the user may be achieved.

[0145] The filter rod 22 may also include at least one capsule 23. The capsule 23 may function to generate a flavor and to generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure that encases a liquid containing a flavoring agent with a coating. The capsule 23 may have, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0146] 9, the cigarette 3 may further include a front-end plug 33. The front-end plug 33 may be located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 facing the filter rod 32. The front-end plug 33 prevents the tobacco rod 31 from detaching to the outside, and may prevent aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generating device (1 in FIGS. 1 to 3).

[0147] Filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of filter rod 22 of FIG. 8, and second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of filter rod 22 of FIG. 8.

[0148] The diameter and overall length of the cigarette 3 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the cigarette 2 of Figure 8. For example, but not limited to, the length of the front end plug 33 may be about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 may be about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 may be about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 may be about 14 mm.

[0149] The cigarette 3 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may have at least one hole formed therein through which external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out. For example, the front end plug 33 may be wrapped by a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 may be wrapped by a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 may be wrapped by a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped by a fourth wrapper 354. The entire cigarette 3 may then be rewrapped by a fifth wrapper 355.

[0150] Additionally, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, but not limited to, the perforation 36 may be formed in the area surrounding the tobacco rod 31. The perforation 36 may serve to transfer heat generated by the heater 13 shown in Figures 2 and 3 to the interior of the tobacco rod 31.

[0151] The second segment 322 may also include at least one capsule 34. The capsule 34 may perform the function of generating a flavor and may also perform the function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure that encases a liquid containing a flavoring agent with a coating. The capsule 34 may have, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0152] The first wrapper 351 may be a general filter wrapper with a metal foil such as aluminum foil bonded to it. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 is within the range of 45 μm to 55 μm, and preferably 50.3 μm. The thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 is within the range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and preferably 6.3 μm. The basis weight of the first wrapper 351 is 50 g / m 2 ~55g / m 2 and preferably 53 g / m 2 It is also.

[0153] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be made of common filter wrapping paper, for example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper.

[0154] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 is 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the second wrapper 352 is within the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, and preferably 78 μm. The basis weight of the second wrapper 352 is 20 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2 and preferably 23.5 g / m 2 It is also.

[0155] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 is 24000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the third wrapper 353 is within a range of 60 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 68 μm. The basis weight of the third wrapper 353 is 20 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2 and preferably 21 g / m 2 It is also.

[0156] The fourth wrapper 354 may be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, PLA laminated paper refers to a triple layer of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and another paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 is within the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and preferably 110 μm. The basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 is 80 g / m 2 ~100g / m 2 and preferably 88 g / m 2 It is also.

[0157] The fifth wrapper 355 may be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) refers to paper specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 is 57 g / m 2 ~63g / m 2 and preferably within the range of 60 g / m 2The thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 is in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and is preferably 67 μm.

[0158] A predetermined material may be added to the fifth wrapper 355. An example of the predetermined material may be, but is not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance (i.e., small changes due to temperature), oxidation resistance (i.e., resistance to various chemicals), water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any material other than silicon that has the above-mentioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.

[0159] The front end plug 33 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the front end plug 33 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono-denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the mono-denier of the filaments constituting the front end plug 33 may be 5.0. The cross section of the filaments constituting the front end plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the front end plug 33 may be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably in the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the front end plug 33 may be 28,000.

[0160] Also, if desired, the front end plug 33 includes at least one channel, the cross-sectional shape of which can be made to vary.

[0161] The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to Figure 8. Therefore, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

[0162] The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a hollow tubular structure. The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate tow with a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin). For example, the mono-denier and total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the mono-denier and total denier of the front end plug 33.

[0163] The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The mono-denier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 may be within the range of 1.0 to 10.0, and preferably within the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, the mono-denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 is 9.0. The cross section of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 may be within the range of 20,000 to 30,000, and preferably 25,000.

[0164] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0165] The aerosol generating device 1000 may include a control unit 1010, a sensing device 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 1000 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 10. That is, a person skilled in the art of this embodiment 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 1000.

[0166] The sensing unit 1020 may sense the state of the aerosol generating device 1000 or the state around the aerosol generating device 1000, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 1010. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 1010 may control the aerosol generating device 1000 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.

[0167] The sensing element 1020 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a temperature sensor 1022, an insertion sensor 1024, a puff sensor 1026, and a humidity sensor 1028.

[0168] The temperature sensor 1022 may sense the temperature to which the heater 1050 (or the aerosol-generating substance) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 1000 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 to monitor the temperature of the battery 1040.

[0169] The insertion detection sensor 1024 may detect the insertion and / or removal of an 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 may detect a change in signal due to the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol product.

[0170] The puff sensor 1026 may sense a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel, such as a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, or a pressure change.

[0171] The humidity sensor 1028 may detect the amount of moisture contained in the cigarette. For example, the humidity sensor 1028 may be any one of an electrical resistance sensor, a capacitance sensor, and an optical sensor. However, this is merely an example, and the humidity sensor 1028 is not limited thereto.

[0172] The sensing block 1020 may further include at least one of 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 1022 to 1028. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, and therefore detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0173] The output unit 1030 may output and provide to a user information related to the status of the aerosol generating device 1000. The output unit 1030 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 1032, a haptic unit 1034, and an audio output unit 1036. When the display unit 1032 and the touchpad are layered to form a touch screen, the display unit 1032 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0174] The display unit 1032 may visually provide a user with information related to the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, the information related to the aerosol generating device 1000 may include various information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 1040 of the aerosol generating device 1000, the preheating status of the heater 1050, the insertion / removal status of an aerosol product, or a status in which use of the aerosol generating device 1000 is restricted (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display unit 1032 may output the information to the outside. The display unit 1032 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. Alternatively, the display unit 1032 may be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0175] The haptic unit 1034 may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to provide the user with tactile information related to the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, the haptic unit 1034 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0176] The acoustic output unit 1036 may audibly provide the user with information related to the aerosol generation device 1000. For example, the acoustic output unit 1036 may convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0177] The battery 1040 may supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 1000. The battery 1040 may supply power to heat the heater 1050. The battery 1040 may also supply power necessary for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device 1000 (e.g., the sensing section 1020, the output section 1030, the user input section 1060, the memory 1070, and the communication section 1080). The battery 1040 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 1040 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0178] The heater 1050 may heat the aerosol-generating material by receiving power from the battery 1040. Although not shown in Fig. 10, the aerosol-generating device 1000 may further include 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 1000 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol-generating device 1000 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the battery 1040 into AC power.

[0179] The control unit 1010, the sensing unit 1020, the output unit 1030, the user input unit 1060, the memory 1070, and the communication unit 1080 may perform their functions by receiving power from a battery 1040. Although not shown in FIG. 10, the device may further include a power conversion circuit, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts power from the battery 1040 and supplies it to each component.

[0180] In one embodiment, the heater 1050 may be made of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. The heater 1050 may also be embodied by, but not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate with a conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0181] In other embodiments, heater 1050 is an induction heater. For example, heater 1050 may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0182] In one embodiment, heater 1050 may include multiple heaters. For example, heater 1050 may include a first heater for heating the cigarette and a second heater for heating the liquid.

[0183] The user input unit 1060 may receive information input by a user or output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 1060 may include, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., 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, a piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Although not shown in FIG. 10 , the aerosol generating device 1000 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may connect to another external device through the connection interface such as the USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 1040.

[0184] The memory 1070 is hardware that stores various data (e.g., a temperature profile) processed within the aerosol generating device 1000, and may store data that has been processed by the control unit 1010 and data to be processed by the control unit 1010. The memory 1070 may include at least one type of recording medium selected from the group consisting of a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 1070 may store data related to the operating time of the aerosol generating device 1000, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0185] The communication unit 1080 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 1080 may include a short-range communication unit 1082 and a wireless communication unit 1084.

[0186] The short-range wireless communication unit 1082 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 IrDA (infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0187] 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 also use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 1000 within the communication network.

[0188] The control unit 1010 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1000. In one embodiment, the control unit 1010 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented by an array of multiple logic gates, and may be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor may also be implemented by other types of hardware.

[0189] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be embodied in various modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the above description. Therefore, the disclosed method should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the foregoing description, and all variations within the scope of the claims should be construed as being within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. a receiving space into which the aerosol-producing article is inserted; a heater for heating the aerosol product; an insertion detection sensor that detects whether the aerosol product is inserted into the receiving space; a memory including a lookup table in which predetermined values ​​are matched for each aerosol product type; a control unit; The control unit During the heating operation of the heater, if it is detected through the insertion detection sensor that the aerosol product inserted into the receiving space has been moved out of the receiving space, the heating operation of the heater is temporarily stopped; An aerosol generating device that determines whether to resume the heating operation of the heater depending on whether the aerosol product is reinserted into the storage space within a predetermined grace period from the time the heating operation was temporarily stopped.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines that the aerosol product has been moved when a change in a sensing value sensed using the insertion detection sensor is different from the predetermined value.

3. The aerosol generating device described in claim 1, wherein the movement includes when the front end of the aerosol product moves away from the bottom surface of the storage space by a predetermined distance, or when the front end of the aerosol product facing the bottom surface of the storage space moves completely away from the storage space.

4. The control unit If it is determined that the aerosol product has been reinserted into the storage space within the preset grace period, the heating operation of the heater is resumed; 2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heating operation of the heater is turned off if it is determined that the aerosol product has not been reinserted into the storage space within the preset grace period.

5. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the insertion detection sensor includes at least one of an inductive sensor that detects a change in inductance of the accommodating space, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater, and a capacitive sensor that detects a change in capacitance of the accommodating space.

6. The control unit During the grace time, the state of the inductive sensor is switched to an activated state at regular intervals. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5 , wherein an inductance change is sensed via the inductive sensor switched to the activated state.

7. The control unit When the aerosol product is inserted into the receiving space, a first inductance change of the receiving space is sensed at the predetermined period; The aerosol generating device according to claim 6 , wherein when the magnitude of the sensed first inductance change is equal to or greater than a first critical value, it is determined that the aerosol product has been moved from the receiving space.

8. The control unit When the aerosol product is moved from the receiving space, a second inductance change of the receiving space is sensed by the inductive sensor at the predetermined period for a specified time; The aerosol generating device of claim 6 , wherein reinsertion of the aerosol producing article is detected when the magnitude of the detected second inductance change is equal to or greater than a second critical value.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the aerosol production article includes a thermally conductive material including at least one of aluminum, nickel, and iron.

10. 1. A method of operating an aerosol generating device, comprising: During the heating operation of the heater, detecting whether the aerosol product inserted in the receiving space has been moved from the receiving space via the insertion detection sensor; suspending the heating operation of the heater when the aerosol product is removed from the storage space; A method for operating an aerosol generating device, comprising: determining whether to resume the heating operation of the heater depending on whether the aerosol product item is reinserted into the storage space within a predetermined grace period from the time the heating operation was temporarily stopped.

11. The method for operating an aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein the step of detecting whether the aerosol product has been moved from the storage space determines that the aerosol product has been moved if the change in the sensing value sensed using the insertion detection sensor is different from the predetermined value based on a lookup table in which a predetermined value is matched for each aerosol product.

12. The method for operating an aerosol generating device described in claim 10, wherein the movement includes a case where the front end of the aerosol product moves away from the bottom surface of the storage space by a predetermined distance, or a case where the front end of the aerosol product facing the bottom surface of the storage space moves completely away from the storage space.

13. The method for operating an aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein the insertion detection sensor includes at least one of an inductive sensor that detects a change in inductance of the accommodating space, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater, and a capacitive sensor that detects a change in capacitance of the accommodating space.

14. The step of determining whether to resume the heating operation of the heater includes: If it is determined that the aerosol product has been reinserted into the storage space within the preset grace period, the heating operation of the heater is resumed; The method for operating an aerosol generating device according to claim 10, further comprising turning off the heating operation of the heater if it is determined that the aerosol product has not been reinserted into the storage space within the preset grace period.

15. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the aerosol product includes a thermally conductive material including at least one of aluminum, nickel, and iron.

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