Aerosol generating device and aerosol generating system including the same

Abstract

An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a housing having an elongated cavity in which an aerosol-generating article is housed, a control unit housed within the housing and including at least one processor, a vaporizer that heats a liquid-phase composition to generate an aerosol and releases the aerosol toward the aerosol-generating article, and a measuring unit that measures the usage status of the aerosol-generating article.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The following various embodiments relate to aerosol generating devices and aerosol generating systems including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Research into non-combustion cigarettes has been conducted. For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0132823 discloses a non-combustion flavor inhaler, a flavor source unit, and an atomization unit. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] An aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system including the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment are capable of efficiently determining whether or not an aerosol-generating article that can be used under non-heating conditions is to be reused.

[0004] An aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system including the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment are capable of accurately determining whether an aerosol-generating article has been reused even under excessively humid conditions.

[0005] The aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating system including the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment are capable of efficiently determining an excessively humid condition.

[0006] An aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system including the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment are intended to efficiently identify or verify the type of aerosol-generating article. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include a housing having an elongated cavity for accommodating an aerosol-generating article, a control unit accommodated within the housing and including at least one processor, and a measurement unit for measuring the usage status of the aerosol-generating article. The measurement unit may include a first sensor for measuring the status of the aerosol-generating article at a first position in the elongated cavity and a second sensor for measuring the status of the aerosol-generating article at a second position in the elongated cavity, the first position and the second position being spaced apart in the longitudinal direction along the elongated cavity.

[0008] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article may further include a vaporizer that heats the liquid-phase composition to generate an aerosol and emits the aerosol toward the aerosol-generating article.

[0009] In one embodiment, the measurement unit may include at least two capacitance sensors.

[0010] The measurement unit may include a first capacitance sensor arranged at a first position of the elongated cavity and a second capacitance sensor arranged at a second position of the elongated cavity, and the first position and the second position may be spaced apart longitudinally along the elongated cavity.

[0011] The control unit can determine whether the aerosol-generating item has been reused based on the difference between the first capacitance measured by the first capacitance sensor and the second capacitance measured by the second capacitance sensor.

[0012] If the absolute value of the difference is equal to or greater than a set range, the control unit can determine that the aerosol-generating article has been reused.

[0013] The control unit can determine that the aerosol-generating item is in an overhumid condition if the change in the first capacitance measured by the first capacitance sensor or the change in the second capacitance measured by the second capacitance sensor between the first and second points in time is greater than or equal to a set range.

[0014] The control unit can determine that the aerosol-generating item has been reused if the absolute value of the difference between the change in the first capacitance measured by the first capacitance sensor and the change in the second capacitance measured by the second capacitance sensor between the first point in time and the second point in time is greater than or equal to a set range.

[0015] The control unit can determine the type of the aerosol-generating item based on the change in the first capacitance measured by the first capacitance sensor or the change in the second capacitance measured by the second capacitance sensor between a first point in time and a second point in time.

[0016] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating system includes an aerosol generating device including an aerosol-generating article, a housing having an elongated cavity in which the aerosol-generating article is accommodated, a control unit accommodated within the housing and including at least one processor, a vaporizer that heats a liquid-phase composition to generate an aerosol and releases the aerosol toward the aerosol-generating article, and a measuring unit that measures the usage status of the aerosol-generating article, and the aerosol-generating article includes a first segment, a medium segment arranged downstream of the first segment and accommodating a medium, and a second segment arranged downstream of the medium segment.

[0017] In one embodiment, the medium segment comprises a pH-treated tobacco medium, and the first segment or the second segment can adsorb nicotine transferred from the medium segment.

[0018] In one embodiment, the measurement unit includes a first capacitance sensor disposed at a first position of the elongated cavity and a second capacitance sensor disposed at a second position of the elongated cavity, and the first position and the second position can be spaced apart longitudinally along the elongated cavity.

[0019] The control unit can determine that the aerosol-generating item has been reused if the absolute value of the difference between the first capacitance measured by the first capacitance sensor and the second capacitance measured by the second capacitance sensor is greater than or equal to a set range.

[0020] The control unit can determine that the aerosol-generating item is in an overhumid condition if the change in the first capacitance measured by the first capacitance sensor or the change in the second capacitance measured by the second capacitance sensor between the first and second points in time is greater than or equal to a set range.

[0021] The control unit can determine or verify the type of the aerosol-generating item based on the change in the first capacitance measured by the first capacitance sensor or the change in the second capacitance measured by the second capacitance sensor between a first point in time and a second point in time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to one embodiment, it is possible to efficiently determine whether or not an aerosol-generating article that can be used under non-heating conditions is being reused.

[0023] According to one embodiment, it is possible to accurately determine whether an aerosol-generating article has been reused even under excessively humid conditions.

[0024] According to one embodiment, an excessively humid condition can be efficiently determined.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the type of aerosol-generating article inserted into an aerosol-generating device can be efficiently identified and verified.

[0026] The effects of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment and an aerosol generating system including the same are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the structure of an aerosol-generating article included in an aerosol-generating system according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 shows the change in capacitance of an aerosol-generating article in an unused state and in a reused state, measured using an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 shows the change in capacitance of an aerosol-generating article in an over-humid state measured by an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The terms used in the embodiments have been selected as widely used terms as possible while taking into consideration the functions of the present invention, but this may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may have arbitrarily selected terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined not simply as names of terms, but based on the meanings that the terms possess and the overall content of the present invention.

[0029] Throughout the specification, when any part "includes" any component, this does not exclude other components, but means that it further includes other components, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as "module" and "unit" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this may be embodied in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0030] As used herein, when a phrase such as "at least one of" precedes an element in a sequence, it modifies the entire element and not each individual element in the sequence. For example, the phrase "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, and c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0031] Fig. 1 shows an aerosol generating system 1 according to one embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 11 according to one embodiment. Fig. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of an aerosol-generating article 12 included in the aerosol generating system 1 according to one embodiment.

[0032] 1 to 3, an aerosol generation system 1 according to one embodiment includes an aerosol generation device 11 and an aerosol-generating article 12.

[0033] 1(a), 1(b), and 2, an aerosol generating device 11 according to one embodiment includes a housing 111, a control unit 112, a vaporizer 113, a measurement unit 114, and a battery 115. The housing 111 may have an elongated cavity 1112 formed therein.

[0034] 1(a) and 1(b) show only the components relevant to this embodiment. Therefore, a person skilled in the art will understand that the aerosol generating device 11 further includes other general components in addition to the components shown in Fig. 1(a) and 1(b). Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 11 may be in the form of a stick or a holder.

[0035] In one embodiment, the battery 115 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device 11. For example, the battery 115 can supply current to the vaporizer 113 so that the vaporizer 113 can heat the liquid-phase composition. The battery 115 can also supply current to the measuring unit 114 so that the capacitance can be measured. The battery 115 can supply power necessary to operate the display, sensors, motors, etc. provided in the aerosol generating device 11.

[0036] In one embodiment, the battery 115 may be a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, but is not limited to the above example. For example, the battery 115 may be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, or a lithium ion battery. For example, the battery 115 may be cylindrical with a diameter of 10 mm and a length of 37 mm, but is not limited to this. For example, the capacity of the battery 115 may be in the range of 120 mAh to 250 mAh, but is not limited to this. The battery 115 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, if the battery 115 is rechargeable, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 115 may be 10 C and the discharge rate (C-rate) may be 10 C to 20 C, but is not limited to this. For static use, the battery 115 may be manufactured to maintain 80% or more of its total capacity even after 2000 charge / discharge cycles.

[0037] In one embodiment, the control unit 112 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 11. Specifically, the control unit 112 controls the operation of not only the vaporizer 113, the measurement unit 114, and the battery 115, but also other components included in the aerosol generating device 11. The control unit 112 can also check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 11 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 11 is in an operable state.

[0038] In one embodiment, the control unit 112 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program to be executed by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor may also be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0039] In one embodiment, the vaporizer 113 heats the liquid-phase composition to generate an aerosol, and then emits the generated aerosol toward the aerosol-generating article 12 inserted in the elongated cavity 1112 so that the generated aerosol passes through the aerosol-generating article 12. Thus, the aerosol passing through the aerosol-generating article 12 is flavored with tobacco, and a user can inhale the tobacco-flavored aerosol by inhaling one end of the aerosol-generating article 12 into their mouth. In one embodiment, the vaporizer 113 may be referred to as a cartomizer or atomizer. In one embodiment, the vaporizer 113 may be removably coupled to the aerosol-generating device 11. Meanwhile, if an atomization segment is provided at the slit of the aerosol-generating article 12, the vaporizer 113 may be omitted from the aerosol-generating device 11. Here, the aerosol generating device 11 may further include a heater disposed on at least a part of the periphery of the atomizing segment or insertable into the atomizing segment.

[0040] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 11 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the control unit 112, the vaporizer 113, the battery 115, and the elongated cavity 1112. For example, the aerosol generating device 11 may include a detection unit 116, an output unit 117, a user input unit 118, a memory 119, and a communication unit 120.

[0041] The detection unit 116 detects the state of the aerosol generating device 11 or the state around the aerosol generating device 11, and transmits the detected information to the control unit 112. Based on the detected information, the control unit 112 can control the aerosol generating device 11 to perform various functions such as restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol-generating article 12 (e.g., a stick, a cigarette, a cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0042] The detection unit 116 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 1161, an insertion detection sensor 1162, and a puff sensor 1163, but is not limited to these.

[0043] The temperature sensor 1161 can detect the temperature to which the heater or heating element of the vaporizer 113 is heated, or the temperature sensor 1161 can be located near the battery 115 to monitor the temperature of the battery 115.

[0044] The insertion detection sensor 1162 detects the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article 12. For example, the insertion detection sensor 1162 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 can detect a change in signal due to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article 12.

[0045] The puff sensor 1163 can detect 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.

[0046] The detection unit 116 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an atmospheric 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 1161 to 1163. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0047] The output unit 117 outputs and provides to a user information regarding the status of the aerosol generating device 11. The output unit 117 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 1171, a haptic unit 1172, and an audio output unit 1173. When the display unit 1171 and the touchpad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 1171 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0048] The display unit 1171 visually provides the user with information about the aerosol generating device 11. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 11 may mean various information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 115 of the aerosol generating device 11, the insertion / removal status of the aerosol-generating article 12, or a status in which the use of the aerosol generating device 11 is restricted (e.g., insertion of a reusable aerosol-generating article 12, detection of an abnormal article), and the display unit 1171 may output the information to the outside. The display unit 1171 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. Furthermore, the display unit 1171 may display the status of an LED light-emitting element.

[0049] The haptic unit 1172 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to tactilely provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 11. For example, the haptic unit 1172 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0050] The acoustic output unit 1173 audibly provides the user with information relating to the aerosol generation device 11. For example, the acoustic output unit 1173 may convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0051] The user input unit 118 receives information input by a user and outputs information to a user. Examples of the user input unit 118 include, but are not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (contact capacitance type, pressure resistive film type, infrared detection type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Although not shown in FIG. 2 , the aerosol generating device 11 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, through which the aerosol generating device 11 can connect to other external devices to send and receive information or charge the battery 115.

[0052] The memory 119 may store data processed by the control unit 112 and data to be processed by the control unit 112 as hardware for storing various data processed within the aerosol generation device 11. The memory 119 may include at least one type of storage medium selected from the group consisting of flash memory, hard disk, micro multimedia card, card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 119 may store the operating time of the aerosol generation device 11, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data regarding the user's smoking pattern.

[0053] The communication unit 120 includes at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 120 may include a short-range communication unit 1201 and a wireless communication unit 1202.

[0054] The short-range wireless communication unit 1201 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.

[0055] The wireless communication unit 1202 includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 1202 can also identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 11 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)).

[0056] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 11 may include at least one input device (e.g., a button) and / or a terminal for coupling to a cradle, which allows a user to control functions of the aerosol generating device 11. For example, a user may use the input device of the aerosol generating device 11 to execute various functions. The user may execute a desired function among multiple functions of the aerosol generating device 11 by adjusting the number of times the user presses the input device (e.g., once, twice, etc.) or the duration of time the user presses the input device (e.g., 0.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds, etc.). The user may activate the input device to execute functions such as preheating the heating element of the vaporizer 113, adjusting the temperature of the heating element of the vaporizer 113, cleaning the space into which the aerosol-generating article is inserted, checking whether the aerosol generating device 11 is in an operational state, displaying the remaining capacity (usable power) of the battery 115, and resetting the aerosol generating device 11. However, the functions of the aerosol generating device 11 are not limited to the above examples.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 11 includes a vaporizer 113 and an elongated cavity 1112 arranged in series, as shown in Figure 1(a). According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 11 includes a vaporizer 113 and an elongated cavity 1112 arranged in parallel, as shown in Figure 1(b). Furthermore, the arrangement of the control unit 112, vaporizer 113, battery 115, and elongated cavity 1112 of the aerosol generating device 11 is not limited to that shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), and may be in various forms.

[0058] Through the airflow passage in the aerosol generating device 11, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 113 flows into the elongated cavity 1112 and can pass through the aerosol-generating article 12. Therefore, the aerosol that passes through the aerosol-generating article 12 is added with tobacco flavor or nicotine, and the user can inhale the aerosol added with tobacco flavor or nicotine by inhaling one end of the aerosol-generating article 12 with their mouth.

[0059] The vaporizer 113 according to one embodiment may include a liquid storage section, a liquid transfer means, a heating element, and an airflow passageway, and each component of the vaporizer 113 may be made of, but is not limited to, a polycarbonate material.

[0060] In one embodiment, the liquid storage unit can store a liquid-phase composition that generates an aerosol when heated. According to one embodiment, the liquid-phase composition can be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes a volatile tobacco aroma component, while according to another embodiment, the liquid-phase composition can be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. Furthermore, the liquid-phase composition can store a liquid having a volume of 0.1 to 2.0 mL, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the liquid storage unit can be removably coupled within the vaporizer 113.

[0061] For example, the liquid phase composition may contain water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, fragrance, flavoring, or vitamin mixture. Flavoring includes, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit fragrance components. Flavoring includes ingredients that can provide various flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture includes, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The liquid phase composition may also include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0062] In one embodiment, the liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid phase composition of the liquid storage unit to the heating element. In one embodiment, the liquid transfer means can be a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic, and can transfer the liquid phase composition of the liquid storage unit to the heating element using capillary action.

[0063] In one embodiment, the heating element is an element for heating the liquid-phase composition transferred by the liquid transfer means, and may be a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, or the like. The heating element may also be made of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element is heated by the supplied flow and can transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0064] In one embodiment, the airflow passage is positioned such that the generated aerosol is emitted towards the inserted aerosol-generating article 12. That is, the aerosol generated by the heating element can be emitted through the airflow passage.

[0065] In one embodiment, the control unit 112 can control the temperature of the heating element by controlling the current supplied to the heating element. Therefore, the control unit 112 can control the amount of aerosol generated from the liquid-phase composition by controlling the current supplied to the heating element. Furthermore, the control unit 112 can control the heating element to supply current for a preset time upon detecting a user's puff. For example, the control unit 112 can control the heating element to supply current for 1-5 seconds from the time the user's puff is detected.

[0066] In one embodiment, the control unit 112 may control the open / close state of the airflow passage to control the amount of aerosol emitted from the vaporizer 113. Specifically, the control unit 112 may increase the size of the pores in the airflow passage to increase the amount of aerosol emitted from the vaporizer 113, or may decrease the size of the pores in the airflow passage to decrease the amount of aerosol emitted from the vaporizer 113. For example, the control unit 112 may control the pores in the airflow passage using a dial.

[0067] In one embodiment, when the liquid phase composition in the liquid storage section is less than a preset amount, the control section 112 can notify the user that there is not enough liquid phase composition via a vibration motor or a display.

[0068] In one embodiment, the measurement unit 114 can measure the status of the aerosol-generating article 12 inserted into the elongated cavity 1112. The measurement unit 114 includes a first sensor (e.g., a first capacitance sensor 1141) that measures the status of the aerosol-generating article 12 at a first position in the elongated cavity 1112 and a second sensor (e.g., a second capacitance sensor 1142) that measures the status of the aerosol-generating article at a second position in the elongated cavity. The first sensor and the second sensor are arranged to be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction along the elongated cavity 1112. The measurement unit 114 will be described in detail later.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 3, an aerosol-generating article 12 according to one embodiment includes a first segment 121 , a medium segment 122 , a second segment 123 , and a wrapper 125 .

[0070] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article 12 may be wrapped in at least one wrapper 125. The wrapper 125 may have at least one hole formed therein to allow external air to enter or internal gas to escape. The wrapper 125 may comprise a material with high thermal conductivity.

[0071] For example, a first wrapper 1251 wraps the first segment 121, a second wrapper 1252 wraps the medium segment 122, a third wrapper 1253 wraps the second segment 123, and a fifth wrapper 1255 repackages the entire aerosol-generating article 12.

[0072] In one embodiment, the first wrapper 1251, the second wrapper 1252, and the third wrapper 1253 may be made of porous wrapping paper. For example, the porosity of each of the first wrapper 1251, the second wrapper 1252, and the third wrapper 1253 may be 35,000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of each of the first wrapper 1251, the second wrapper 1252, and the third wrapper 1253 may be within a range of 70 μm to 80 μm. The basis weight of each of the first wrapper 1251, the second wrapper 1252, and the third wrapper 1253 may be 20 g / m. 2 ~25g / m 2 may be included in the range.

[0073] In one embodiment, the fifth wrapper 1255 may be made of sterilized paper (MFW). For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 1255 is 57 g / m 2 ~63g / m 2 The thickness of the fifth wrapper 1255 may be within the range of 64 um to 70 um.

[0074] In one embodiment, the first segment 121 may be made of a cellulose acetate filter. Alternatively, the first segment 121 may be made of a paper filter, a porous molding, or the like. For example, the length of the first segment 121 may be 4 to 15 mm, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the first segment 121 may be colored or scented.

[0075] Meanwhile, the first segment 121 may be configured as an atomizing segment. For example, the atomizing segment 121 may be filled with a humectant, and the humectant 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. When the first segment 121 is configured as an atomizing segment, the aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 11 in FIG. 1) may not include a separate vaporizer (e.g., the vaporizer 113 in FIG. 1) and may instead include a heater disposed around and / or inside the first segment 121 configured as the atomizing segment.

[0076] In one embodiment, the media segment 122 may be filled with a media. For example, the media segment 122 may include a cavity, and the cavity may be filled with a media. For another example, the media segment 122 may include a cellulose acetate filter or a paper filter, and the media may be inserted into the cellulose acetate filter or the paper filter and filled.

[0077] For example, the medium base material filled in the medium segment 122 may contain at least one component of granulated tobacco (tobacco granules), reconstituted tobacco, and cut tobacco. For example, the length of the medium segment 122 may be an appropriate length within the range of 6 mm to 18 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0078] Generally, tobacco granules have a significantly lower moisture and / or aerosol-forming agent content than other types of tobacco materials (e.g., shredded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, etc.), which can significantly reduce the generation of visible smoke and thus facilitate the smokeless function of the aerosol generating device 11. However, the diameter, density, packing rate, composition ratio of constituent materials, heating temperature, etc. of the tobacco granules vary and may vary depending on the embodiment. The diameter of the tobacco granules may be approximately 0.3 mm to 1.2 mm. Within this range, the appropriate hardness and ease of manufacturing of the tobacco granules are ensured, and the probability of vortex flow generation within the cavity is increased.

[0079] The medium segment 122 may also contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. A flavoring liquid such as menthol or a moisturizer may also be added to the medium segment 122 by spraying it onto the medium segment 122.

[0080] In one embodiment, the medium filled in the medium segment 122 may be pH-treated. For example, the medium base may be pH-treated with a pH adjuster to have a basic pH. The pH adjuster may be basic and may include at least one of potassium carbonate (K2CO3), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), and calcium oxide (CaO). However, the pH adjuster is not limited to the above examples; any substance that produces less negative odor during smoking may be used. The basic pH adjuster may increase the pH of the medium base contained in the medium segment 122. Compared to a medium base not treated with a basic pH adjuster, the amount of nicotine released from the basic pH-treated medium base increases. That is, a sufficient nicotine yield can be achieved from the medium segment 122 even at a low temperature with the basic pH-treated medium base.

[0081] In one embodiment, the medium segment 122 may comprise a slurry or paper-based reconstituted tobacco sheet with a pH adjusted to a range of 7.0 to 9.5, or may comprise tobacco granules with a pH adjusted to a range of 7.0 to 9.5. The medium base material may contain nicotine, and by subjecting the medium base material to a basic pH treatment, free nicotine (gas-state nicotine) is transferred from the medium base material even under non-heating conditions or relatively low temperature conditions. In other words, by adjusting the pH of the medium base material of the medium segment 122 to a range of 7.0 to 9.5, volatile free nicotine is transferred under non-heating conditions (or low-temperature heating conditions), thereby achieving a sufficient level of smoking taste intensity.

[0082] In one embodiment, the second segment 123 may be made of a cellulose acetate filter. The second segment 123 may also include at least one scent capsule. For example, the second segment 123 may be a cellulose acetate filter into which at least one scent capsule is inserted. The second segment 123 may also be made of a cellulose acetate filter mixed with a scented substance.

[0083] In one embodiment, nicotine is adsorbed to at least one of the first segment 121 and the second segment 123. By treating the medium segment 122 with a pH in the range of 7.0 to 9.5, the nicotine in the medium segment 122 is actively converted to a free nicotine state even under non-heating conditions and transferred to the first segment 121 or the second segment 123. The nicotine transferred from the medium segment 122 is adsorbed to at least one of the first segment 121 and the second segment 123. By containing nicotine in both the medium segment 122 and the first segment 121 or the second segment 123, the aerosol-generating article 12 can be used without pre-heating the aerosol generating device 11. This not only increases convenience for the user but also realizes sufficient nicotine transfer even under non-heating (or low-temperature heating) conditions, thereby providing a satisfying smoking experience.

[0084] 1(a) and 1(b), the measurement unit 114 includes at least two capacitance sensors (e.g., a first capacitance sensor 1141 and a second capacitance sensor 1142). Each capacitance sensor includes two conductors spaced apart from each other, and for example, the conductors may be spaced apart from each other across the elongated cavity 1112.

[0085] In one embodiment, the measurement unit 114 includes a first capacitance sensor 1141 and a second capacitance sensor 1142, where the first capacitance sensor 1141 is positioned at a first position of the elongated cavity 1112 and the second capacitance sensor 1142 is positioned at a second position of the elongated cavity 1112, and the first position and the second position may be positions spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction (e.g., ±X direction) of the elongated cavity 1112.

[0086] For example, the first capacitance sensor 1141 may be disposed adjacent to the opening of the elongated cavity 1112, and the second capacitance sensor 1142 may be disposed further away inside the elongated cavity 1112. By disposing the first capacitance sensor 1141 and the second capacitance sensor 1142 longitudinally along the elongated cavity 1112, the measurement unit 114 can measure the states of the respective compartments of the aerosol-generating article 12 that are separated in the longitudinal direction. Although two capacitance sensors are illustrated in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), three or more capacitance sensors may be disposed depending on the type of aerosol-generating article 12 and the structure of the aerosol-generating device 11.

[0087] In one embodiment, the first capacitance value measured by the first capacitance sensor 1141 and the second capacitance value measured by the second capacitance sensor 1142 are transmitted to the control unit 112, and the control unit 112 can determine whether the aerosol-generating item 12 has been reused or not based on the difference between the first capacitance value and the second capacitance value.

[0088] For example, the aerosol generated in the vaporizer 113 may enter the first segment 121 of the aerosol-generating article 12, pass through the medium segment 122, and move to the second segment 123. As the aerosol moves upstream of the aerosol-generating article 12 (e.g., in the +X direction in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b)), the downstream side of the aerosol-generating article 12 becomes wetter than the upstream side. If the wetness of the aerosol-generating article 12 changes, the dielectric constant also changes, and therefore the first capacitance value measured by the first capacitance sensor 1141 and the second capacitance value measured by the second capacitance sensor 1142 may change.

[0089] For example, before the aerosol-generating article 12 is used (at a first time point), there is little or no difference between the first capacitance value measured by the first capacitance sensor 1141 and the second capacitance value measured by the second capacitance sensor 1142. After the aerosol-generating article 12 is used (at a second time point), the downstream of the aerosol-generating article 12 is generally wetted more by aerosol, so that the second capacitance value measured by the second capacitance sensor 1142 is greater than the first capacitance value measured by the first capacitance sensor 1141. Alternatively, depending on the configuration of the aerosol-generating article 12, the first capacitance value measured by the first capacitance sensor 1141 may be greater than the second capacitance value measured by the second capacitance sensor 1142. For example, if the medium segment 122 includes a cavity, the aerosol may wet both the inside and outside of the second wrapper 1252 of the medium segment 122, so that the medium segment 122 is wetted more than the first segment 121. In either case, there is a difference between the first capacitance and the second capacitance at the second point in time, or there is a difference between the amount of change in the first capacitance and the amount of change in the second capacitance between the first point in time and the second point in time.

[0090] Here, the control unit 112 can determine whether the aerosol-generating article 12 is reused or not based on the difference between the first capacitance value and the second capacitance value.

[0091] For example, if the absolute value of the difference between the first capacitance value and the second capacitance value is equal to or greater than a set range (|first capacitance - second capacitance|≧a, where a is a set value), the control unit 112 determines that the aerosol-generating article 12 has been reused. Here, the set range is defined as a set value that takes error into consideration.

[0092] Alternatively, the control unit 112 may determine whether the aerosol-generating article 12 is reused or not based on the difference between the amount of change in the first capacitance and the amount of change in the second capacitance.

[0093] For example, if the absolute value of the difference between the amount of change in the first capacitance and the amount of change in the second capacitance is equal to or greater than a set range (|amount of change in the first capacitance - amount of change in the second capacitance|≧b, where b is a set value), the control unit 112 determines that the aerosol-generating article 12 has been reused. Here, the set range is defined as a set value that takes error into consideration.

[0094] Here, the reliability of the determination of whether or not the aerosol-generating article 12 has been reused can be determined based on the magnitude of the absolute value of the difference. For example, the larger the absolute value of the difference, the more accurate the determination of whether or not the aerosol-generating article 12 has been reused. Therefore, the control unit 112 can determine that the larger the absolute value of the difference, the more reliable the determination of whether or not the aerosol-generating article 12 has been reused.

[0095] 4 shows the change in capacitance of an unused and reused aerosol-generating article 12 measured by an aerosol-generating device 11 according to one embodiment. Here, Fig. 4(a) shows the capacitance F over time (hours) of an unused aerosol-generating article (unused stick) and a reused aerosol-generating article (reused stick) measured by a first capacitance sensor 1141, and Fig. 4(b) shows the capacitance over time of an unused aerosol-generating article (unused stick) and a reused aerosol-generating article (reused stick) measured by a second capacitance sensor 1142.

[0096] 4(a) and 4(b), it can be seen that in the case of an unused aerosol-generating article (an unused stick), the difference between the first capacitance value measured by the first capacitance sensor 1141 and the second capacitance value measured by the second capacitance sensor 1142 is not large. In this way, when the absolute value of the difference between the first capacitance value and the second capacitance value is below the set range, the control unit 112 can determine that the aerosol-generating article is unused.

[0097] On the other hand, in the case of a reusable aerosol-generating product (reusable stick), the difference between the first capacitance value and the second capacitance value is large. Here, since the absolute value of the difference between the first capacitance value and the second capacitance value is equal to or greater than the set range, the control unit 112 can determine that the aerosol-generating product is a reusable product.

[0098] It can also be seen that the variation in the second capacitance measured by the second capacitance sensor 1142 is much greater than the variation in the first capacitance measured by the first capacitance sensor 1141 before (a first time point) and after (a second time point) use of the aerosol-generating article (e.g., before / after smoking). If the absolute value of the difference between the variation in the first capacitance and the variation in the second capacitance is equal to or greater than a set range, the control unit 112 determines that the aerosol-generating article has been reused. The capacitance of an unused aerosol-generating article (an unused stick) may be data previously measured and secured at the first time point for each type of aerosol-generating article.

[0099] 5 shows the change in capacitance of an overly humid aerosol-generating article 12 measured by an aerosol generating device 11 according to one embodiment. Figure 5(a) shows the capacitance F over time of an unused aerosol-generating article (unused stick) and an overly humid aerosol-generating article (overly humid stick) measured by the first capacitance sensor 1141, and Figure 5(b) shows the capacitance over time of an unused aerosol-generating article (unused stick) and an overly humid aerosol-generating article (overly humid stick) measured by the second capacitance sensor 1142.

[0100] In one embodiment, the control unit 112 determines that the aerosol-generating article is in an excessively humid condition if the amount of change in the first capacitance measured by the first capacitance sensor 1141 between the first time point and the second time point is equal to or greater than a set range. Similarly, the control unit 112 determines that the aerosol-generating article is in an excessively humid condition if the amount of change in the second capacitance measured by the second capacitance sensor 1142 between the first time point and the second time point is equal to or greater than a set range.

[0101] Referring to Fig. 5(a), in a humid environment such as the rainy season, an aerosol-generating product may become overly humid. In such an overly humid condition, the amount of change in the first capacitance exceeds a preset range, allowing the control unit 112 to determine this as an overly humid condition. Similarly, referring to Fig. 5(b), in an overly humid condition, the amount of change in the second capacitance exceeds a preset range, allowing the control unit 112 to determine this as an overly humid condition.

[0102] If only one capacitance sensor were provided (e.g., in the case of either FIG. 5(a) or FIG. 5(b)), it would be impossible to determine whether the increase in capacitance was due to reuse or excessive humidity. By providing the first capacitance sensor 1141 and the second capacitance sensor 1142 in the aerosol generation device 11 according to one embodiment, errors in determining reuse due to excessive humidity can be prevented compared to when a single capacitance sensor is provided. For example, in an excessive humidity condition, both the amount of change in the first capacitance in the first capacitance sensor 1141 and the amount of change in the second capacitance in the second capacitance sensor 1142 increase. Here, because the capacitance values ​​of all capacitance sensors increase, the difference between the first capacitance value and the second capacitance value at the same time is small, and the control unit 112 does not recognize this situation as reuse.

[0103] In one embodiment, the controller 112 can determine the type of the aerosol-generating article based on a change in the first capacitance measured by the first capacitance sensor 1141 between a first point in time (e.g., when the aerosol-generating article is unused) and a second point in time (e.g., when the aerosol-generating article is reused). Similarly, the controller 112 can determine the type of the aerosol-generating article based on a change in the second capacitance measured by the second capacitance sensor 1142 between the first point in time and the second point in time.

[0104] For example, the amount of change in capacitance before and after use may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating article 12. For example, compared to when the medium segment 122 is made of a cellulose acetate filter, the medium segment 122 including the cavity will be wetted more by the aerosol. With capacitance change data stored in advance for each type of aerosol-generating article 12, the control unit 112 can compare the capacitance change measured before and after use of the aerosol-generating article 12 with the previously stored capacitance change data to identify or verify the type of aerosol-generating article 12 used.

[0105] The aerosol generator 11 and aerosol generation system 1 according to one embodiment can efficiently determine whether an aerosol-generating article 12 that can be used under non-heating conditions is being reused, and can accurately determine whether an aerosol-generating article 12 is being reused even under excessively humid conditions. Furthermore, the excessively humid conditions can be efficiently determined, and the type of aerosol-generating article 12 inserted in the aerosol generator 11 can be efficiently identified and verified.

[0106] The above description of the embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the content described in the claims should be construed as being included in the scope of protection determined by the claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a housing having an elongated cavity formed therein for accommodating an aerosol-generating article; a controller contained within the housing and including at least one processor; a measuring unit for measuring the usage state of the aerosol-generating article; Including, The measurement unit a first sensor for measuring the condition of the aerosol-generating article at a first location in the elongated cavity; a second sensor for measuring the condition of the aerosol-generating article at a second location in the elongated cavity; Including, The aerosol generating device, wherein the first position and the second position are spaced apart longitudinally along the elongated cavity.

2. 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising a vaporizer that heats a liquid-phase composition to produce an aerosol and emits the aerosol toward the aerosol-generating article.

3. 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first sensor is a first capacitance sensor, and the second sensor is a second capacitance sensor.

4. The aerosol generating device described in claim 3, wherein the control unit determines whether the aerosol-generating item is reused or not based on the difference between the first capacitance measured by the first capacitance sensor and the second capacitance measured by the second capacitance sensor.

5. 5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit determines that the aerosol-generating article is reused if the absolute value of the difference is equal to or greater than a set range.

6. The aerosol generating device described in claim 3, wherein the control unit determines that the aerosol-generating item is in an overhumid condition if the change in the first capacitance measured by the first capacitance sensor or the change in the second capacitance measured by the second capacitance sensor between the first and second points in time is greater than or equal to a set range.

7. The aerosol generating device described in claim 3, wherein the control unit determines that the aerosol-generating item has been reused if the absolute value of the difference between the change in the first capacitance measured by the first capacitance sensor and the change in the second capacitance measured by the second capacitance sensor between the first point in time and the second point in time is greater than or equal to a set range.

8. The aerosol generating device described in claim 3, wherein the control unit determines or verifies the type of the aerosol-generating item based on the change in the first capacitance measured by the first capacitance sensor or the change in the second capacitance measured by the second capacitance sensor between the first point in time and the second point in time.

9. 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating article; an aerosol generating device including a housing having an elongated cavity for accommodating the aerosol-generating article; a control unit accommodated within the housing and including at least one processor; a vaporizer that heats a liquid-phase composition to generate an aerosol and releases the aerosol toward the aerosol-generating article; and a measuring unit that measures the usage state of the aerosol-generating article. Including, The aerosol-generating article comprises: A first segment; a media segment disposed downstream of the first segment and containing a media; a second segment disposed downstream of the medium segment; 1. An aerosol generating system comprising:

10. 10. The aerosol generating system of claim 9, wherein the medium segment comprises a pH-treated tobacco medium, and the first segment or the second segment adsorbs nicotine transferred from the medium segment.

11. The measurement unit a first capacitance sensor disposed at a first position in the elongated cavity; a second capacitance sensor disposed at a second location in the elongated cavity; Including, 11. The aerosol generating system of claim 10, wherein the first location and the second location are spaced apart longitudinally along the elongated cavity.

12. The aerosol generating system described in claim 11, wherein the control unit determines that the aerosol-generating item has been reused if the absolute value of the difference between the first capacitance measured by the first capacitance sensor and the second capacitance measured by the second capacitance sensor is greater than or equal to a set range.

13. The aerosol generating system described in claim 11, wherein the control unit determines that the aerosol-generating item is in an over-humidity condition if the change in the first capacitance measured by the first capacitance sensor or the change in the second capacitance measured by the second capacitance sensor between the first point in time and the second point in time is greater than or equal to a set range.

14. The aerosol generating system described in claim 11, wherein the control unit determines or verifies the type of the aerosol-generating item based on the change in the first capacitance measured by the first capacitance sensor or the change in the second capacitance measured by the second capacitance sensor between the first point in time and the second point in time.

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