Aerosol generating device and system

Abstract

The aerosol generating device may include a susceptor configured to at least partially contain an aerosol product article, and a sensor configured to sense the aerosol product article, the sensor positioned so that it does not overlap the susceptor.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure relate to aerosol generating devices and systems. [Background technology]

[0002] To provide atomization capabilities, techniques have been developed to introduce airflow into the aerosol-generating article, such as aerosol generating devices that generate aerosols from the aerosol-generating article in a non-combustion manner. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] One aspect of the present disclosure may provide an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system that provide an environment suitable for an aerosol product. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to one aspect, an aerosol generating device is provided, the aerosol generating device including a susceptor configured to at least partially contain an aerosol product article, and a sensor positioned so as not to overlap the susceptor and configured to sense the aerosol product article.

[0005] The aerosol generating device may include a housing having an open first end, a closed second end opposite the first end, and a side portion between the first end and the second end, the susceptor being positioned adjacent to the first end and the sensor being positioned adjacent to the second end.

[0006] The sensor may include an electrode having a side surface, the side surface extending in a circumferential direction.

[0007] The electrode may have a substantially circular ring configuration.

[0008] The electrodes may have a substantially semi-circular ring configuration.

[0009] The electrodes may have a substantially quarter-circular ring configuration.

[0010] The aerosol generating device may include a ground part electrically connected to the sensor.

[0011] The aerosol generating device may include a housing having an open first end, a closed second end opposite the first end, and a side portion between the first end and the second end, and the ground portion may be located on the second end of the second housing.

[0012] The aerosol generating device includes a housing having an open first end, a closed second end opposite the first end, and a side portion between the first end and the second end, the aerosol generating device includes a support positioned on the second end of the second housing, the support configured to support the aerosol product article and the susceptor, and the sensor can be embedded in the support.

[0013] The aerosol generating device may include a housing having an open first end, a closed second end opposite the first end, and a side portion between the first end and the second end, and the susceptor may include a first opening facing the first end, a second opening facing the second end, and a side wall providing the first opening and the second opening and positioned between the first opening and the second opening.

[0014] The aerosol generation system may include an aerosol product article and an aerosol generation device configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol product article, the aerosol generation device including a susceptor configured to at least partially contain the aerosol product article, and a sensor positioned so as not to overlap with the susceptor and configured to sense the aerosol product article.

[0015] The aerosol generating device may include a housing having an open first end, a closed second end opposite the first end, and a side portion between the first end and the second end, the susceptor being positioned adjacent to the first end and the sensor being positioned adjacent to the second end.

[0016] The sensor may include an electrode having a side surface, the side surface extending in a circumferential direction.

[0017] The aerosol generating device may further include a ground part electrically connected to the sensor.

[0018] The aerosol product may include a first segment including a humectant, a second segment including a tobacco medium, and a third segment including a filter. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to an embodiment, various controls can be performed to suit the aerosol product. According to an embodiment, an apparatus environment can be provided to suit the type and condition of the aerosol product. The effects of the aerosol generating device and system according to an embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the following description.

[0020] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of particular embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation system of FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a housing of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of components in a housing of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a component in the housing of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a housing of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sensor included in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sensor included in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example in which an aerosol product is inserted into the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example in which an aerosol product is inserted into the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example in which an aerosol product is inserted into the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 shows an example of an aerosol product according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 shows an example of an aerosol product according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] The terms used in the embodiments are selected as general terms currently widely used as much as possible while considering the functions in the embodiments, but this may change depending on the intentions or precedents of the engineers engaged in the field, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in this case, the meanings thereof will be described in detail in the description of the relevant 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 the names of the terms.

[0023] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain component, this means that it may further include other components, not excluding other components, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the terms "module" and "unit" used in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which is realized by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0024] As used herein, when a phrase such as "at least any" precedes an array of components, it modifies all of the components in the array and not each individual component. For example, the phrase "at least any of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0025] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can be a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating an aerosol-generating article (eg, a cigarette) contained within an interior space.

[0026] The aerosol generating device may include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater may be heated when an electric current is passed through the electrically conductive track.

[0027] The heater may include a heating element having any of a variety of shapes, for example, the heating element may include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle heating element, or a rod heating element, and the pattern of the heating element may heat the interior or exterior of the cigarette.

[0028] The cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be made of a sheet, a strand, or a shredded tobacco sheet. The tobacco rod may be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be a metal foil, such as, but not limited to, aluminum foil.

[0029] The filter rod can be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod can be composed of at least one or more segments. For example, the filter rod can include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a predetermined component contained in the aerosol.

[0030] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can be a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge that holds an aerosol generating substance.

[0031] The aerosol generating device may include a cartridge that holds an aerosol generating material and a body that supports the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be integrally formed or assembled with the body, and may be fixed so as not to be detached by a user. The cartridge may be attached to the body in which the aerosol generating material is contained. However, without being limited thereto, the aerosol generating material may be injected into the cartridge coupled to the body.

[0032] The cartridge may hold an aerosol generating material in any of a variety of states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, a gel state, etc. The aerosol generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material that includes a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco material.

[0033] The cartridge can convert the phase of the aerosol generating material inside the cartridge into a gas phase by being operated by an electric signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body, thereby generating an aerosol. The aerosol may refer to a gas in which vaporized particles generated from the aerosol generating material and air are mixed.

[0034] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can generate an aerosol by heating a liquid composition, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to a user through the cigarette, i.e., the aerosol generated from the liquid composition can travel along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow passage can be configured to allow the aerosol to be delivered to a user through the cigarette.

[0035] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration method may mean a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing an aerosol generating material using ultrasonic vibration generated by a vibrator.

[0036] The aerosol generating device may include a vibrator, and the vibrator may generate short-period vibrations to atomize the aerosol generating material. The vibrations generated by the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations may be, but is not limited to, about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz.

[0037] The aerosol generating device may further include a wick for absorbing the aerosol generating material, for example, the wick being positioned to surround or contact at least a region of the transducer.

[0038] When a voltage (e.g., an AC voltage) is applied to the transducer, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations can be generated from the transducer, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the transducer can be transferred to the aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick. The aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick can be converted into a gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transferred from the transducer, and as a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0039] For example, the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the wick can be reduced by heat generated from the vibrator, and the aerosol-generating material with reduced viscosity can be broken down into fine particles by ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator to generate an aerosol, but is not limited to these.

[0040] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can be a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol product contained in the aerosol generating device by induction heating.

[0041] The aerosol generating device may include a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil may apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. When power is supplied from the aerosol generating device to the coil, a magnetic field may be formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor may include a magnetic material that generates heat when subjected to an external magnetic field. When the susceptor is located inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied to it, the susceptor generates heat, thereby heating the aerosol product. Alternatively, the susceptor may be located inside the aerosol product.

[0042] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a cradle.

[0043] The aerosol generating device may be combined with a separate cradle to form a system, for example, the cradle may charge a battery of the aerosol generating device, or the heater may be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generating device are combined.

[0044] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that a person skilled in the art can easily carry out the embodiments. The present disclosure can be embodied in a form that can be realized in the aerosol generating device of the various embodiments described above, or can be embodied and carried out in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0045] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0046] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. Referring to Fig. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a control unit 110, a detection unit 120, an output unit 130, a battery 140, a heater 150, a user input unit 160, a memory 170, and a communication unit 180. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 1. That is, it can be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment that some of the components shown in Fig. 1 can be omitted or changed, or new components can be further added, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0047] The detection unit 120 can detect the state of the aerosol generating device 100 or the state around the aerosol generating device 100 and transmit the detected information to the control unit 110. Based on the detected information, the control unit 110 can control the aerosol generating device 100 to perform various functions, such as controlling the operation of the heater 150, restricting smoking, determining whether or not to insert an aerosol product (e.g., a cigarette, a cartridge, etc.), displaying notifications, and / or performing various other functions.

[0048] The detection unit 120 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 122, an insertion detection sensor 124, and a puff sensor 126, but is not limited to these.

[0049] The temperature sensor 122 can sense the temperature to which the heater 150 (or the aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device 100 can include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 150, or the heater 150 itself can act as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 122 can be disposed around the battery 140 to monitor the temperature of the battery 140.

[0050] The insertion detection sensor 124 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 124 can 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 signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product article.

[0051] The puff sensor 126 can sense a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel, for example, the puff sensor 126 can sense a user's puff based on any of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0052] The detection unit 120 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor, in addition to the above-mentioned sensors 122 to 926. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a skilled artisan from its name, so a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0053] The output unit 130 may output and provide to a user information regarding the status of the aerosol generating device 100. The output unit 130 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 132, a haptic unit 134, and an audio output unit 136. When the display unit 132 and the touchpad are layered to form a touch screen, the display unit 132 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0054] The display unit 132 can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 100 to a user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 100 can mean various information such as a charge / discharge state of the battery 140 of the aerosol generating device 100, a preheat state of the heater 150, an insertion / removal state of an aerosol product, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 100 is restricted (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display unit 132 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 132 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. Also, the display unit 132 can be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0055] The haptic unit 134 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to tactilely provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the haptic unit 134 can include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0056] The acoustic output unit 136 can audibly provide the user with information relating to the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the acoustic output unit 136 can convert an electric signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0057] The battery 140 can supply power used for operating the aerosol generating device 100. The battery 140 can supply power to heat the heater 150. The battery 140 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components (e.g., the detection unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180) provided in the aerosol generating device 100. The battery 140 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 140 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0058] The heater 150 can heat the aerosol-generating material by receiving power from the battery 140. Although not shown in Fig. 1, the aerosol-generating device 100 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies it to the heater 150. In addition, when the aerosol-generating device 100 generates an aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol-generating device 100 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the battery 140 into an AC power.

[0059] The control unit 110, the detection unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180 can function by receiving power from the battery 140. Although not shown in FIG 1, the device may further include a power conversion circuit, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies it to each component.

[0060] In one embodiment, the heater 150 may include an electrically resistive material suitable for heating. For example, the electrically resistive material may include a metal or metal alloy 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. Additionally, the heater 150 may be implemented as, but not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate having an electrically conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0061] In one embodiment, the heater 150 may be an induction heater, for example, the heater 150 may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol generating material.

[0062] The user input unit 160 may receive information input by a user and / or output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 160 may be, but is not limited to, a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact type capacitance type, pressure type resistive film type, infrared sensing type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral type tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to another external device via the connection interface such as the USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 140.

[0063] The memory 170 is hardware that stores various data processed in the aerosol generating device 100, and can store data that has been processed by the control unit 110 and data to be processed. The memory 170 can include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a 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 170 can store information related to the operation of the aerosol generating device, such as, but not limited to, the operation time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data related to the smoking pattern of the user.

[0064] The communication unit 180 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 180 may include a short-range communication unit 182 and a wireless communication unit 184.

[0065] The short-range wireless communication unit 182 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, and the like.

[0066] The wireless communication unit 184 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 184 may also identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 100 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)).

[0067] The control unit 110 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can include at least one processor. The processor may be realized by an array of a number of logic gates, or may be realized by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program that can be executed by the microprocessor is stored. In addition, it can be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that the processor may be realized by other forms of hardware.

[0068] The control unit 110 can control the temperature of the heater 150 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 140 to the heater 150. For example, the control unit 110 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 140 and the heater 150. As another example, a heating direct circuit can control the power supply to the heater 150 according to a control command from the control unit 110.

[0069] The control unit 110 may analyze the result sensed by the detection unit 120 and control subsequent processes. For example, the control unit 110 may control the power supplied to the heater 150 so that the operation of the heater 150 starts or ends based on the result sensed by the detection unit 120. As another example, the control unit 110 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 150 and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater 150 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature based on the result sensed by the detection unit 120.

[0070] The control unit 110 may control the output unit 130 based on the result sensed by the detection unit 120. For example, when the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 126 reaches a preset number, the control unit 110 may notify the user through at least one of the display unit 132, the haptic unit 134, and the audio output unit 136 that the aerosol generating device 100 will soon be shut down.

[0071] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may control the time and / or amount of power supplied to the heater 150 depending on the state of the aerosol product detected by the detection unit 120. For example, when the aerosol product (e.g., the aerosol product 201) is in an over-humid state, the control unit 110 may control the time of power supply to the induction coil to increase the pre-heating time compared to when the aerosol product (e.g., the aerosol product 201) is in a normal state.

[0072] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an aerosol generation system according to an embodiment, and Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation device of Fig. 2 taken along line 3-3. Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, the aerosol generation system 20 can include an aerosol generation device 200 and an aerosol production product 201. The aerosol generation device 200 can accommodate the aerosol production product 201 in an internal space and generate an aerosol by electrically heating the aerosol production product 201.

[0073] In one embodiment, the aerosol product article 201 can include multiple segments 201A, 201B, 201C having different substances. For example, the aerosol product article 201 can include, sequentially along the air flow stream direction, a first segment 201A, a second segment 201B, and a third segment 201C. In some embodiments, a portion of the third segment 201C can be located between the first segment 201A and the second segment 201B.

[0074] In one embodiment, the first segment 201A can include a humectant. The humectant can include glycerin, propylene glycol (PG), and water. In some embodiments, the humectant can include at least one of ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. In some embodiments, the first segment 201A can include nicotine.

[0075] In one embodiment, the second segment 201B can include a tobacco medium. The tobacco medium can include a solid material based on tabular tobacco, shreds, and / or reconstituted tobacco raw materials. In one embodiment, the second segment 201B can be filled with a crinkled tabular sheet. The tabular sheet is wound, folded, compressed, or shrunk in a substantially transverse direction to the cylindrical axis to form the crinkles. In one embodiment, the second segment 201B can also be filled with shredded tobacco. The shredded tobacco can be produced by cutting a tobacco sheet (or a slurry tabular sheet) into pieces. The second segment 201B can also be formed by combining multiple tobacco strands in the same direction (parallel) or randomly. In one embodiment, the second segment 201B can be formed by combining multiple tobacco strands to form multiple longitudinal channels through which the aerosol can pass. The longitudinal channels can be uniform or non-uniform depending on the size and arrangement of the tobacco strands.

[0076] In one embodiment, the tobacco medium can include at least one of ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, hi some embodiments, the tobacco medium can include glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0077] In one embodiment, the second segment 201B can include other additives such as flavorings and / or organic acids. For example, flavorings can include licorice, sucrose, fructose syrup, isosweet, cocoa, lavender, cinnamon, cardamom, celery, fenugreek, cascarilla, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, mint oil, cinnamon, caraway, cognac, jasmine, chamomile, menthol, cinnamon, ylang ylang, salvia, spearmint, ginger, coriander, and / or coffee.

[0078] In either embodiment, second segment 201B can at least partially comprise glycerin or propylene glycol.

[0079] In one embodiment, the third segment 201C may include a filter. The filter may include at least one of a tube filter, a cooling structure, and a recess filter. The tube filter may have a shape including a hollow portion inside, for example. The tube filter and / or the recess filter may be made of a cellulose-based material (e.g., paper, acetate, etc.). The cooling structure may be made of pure polylactic acid or a combination of polylactic acid and other degradable polymers.

[0080] In one embodiment, the aerosol product article 201 can include a wrapper (not shown) that at least partially encases the first segment 201A, the second segment 201B, and / or the third segment 201C. In some embodiments, the aerosol product article 201 can include a material having waterproof, water (oil) repellent, and heat resistant characteristics (e.g., aluminum foil) that at least partially encases the first segment 201A, the second segment 201B, and / or the third segment 201C. For example, the material can be located between the wrapper and the first segment 201A.

[0081] The aerosol generating device 200 can include a first housing 210 configured to at least partially house the aerosol production article 201 and house various electronic / mechanical components. The first housing 210 can include, for example, a first surface 210A (e.g., a front surface), a second surface 210B (e.g., a rear surface) opposite the first surface 210A, and at least one third surface 210C (e.g., a side surface) between the first surface 210A and the second surface 210B.

[0082] In one embodiment, the first housing 210 can include a flap 212 configured to cover at least a portion of the first surface 210A, and the flap 212 configured to open or close a passageway (e.g., the article insert 220) along which the aerosol-generating article 201 can be inserted or removed from the aerosol-generating device 200. For example, the flap 212 can be rotatably coupled to the third surface 210C.

[0083] In one embodiment, the first housing 210 can include an opening and closing mechanism configured to open or close a passageway (e.g., the article insert 220) along which the aerosol-generating article 201 can be inserted into or removed from the aerosol generating device 200. The opening and closing mechanism can include, for example, a guide slot (not shown) formed on the first surface 210A around the article insert 220, and a door (not shown) configured to open or close the article insert 220 along the guide slot 213B. In some embodiments, the door and the guide slot can be covered by a flap 212.

[0084] In one embodiment, the first housing 210 may include a connection terminal 214 formed on the second surface 210B. The connection terminal 214 may include a connector configured to physically connect the aerosol generating device 200 to an external device via the connection terminal 214. The connection terminal 214 may include, for example, an HDMI (registered trademark) connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0085] The aerosol generating device 200 may include an article insertion part 220 including an insertion space into which the aerosol product 201 is inserted and from which the aerosol product 201 is removed. In one embodiment, the article insertion part 220 may include a plurality of fixing parts configured to fix the aerosol product 201, and a plurality of insertion part airflow passages formed between the plurality of fixing parts. In one embodiment, the insertion part airflow passages may allow air to flow into the first housing 210 (e.g., from the first housing 210 to the second housing 230) only through the insertion part airflow passages. The first housing 210 may be sealed in the remaining part except for the insertion part airflow passages so that no airflow occurs between the outside and the inside of the first housing.

[0086] The aerosol generating device 200 may include a second housing 230 configured to at least partially accommodate the aerosol product 201 and heat the aerosol product 201. The second housing 230 may be located within the first housing 210. The second housing 230 may include an airflow passage fluidly connected to the article insertion portion 220. The second housing 230 may include a first end 230A (e.g., an upper end) adjacent to the first surface 210A and open to allow fluid communication with the airflow passage of the article insertion portion 220, a second end 230B (e.g., a lower end) opposite the first end 230A and closed, and a side portion 230C between the first end 230A and the second end 230B.

[0087] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 200 can include a susceptor 232 configured to at least partially house the aerosol product article 201 and support one surface (e.g., a side surface) of the aerosol product article 201. In one embodiment, the susceptor 232 can support at least a portion of the first segment 201A and at least a portion of the second segment 201B of the aerosol product article 201. In one embodiment, the susceptor 232 can be included in a component other than the second housing 230 (e.g., the first housing 210 or the aerosol-generating article 201).

[0088] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 200 can include a heater 234 configured to heat the aerosol product 201. In one embodiment, the heater 234 can include a coil configured to be magnetically coupled to the susceptor 232. In one embodiment, the coil can be located at least partially between the first end 230A and the second end 230B of the second housing 230. In one embodiment, the coil can at least partially overlap the susceptor 232 when viewed in a radial direction of the second housing 230. In one embodiment, the heater 234 can be located outside the susceptor 232.

[0089] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 200 can include a sensor 236 (e.g., the insertion detection sensor 124 of FIG. 1, a capacitive sensor) configured to sense the aerosol product 201 being inserted into the second housing 230. The sensor 236 can sense the aerosol-generating article 201 by detecting a difference (e.g., a change in the dielectric constant) between the dielectric constant when the aerosol product 201 is not located in the second housing 230 and the dielectric constant when the aerosol product 201 is located in the second housing 230. In some embodiments, the sensor 236 can be configured to detect the dielectric constant of the first segment 201A of the aerosol-generating article 201. Using the sensor 236 configured to detect the dielectric constant of the aerosol product 201, the aerosol generating device 200 can control various parameters (e.g., a temperature profile) of the aerosol product 201 to suit the aerosol product 201 and provide an apparatus environment that suits the type and / or condition of the aerosol product 201.

[0090] In one embodiment, the sensor 236 can be positioned so as not to overlap substantially with the susceptor 232. For example, the susceptor 232 can be positioned adjacent to the first end 230A of the second housing 230, while the sensor 236 can be positioned adjacent to the second end 230B of the second housing 230. In some embodiments, the sensor 236 can be positioned on the second end 230B of the second housing 230. The non-overlapping arrangement of the susceptor 232 and the sensor 236 can not substantially impede the interaction between the susceptor 232 and the heater 234. In one embodiment, the sensor 236 can be positioned inside the heater 234.

[0091] In either embodiment, the sensor 236 can be positioned so as to not substantially overlap the heater 234. For example, the coil of the heater 234 can not extend along the side portion 230C of the second housing 230 to the second end 230B so as not to substantially overlap the sensor 236 when viewed in a radial direction of the second housing 230.

[0092] The aerosol generating device 200 may include a pressure sensor 240 configured to sense a pressure of the airflow between the item insert 220 and the second housing 230. The pressure sensor 240 may sense a change in pressure of the airflow due to a change in velocity of the airflow, for example, as the airflow flows through the item insert 220. In one embodiment, the pressure sensor 240 may be located on the flow stream between the item insert 220 and the second housing 230 and within the first housing 210. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 240 may be located adjacent to the first surface 210A. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 200 may include multiple pressure sensors 240.

[0093] 4 to 8 are various views showing the housing of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment.

[0094] 4 to 8, the housing 330 (e.g., the second housing 230) according to an embodiment may include a first enclosure 331A (e.g., an outer enclosure) forming an outer shape of the housing 330, a second enclosure 331B (e.g., an inner enclosure) located inside the first enclosure 331A, and a third enclosure 331C (e.g., a cover enclosure) connecting the first enclosure 331A and the second enclosure 331B. The first enclosure 331A may define a closed second end 330B (e.g., the second end 230B) and a side portion 330C (e.g., the side portion 230C). The third enclosure 331C may be located on one side of the first enclosure 331A and one side of the second enclosure 331B, and may define an open first end 330A (e.g., the first end 230A) of the housing 330.

[0095] The housing 330 may include a susceptor 332 (e.g., susceptor 232) positioned within the second enclosure 331B, a heater 334 (e.g., heater 234) positioned between the first enclosure 331A and the second enclosure 331B, and a sensor 336 (e.g., sensor 236) positioned within the second enclosure 331B so as not to substantially overlap with the susceptor 332.

[0096] In one embodiment, the susceptor 332 can have a structure that at least partially contains the aerosol product article 301 (e.g., the aerosol product article 201). For example, the susceptor 332 can include a first opening 332A, a second opening 332B positioned opposite the first opening 332A, and a side wall 332C that defines the first opening 332A and the second opening 332B and forms a hollow between the first opening 332A and the second opening 332B. In some embodiments, the susceptor 332 can include a first flange F1 between the first opening 332A and the side wall 332C, and / or a second flange F2 between the second opening 332B and the side wall 332C.

[0097] In one embodiment, the sensor 336 can include an electrode having a circumferentially extending side surface 336A. In some embodiments, the electrode side surface 336A can extend approximately 360 degrees to form a substantially circular ring structure. In one embodiment, the sensor 336 can include a first electrical lead 336B and a second electrical lead 336C each coupled to the side surface 336A.

[0098] In one embodiment, the housing 330 may include a support 338 configured to support the susceptor 332 and / or the aerosol product article 301. For example, the support 338 may include a first body surface 338A, a second body surface 338B opposite the first body surface 338A and located on a bottom surface of the second enclosure 331B, a side body surface 338C located between the first body surface 338A and the second body surface 338B and facing a side surface of the second enclosure 331B, a first recess 338D formed on the first body surface 338A and supporting at least a portion of the susceptor 332 (e.g., the second flange F2), and a second recess 338E formed in the first recess 338D and supporting at least a portion of the aerosol product article 301 (e.g., the first segment 201A).

[0099] In either embodiment, the support 338 may include a third recess 338F formed in the second recess 338E and forming an airflow space with at least a portion (e.g., the first segment 201A) of the aerosol product article 301. Airflow in the airflow space may enter the aerosol product article 301 and travel along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol product article 301 (e.g., sequentially through the first segment 201A, the second segment 201B, and the third segment 201C).

[0100] In one embodiment, the housing 330 may include a ground portion 339 electrically coupled to the sensor 336. The ground portion 339 may include a ground plate 339A coupled to one surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the second enclosure 331B located on the second end 330B of the housing 330, and electrical wiring 339B coupled to the ground plate 339A and other components (e.g., the first housing 210 in FIGS. 2 and 3), respectively. The ground portion 339 may eliminate noise that may be generated by the sensor 336, thereby improving the recognition rate of the sensor 336 detecting the aerosol product 301.

[0101] Figures 9 and 10 are perspective views of sensors included in the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment.Figures 11 to 13 are views showing examples of aerosol-generating articles inserted into the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment.

[0102] 9, in one embodiment, a sensor 436 (e.g., sensor 336) can include an electrode having a substantially semi-circular ring structure within a side surface of the semi-circular ring structure within which at least a portion of the aerosol product article (e.g., aerosol product article 201) can be located.

[0103] 10, in one embodiment, a sensor 536 (e.g., sensor 336) can include an electrode having a substantially quarter-circular ring structure within a side surface of the quarter-circular ring structure within which at least a portion of the aerosol product article (e.g., aerosol product article 201) can be located.

[0104] 11, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 13. With reference to Figs. 12 and 13, the aerosol generating device 1 further includes a vaporizer 14. An aerosol product 2 (e.g., a cigarette) can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0105] Components related to this embodiment are shown in the aerosol generating device 1 shown in Figures 11 to 13. Therefore, it can be understood by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment that the aerosol generating device 1 further includes other general-purpose components in addition to the components shown in Figures 11 to 13.

[0106] Also, although Figures 12 and 13 show the aerosol generating device 1 as including a heater 13, in one embodiment the heater 13 may be omitted.

[0107] In Fig. 11, the battery 11, the control unit 12, and the heater 13 are shown to be arranged in a row. In addition, in Fig. 12, the battery 11, the control unit 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13 are shown to be arranged in a row. Furthermore, in Fig. 13, the vaporizer 14 and the heater 13 are shown to be arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to those shown in Figs. 11 to 13. In other words, the arrangement of the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14 may be changed according to the design of the aerosol generating device 1, as shown in Figs. 11 to 13.

[0108] When the aerosol production item 2 is inserted into the aerosol generation device 1, the aerosol generation device 1 can activate the heater 13 and / or vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and / or vaporizer 14 passes through the aerosol production item 2 and is delivered to the user.

[0109] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 can control the heater 13 to activate the heating operation even when the aerosol product 2 is not inserted into the aerosol generating device 1 .

[0110] The battery 11 supplies power used for operating the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the battery 11 can supply power to heat the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14, and can supply power necessary for the control unit 12 to operate. The battery 11 can also supply power necessary for the display, sensor, motor, and the like included in the aerosol generating device 1 to operate.

[0111] The control unit 12 generally controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 12 controls the operation of not only the battery 11, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14, but also other components included in the aerosol generating device 1. The control unit 12 can also check the state of each component of the aerosol generating device 1 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in an operable state.

[0112] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The at least one processor may be realized by an array of a large number of logic gates, or may be realized by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. In addition, a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present embodiment pertains can understand that the at least one processor may be realized by different forms of hardware.

[0113] The heater 13 can be heated by power supplied from the battery 11. For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the heater 13 can be located outside the cigarette. Thus, the heated heater 13 can increase the temperature of the aerosol generating material within the cigarette.

[0114] The heater 13 may be an electric resistive heater. For example, the heater 13 may include an electric conductive track, and the heater 13 may be heated by passing an electric current through the electric conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example, and may be any heater capable of heating to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be already set in the aerosol generating device 1, or may be set to a desired temperature by a user.

[0115] Alternatively, as another example, the heater 13 can be an inductive heater. In one embodiment, the heater 13 can include an electrically conductive coil configured to inductively heat the cigarette, and the cigarette can include a susceptor that can be heated by the inductive heater.

[0116] For example, the heater 13 may include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle heating element, or a rod heating element, and the pattern of the heating elements may heat the interior or exterior of the aerosol product article 2 .

[0117] A plurality of heaters 13 may be disposed in the aerosol generating device 1. In this case, the plurality of heaters 13 may be disposed so as to be inserted inside the aerosol product 2, or may be disposed outside the aerosol product 2. Furthermore, some of the plurality of heaters 13 may be disposed so as to be inserted inside the aerosol product 2, and the rest may be disposed outside the aerosol product 2. The shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figs. 11 to 13, and various shapes may be produced.

[0118] The vaporizer 14 can heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which can be transmitted to a user through the aerosol product 2. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 can travel along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device 1, which can be configured to allow the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 to be transmitted to a user through the cigarette.

[0119] For example, the vaporizer 14 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generation device 1 as independent modules.

[0120] The liquid storage unit can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage unit may be made so as to be detachable from the vaporizer 14, or may be made integral with the vaporizer 14.

[0121] For example, the liquid composition may include water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, flavors, flavorings, or vitamin mixtures. The flavors may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavoring ingredients, and the like. The flavorings may include ingredients that can provide a variety of flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may include, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The liquid composition may also include an aerosol forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0122] The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition in the liquid containment to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means can be a wick such as, but not limited to, cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc.

[0123] The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition transferred by the liquid transfer means. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, etc. 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 can be heated by current supply, and can transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element to heat the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0124] For example, the vaporizer 14 may be referred to as, but is not limited to, a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0125] The aerosol generating device 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. The aerosol generating device 1 may also include at least one sensor (such as a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, or a cigarette insertion detection sensor). Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 1 may be fabricated in such a structure that external air flows in or internal gas flows out even when the aerosol product 2 is inserted.

[0126] Although not shown in Fig. 11 to Fig. 13, the aerosol generating device 1 can also configure a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle is used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generating device 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 can be heated in a state where the cradle and the aerosol generating device 1 are combined.

[0127] The aerosol product 2 may be similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, the aerosol product 2 may be divided into a first portion including an aerosol generating material and a second portion including a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the aerosol product 2 may also include an aerosol generating material. For example, an aerosol generating material made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

[0128] The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, or the entire first part and a part of the second part may be inserted. A user can inhale the aerosol while biting the second part in the mouth. In this case, the aerosol is generated by external air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol is delivered to the user's mouth by passing through the second part.

[0129] As an example, the outside air may flow in through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1 and / or the size of the air passage may be adjusted by the user. This allows the user to adjust the amount of atomization, smoking sensation, etc. As another example, the outside air may flow in the inside of the aerosol product 2 through at least one hole formed in the surface of the aerosol product 2.

[0130] 14 and 15 are diagrams showing examples of aerosol-generating articles according to the embodiments.

[0131] 14, the aerosol product 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first portion 21 described above with reference to FIGS.

[0132] 14, the filter rod 22 is shown as a single segment, but is not limited thereto. In other words, 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 a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. In addition, in one embodiment, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment that performs another function.

[0133] The aerosol product 2 may have a diameter in the range of 5 mm to 9 mm and a length of about 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may have a length of about 12 mm, the first segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of about 10 mm, the second segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of about 14 mm, and the third segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0134] The aerosol product 2 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole through which external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out. As an example, the aerosol product 2 may be wrapped by one wrapper 24. As another example, the aerosol product 2 may be wrapped by two or more wrappers 24 in a superimposed manner. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped by a first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 22 may be wrapped by wrappers 242, 243, and 244. Also, the entire aerosol product 2 may be rewrapped by a single wrapper 245. If the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, each of the segments may be wrapped by a wrapper 242, 243, and 244.

[0135] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be made of a general filter wrapping paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be a porous wrapping paper or a non-porous wrapping paper. The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be made of oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum laminated paper wrapping material.

[0136] The third wrapper 243 can be made of hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 is 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 preferably 125 μm.

[0137] The fourth wrapper 244 can be made of a grease-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 preferably 125 μm.

[0138] The fifth wrapper 245 can be made of a sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) refers to a 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 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0139] A predetermined material may be added to the fifth wrapper 245. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be, but is not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance, which is less susceptible to change with temperature, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any material having the above-mentioned properties other than silicon may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 245 without any restrictions.

[0140] The fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the aerosol product 2 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 210 is heated by the heater 13, the aerosol product 2 may burn. In one embodiment, if the temperature of any of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 310 rises above the ignition point, the aerosol product 2 may burn. Even in such a case, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the aerosol product 2 from burning because it contains a non-flammable substance.

[0141] In addition, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the holder from being contaminated by the substance generated in the aerosol product 2. A liquid substance can be generated in the aerosol product 2 by the user's puff. For example, a liquid substance (e.g., moisture, etc.) can be generated by cooling the aerosol generated in the aerosol product 2 by the outside air. The fifth wrapper 245 wraps the aerosol product 2, thereby preventing the liquid substance generated in the aerosol product 2 from leaking out of the aerosol product 2.

[0142] The tobacco rod 21 includes an aerosol-generating material. For example, 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 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 be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it onto the tobacco rod 21.

[0143] The tobacco rod 21 can be made in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be made in a sheet or a strand. Also, the tobacco rod 21 can be made of shredded tobacco sheets. Furthermore, the tobacco rod 21 can be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can evenly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21 to improve the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the tobacco taste. Also, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. In this case, although not shown in the drawing, the tobacco rod 21 can include an additional susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the outside.

[0144] The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. Meanwhile, the shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical type rod, or a tube type rod including a hollow inside. The filter rod 22 may also be a recess type rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0145] The first segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure having a hollow inside. When the heater 13 is inserted through the first segment, it may prevent the inner material of the tobacco rod 210 from being pushed backward, and may also generate a cooling effect on the aerosol. The diameter of the hollow included in the first segment may be an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0146] 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 may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0147] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by adjusting the content of plasticizer during manufacturing of the first segment. Also, the first segment can be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or tube made of the same or different material inside (e.g., hollow).

[0148] 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 that has been cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0149] The length or diameter of the second segment can be determined in various ways depending on the form of the aerosol product 2. For example, the length of the second segment can be appropriately adopted within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0150] The second segment can be made by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, the scented liquid can be applied to the fibers made of polymer. Alternatively, the second segment can be made by weaving together fibers made of polymer with separate fibers to which the scented liquid is applied. Alternatively, the second segment can be formed by a wound polymer sheet.

[0151] 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.

[0152] The second segment may be formed from woven polymer fibers or wound polymer sheets such that the second segment includes one or more longitudinally extending channels, where channel refers to a passageway through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) may pass.

[0153] For example, the second segment of wound polymer sheet can be formed from a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, such as 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 about 1000mm 2 / mm. Further, the aerosol cooling element may have a specific surface area of ​​between about 10 mm 2 / mg and about 100mm 2 / mg of material.

[0154] The second segment can include a thread containing a volatile flavor component, which can be, but is not limited to, menthol. For example, the thread can be loaded with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

[0155] The third segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be appropriately within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0156] In the process of preparing the third segment, the third segment may be prepared so that a flavor is generated by spraying a flavoring liquid onto the third segment. 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 by passing 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 can be achieved.

[0157] Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may perform a function of generating flavor or a function of generating aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enveloped in a coating. The capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0158] 15, the aerosol product 3 may include a shear plug 33, a tobacco rod 31, and a filter rod 32. The shear plug 33 may be located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 facing the filter rod 32. The shear plug 33 may prevent the tobacco rod 31 from falling off to the outside, and may prevent aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generation device (any of the aerosol generation devices 1 in FIGS. 11 to 13).

[0159] Filter rod 32 can include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322, where first segment 321 can correspond to the first segment of filter rod 22 of FIG.

[0160] The diameter and overall length of the aerosol product article 3 can correspond to the diameter and overall length of the aerosol product article 2 of Figure 14. For example, but not limited to, the length of the shear plug 33 can be about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 can be about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 can be about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 can be about 14 mm.

[0161] The aerosol product 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 shear 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. Also, the entire aerosol product 3 may be repackaged by a fifth wrapper 355.

[0162] Also, 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 a region surrounding the tobacco rod 31. The perforation 36 may play a role in transferring heat generated by the heater 13 shown in Figures 12 and 13 to the inside of the tobacco rod 31.

[0163] Further, the second segment 322 may include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may perform a function of generating a flavor or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enveloped in a coating. The capsule 34 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0164] The first wrapper 351 may be a typical filter paper wrapped with a metal foil, such as an aluminum foil. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be 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 may be within the range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and preferably 6.3 μm. Furthermore, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be 50 g / m 2 ~55g / m 2 and preferably 53 g / m 2 may be also possible.

[0165] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 can be made of a common filter wrapping paper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be a porous wrapping paper or a non-porous wrapping paper.

[0166] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be within the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, and preferably 78 μm. The basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be 20 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2 and preferably 23.5 g / m 2 may be also possible.

[0167] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be 24000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be within the range of 60 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 68 μm. The basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be 20 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2 and preferably 21 g / m 2 may be also possible.

[0168] The fourth wrapper 354 can be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, PLA laminated paper means a triple layer of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and preferably 110 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 is 80 g / m 2 ~100g / m 2 and preferably 88 g / m 2 may be also possible.

[0169] The fifth wrapper 355 can be made of a sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) refers to a paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 is 57 g / m 2 ~63g / m 2 and preferably within the range of 60 g / m 2 The thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0170] A predetermined material may be added to the fifth wrapper 355. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be, but is not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance, which is less susceptible to change depending on temperature, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any material having the above-mentioned properties other than silicon may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without any restrictions.

[0171] The shear plug 33 may be made of cellulose acetate. As an example, the shear plug 33 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to the cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be within the range of 1.0 to 10.0, and preferably within the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filaments of the shear plug 33 may be 5.0. The cross section of the filaments constituting the shear plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the shear plug 33 may be within the range of 20,000 to 30,000, and preferably within the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the shear plug 33 may be 28,000.

[0172] Additionally, in one embodiment, the shear plug 33 can include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel can be varied.

[0173] The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to Figure 14. Therefore, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

[0174] The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure with a hollow interior. 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 shear plug 33.

[0175] 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 may be 9.0. The cross section of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 may be within the range of 20,000 to 30,000, and preferably 25,000.

[0176] An embodiment may also be realized in the form of a recording medium including computer executable instructions such as a program module executed by a computer. A computer readable medium may be any solvent accessible by a computer, including both volatile and non-volatile media, and both separate and non-separate media. Also, a computer readable medium may include both a computer storage medium and a communication medium. A computer storage medium includes both volatile and non-volatile, separate and non-separate media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. A communication medium typically includes computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal, or other transmission mechanism, and includes any information delivery medium.

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

[0178] The features and aspects of any embodiment described above may be combined with the features and aspects of any other embodiment.

Claims

1. a susceptor configured to at least partially contain the aerosol product; a sensor configured to sense the aerosol product and positioned so as not to overlap the susceptor when viewed in a radial direction of the aerosol product perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the aerosol product; An aerosol generating device comprising:

2. Further comprising a housing; The housing includes: an open first end; a closed second end opposite the first end; and a side portion between the first end and the second end; Including, The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the susceptor is located adjacent to the first end and the sensor is located adjacent to the second end.

3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the sensor includes an electrode having a side surface, the side surface extending in a circumferential direction.

4. 4. The aerosol generating device of claim 3, wherein the electrode has a substantially circular ring structure.

5. 4. The aerosol generating device of claim 3, wherein the electrode has a substantially semi-circular ring structure.

6. 4. The aerosol generating device of claim 3, wherein the electrode has a substantially quarter-circular ring structure.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising a ground portion electrically connected to the sensor.

8. Further comprising a housing; The housing includes: an open first end; a closed second end opposite the first end; and a side portion between the first end and the second end; Including, The aerosol generating device according to claim 7 , wherein the gland portion is located on the second end of the housing.

9. Further comprising a housing; The housing includes: an open first end; a closed second end opposite the first end; and a side portion between the first end and the second end; Including, The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising a support located on a second end of the housing, the support configured to support the aerosol product and the susceptor, and the sensor embedded in the support.

10. Further comprising a housing; The housing includes: an open first end; a closed second end opposite the first end; and a side portion between the first end and the second end; Including, The susceptor is a first opening facing the first end; a second opening facing the second end; a sidewall defining the first opening and the second opening and positioned between the first opening and the second opening; 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , comprising:

11. an aerosol product; an aerosol generating device configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-producing article; Including, The aerosol generating device comprises: a susceptor configured to at least partially contain the aerosol product article; a sensor configured to sense the aerosol product and positioned so as not to overlap the susceptor when viewed in a radial direction of the aerosol product perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the aerosol product; 1. An aerosol generating system comprising:

12. The aerosol generating device further comprises a housing, The housing includes: an open first end; a closed second end opposite the first end; and a side portion between the first end and the second end; Including, 12. The aerosol generating system of claim 11, wherein the susceptor is located adjacent the first end and the sensor is located adjacent the second end.

13. The aerosol generation system of claim 11 , wherein the sensor includes an electrode having a side surface, the side surface extending in a circumferential direction.

14. The aerosol generation system according to claim 11 , wherein the aerosol generation device further comprises a ground portion electrically connected to the sensor.

15. 12. The aerosol generating system of claim 11, wherein the aerosol product comprises a first segment including a humectant, a second segment including a tobacco medium, and a third segment including a filter.

Images