Aerosol generating device including a magnetic sensor

The integration of magnetic sensors in aerosol generating devices improves atomization and puff detection, addressing performance and user interaction challenges.

JP7702503B2Active Publication Date: 2025-07-03KT&G CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023576161
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-06-17
Filing Date
2023-02-07
Publication Date
2025-07-03
Estimated Expiration
2043-02-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing aerosol generating devices lack effective methods to improve atomization performance and detect user puffs accurately.

Method used

Incorporation of magnetic sensors to detect changes in magnetic fields generated by coils within the aerosol generating device, allowing for precise control of heating and detection of user puffs.

Benefits of technology

Enhances atomization performance and enables accurate puff detection, providing improved user interaction and device control.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes a heated housing configured to accommodate an aerosol-generating article, a first coil disposed in the heated housing and configured to generate a magnetic field, and a first magnetic sensor configured to detect changes in the magnetic field generated by the first coil.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device, for example, an aerosol generating device including a magnetic sensor.

Background Art

[0002] In order to improve atomization performance, techniques for allowing an air flow to flow into an aerosol generating article have been developed. For example, an aerosol generating device of a type that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating article in a non-combustion manner has been developed.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] One aspect of the disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device including a magnetic sensor configured to detect magnetic field characteristics.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a heating housing configured to accommodate an aerosol generating article, a first coil disposed on the heating housing and configured to generate a magnetic field, and a first magnetic sensor configured to detect a change in the magnetic field generated by the first coil.

[0005] In one embodiment, the first magnetic sensor can be disposed adjacent to the first coil.

[0006] In one embodiment, the first coil and the first magnetic sensor can be disposed so as to at least partially overlap in a radial direction of the heating housing.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first coil can have a longitudinal axis of the heating housing.

[0008] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can further include a shielding portion configured to block electromagnetic waves and arranged to at least partially surround the first magnetic sensor.

[0009] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can further include a second coil arranged in a region different from the region where the first coil is disposed in the heating housing and configured to generate a magnetic field, and a second magnetic sensor configured to detect a change in the magnetic field generated by the second coil.

[0010] In one embodiment, the second magnetic sensor can be arranged on the heating housing so as to be opposite to the second coil.

[0011] In one embodiment, the second coil and the second magnetic sensor can be arranged so as to at least partially overlap in one direction of the heating housing.

[0012] In one embodiment, the second coil can have an axis in the normal direction of the side surface of the heating housing.

[0013] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can further include a shielding portion configured to block electromagnetic waves and arranged to at least partially surround the second magnetic sensor.

[0014] An aerosol generating system in one embodiment includes an aerosol generating article including a susceptor, and an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device includes a heating housing configured to accommodate the aerosol generating article, and a first coil disposed on the heating housing and positioned to be electromagnetically coupled to the susceptor when the aerosol generating article is loaded into the aerosol generating device and configured to generate a magnetic field, and the aerosol generating device including a first magnetic sensor configured to detect a change in the magnetic field generated by the first coil.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first magnetic sensor can be arranged adjacent to the first coil.

[0016] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator is arranged in a region different from the region where the first coil is arranged in the heating housing, and is positioned to be electromagnetically coupled to the susceptor when the aerosol generating article is loaded into the aerosol generator, and further includes a second coil configured to generate a magnetic field, and a second magnetic sensor configured to detect a change in the magnetic field generated by the second coil.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second magnetic sensor can be arranged on the heating housing so as to be opposite to the second coil.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first coil and the first magnetic sensor are arranged so as to be at least partially overlapped in the radial direction of the heating housing, and the second coil and the second magnetic sensor can be arranged so as to be at least partially overlapped in the axial direction of the heating housing.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to one embodiment, a profile for changing a current and / or a voltage by detecting a magnetic field can be set. According to one embodiment, puff detection can be detected by a change in the magnetic field and puff detection can be displayed. The effects of the aerosol generator according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. The effects of the aerosol generator are not limited to those abnormally mentioned, and different effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] The terms used in the embodiments are selected as generally widely used terms as much as possible while considering the functions in the embodiments, but this can change depending on the intentions or precedents of those skilled in the art, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Also, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning thereof will be described in detail in the explanatory part of the corresponding invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based not only on the name of the terms but also on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the present invention.

[0022] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain component, this means that, unless otherwise stated to the contrary, it does not exclude other components, but may further include other components. Furthermore, terms such as "section" and "module" described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0024] FIGS. 1 to 3 are diagrams showing an example in which an aerosol article is inserted into an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 13. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the aerosol generating device 1 further includes an atomizer 14. Also, a roll tobacco 2 may be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0026] The aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 shows the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment can understand that, in addition to the components shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, other general-purpose components are further included in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0027] Furthermore, FIGS. 2 and 3 show that the aerosol generating device 1 includes a heater 13, but the heater 13 may be omitted as necessary.

[0028] FIG. 1 shows that the battery 11, the control unit 12, and the heater 13 are arranged in a row. Further, FIG. 2 shows that the battery 11, the control unit 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13 are arranged in a row. Furthermore, FIG. 3 shows that the vaporizer 14 and the heater 13 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. In other words, depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1, the arrangements of the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14 may be changed.

[0029] When the rolled tobacco 2 is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the aerosol generator 1 can operate the heater 13 and / or the vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and / or the vaporizer 14 passes through the rolled tobacco 2 and is transmitted to the user.

[0030] Optionally, even when the rolled tobacco 2 is not inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the aerosol generator 1 can heat the heater 13.

[0031] The battery 11 supplies the power used for the operation of the aerosol generator 1. For example, the battery 11 can supply power so that the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14 is heated, and can supply the power necessary for the operation of the control unit 12. Further, the battery 11 can supply the power necessary for the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. provided in the aerosol generator 1.

[0032] The control unit 12 generally controls the operation of the aerosol generator 1. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls not only the battery 11, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14, but also the operations of other components included in the aerosol generator 1. Further, the control unit 12 may check the state of each component of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether the aerosol generator 1 is in an operable state.

[0033] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of a large number of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by this microprocessor. Also, those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs can understand that it may be implemented by different forms of hardware.

[0034] The heater 13 can be heated by the power supplied from the battery 11. For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the heater 13 can be located outside the cigarette. Therefore, the heated heater 13 can raise the temperature of the aerosol generating substance in the cigarette.

[0035] The heater 13 may be an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater 13 includes an electrically conductive track, and the heater 13 can be heated when an electric current flows through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above-described example, and any device that can heat to a desired temperature is applicable without limitation. Here, the desired temperature may already be set in the aerosol generator 1, or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0036] On the other hand, as another example, the heater 13 can be an induction heating type heater. Specifically, the heater 13 can include an electrically conductive coil for heating a cigarette by an induction heating method, and the cigarette can include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heating type heater.

[0037] For example, the heater 13 can include heating elements having various shapes. For example, the heating elements may include tubular heating elements, plate-like heating elements, needle-like heating elements, or rod-like heating elements, and can heat the inside or outside of the rolled cigarette 2 according to the pattern of the heating elements.

[0038] In addition, a plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged in the aerosol generator 1. At this time, the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the roll tobacco 2, or may be arranged outside the roll tobacco 2. Furthermore, a part of the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the roll tobacco 2, and the rest may be arranged outside the roll tobacco 2. Also, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shapes shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and can be manufactured in various shapes.

[0039] The vaporizer 14 can generate an aerosol by heating the liquid composition, and the generated aerosol can be transmitted to the user through the roll tobacco 2. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 can move along the air flow path of the aerosol generator 1, and the air flow path can be configured such that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 passes through the cigarette and is transmitted to the user.

[0040] For example, the vaporizer 14 can include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage section, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage section, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generator 1 as independent modules.

[0041] The liquid storage section can store the liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage section may be manufactured so as to be detachable from the vaporizer 14, or may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 14.

[0042] For example, the liquid composition can include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a fragrance, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The fragrance can include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit fragrance components, etc. The flavoring agent can include components that can provide various fragrances or flavors to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. Further, the liquid composition can include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0043] The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition in the liquid storage part to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means may be, but is not limited to, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc.

[0044] 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 heating wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, etc. Further, the heating element may be composed 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.

[0045] For example, the vaporizer 14 is called a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

[0046] On the one hand, in addition to the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14, the aerosol generating device 1 can further include a general configuration. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 can include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. Also, the aerosol generating device 1 can include at least one sensor (such as a puff sensing sensor, a temperature sensing sensor, a cigarette insertion sensing sensor, etc.). Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 1 can be manufactured with a structure that allows external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out even when the wrapped tobacco 2 is inserted.

[0047] Although not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the aerosol generating device 1 may form a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle is used for charging the battery 11 of the aerosol generating device 1. Or, the heater 13 can also be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generating device 1 are coupled.

[0048] The wrapped tobacco 2 can be similar to a general combustible cigarette. For example, the wrapped tobacco 2 can be divided into a first part containing aerosol generating substances and a second part containing a filter or the like. Or, the second part of the wrapped tobacco 2 may also contain aerosol generating substances. For example, aerosol generating substances made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second part.

[0049] The entire first part can be inserted inside the aerosol generating device 1, and the second part can be exposed to the outside. Or, only a part of the first part may be inserted inside the aerosol generating device 1, or the entire first part and a part of the second part may be inserted. The user can inhale the aerosol with the second part bitten by the mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated when external air passes through the first part, and the generated aerosol is transmitted to the user's mouth through the second part.

[0050] As an example, the outside air can flow into the aerosol generating device 1 through at least one air passage formed therein. 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 can be adjusted by the user. Thereby, the atomization amount, smoking feeling, etc. can be adjusted by the user. As another example, the outside air may flow into the inside of the roll tobacco 2 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the roll tobacco 2.

[0051] Hereinafter, an example of the roll tobacco 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0052] FIGS. 4 and 5 are diagrams showing an example of the roll tobacco.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 4, the roll tobacco 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first part 21 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 includes the tobacco rod 21, and the second part 22 includes the filter rod 22.

[0054] In FIG. 4, the filter rod 22 is shown as a single segment, but it is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22 may be composed of a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22 can include a segment for cooling the aerosol and a segment for filtering a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. Further, if necessary, the filter rod 22 can further include at least one segment for performing other functions.

[0055] The diameter of the roll tobacco 2 is in the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and the length may be about 48 mm, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 may be about 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 12 mm, but it is not limited thereto.

[0056] The wrapped cigarette 2 can be wrapped by at least one wrapper 24. At least one hole can be formed in the wrapper 24 for external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out. As an example, the wrapped cigarette 2 can be wrapped by one wrapper 24. As another example, the wrapped cigarette 2 can also be superposed and wrapped by two or more wrappers 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be wrapped by the first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 22 can be wrapped by the wrappers 242, 243, and 244. Also, the whole wrapped cigarette 2 can be re-wrapped by a single wrapper 245. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, each segment can be wrapped by the wrappers 242, 243, and 244.

[0057] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be made of common filter wrapping paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper. Also, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be made of oil-resistant papers and / or aluminum composite paper packaging agents.

[0058] The third wrapper 243 can be made of hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be included in the range of 88 g / m 2 ~96 g / m 2 and preferably may be included in the range of 90 g / m 2 ~94 g / m 2 Also, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be included in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably may be 125 μm.

[0059] The fourth wrapper 244 can be made of oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be included in the range of 88 g / m 2 ~96 g / m 2 and preferably may be included in the range of 90 g / m 2 ~94 g / m 2It may be included within the range. Also, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be included within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably may be 125 μm.

[0060] The fifth wrapper 245 can be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) means paper specially manufactured so that its tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. are enhanced compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be included within the range of 57 g / m 2 ~63 g / m 2 and preferably may be 60 g / m 2 Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be included within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably may be 67 μm.

[0061] A predetermined substance may be added to the fifth wrapper 245. Here, as an example of the predetermined substance, silicon can be applicable, but it is not limited thereto. For example, silicon has characteristics such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance without oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, as long as it is a substance having the above-described characteristics, it can be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

[0062] The fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the phenomenon of the wrapped cigarette 2 from burning. Generally, there is a possibility that the wrapped cigarette 2 burns when the tobacco rod 210 is heated by the heater 13. Specifically, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 310, the wrapped cigarette 2 can burn. According to one embodiment, since the fifth wrapper 245 contains a non-combustible substance, in this case, it is possible to prevent the wrapped cigarette 2 from burning.

[0063] In addition, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the holder 1 from being contaminated by the substances generated by the rolled tobacco 2. Depending on the user's puff, a liquid substance can be generated within the rolled tobacco 2. For example, when the aerosol generated by the rolled tobacco 2 is cooled by the external air, a liquid substance (such as moisture, etc.) can be generated. In this case, wrapping the rolled tobacco 2 with the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the liquid substance generated within the rolled tobacco 2 from leaking to the outside of the rolled tobacco 2.

[0064] The tobacco rod 21 contains aerosol-producing substances. For example, the aerosol-producing substances can include, but are not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 can contain other additive substances such as flavoring agents, wetting agents, and / or organic acids. Also, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant can be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it onto the tobacco rod 21.

[0065] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be made of a sheet or a strand. Also, the tobacco rod 21 may be made of cut tobacco in which the tobacco sheet is finely cut. Furthermore, the tobacco rod 21 can be surrounded by a heat-conductive substance. For example, the heat-conductive substance may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the heat-conductive substance surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can evenly disperse the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21 and improve the heat conductivity applied to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the tobacco flavor. Also, the heat-conductive substance surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can function as a susceptor that is heated by an induction heating heater. At this time, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 can include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat-conductive substance surrounding the outside.

[0066] The filter rod 22 can be a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, there is no limitation on the shape of the filter rod 22. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod or a tube rod with a hollow inside. Also, the filter rod 22 may be a recessed 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.

[0067] The first segment of the filter rod 22 can be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment can be a tubular structure with a hollow inside. When the heater 13 is inserted by the first segment, it is also possible to prevent the phenomenon that the internal substance of the tobacco rod 210 is pushed backward, and a cooling effect of the aerosol can also be generated. The diameter of the hollow included in the first segment may adopt an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0068] The length of the first segment may adopt 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.

[0069] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by adjusting the content of the plasticizer during the manufacture of the first segment. Also, the first segment can be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or a tube of the same or different materials inside (for example, a hollow).

[0070] The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 13 heating the tobacco rod 21. Therefore, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0071] The length or diameter of the second segment can be determined variously depending on the form of the wrapped tobacco 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.

[0072] The second segment can be produced by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, a flavoring liquid can also be applied to the fibers made of the polymer. Alternatively, the second segment can be produced by weaving together separately prepared fibers coated with a flavoring liquid and fibers made of a polymer. Alternatively, the second segment can be formed by a wound polymer sheet.

[0073] For example, the polymer can 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.

[0074] By being formed by woven polymer fibers or a wound polymer sheet of the second segment, the second segment can include one or more channels extending in the longitudinal direction. Here, the channel means a passage through which a gas (for example, air or aerosol) passes.

[0075] For example, the second segment made of a wound polymer sheet can be formed from a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, for example, between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. Also, the total surface area of the second segment can be between about 300 mm 2 and about 1000 mm 2 and may be between. Further, the aerosol cooling element can be formed from a material having a specific surface area between about 10 mm 2 / mg and about 100 mm 2 / mg.

[0076] On the one hand, the second segment can include a thread containing a volatile flavor component. Here, the volatile flavor component may be menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thread can be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

[0077] The third segment of the filter rod 22 can be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be appropriately adopted 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.

[0078] In the process of manufacturing the third segment, it can also be manufactured such that a fragrance is generated by injecting a flavoring liquid into the third segment. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with the flavoring liquid can be inserted into the interior of the third segment. The aerosol generated by the tobacco rod 21 is cooled by passing through the second segment of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol is transmitted to the user through the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, it is possible to produce an effect of enhancing the persistence of the fragrance transmitted to the user.

[0079] Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 can perform a function of generating a fragrance and can also perform a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is encapsulated by a film. The capsule 23 can have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 5, the wrapped cigarette 3 can further include a shear plug 33. The shear plug 33 can be located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 facing the filter rod 32. The shear plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from detaching externally and can prevent the aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generating device (FIGS. 1 to 3).

[0081] The filter rod 32 can include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 corresponds to the first segment of the filter rod 22 in FIG. 4, and the second segment 322 corresponds to the third segment of the filter rod 22 in FIG. 4.

[0082] The diameter and the overall length of the wrapped cigarette 3 correspond to those of the wrapped cigarette 2 in FIG. 4. For example, 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, but it is not limited thereto.

[0083] The wrapped cigarette 3 can be wrapped by at least one wrapper 35. At least one hole through which external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out can be formed in the wrapper 35. For example, the shear plug 33 can be wrapped by the first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 can be wrapped by the second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 can be wrapped by the third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 can be wrapped by the fourth wrapper 354. Also, the whole wrapped cigarette 3 can be re-wrapped by the fifth wrapper 355.

[0084] Further, at least one perforation 36 can be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, the perforation 36 can be formed in the region surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited thereto. The perforation 36 can serve to transfer the heat generated by the heater 13 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 to the inside of the tobacco rod 31.

[0085] Furthermore, the second segment 322 may include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 can perform a function of generating a fragrance and can also perform a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 34 can have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0086] The first wrapper 351 may be one in which a metal foil such as aluminum foil is bonded to a general filter paper. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be included within the range of 45 μm to 55 μm, and preferably may be 50.3 μm. Also, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be included within the range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and preferably may be 6.3 μm. Furthermore, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 is 50 g / m 2 ~55 g / m 2 and may be included within the range of, and preferably may be 2 53 g / m.

[0087] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 can be made of a general filter paper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be a porous paper or a non-porous paper.

[0088] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. Also, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be included within the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, and preferably may be 78 μm. Also, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 is 20 g / m 2 ~25 g / m 2 and may be included within the range of, and preferably may be 2 23.5 g / m.

[0089] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be 24000 CU, but is not limited thereto. Also, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be included within the range of 60 μm to 70 μm, and preferably may be 68 μm. Also, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be included within the range of 20 g / m 2 ~25 g / m 2 and preferably may be 21 g / m 2 .

[0090] The fourth wrapper 354 can be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, PLA laminated paper means triple-layer paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be included within the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and preferably may be 110 μm. Also, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be included within the range of 80 g / m 2 ~100 g / m 2 and preferably may be 88 g / m 2 .

[0091] The fifth wrapper 355 can be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) means paper specially manufactured so that its tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. are enhanced compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be included within the range of 57 g / m 2 ~63 g / m 2 and preferably may be 60 g / m 2 . Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be included within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably may be 67 μm.

[0092] A predetermined substance may be added to the fifth wrapper 355. Here, an example of the predetermined substance can be silicon, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance that does not oxidize, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, as long as it is a substance having the above-described properties, it can be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.

[0093] The shear plug 33 can be made of cellulose acetate. As an example, the shear plug 33 can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be included in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filaments of the shear plug 33 may be 5.0. Also, 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 included in the range of 20000 to 30000, preferably in the range of 25000 to 30000. More preferably, the total denier of the shear plug 33 may be 28000.

[0094] Also, if necessary, the shear plug 33 can include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel can be made in various ways.

[0095] The tobacco rod 31 corresponds to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to FIG. 4. Therefore, the specific description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

[0096] The first segment 321 can be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure including a hollow inside. The first segment 321 can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the mono denier and total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as those of the shear plug 33.

[0097] The second segment 322 can be made of cellulose acetate. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 may be included in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably in 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. Also, 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 included in the range of 20000 to 30000, preferably may be 25000.

[0098] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 400 according to another embodiment.

[0099] The aerosol generating device 400 includes a control unit 410, a detection unit 420, an output unit 430, a battery 440, a heater 450, a user input unit 460, a memory 470, and a communication unit 480. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 400 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 6. That is, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 400, those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment can understand that some of the configurations shown in FIG. 6 may be omitted or new configurations may be further added.

[0100] The detection unit 420 can detect the state of the aerosol generating device 400 or the state around the aerosol generating device 400, and transmit the detected information to the control unit 410. The control unit 410 can control the aerosol generating device 400 based on the detected information so that various functions such as operation control of the heater 450, restriction of smoking, determination of the presence or absence of insertion of an aerosol generating article (for example, a cigarette, a cartridge, etc.), and notification display are executed.

[0101] The detection unit 420 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 422, an insertion detection sensor 424, and a puff sensor 426, but is not limited thereto.

[0102] The temperature sensor 422 can detect the temperature at which the heater 450 (or the aerosol generating substance) is heated. The aerosol generating device 400 may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater 450, or the heater 450 itself may serve as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 422 may be arranged around the battery 440 to monitor the temperature of the battery 440.

[0103] The insertion detection sensor 424 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 424 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a signal change caused by the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article.

[0104] The puff sensor 426 can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the air flow path or air flow channel. For example, the puff sensor 426 can detect the user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0105] In addition to the sensors 422 to 426 described above, the detection unit 420 further includes at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the function of the angle sensor can be intuitively inferred by those skilled in the art from its name, a specific description thereof is omitted.

[0106] The output unit 430 can output information regarding the state of the aerosol generator 400 and provide it to the user. The output unit 430 includes at least one of a display unit 432, a haptic unit 434, and an acoustic output unit 436, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 432 and the touch pad form a layer structure and are configured as a touch screen, the display unit 432 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0107] The display unit 432 can visually provide information regarding the aerosol generator 400 to the user. For example, the information regarding the aerosol generator 400 means various information such as the charge / discharge state of the battery 440 of the aerosol generator 400, the preheating state of the heater 450, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol product, or the state in which the use of the aerosol generator 400 is restricted (for example, detection of an abnormal article), and the display unit 432 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 432 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. Further, the display unit 432 may be in the state of an LED light emitting element.

[0108] The haptic unit 434 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus and provide information regarding the aerosol generator 400 to the user tactilely. For example, the haptic unit 434 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0109] The acoustic output unit 436 provides information regarding the aerosol generator 400 to the user aurally. For example, the acoustic output unit 436 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0110] The battery 440 supplies the power used for the aerosol generator 400 to operate. The battery 440 supplies power so that the heater 450 can be heated. Also, the battery 440 can supply the power necessary for the operation of other components (for example, the detection unit 420, the output unit 430, the user input unit 460, the memory 470, and the communication unit 480) provided in the aerosol generator 400. The battery 440 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 440 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0111] The heater 450 can heat the aerosol generating substance when power is supplied from the battery 440. Although not shown in FIG. 6, the aerosol generator 400 may further include a power conversion circuit (for example, a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 440 and supplies it to the heater 450. Also, when the aerosol generator 400 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol generator 400 further includes a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power source of the battery 440 into an AC power source.

[0112] The control unit 410, the detection unit 420, the output unit 430, the user input unit 460, the memory 470, and the communication unit 480 can perform functions when power is supplied from the battery 440. Although not shown in FIG. 6, it further includes a power conversion circuit, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 440 and supplies it to each component.

[0113] In one embodiment, the heater 450 may be formed of an electrically resistive material suitable for heating. For example, the electrically resistive material may be 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. Further, the heater 450 may be realized by a metal wire, a metal hot plate on which an electrically conductive track is disposed, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0114] In one embodiment, the heater 450 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 450 generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil and includes a susceptor for heating the aerosol product substance.

[0115] In one embodiment, the heater 450 includes a plurality of heaters. For example, the heater 450 includes a first heater for heating a cigarette and a second heater for heating a liquid phase.

[0116] The user input unit 460 can receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 460 includes, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touch pad (capacitive touch type, pressure resistive film type, infrared sensing type, surface acoustic wave conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Further, although not shown in FIG. 6, the aerosol generator 400 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can be connected to other external devices via a connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 440.

[0117] Memory 470 can store the data processed by the control unit 410 and the data to be processed as hardware for storing various data processed within the aerosol generator 400. Memory 470 includes at least one type of storage medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Memory 470 may store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 400, the maximum puff count, the current puff count, at least one temperature profile, and data regarding the user's smoking pattern.

[0118] The communication unit 480 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 480 includes a short-range communication unit 482 and a wireless communication unit 484.

[0119] The short-range wireless communication unit 482 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0120] The wireless communication unit 484 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 484 may identify and authenticate the aerosol generator 400 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0121] The control unit 410 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 400. In one embodiment, the control unit 410 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 executable by the microprocessor. Also, those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs can understand that it can be implemented in further forms of hardware.

[0122] The control unit 410 can control the temperature of the heater 450 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 440 to the heater 450. For example, the control unit 410 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 440 and the heater 450. In a different example, according to the control command of the control unit 410, the direct heating circuit may control the power supply to the heater 450.

[0123] The control unit 410 analyzes the results detected by the detection unit 420 and controls the subsequent processes. For example, the control unit 410 can control the power supplied to the heater 450 so that the operation of the heater 450 is started or terminated based on the results detected by the detection unit 420. As another example, the control unit 410 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 450 and the time during which the power is supplied so that the heater 450 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the detection unit 420.

[0124] The control unit 410 controls the output unit 430 based on the results detected by the detection unit 420. For example, when the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 426 reaches a preset number, the control unit 410 notifies the user that the aerosol generator 400 will immediately end via at least one of the display unit 432, the haptic unit 434, and the acoustic output unit 436.

[0125] In one embodiment, the control unit 410 can control the power supply time and / or the power supply amount to the heater 450 according to the state of the aerosol-generating article detected by the detection unit 420. For example, when the aerosol-generating article is in an over-wet state, the control unit 410 can control the power supply time to the induction coil and increase the preheating time compared to when the aerosol-generating article is in a normal state.

[0126] FIGS. 7 to 9 are diagrams showing a part of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment.

[0127] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, the aerosol generation system 500 includes an aerosol-generating article 501 (e.g., a roll-up cigarette 2) and a heating body 502 (e.g., heater 13 or 450) configured to heat the aerosol-generating article 501.

[0128] The aerosol-generating article 501 may include a plurality of susceptors 501A, 501B (see FIG. 9). For example, the aerosol-generating article 501 includes at least one first susceptor 501A located relatively downstream and at least one second susceptor 501B located relatively upstream. The term "downstream" indicates the general direction in which the aerosol moves, i.e., the direction in which the aerosol moves towards the user's mouth during smoking through the aerosol-generating article 501 (e.g., a roll-up cigarette), and the term "upstream" indicates the opposite direction.

[0129] The heating body 502 includes a heating housing 510 configured to heat the aerosol-generating article 501.

[0130] The heating housing 510 includes a body portion 511 having a first surface 510A (e.g., a first end surface or an upper end surface), a second surface 510B opposite to the first surface 510A (e.g., a second end surface or a lower end surface), an outer side surface 510C between the first surface 510A and the second surface 510B, and an inner side surface 510D between the first surface 510A and the second surface 510B. The first surface 510A forms an open surface, while the second surface 510B forms a closed surface. The outer side surface 510C includes a first outer region 510C1 (e.g., an upper outer region) connected to the first surface 510A and a second outer region 510C2 (e.g., a lower outer region) connected to the second surface 510B. The inner side surface 510D includes a first inner region 510D1 (e.g., an upper inner region) connected to the first surface 510A and a second inner region 510D2 (e.g., a lower inner region) connected to the second surface 510B.

[0131] The heating housing 510 includes a hollow portion 512 defined by the inner side surface 510D. The hollow portion 512 is configured to at least partially accommodate the aerosol generating article 501.

[0132] The heating element 502 includes a plurality of coils 520, 530 configured to generate magnetic fields in different directions from each other. In one embodiment, the heating element 502 includes a first coil 520 configured to generate a magnetic field substantially in a first direction (e.g., -Z direction) and a second coil 530 configured to generate a magnetic field in a second direction (e.g., -Y direction) substantially intersecting (e.g., orthogonal) to the first direction.

[0133] The first coil 520 may be configured to magnetically couple with the first susceptor 501A. The first coil 520 has a first axis A1 (e.g., +Z axis), at least partially surrounds the outer side surface 510C, and includes a first winding portion 521 wound in a first helical direction (e.g., clockwise) with respect to the first axis A1. Here, the first axis A1 may be defined as the longitudinal axis of the body portion 511. In one embodiment, the first winding portion 521 can be disposed in the first outer region 510C1.

[0134] In one embodiment, the first coil 520 includes a first connection portion 522 that forms a first end portion (e.g., the lower end portion) of the first winding portion 521. The first connection portion 522 may be electrically connected to the second coil 530. In one embodiment, the first connection portion 522 may be disposed in the first external region 510C1. In any embodiment, the first connection portion 522 may at least partially surround the first external region 510C1 with respect to the first axis A1.

[0135] In one embodiment, the first coil 520 includes a second connection portion 523 that forms a second end portion (e.g., the upper end portion) opposite to the first end portion of the first winding portion 521. The second connection portion 523 may be electrically connected to a control unit (e.g., the control unit 12 or 410) of the aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 1 or 400). In one embodiment, the second connection portion 523 can be extended in a direction opposite to the axial direction (e.g., the +Z direction) of the first axis A1 across the first winding portion 521 while being spaced apart from the side surface 510C.

[0136] The second coil 530 is configured to be magnetically coupled to the second susceptor 501B. The second coil 530 may have a second axis A2 (e.g., the +Y axis) that intersects (e.g., is orthogonal to) the first axis A1, and may include a second winding portion 531 that is located on the outer side surface 510C and wound in a second helical direction (e.g., clockwise) with respect to the second axis A2. Here, the second axis A2 may be defined as the normal direction of the outer side surface 510C or the radial direction of the body portion 511. In one embodiment, the second winding portion 531 may be disposed in the second external region 510C2.

[0137] In one embodiment, the second coil 530 includes a third connecting portion 532 that forms a first end portion (e.g., the left end portion) of the second winding portion 531. The third connecting portion 532 may be electrically connected to the first coil 520. In one embodiment, the third connecting portion 532 includes a first portion 532A physically and electrically connected to the first connecting portion 522, and a second portion 532B physically and electrically connected to the first portion 532A and the second winding portion 531. In any embodiment, the first portion 532A is located in a first outer region 510C1 that at least partially surrounds the first outer region 510C1 with respect to the first axis A1, and the second portion 532B may extend on the second outer region 510C2 along the axial direction of the first axis A1 and at least partially form a bend and extend on the first outer region 510C1.

[0138] In one embodiment, the second coil 530 includes a fourth connecting portion 533 that forms a second end portion (e.g., the central end portion) of the second winding portion 531. The fourth connecting portion 533 may be electrically connected to a control unit (e.g., the control unit 12 or 410) of an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 1 or 400). In one embodiment, the fourth connecting portion 533 may extend in a direction opposite to the axial direction (e.g., the +Z direction) of the first axis A1 away from the side surface 510C across at least a portion of the second winding portion 531. In any embodiment, the fourth connecting portion 533 extends substantially parallel to the second connecting portion 523.

[0139] In one embodiment, the first coil 520 and the second coil 530 may not be directly connected on the external side surface 510C. For example, the first coil 520 does not include the first connecting portion 522, and the second coil 530 does not include the third connecting portion 532.

[0140] In some embodiments, the heating element 502 may include a third coil (not shown) configured to generate a magnetic field having a direction that intersects (e.g., is orthogonal to) the direction of the magnetic field generated by the first coil 520 and the direction of the magnetic field generated by the second coil 530 (e.g., the -X direction). The third coil may be configured to magnetically couple with the second susceptor 501B. The third coil may include a third winding portion wound in a third helical direction (e.g., clockwise) with respect to a third axis that intersects (e.g., is orthogonal to) the first axis and the second axis.

[0141] In one embodiment, the third coil may include a fifth connecting portion physically and electrically connected to the first winding portion 521 and / or the second winding portion 531. In one embodiment, the third coil may not include the fifth connecting portion.

[0142] In one embodiment, the third coil includes a sixth connecting portion electrically connected to a control unit (e.g., control unit 12 or 410) of an aerosol generating device (e.g., aerosol generating device 1 or 400).

[0143] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 10, the aerosol generating system 600 includes an aerosol generating article 601 and an aerosol generating device 602.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 10, the aerosol generating article 601 includes at least one susceptor 601A, 601B. For example, the aerosol generating article 601 may include at least one first susceptor 601A located relatively downstream and / or at least one second susceptor 601B located relatively upstream. In other embodiments, the at least one susceptor 601A, 601B may not be included in the aerosol generating article 601, and the at least one susceptor 601A, 601B may be included in the aerosol generating device 602.

[0146] In one embodiment, at least one susceptor 601A, 601B can have various thicknesses (e.g., + / - X-direction dimension and / or + / - Y-direction dimension), various lengths (e.g., + / - Z-direction dimension), various materials, and / or various parameters. The various parameters can determine the type of susceptor 601A, 601B and further determine the type of various aerosol generating articles 601.

[0147] The aerosol generating device 602 includes a heating housing 610. The heating housing 610 includes a body portion 611 and a hollow portion 612. The body portion 611 includes a first surface 610A, a second surface 610B opposite to the first surface 610A, an external side surface 610C extending between the first surface 610A and the second surface 610B, and an internal side surface 610D opposite to the external side surface 610C and extending between the first surface 610A and the second surface 610B.

[0148] The aerosol generating device 602 includes at least one coil 620, 630. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 602 includes a first coil 620 and a second coil 630. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 602 may include either one of the first coil 620 and the second coil 630. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 602 may include a third coil (not shown) configured to generate a magnetic field in a direction (e.g., -X direction) that intersects (e.g., is orthogonal to) the direction of the magnetic field generated by the first coil 620 and the direction of the magnetic field generated by the second coil 630.

[0149] In one embodiment, applying current and / or voltage to the first coil 620 is independent of applying current and / or voltage to the second coil 630. In one embodiment, applying current and / or voltage to the first coil 620 may be linked to applying current and / or voltage to the second coil 630.

[0150] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 602 includes a first magnetic sensor 640A configured to detect a change in a first magnetic field B1 of the first coil 620. When a current and / or voltage is applied to the first coil 620, the first magnetic sensor 640A can detect a change in the magnitude and / or intensity of the first magnetic field B1 generated by the first coil 620. In one embodiment, the first magnetic sensor 640A may include a Hall sensor.

[0151] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 602 (e.g., the control unit 410) can determine a profile for changing the current and / or voltage applied to the first coil 620 based on the change in the first magnetic field B1 detected by the first magnetic sensor 640A. As a result, the current and / or voltage applied to the first coil 620 changes according to the type of the aerosol generating article 601, and the first magnetic field B1 generated by the first coil 620 changes according to the profile. Therefore, the information regarding the change in the first magnetic field B1 detected by the first magnetic sensor 640A is used to recognize at least one characteristic of the aerosol generating article 601. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device 602 can be configured to accommodate various types of aerosol generating articles 601.

[0152] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 602 (e.g., the control unit 410) can perform puff detection or puff counting (i.e., detect or count a user's inhalation on the aerosol generating article 601) based on the change in the first magnetic field B1 detected by the first magnetic sensor 640A.

[0153] In one embodiment, the first magnetic sensor 640A may be disposed adjacent to the first coil 620. For example, the first magnetic sensor 640A may be spaced apart from the first coil 620 by a small distance.

[0154] In one embodiment, the first coil 620 and the first magnetic sensor 640A may be arranged in a uniaxial direction (e.g., the + / -Y direction) of the heating housing 620. The axial direction indicates the direction in which a specific dimension such as length, width, depth, or diameter is measured. The first magnetic sensor 640A may at least partially overlap with the first coil 620 in the normal direction (e.g., the + / -Y direction) of the outer side surface 610C of the body portion 611.

[0155] In one embodiment, the first magnetic sensor 640A may be disposed on an intermediate portion of the first coil 620 by the first axis A1 of the first coil 620.

[0156] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 602 includes a second magnetic sensor 640B configured to detect a change in the second magnetic field B2 of the second coil 630. When a current and / or voltage is applied to the second coil 630, the second magnetic sensor 640B may detect a change in the magnitude and / or intensity of the second magnetic field B2 by the second coil 630. In one embodiment, the second magnetic sensor 640B may include a Hall sensor.

[0157] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 602 (e.g., the control unit 410) can determine a profile that can change the current and / or voltage applied to the second coil 630 based on the change in the second magnetic field B2 detected by the second magnetic sensor 640B. As a result, depending on the type of the aerosol generating article 601, the current and / or voltage applied to the second coil 630 changes, and the second magnetic field B2 by the second coil 630 can change according to the profile. Therefore, the information regarding the change in the second magnetic field B2 detected by the second magnetic sensor 640B can be used to recognize at least one characteristic of the aerosol generating article 601.

[0158] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 602 (e.g., the control unit 410) can perform puff recognition or puff counting (i.e., detect or count the user's inhalation of the aerosol generating article 601) based on the change in the second magnetic field B2 detected by the second magnetic sensor 640B.

[0159] In one embodiment, the second magnetic sensor 640B may be disposed in an area of the body portion 611 excluding the area where the second coil 630 is disposed (e.g., an area of the second outer region 510C2 shown in FIG. 8 having a normal direction in the + / -Y direction). In one embodiment, the second magnetic sensor 640B may be disposed on the body portion 611 so as to be opposite to the second coil 630.

[0160] In one embodiment, the second coil 630 and the second magnetic sensor 640B may be arranged in a uniaxial direction (e.g., + / -Y direction) of the heating housing 620. The second magnetic sensor 640B may be at least partially overlapped with the second coil 630 in the normal direction (e.g., + / -Y direction) of the outer side surface 610C of the body portion 611.

[0161] In one embodiment, the second magnetic sensor 640B may be disposed on the extension line of the second axis A2 of the second coil 630.

[0162] The aerosol generating device 602 may include a magnetic sensor with more coils. For example, the aerosol generating device 602 may include a first magnetic sensor 640A, a second magnetic sensor 640B, and a third magnetic sensor (not shown) configured to detect changes in the magnetic fields of the first coil, the second coil, and the third coil, respectively.

[0163] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 602 includes at least one shielding portion 642A, 642B configured to shield at least one of the magnetic sensors 640A, 640B from the outside. For example, the shielding portions 642A, 642B can shield external magnetic or electromagnetic related noise to improve the sensitivity of the magnetic sensors 640A, 640B.

[0164] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 602 includes a first shielding portion 642A configured to shield the first magnetic sensor 640A and a second shielding portion 642B configured to shield the second magnetic sensor 640B. In one embodiment, the first shielding portion 642A may substantially shield the front surface of the first magnetic sensor 640A. In one embodiment, the first shielding portion 642A may substantially shield the remaining surfaces of the first magnetic sensor 640A except for the surface facing the first coil 620 (e.g., the -Y direction surface) among the surfaces of the first magnetic sensor 640A. In one embodiment, the second shielding portion 642B may substantially shield the front surface of the second magnetic sensor 640B. In one embodiment, the second shielding portion 642B may substantially shield the remaining surfaces of the second magnetic sensor 640B except for the surface facing the second coil 630 (e.g., the +Y direction surface) among the surfaces of the second magnetic sensor 640B.

[0165] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 602 may include any one of the first shielding portion 642A and the second shielding portion 642B. In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 602 may include an additional shielding portion configured to shield an additional magnetic sensor (e.g., a third magnetic sensor).

[0166] The features and aspects of any of the embodiments described above can be combined with the features and aspects of any other embodiment as long as no obvious technical conflict results.

Claims

1. A heating housing configured to accommodate an aerosol-generating article, a first coil disposed on the heating housing and configured to generate a magnetic field, and a first magnetic sensor configured to detect a change in the magnetic field generated by the first coil. An aerosol-generating device comprising the above.

2. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first magnetic sensor is disposed adjacent to the first coil.

3. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first coil and the first magnetic sensor are disposed so as to at least partially overlap in the radial direction of the heating housing.

4. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first coil has an axis in the longitudinal direction of the heating housing.

5. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a shielding portion configured to block electromagnetic waves and arranged so as to at least partially surround the first magnetic sensor.

6. A second coil disposed in a region different from the region of the heating housing where the first coil is disposed and configured to generate a magnetic field, and a second magnetic sensor configured to detect a change in the magnetic field generated by the second coil. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, further comprising the above.

7. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 6, wherein the second magnetic sensor is disposed on the heating housing so as to be opposite to the second coil.

8. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 6, wherein the second coil and the second magnetic sensor are disposed so as to at least partially overlap in one direction of the heating housing.

9. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 6, wherein the second coil has an axis in the normal direction of the side surface of the heating housing.

10. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 6, further comprising a shielding portion configured to block electromagnetic waves and arranged so as to at least partially surround the second magnetic sensor.

11. An aerosol-generating article comprising a susceptor, and an aerosol-generating device, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a heating housing configured to accommodate the aerosol-generating article, A first coil that is disposed on the heating housing, is positioned to be electromagnetically coupled to the susceptor when the aerosol-generating article is loaded into the aerosol-generating device, and is configured to generate a magnetic field; The aerosol-generating device including a first magnetic sensor configured to detect a change in the magnetic field generated by the first coil; An aerosol-generating system including the same.

12. The aerosol-generating system according to claim 11, wherein the first magnetic sensor is disposed adjacent to the first coil.

13. The aerosol-generating device is disposed in a region different from the region of the heating housing where the first coil is disposed, is positioned to be electromagnetically coupled to the susceptor when the aerosol-generating article is loaded into the aerosol-generating device, and includes a second coil configured to generate a magnetic field; A second magnetic sensor configured to detect a change in the magnetic field generated by the second coil; The aerosol-generating system according to claim 11, further including the same.

14. The aerosol-generating system according to claim 13, wherein the second magnetic sensor is disposed on the heating housing so as to be opposite to the second coil.

15. The aerosol-generating system according to claim 13, wherein the first coil and the first magnetic sensor are disposed so as to at least partially overlap in the radial direction of the heating housing, and the second coil and the second magnetic sensor are disposed so as to at least partially overlap in the axial direction of the heating housing.

Citation Information

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