Aerosol generating apparatus and aerosol products

Abstract

To provide an aerosol generating article, and an aerosol generating device for heating the aerosol generating article.SOLUTION: An aerosol generating article includes an aerosol generator including a first aerosol generating material which does not include nicotine; a tobacco filler arranged adjacent to an end of the aerosol generator and including a second aerosol generating material including nicotine; a cooler arranged adjacent to an end of the tobacco filler and configured to cool aerosol; and a mouth piece arranged adjacent to an end of the cooler.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, the demand for alternatives to traditional cigarettes has been increasing. For example, there is an increasing demand for a method of generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating substance in a cigarette, rather than by burning a cigarette to generate an aerosol. Accordingly, research related to heated cigarettes and heated aerosol generating devices has been actively pursued.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device for heating the aerosol generating article.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] According to one or more embodiments, the aerosol generating article includes an aerosol generating portion containing a first aerosol generating substance that does not contain nicotine, a tobacco filling portion containing a second aerosol generating substance containing the nicotine, which is disposed adjacent to one end of the aerosol generating portion, a cooling portion disposed adjacent to one end of the tobacco filling portion for cooling the aerosol, and a mouthpiece disposed adjacent to one end of the cooling portion.

Effects of the Invention

[0005] The aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating article according to one or more embodiments provide a smoking experience satisfactory to users.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1A] The drawing illustrates an example of an aerosol generating article. [Figure 1B] This is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol product. [Figure 1C] This is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol product. [Figure 2A] This is a diagram illustrating another example of an aerosol product. [Figure 2B] This is a diagram illustrating another example of an aerosol product. [Figure 2C] This is a diagram illustrating another example of an aerosol product. [Figure 2D] This is a diagram illustrating another example of an aerosol product. [Figure 2E] This is a diagram illustrating another example of an aerosol product. [Figure 2F] This is a diagram illustrating another example of an aerosol product. [Figure 2G] This is a diagram illustrating another example of an aerosol product. [Figure 3A] This is a diagram illustrating an example of a cooling section for aerosol products. [Figure 3B] This is a diagram illustrating an example of a cooling section for aerosol products. [Figure 3C] This is a diagram illustrating an example of a cooling section for aerosol products. [Figure 3D] This is a diagram illustrating an example of a cooling section for aerosol products. [Figure 4A] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the heating section of an aerosol generating apparatus. [Figure 4B] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the heating section of an aerosol generating apparatus. [Figure 4C] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the heating section of an aerosol generating apparatus. [Figure 4D] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the heating section of an aerosol generating apparatus. [Figure 4E] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the heating section of an aerosol generating apparatus. [Figure 4F] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the heating section of an aerosol generating apparatus. [Figure 4G]A drawing illustrating an example of a heating section of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4H] A drawing illustrating an example of a heating section of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4I] A drawing illustrating an example of a heating section of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4J] A drawing illustrating an example of a heating section of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4K] A drawing illustrating an example of a heating section of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4L] A drawing illustrating an example of a heating section of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4M] A drawing illustrating an example of a heating section of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4N] A drawing illustrating an example of a heating section of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 5A] A drawing illustrating an example of the coupling relationship between an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article. [Figure 5B] A drawing illustrating an example of the coupling relationship between an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article. [Figure 5C] A drawing illustrating an example of the coupling relationship between an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article. [Figure 6] A drawing illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 7A] A drawing illustrating an example in which a configuration for identification is included in an aerosol generating article. [Figure 7B] A drawing illustrating an example in which a configuration for identification is included in an aerosol generating article. [Figure 7C] A drawing illustrating an example in which a configuration for identification is included in an aerosol generating article. [Figure 8] A drawing illustrating another example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 9] A drawing illustrating another example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 10] A drawing illustrating an example in which an aerosol generating device and an external device are connected. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] According to one or more embodiments, the aerosol product includes an aerosol generating unit containing a first aerosol generating substance that does not contain nicotine; a tobacco filling unit disposed adjacent to one end of the aerosol generating unit and containing a second aerosol generating substance that contains nicotine; a cooling unit disposed adjacent to one end of the tobacco filling unit for cooling the aerosol; and a mouthpiece disposed adjacent to one end of the cooling unit.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments, the aerosol generating apparatus includes a heater for heating the aerosol product, a first sensor for sensing whether the aerosol product is inserted, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the heater based on the sensing result of the first sensor.

[0009] According to one or more embodiments, the aerosol generation system includes an aerosol generating device that includes a space into which an aerosol product is inserted and heats the inserted aerosol product, and an external device that controls at least one function of the aerosol generating device by an application installed on the external device via a wireless communication network.

[0010] The terminology used in the various embodiments of this invention has been selected, as far as possible, to be commonly used terms, taking into account the function of the present invention, although this may vary depending on the intent of those skilled in the art, precedents, or the emergence of new technologies. In certain cases, the applicant may have arbitrarily selected terms, in which case their meaning will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terminology used in this invention must not be merely a set of names, but must be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the invention.

[0011] When a specification as a whole states that a certain part "includes" a certain component, unless otherwise specified, this does not mean that other components are excluded, but rather that other components may be included.

[0012] The expression "at least one" used here modifies the overall list of components, not the individual components of the list. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be understood to include any of "a," "b," "c," "a and b," "a and c," "b and c," or "a, b, and c." When an element or layer is said to be "connected" or "joined" to another element or layer, either "on top of," "above," or "in a chain," it is possible that there are elements or layers that are directly connected or joined to the other element or layer, or that are connected or joined separately. In contrast, when an element is said to be "directly connected" or "joined" to another element or layer, either "immediately above" or "just above," it should be understood that there are no other elements or layers in between. The same reference number refers to the same element in the whole.

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art in which the present invention pertains can easily implement them. However, the present invention can be embodied in a variety of different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0014] Furthermore, while ordinal terms such as "first" or "second" used herein are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. The terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0015] One or more embodiments include an aerosol generator and an aerosol product (e.g., a cigarette) that can be coupled to the aerosol generator. The aerosol product according to one or more embodiments includes at least one of an aerosol generating unit, a tobacco filling unit, a cooling unit, and a filter unit (e.g., a mouthpiece or mouthpiece unit). For example, the filter unit is generally an acetate filter, and the cooling unit and the filter unit may contain a capsule and a flavoring agent.

[0016] For example, the aerosol generating unit may contain nicotine.

[0017] On the other hand, the materials, order, and length of the aerosol generating section and the tobacco filling section are not limited to specific examples, nor are the materials and length of the cooling section and the filter section limited to specific examples.

[0018] The aerosol generating device generates a nicotine-containing aerosol by heating the aerosol generating section and the tobacco filling section, and the aerosol is discharged to the outside after passing through the cooling section and the filter section.

[0019] For example, the aerosol generating device can generate an aerosol by heating at least one of the aerosol generating section and the tobacco filling section of the aerosol product. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device can selectively or entirely heat the inside or outside of the aerosol product.

[0020] A sheet made of a heat-conducting material is placed around the outer casing of the aerosol generating section and the tobacco filling section of the aerosol product, and cigarette paper that fixes the segments of the aerosol product may be placed around the outer casing of the sheet. In this case, the aerosol generating device can also generate aerosols by uniformly heating the outside of the heat-conducting material sheet.

[0021] The aerosol generator can automatically identify different aerosol products and, based on the identification results, automatically select the optimal temperature profile for each aerosol product.

[0022] Furthermore, the aerosol generator can recognize the external environment, and may be equipped with sensors that can recognize the external environment, or it may receive local weather information from the user's location via communication with external devices. By recognizing the external environment and automatically selecting the optimal temperature profile based on the external environment, the aerosol generator provides the user with abundant atomization and optimal flavor.

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art in which the present invention pertains can easily implement them. However, the present invention can be embodied in a variety of different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0024] Furthermore, even if omitted below, the contents described above may apply to either the aerosol generating apparatus or the aerosol product according to the present invention.

[0025] Figures 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating an example of the aerosol product.

[0026] Referring to Figures 1A to 1C, the aerosol product 100 includes an aerosol generating unit 110, a tobacco filling unit 120, a cooling unit 130, and a mouthpiece 140. For example, the mouthpiece 140 may be a filter made of cellulose acetate, and the cooling unit 130 and mouthpiece 140 may contain capsules and flavoring agents. The materials, order, and length of the aerosol generating unit 110 and the tobacco filling unit 120 are not limited to this particular example, nor are the materials and length of the cooling unit 130 and mouthpiece 140. Furthermore, depending on the heating method of the aerosol product 100, the aerosol product 100 may or may not contain a heat conductor.

[0027] The outer casing of the aerosol product 100 is also covered by packaging material (i.e., a trumpet). Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 1, a heat conductor may be placed partially or entirely between the packaging material and the aerosol generating unit 110 and the tobacco filling unit 120.

[0028] The aerosol generating unit 110 is nicotine-free. The aerosol generating unit 110 may also contain an aerosol-generating substance from which nicotine has been removed. For example, the aerosol generating unit 110 may contain, 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. For example, the aerosol generating unit 110 may contain a substance in which glycerin and propylene glycol are mixed in a ratio of approximately 8:2. However, it is not limited to the aforementioned mixing ratio. The aerosol generating unit 110 may also contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. Furthermore, the aerosol generating unit 110 may contain a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant.

[0029] The aerosol generating unit 110 may include a rolled-up sheet, and the aerosol generating substance may be included in the aerosol generating unit 110 in a state impregnated with the rolled-up sheet. In addition, other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants and / or organic acids, and flavoring liquids may be included in the aerosol generating unit 110 in a state absorbed by the rolled-up sheet.

[0030] The rolled sheet is also a sheet composed of a polymer material. For example, the polymer material may include at least one of paper, cellulose acetate, lyocell, or polylactic acid. For example, the rolled sheet is also a paper sheet that does not produce an unpleasant odor when heated to high temperatures. However, it is not limited to this.

[0031] The length of the aerosol generating section 110 is 4 mm to 12 mm, but is not limited to that. For example, the length of the aerosol generating section 110 is approximately 10 mm, but is not limited to that.

[0032] The tobacco filling section 120 may contain nicotine. The tobacco filling section 120 may also contain aerosol-generating substances such as glycerin and propylene glycol. Furthermore, the tobacco filling section 120 may contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. Additionally, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the tobacco filling section 120 by spraying it.

[0033] For example, the aerosol-producing substance may include shredded tobacco or reconstituted tobacco material. Specifically, the aerosol-producing substance may include nicotine obtained by shaping or reconstituted tobacco leaves. As another example, the aerosol-producing substance may include free base nicotine, nicotine salts, or combinations thereof. Specifically, the nicotine may be naturally occurring nicotine or synthetic nicotine.

[0034] For example, the tobacco filling section 120 may contain a blend of different types of tobacco. Furthermore, the blend can be processed through a variety of processes, but is not limited to these.

[0035] Nicotine salts can also be formed by adding a suitable acid, including organic or inorganic acids, to nicotine. The acid for nicotine salt formation is appropriately selected considering factors such as the rate of nicotine absorption into the blood, the heating temperature of the heater, the flavor or aroma, and solubility. For example, the acid for nicotine salt formation may be a single acid selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharic acid, malonic acid, or malic acid, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group.

[0036] The tobacco filling section 120 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco filling section 120 can be manufactured by sheet manufacturing, or by strand manufacturing. Furthermore, the tobacco filling section 120 can also be manufactured from shredded tobacco, which is obtained by finely cutting tobacco sheets.

[0037] The length of the tobacco filling section 120 is 6 mm to 18 mm, but is not limited to that. For example, the length of the tobacco filling section 120 is approximately 12 mm, but is not limited to that.

[0038] The cooling unit 130 can lower the temperature of the aerosol so that the user can puff at a suitable temperature.

[0039] For example, the cooling section 130 is made of cellulose acetate and is a tubular structure containing a hollow interior. For example, the cooling section 130 can also be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the monodenier of the cooling section 130 is 5.0 and the total denier is 28,000, but it is not limited to these values.

[0040] For example, the cooling section 130 is made of paper and is a tubular structure containing a hollow interior. Furthermore, the cooling section 130 may have at least one hole through which external air can flow in.

[0041] The cooling section 130 can also be made from laminated paper composed of several sheets of paper. For example, the cooling section 130 can be made from laminated paper composed of an outer sheet, an intermediate sheet, and an inner sheet, but is not limited to these. On the other hand, the inner surface of the inner sheet that makes up the laminated paper can also be coated with a predetermined substance (for example, polylactic acid).

[0042] If the cooling section 130 is made of paper, the overall thickness of the cooling section 130 may be 330 μm or 340 μm. Alternatively, the overall thickness of the cooling section 130 may be approximately 333 μm, but is not limited to this.

[0043] Furthermore, if the cooling section 130 is made of paper, the weight per unit area of ​​the cooling section 130 is 230 g / m². 2 or 250g / m 2 Also, the weight per unit area of ​​the cooling unit 130 is approximately 240 g / m². 2 However, it is not limited to that.

[0044] The diameter of the hollow section 130 may be within the range of 4 mm to 8 mm, but is not limited to this. Preferably, the diameter of the hollow section 130 may be within the range of 7.0 mm to 7.5 mm, but is not limited to this. The length of the cooling section 130 may be within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited to this. Preferably, the length of the cooling section 130 may be approximately 12 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0045] The cooling unit 130 is not limited to the examples described above, and any cooling unit capable of performing the function of cooling the aerosol can be used.

[0046] Mouthpiece 140 can also be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The length of mouthpiece 140 can be, but is not limited to, an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm. Preferably, the length of mouthpiece 140 is approximately 14 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0047] The mouthpiece 140 is also designed to produce flavor. For example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the mouthpiece 140, or a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted inside the mouthpiece 140.

[0048] Furthermore, the mouthpiece 140 may contain at least one capsule. For example, the capsule may contain a flavoring liquid, and flavor may be generated by the flavoring liquid leaking out when the capsule is crushed. Alternatively, the capsule may contain an aerosol-generating substance, and an aerosol may be generated by the substance leaking out when the capsule is crushed. The capsule may also have a structure in which the flavoring liquid or aerosol-generating substance is covered and encased in a film. The capsule may, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0049] Referring to Figure 1B, the tobacco filling section 120 may include cooling holes 150. For example, by perforating the tobacco filling section 120, primary cooling of the aerosol can be promoted, and secondary cooling can be promoted as the primary cooled aerosol passes through the cooling section 130. Therefore, the cooling effect of the aerosol can be maximized. On the other hand, depending on the material of the cooling section 130, the cooling holes 150 may not be provided.

[0050] Referring to Figure 1C, the aerosol generating unit 110 is located downstream of the tobacco filling unit 120. In other words, the aerosol product 100 in Figure 1A and the aerosol product 100 in Figure 1C are arranged in a different order from each other.

[0051] Figures 2A to 2G are diagrams illustrating other examples of aerosol products.

[0052] Compared with Figures 1A to 1C, Figures 2A to 2E illustrate examples in which nicotine is contained in the aerosol generating sections 210, 211, 212, and 213. Furthermore, Figures 2F and 2G illustrate examples in which the aerosol generating section 240 and the nicotine-containing section 250 are separate segments.

[0053] The aerosol generating units 210, 211, 212, and 213 in Figures 2A to 2E are also combinations of the aerosol generating unit 110 and the tobacco filling unit 120 in Figures 1A to 1C. On the other hand, the aerosol generating unit 240 in Figures 2F and 2G is identical to the aerosol generating unit 110 in Figures 1A to 1C.

[0054] The outer casing of the aerosol product 200 shown in Figures 2A to 2G is also covered by packaging material (i.e., a trumpet). Depending on the embodiment, the aerosol product 200 may further contain a thermal conductor.

[0055] The nicotine-containing portion 250 may contain nicotine obtained by shaping or reconstructing tobacco leaves. Alternatively, the nicotine-containing portion 250 may contain one of the following: organic base nicotine, nicotine salt, or a combination thereof. For example, the nicotine-containing portion 250 may contain a rolled sheet, and the nicotine may be contained in the nicotine-containing portion 250 in a state of impregnation of the rolled sheet. In addition, other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants and / or organic acids, and flavoring liquids may be contained in the nicotine-containing portion 250 in a state of absorption of the rolled sheet.

[0056] The rolled sheet is also a sheet composed of a polymer material. For example, the polymer material may include at least one of paper, cellulose acetate, lyocell, and polylactic acid. For example, the rolled sheet is also a paper sheet that does not produce an unpleasant odor when heated to high temperatures. However, it is not limited to these.

[0057] The cooling unit 220 and mouthpiece 230 shown in Figures 2A to 2G are as described with reference to Figures 1A to 1C. Furthermore, depending on the heating method of the aerosol product 200, the aerosol product 200 may or may not contain a heat conductor.

[0058] The length extension portion 214 can also be made from cellulose acetate. For example, the length extension portion 214 can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow.

[0059] Figures 3A to 3D are diagrams illustrating examples of cooling sections for aerosol products.

[0060] Examples of cooling units 310, 320, 330, and 340 are illustrated in Figures 3A to 3D.

[0061] Referring to Figures 3A to 3C, the cooling sections 310, 320, and 330 can have a configuration in which segments 312, 322, and 332 made of polylactic acid are bonded to different segments 311, 321, and 331, respectively. Here, segments 311, 321, and 331 can also be made of cellulose acetate and / or paper. Furthermore, the other segments 311, 321, and 331 may, but are not limited to, contain hollows.

[0062] Referring to Figure 3D, the cooling section 340 is made of paper and is a tubular structure containing a hollow interior. For example, the inner or outer surface of the cooling section 340 may also be coated with a predetermined substance (e.g., polylactic acid).

[0063] Furthermore, although not shown in Figures 1A to 3D, the aerosol products 100 and 200 may further include a plug positioned at the front end. For example, the plug may be made of cellulose acetate, but is not limited to that.

[0064] Figures 4A to 4N are diagrams illustrating examples of the heating section (e.g., heater) of an aerosol generating apparatus.

[0065] Referring to Figures 4A to 4N, the internal and / or external heating temperatures of the aerosol product can be selectively (or collectively) controlled by the internal heaters 410, 411, 412 and the external heaters 420, 421, 422.

[0066] Referring to Figures 4I and 4J, the first temperature achieved by the first internal heater 411 and the second temperature achieved by the second internal heater 412 may be the same or different. Depending on the type of medium contained in the aerosol product, the first and second temperatures may also be different.

[0067] Figures 4K to 4M illustrate an example in which the internal heating heater 410 and the external heating heater 420 are separated so that each part of the aerosol product is heated to different temperatures.

[0068] Referring to Figure 4N, an example of an aerosol generator including multiple heating units 411, 412, 421, and 422 is illustrated. Figure 4N illustrates two internal heating heaters 411 and 412 and two external heating heaters 421 and 422, but the number of heaters is not limited to those shown in Figure 4N. Also, although Figure 4N illustrates the internal heating heaters 411 and 412 and the external heating heaters 421 and 422 being heated as a whole, this is not limited to that. In other words, the internal heating heaters 410, 411, and 412 or the external heating heaters 420, 421, and 422 shown in Figures 4A through 4N are heated as a whole or partially.

[0069] Figures 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating examples of the coupling relationship between an aerosol generator and aerosol products.

[0070] The external heating elements 520, 540, 561, and 562 shown in Figures 5A to 5C are also any one of the external heating elements 420, 421, and 422 shown in Figures 4A to 4N.

[0071] Referring to Figure 5A, at least a portion of the aerosol product 510 is also covered by a packaging material (hereinafter referred to as the "thermal conductive trumpet") 530 containing a thermally conductive material. Here, the thermal conductive trumpet 530 is also the thermal conductor shown in Figures 1A to 2G. The external heating heater 520 is also positioned near at least a portion of the thermal conductive trumpet 530. In this case, the thermal conductive material is also a paramagnetic material (e.g., aluminum, platinum, ruthenium, etc.) that does not act as a susceptor.

[0072] For example, the external heating heater 520 is also an induction heating heater. When the external heating heater 520 is an induction heating heater, the thermally conductive trumpet 530 of the aerosol product 510 can perform the role of conducting the heat generated by the susceptor. This is so that a portion 511 of the aerosol product 510 that is directly heated by the external heating heater 520 remains at a high temperature, while the other portion 512 is heated by heat conduction through the thermally conductive trumpet 530.

[0073] As another example, the external heating element 520 is also an electrical resistance heater. When the external heating element 520 is an electrical resistance heater, the portion 511 directly heated by the heater 520 is shorter than the total length of the thermal conductive trumpet 530. Through this, one section 511 of the aerosol product 510 can maintain a high temperature, while another section 512 can maintain a relatively low temperature.

[0074] Referring to Figure 5B, at least a portion of the aerosol product 510 is also covered by a thermally conductive trumpet 550, which is also a thermal conductor as shown in Figures 1A to 2G. A heater 540 may be placed outside or inside the portion covered by the thermally conductive trumpet 550. For example, the thermally conductive trumpet 550 may include a paramagnetic material that does not act as a susceptor (e.g., aluminum, platinum, ruthenium, etc.).

[0075] For example, the power density or heat capacity of region A and region B of the heater 540 may differ from each other. As one example, the heat capacity of region A and region B of the heater 540 can be made to differ from each other by making differences in the pattern, shape, density, etc., of the heating electrodes (e.g., electrically conductive tracks). As another example, if the heater 540 is an induction heater, the heat capacity of region A and region B of the heater 540 can be made to differ from each other by making differences in the pattern, shape, density, etc., of the coils or susceptors in region A and region B.

[0076] Referring to Figure 5C, at least a portion of the aerosol product 510 is also covered by a thermally conductive trumpet 570, where the thermally conductive trumpet 570 is also a thermal conductor as shown in Figures 1A to 2G. Multiple heaters 561, 562 may be placed outside or inside the portion covered by the thermally conductive trumpet 570. For example, the thermally conductive trumpet 570 may include a paramagnetic material that does not act as a susceptor (e.g., aluminum, platinum, ruthenium, etc.).

[0077] For example, multiple heaters 561, 562 are also induction heaters and are composed of one or more coils. Another example is that multiple heaters 561, 562 are also electrical resistance heaters.

[0078] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating apparatus.

[0079] Referring to Figure 6, the aerosol generator 610 includes an identification sensor 611 and a control unit 612. The aerosol generator 610 shown in Figure 6 illustrates the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to this embodiment that other components may be further included in the aerosol generator 610 in addition to the components shown in Figure 6.

[0080] The control unit 612 can automatically identify the aerosol product 620 to be inserted into the aerosol generator 610. Furthermore, based on the identification result, the control unit 612 can automatically activate the aerosol generator 610 and / or select the optimal temperature profile.

[0081] For example, the identification sensor 611 is also a sensor that generates a magnetic field signal of a constant frequency and reads the frequency signal of the magnetic field reflected back from the aerosol product 620. Another example is that the identification sensor 611 is also a sensor that distinguishes the external color of the aerosol product 620 or the band-like shape formed on the aerosol product 620. Yet another example is that the identification sensor 611 is also configured to sense the reflection, refractive index, or transmittance of light. Yet another example is that the identification sensor 611 is also an optical sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, etc.

[0082] The control unit 612 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 610. Specifically, the processor 612 controls the operation of not only the identification sensor 611 and the heater, but also other components included in the aerosol generator 610. The processor 612 can also check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 610 and determine whether or not the aerosol generator 610 is in an operational state.

[0083] The control unit 612 is also at least one processor. Here, the processor can also be embodied by an array of numerous logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory in which a program that can be executed by the microprocessor is stored. It can also be embodied by other forms of hardware, as will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment belongs.

[0084] Figures 7A to 7C illustrate examples of identification components included in aerosol products.

[0085] Referring to Figures 7A to 7C, the identification components in each segment of the aerosol product may include the same substance or different substances. For example, referring to Figure 7C, the identification components in the aerosol product may be the same substance or have the same hue, but their thickness, area, shape, etc., may differ. Alternatively, referring to Figure 7A or 7B, the identification components in each segment of the aerosol product may be different substances or have different hues. The order in which the identification components are arranged is not limited to the specific example.

[0086] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating another example of an aerosol generating apparatus.

[0087] Referring to Figure 8, the aerosol generator 800 includes a heater 810, a temperature and humidity sensor 820, and a control unit 830. The aerosol generator 800 shown in Figure 8 illustrates the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to this embodiment that other components may be further included in the aerosol generator 800 in addition to the components shown in Figure 8.

[0088] The heater 810 shown in Figure 8 is at least one of the internal heating heaters 410, 411, 412 and external heating heaters 420, 421, 422 shown in Figures 4A to 4N.

[0089] Referring to Figure 8, the aerosol generator 800 recognizes the external environment, selects the optimal temperature profile accordingly, and operates the heater 810. Thus, the aerosol generator 800 can provide the user with steam that best suits the user's preferences.

[0090] To adjust the quality of the aerosol (e.g., flavor, atomization rate, etc.), the aerosol generator 800 can be operated according to preset temperature heating conditions (i.e., a temperature profile). Generally, the temperature profile has one fixed pattern and is applied uniformly to prevent the occurrence of sensory differences in the aerosol due to deviations between aerosol generators 800, deviations between aerosol products 850, etc.

[0091] Referring to Figure 8, a temperature and humidity sensor 820 is placed inside the aerosol generator 800, which can acquire temperature and humidity information of the current location of the aerosol generator 800. This allows the aerosol generator 800 to apply a variety of temperature profiles for heating the aerosol product 850. For example, temperature profile A is optimized for high-temperature and high-humidity regions, temperature profile B is optimized for low-temperature and dry regions, and temperature profile C is optimized for regions with flatland temperatures and humidity. The aerosol generator 800 can perceive the external environment of the aerosol generator 800 via the temperature and humidity sensor 820, and based on this perception, can select the most appropriate temperature profile from A, B, and C.

[0092] For example, the aerosol generator 800 can select a temperature profile using the sensing values ​​from the temperature and humidity sensor 820, or it can select a temperature profile using weather information received from an external device 860.

[0093] Furthermore, the aerosol generator 800 can switch to other temperature profiles by considering the atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity, etc., at the current location. For example, the aerosol generator 800 can confirm the user's location information and accurately recognize the weather information at the user's location based on that information. Therefore, the aerosol generator 800 can switch to other temperature profiles based on the recognized weather information.

[0094] For example, the aerosol generator 800 can select one of several temperature profiles based on the temperature and / or humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 820.

[0095] [Table 1]

[0096] Table 1 is a table illustrating the process by which the control unit 830 determines the temperature profile related to the heater 810. Referring to Table 1, the memory of the aerosol generator 800 can store criteria for distinguishing between high temperature, ambient temperature, and low temperature, and criteria for distinguishing between high humidity, ambient humidity, and low humidity. For example, the control unit 830 can further subdivide temperature and humidity, and in this embodiment, the number of temperature profiles generated by combinations of temperature and humidity can be more than nine. The control unit 830 can check the sensing results from the temperature and humidity sensor 820 and determine the criterion closest to the external temperature and / or humidity of the aerosol generator 800. This allows the control unit 830 to select an appropriate temperature profile from among several pre-stored temperature profiles. For convenience of explanation, Table 1 shows pre-stored temperature profiles mapped to combinations of temperature and humidity, but is not limited to this. In other words, pre-stored temperature profiles can also be mapped to external temperature only, or to external humidity only.

[0097] On the other hand, the control unit 830 can also finely adjust the pre-set temperature profile based on the temperature and / or humidity sensed by the temperature and humidity sensor 820.

[0098] [Table 2]

[0099] Table 2 shows examples of multiple fine-tuning units output by the aerosol generator 800. Specifically, Table 2 shows nine groups of fine-tuning units. For example, the control unit 830 can select one of the previously stored temperature profiles, as shown in Table 1, based on the external temperature sensed by the temperature and humidity sensor 820. The control unit 830 can then fine-tune the temperature profile selected in Table 2 based on the external humidity sensed by the temperature and humidity sensor 820. The user can also adjust or select a temperature profile via the aerosol generator 800.

[0100] Furthermore, the aerosol generator 800 can record smoking history and temperature profile information selected at each location, thereby forming a fixed data set (e.g., big data). As a result, the aerosol generator 800 can acquire optimal temperature profile information applied to the aerosol product 850 in various situations, and can learn based on this information. Therefore, if a user moves to a new area or is unable to obtain the latest weather information in the user's area, the aerosol generator 800 can select an optimized temperature profile or adjust the temperature profile based on the data stored in the aerosol generator 800 and the sensing results of the temperature and humidity sensor 820 of the aerosol generator 800.

[0101] Furthermore, the aerosol generator 800 includes multiple temperature sensors, and the temperature detected by these sensors can be used to check if the aerosol generator 800 is overheating.

[0102] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating another example of an aerosol generating apparatus.

[0103] Referring to Figure 9, the aerosol generator 900 may further include a heater 910, a battery 920, a PCM (protection circuit module) 925, a first thermistor 930, a second thermistor 940, a temperature sensor 960, and a temperature and humidity sensor 970. On the other hand, only the specific components related to this embodiment are shown in the aerosol generator 900 illustrated in Figure 9. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to this embodiment that other components may be further included in the aerosol generator 900 in addition to the components shown in Figure 9.

[0104] On the other hand, in this specification, it is assumed that the heater 910 is located above the battery 920, and the long portion of the PCB (printed circuit board) 950 is located opposite the front of the battery 920. However, the positional relationships of the components may differ depending on the embodiment.

[0105] The heater 910 shown in Figure 9 is at least one of the internal heating heaters 410, 411, 412 and external heating heaters 420, 421, 422 shown in Figures 4A to 4N. Also, the PCB 950 shown in Figure 9 is the control unit 830 shown in Figure 8.

[0106] The battery 920 can supply power to the heater 910 and is positioned so that its upper surface faces the underside of the heater 910. Although not shown in Figure 9, the battery 920 and the heater 910 can be electrically connected. The battery 920 can also be connected to the heater 910 via the PCB 950 and directly to the heater 910.

[0107] The PCM 925 is also positioned adjacent to the top surface of the battery 920. The PCM 925 is a circuit for protecting the battery 920 and can prevent overcharging and over-discharging of the battery 920. In addition, the PCM 925 prevents overcurrent from flowing to the battery 920 and can interrupt the circuit if the circuit connected to the battery 920 is short-circuited.

[0108] The first thermistor 930 is a resistor whose resistance changes sensitively with temperature changes and is also used for temperature sensing. The first thermistor 930 is also electrically connected to the PCM 925 located on the top surface of the battery 920, and the information measured using the first thermistor 930 is transmitted to the PCB 950 via the PCM 925 circuit.

[0109] On the other hand, the first thermistor 930 can also be positioned adjacent to the front or back of the battery 920. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the first thermistor 930 can also be positioned adjacent to the back of the battery 920. The first thermistor 930 can also be positioned adjacent to the center of the front or back of the battery 920. The center of the front or back of the battery 920 corresponds to the part of the battery 920 that has the highest temperature, and is the part that has the greatest impact on damage or explosion of the battery 920. The aerosol generator 900 can use the first thermistor 930 to measure the temperature of the part of the battery 920 that has the greatest impact on damage or explosion, and based on the measured temperature, the overheating state of the aerosol generator 900 can be determined.

[0110] The second thermistor 940 is also positioned between the heater 910 and the battery 920. The area between the heater 910 and the battery 920 corresponds to the hottest part within the aerosol generator 900, and is suitable for determining the overall overheating state of the aerosol generator 900. On the other hand, at least a portion of the PCB 950 extends across the space between the heater 910 and the battery 920, and the second thermistor 940 is also positioned adjacent to the at least portion of the PCB 950 that extends across the space between the heater 910 and the battery 920.

[0111] Based on the temperatures measured by the first thermistor 930 and the second thermistor 940, the PCB 950 can determine whether or not the aerosol generator 900 is overheating. If the PCB 950 determines that the aerosol generator 900 is overheating, it can wait until the overheating is resolved, and then automatically perform a heating operation using the heater 910.

[0112] The temperature sensor 960 is positioned adjacent to the heater 910 and can directly or indirectly measure the temperature of the heater 910. The heater 910 is the part that has the greatest impact on the cigarette inserted into the aerosol generator 900, and the temperature of the heater 910 can change the characteristics of the aerosol generated from the cigarette. In this embodiment, the aerosol generator 900 can determine whether or not it is overheating based on the temperature of the heater 910 measured using the temperature sensor 960. Therefore, although the hardware components inside the aerosol generator 900 are not expected to be damaged even if further heating is performed, if it is expected that the additional heating will have an undesirable effect on the characteristics of the aerosol generated from the cigarette, it can be determined that the aerosol generator 900 is overheating.

[0113] The temperature and humidity sensor 970 is positioned near the bottom surface of the battery 920 and can measure temperature or humidity. The area near the bottom surface of the battery 920 is the part least affected by the heater 910 and can have a temperature similar to that of the external housing that constitutes the exterior of the aerosol generator 900. In this embodiment, the aerosol generator 900 can determine whether or not it is overheating based on the temperature near the bottom surface of the battery 920 measured using the temperature and humidity sensor 970. Therefore, the aerosol generator 900 can determine that it is overheating when the external temperature of the aerosol generator 900 becomes excessively high.

[0114] The PCB 950 can determine whether the aerosol generator 900 is overheating based on temperatures measured from at least two of the first thermistor 930, the second thermistor 940, the temperature sensor 960, and the temperature and humidity sensor 970. In this way, the aerosol generator 900 according to this embodiment can determine if it is overheating by comprehensively considering the possibility of damage to the hardware components inside the aerosol generator 900, the characteristics of the aerosol generated from the cigarette, and the possibility of safety problems arising due to external temperature, thereby maintaining the aerosol generator 900 in an optimal state.

[0115] On the other hand, the aerosol generator 900 is also connected to an external device via wireless communication, and the aerosol generator 900 is controlled through an application installed on the external device.

[0116] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an aerosol generator is connected to an external device.

[0117] The aerosol generating apparatus 1010 in Figure 10 is also the apparatus 810, 820, and 900 described with reference to Figures 8A to 9.

[0118] External device 1020 may also be, but is not limited to, a smartphone, tablet PC, PC, smart TV, mobile phone, PDA (personal digital assistant), laptop, media player, microserver, GPS (global positioning system) device, e-book reader, digital broadcasting terminal, navigation system, kiosk, MP3 player, digital camera, home appliance, and other mobile or non-mobile computer devices. External device 1020 may also be a wearable device such as a watch, glasses, hairband, or ring equipped with communication and data processing functions. However, it is not limited to these, and external device 1020 may include all types of devices capable of communicating with aerosol generator 1010.

[0119] The aerosol generator 1010 and the external device 1020 can be connected via communication.

[0120] As an example, the aerosol generator 1010 and the external device 1020 are also connected via a network. In this case, the network may include a short-range communication network (LAN: loVAN: value added network), a mobile radio communication network, a satellite communication network, and combinations thereof, and is a comprehensive data communication network that enables the aerosol generator 1010 and the external device 1020 to communicate smoothly with each other, and may include the wireless internet and mobile wireless communication networks.

[0121] For example, wireless communication includes, but is not limited to, wireless LAN (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® Low Energy, Zigbee, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct), UWB (ultra-wideband), infrared communication (IrDA: Infrared Data Association), and NFC (near field communication).

[0122] As another example, the aerosol generator 1010 and the external device 1020 can also be connected by wired communication. This wired communication may include, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus), HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), RS-232 (Recommended Standard 232), or POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service).

[0123] Once the aerosol generator 1010 is connected to the external device 1020, the user can control the aerosol generator 1010 via an application 1030 installed on the external device 1020. For example, the user can turn the aerosol generator 1010 on / off and determine the heater temperature profile via application 1030. The user can also update the software of the aerosol generator 1010 via application 1030.

[0124] The user can check information related to the aerosol generator 1010 through application 1030. For example, the user can check the status of components included in the aerosol generator 1010 (e.g., battery, heater, etc.) through application 1030. The user can also check environmental information of the area where the aerosol generator 1010 is located (e.g., temperature, humidity, level of fine dust, etc.) through application 1030. Furthermore, the user can check information related to nearby service centers through application 1030.

[0125] As shown in the controllers in Figures 6 and 8, at least one of the components, elements, modules, or units (hereinafter referred to as "components") represented by blocks in the drawings can also be embodied, from the exemplary embodiments described above, as structures of various hardware, software, and / or firmware that perform their respective functions. For example, at least one of these components can use a direct circuit structure or other control device that can perform its respective function via the control of one or more microprocessors, such as memory, processors, logic circuits, or lookup tables. At least one of these components can also be concretely embodied by a module, a program, or a portion of code that includes one or more executable instructions for performing a specific logic function and is executed by one or more microprocessors or other control devices. At least one of these components may also include, or be embodied by, a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor that performs its respective function. Two or more of these components may be combined into one or more single components that can perform all the operations or functions of the two or more combined components. At least one of the functions of one of these components may also be performed by other components. Furthermore, although not shown in the block diagram, communication between components can also be performed via a bus. The functional aspects of the exemplary embodiment described above can also be embodied by algorithms executed by one or more processors. In addition, components represented in blocks or processing stages can employ any number of related technologies for electronic configuration, signal processing and / or control, data processing, etc.

[0126] Those skilled in the art in the field relating to this embodiment will understand that it is embodied in modified forms that do not deviate from the essential characteristics described above. Therefore, the disclosed method should be considered from an explanatory rather than restrictive viewpoint. The scope of the present invention is shown in the claims, not the foregoing, and all differences within an equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the present invention.

Claims

1. In aerosol products, an aerosol generating unit containing a first aerosol generating substance that does not contain nicotine, A tobacco filling section is provided, which is positioned adjacent to one end of the aerosol generating section and contains a second aerosol generating substance containing nicotine, A cooling unit is positioned adjacent to one end of the tobacco filling section and cools the aerosol, A mouthpiece positioned adjacent to one end of the cooling unit, The system includes a configuration for identifying the aerosol product, which is arranged in the aerosol generating section and the tobacco filling section, respectively, such that there is a difference in at least one of the following along the axial direction of the aerosol product: When the aerosol product is inserted into an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating unit and the tobacco filling unit are heated by the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol containing nicotine.

2. The aerosol generating unit is a crimped sheet made of a polymer material. The aerosol product according to claim 1, comprising the first aerosol-generating substance, wherein the first aerosol-generating substance is impregnated into the rolled sheet.

3. The aerosol product according to claim 2, wherein the polymer material comprises at least one of paper, cellulose acetate, lyocell, and polylactic acid.

4. The aerosol product according to claim 1, wherein the cooling section is made of laminated paper composed of an outer paper, an intermediate paper, and an inner paper, and includes a tubular structure containing a single hollow inside.

5. The aerosol product according to claim 4, wherein the inner surface of the cooling section is coated with polylactic acid.

6. The aerosol product according to claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece comprises at least one capsule containing a fragrance liquid or an aerosol generating substance.

7. The aerosol product according to claim 1, wherein the tobacco filling section includes a cooling hole for primary cooling the aerosol before secondary cooling by the cooling section.

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