Aerosol generator

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes an aerosol generator that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance and includes a storage tank that stores the aerosol generating substance and a container that contains an aerosol generating product so that the aerosol passes through the aerosol generating product, corresponding to a puff; and a main body that is detachably connected to the aerosol generator, is positioned toward the container space, and includes a sensor unit for generating a signal related to a physical quantity in the container space.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating apparatus, and more particularly to an aerosol generating apparatus that can obtain accurate information about aerosol products. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for technologies to replace the common method of supplying aerosols by burning aerosol products. For example, research is underway on methods such as generating aerosols from liquid or solid aerosol-generating materials, or generating vapor from liquid aerosol-generating materials and then passing the resulting vapor through a solid fragrance medium to supply a flavored aerosol.

[0003] Examples of aerosol generators include those that use both an aerosol product (e.g., a cigarette) and a cartridge containing a liquid aerosol-generating substance. Such aerosol generators have a structure in which the liquid aerosol-generating substance is heated to produce an aerosol, and the produced aerosol passes through the aerosol product and is inhaled by the user. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] When aerosol products are reused, the quality of the aerosol supplied to the user deteriorates. Therefore, it is necessary to either inform users not to reuse aerosol products, or to prevent aerosol generation in the aerosol generator if attempts are being made to reuse used aerosol products.

[0005] The problem to be solved through various embodiments of the present invention relates to a function that prevents the reuse of aerosol products, and to provide an aerosol generating device that can sensitively and accurately sense the physical quantities related to aerosol products.

[0006] Another problem that the present invention seeks to solve through various embodiments is to provide an aerosol generating apparatus that can improve the reliability and accuracy of determining how to use or the usage cycle of aerosol products.

[0007] Another problem that the present invention seeks to solve through various embodiments is to prevent damage to sensors included in aerosol generators and to improve their durability.

[0008] The problems to be solved through these embodiments are not limited to those described above, and any problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes an aerosol generator that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance and includes a storage tank and a puff for storing the aerosol generating substance, and a storage section for containing the aerosol product so that the aerosol passes through the aerosol product; and a main body that is detachably coupled to the aerosol generator and is positioned toward the storage space, and includes a sensor section for generating a signal relating to the physical quantity of the storage space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] In aerosol generating devices of various embodiments, the sensor unit is exposed toward the containment unit that holds the aerosol product, allowing for more sensitive and accurate measurement of physical quantities related to the aerosol product.

[0011] Aerosol generating devices in various embodiments can improve the reliability and accuracy of determining the usage cycle of aerosol products by comparing the signal values ​​provided by two or more sensors.

[0012] In an aerosol generation device according to various embodiments, the aerosol generating substance and the sensor are spatially separated from each other, thereby preventing damage to the sensor and improving the durability of the sensor.

[0013] The problems to be solved through the embodiments are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] It is a cross-sectional view for explaining an aerosol generator according to an embodiment of the present invention and an aerosol generation device including the same. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view for explaining the structure and function of an aerosol generator included in an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view for explaining the structure and function of a main body included in an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view for explaining the arrangement of sensors of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention based on the II-II cross-sectional line of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of sensors of an aerosol generation device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of sensors of an aerosol generation device according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a drawing for explaining the structure of a cigarette removably inserted into an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a drawing for explaining the structure of a cigarette removably inserted into an aerosol generation device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a block diagram of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] In the embodiments, the terminology used has been selected to be as widely used and general as possible, taking into account the functions of the present invention. However, this may change depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In certain cases, the applicant may have arbitrarily selected some terms, in which case their meaning will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terminology used in the present invention must not be merely names of terms, but must be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention.

[0016] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a component, this means, unless otherwise stated, that it may include other components, not exclude them. Furthermore, terms such as "~part" and "~module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be embodied in hardware or software, or in a combination of hardware and software.

[0017] As used herein, when an expression such as "at least one of the listed components" precedes a list of components, it modifies the group of components as a whole, rather than each of the listed components individually. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" must be interpreted as including a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0018] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating an aerosol product contained in an internal space.

[0019] The aerosol generator includes a heater. In one embodiment, the heater is an electrical resistive heater. For example, the heater includes a conductive track, and when an electric current flows through the conductive track, the heater is heated.

[0020] The heater includes tubular heating elements, plate heating elements, needle heating elements, or rod heating elements, and heats the inside or outside of the aerosol product depending on the shape of the heating element. The heater may heat the aerosol product itself or heat aerosol-generating material separately provided outside the aerosol product. Multiple heaters may be arranged in the aerosol generator. Multiple heaters may be arranged to be inserted inside the aerosol product or to be arranged outside the aerosol product. Alternatively, some of the multiple heaters may be arranged to be inserted inside the aerosol product and the rest to be arranged outside the aerosol product.

[0021] The aerosol product includes tobacco rods and filter rods. Tobacco rods may be made in sheet form, in strand form, or from shredded tobacco obtained by cutting tobacco sheets into small pieces. Tobacco rods may also be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil.

[0022] The filter rod is also a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may consist of at least one segment. For example, the filter rod may have a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering out predetermined components contained in the aerosol.

[0023] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device further comprises a cradle.

[0024] The aerosol generator forms a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle charges the aerosol generator's battery. Alternatively, the heater may be heated while the cradle and aerosol generator are coupled together.

[0025] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. The present invention can be implemented in a form that can be embodied in the aerosol generating apparatus of the various embodiments described above, or in various different forms, but is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0026] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an aerosol generator and an aerosol generating apparatus containing the same according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] The aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 1 contains the components according to this embodiment. In addition to the components shown in Figure 1, other components may be further provided in the aerosol generator 1.

[0028] Referring to Figure 1, the aerosol generator 1 includes an aerosol generator 10 and a main unit 20. The main unit 20 houses a control unit and a battery. The aerosol generator 1 is sometimes referred to as a cartridge.

[0029] Aerosol generating apparatus 1 is a device that generates aerosols using an aerosol generator 10 in which aerosol generating material is stored.

[0030] Furthermore, the aerosol product 30 is removably inserted into the aerosol generator 10.

[0031] The aerosol-generating material is stored inside the aerosol generator 10, and the aerosol-generating material stored in the aerosol generator 10 is supplied to the atomizer contained within the aerosol generator 10. As a result, the aerosol-generating material is aerosolized inside the aerosol generator 10 by the atomizer.

[0032] In this invention, "aerosol" refers to particles produced when aerosol-generating substance is heated and the resulting vapor is mixed with air. This term will be used with the same meaning hereafter. Specific details regarding other components, such as the atomizer, will be described later.

[0033] The aerosol generator 10 is detachably attached to the main body 20 while containing the aerosol-generating substance. However, it is not limited to this, and the aerosol-generating substance may be injected into the aerosol generator 10 while the aerosol generator 10 is coupled to the main body 20.

[0034] The main body 20 supports the aerosol generator 10. Components for the operation of the aerosol generator 1 are arranged inside the main body 20.

[0035] The internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to that shown in Figure 1. In other words, the arrangement of components such as the aerosol generator 10 and the main body 20 may vary depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1.

[0036] If necessary, the aerosol generator 1 can operate the aerosol generator 10 even when the aerosol product 30 is not inserted into the aerosol generator 10.

[0037] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure and function of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a drawing showing the aerosol generator 10 separated from the main body.

[0038] Referring to Figure 2, the aerosol generator 10 includes a storage tank 11 for storing aerosol-generating material, a containment section 12, an airflow passage 13, and an atomizer 14. However, the embodiment is not limited to the structure shown in Figure 2. That is, the arrangement of the storage tank 11, containment section 12, airflow passage 13, and atomizer 14 can be varied in many ways.

[0039] The aerosol generator 10 generates an aerosol using an aerosol-generating substance stored in the storage tank 11. The aerosol generator 10 has an aerosol-generating substance that exists in one of a variety of states, such as liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel. The aerosol-generating substance includes a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance includes, 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.

[0040] For example, the liquid composition comprises a glycerin and propylene glycol solution in any weight ratio to which a nicotine salt has been added. The liquid composition may also contain two or more nicotine salts. The nicotine salt is formed by adding a suitable acid, including an organic or inorganic acid, to nicotine. The nicotine is naturally occurring nicotine or synthetic nicotine, and has a concentration of any suitable weight relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

[0041] The acid used to form the nicotine salt is appropriately selected considering the rate of nicotine absorption into the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generator 1, the flavor or aroma, solubility, etc. For example, the acid used to form the nicotine salt 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.

[0042] The liquid substance composition includes water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavoring agents, or vitamin mixtures. The fragrances include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit fragrance components. The flavoring agents include components that provide users with a variety of flavors or aromas. The vitamin mixture may also be, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E. Furthermore, the liquid substance composition may include aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0043] The storage tank 11 stores the liquid substance composition. The storage tank 11 may be manufactured to be detachable from the aerosol generator 10, or it may be manufactured as an integral part of the aerosol generator 10.

[0044] As an example of how to use the storage tank 11 when it is detachably manufactured from the aerosol generator 10, if the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 11 is depleted, the user can continue smoking by replacing the existing aerosol generator 10 with a new aerosol generator 10.

[0045] Another example of how the storage tank 11 can be used when it is detachably manufactured from the aerosol generator 10 is that if the performance of the components of the aerosol generator 10 (e.g., atomizer) deteriorates and a sufficient amount of aerosol is not produced or the aerosol-generating material leaks, the user can replace the existing aerosol generator 10 with a new aerosol generator 10 to ensure that a sufficient amount of aerosol is produced or to prevent leakage of the aerosol-generating material.

[0046] The storage tank 11 stores aerosol-generating material and is located above the airflow passage 13, thereby connecting it to the internal space of the airflow passage 13.

[0047] The aerosol product 30 is removably inserted into the aerosol generator 10. The aerosol product 30 may also be a medium through which the aerosol-containing airflow passes. The aerosol generator 10 includes a cavity for containing the aerosol product 30, which is called the containment section 12. The aerosol product 30 is removably inserted into the containment section 12 of the aerosol generator 10 (see Figure 1).

[0048] The containment section 12 is formed in a shape corresponding to the aerosol product. For example, if the aerosol product is cylindrical, the inner diameter of the containment section 12 is larger than the outer diameter of the aerosol product, and the inner circumferential surface of the containment section 12 is separated from the outer circumferential surface of the aerosol product by a certain distance.

[0049] Once the aerosol product is inserted into the containment section 12 of the aerosol generator 10, the aerosol generator operates the aerosol generator 10 to generate aerosols.

[0050] The aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 10 is transmitted to the aerosol product 30 via the airflow passage 13 (described later), and is discharged to the outside after passing through the aerosol product 30. At this time, the user brings their mouth into contact with the aerosol product 30 and inhales the aerosol that is discharged to the outside of the aerosol generator 1 via the aerosol product 30. A specific description of the aerosol product 30 according to one embodiment will be given later.

[0051] The aerosol product inserted into the containment section 12 is supplied with aerosols from the airflow passage 13, which will be described later.

[0052] The containment section 12 houses the aerosol product 30 and is located on one side of the storage tank 11. The internal space of the containment section 12 that houses the aerosol product 30 is spatially separated from the storage tank 11, and the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 11 does not need to flow into the internal space of the containment section 12.

[0053] The aerosol product is similar to that of a typical combustion-type aerosol product. For example, the aerosol product is divided into a first part containing the aerosol-generating substance and a second part containing a filter, etc. Alternatively, the second part of the aerosol product may also contain a separate aerosol-generating substance. For example, an aerosol-generating substance made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second part.

[0054] The entire first portion of the aerosol product is inserted into the containment section 12, and the second portion of the aerosol product is exposed outside the containment section 12. Alternatively, only a portion of the first portion of the aerosol product may be inserted into the containment section 12. Alternatively, both the entire first portion and a portion of the second portion of the aerosol product may be inserted into the containment section 12.

[0055] The user inhales the aerosol with the second part in their mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated when outside air passes through the first part of the aerosol product, and the generated aerosol is transmitted to the user's mouth by passing through the second part of the aerosol product.

[0056] The airflow passage 13 is configured to allow aerosols to pass through the aerosol product and be transmitted to the user. The airflow mixed with aerosols generated from the aerosol generating material travels through the airflow passage 13 and passes through the aerosol product located in the containment section 12.

[0057] The opening and closing of the airflow passage 13 formed in the aerosol generator 10 and / or adjustment of the size of the airflow passage 13 are performed by the user. This allows the user to adjust the quantity and quality of the steam. For this purpose, the airflow passage 13 is equipped with valves that can be operated manually by the user to adjust the size of the passage 13, or valves that can be operated by electrical signals to adjust the size of the passage 13.

[0058] The airflow passage 13 includes an air inlet 131, an aerosol generating section 132, and an air outlet 133.

[0059] As an example, external air flows into the airflow passage 13 through at least one air inlet 131 formed in the aerosol generator 10. As another example, external air flows into the airflow passage 13 through at least one hole (not shown) formed in the main body.

[0060] The aerosol generation unit 132 transmits the aerosol generated by the atomizer 14 (described later) to the airflow passage 13. In the aerosol generation unit 132, the aerosol generated by the atomizer 14 is merged with the airflow of air that flows in from the air inlet 131.

[0061] The outside air merges with the aerosol at the aerosol generation unit 132 to form a new airflow, and this new airflow containing the aerosol moves towards the air outlet 133. Through the air outlet 133, the airflow containing the aerosol and outside air moves to the containment unit 12.

[0062] The airflow passage 13 is connected to the outside of the aerosol generator 10, and the containment section 12 is connected to the outside by being connected to the airflow passage 13. Therefore, outside air and aerosols flow into the containment section 12.

[0063] The atomizer 14 is also called a cartomizer or vaporizer, but is not limited to these terms. The atomizer 14 is an element for heating a liquid substance composition that is transferred from the storage tank 11 by a liquid transfer means.

[0064] The atomizer 14 is an electrically resistive heater. For example, the atomizer 14 includes a conductive track, and the atomizer 14 is heated as current flows through the conductive track. However, the atomizer 14 is not limited to the above example and is open to any device that can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be pre-set in the aerosol generator or set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0065] The atomizer 14 may include, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, or a ceramic heater. The atomizer 14 may also include a conductive filament, such as a nichrome wire, which is either wound around a liquid transfer means or positioned adjacent to it. The atomizer 14 is heated by an electric current supply, transferring heat to the liquid composition in contact with the atomizer 14, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating material.

[0066] The atomizer 14 includes a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element.

[0067] Furthermore, the aerosol generator 10 may be equipped with multiple atomizers 14.

[0068] The shape and position of the atomizer 14 are not limited to those shown in Figures 1 and 2, but can be manufactured in a variety of shapes and placed in a variety of positions.

[0069] The atomizer 14 operates by an electrical or wireless signal transmitted from the main unit, converting the phase of the aerosol-generating substance transmitted from the storage tank 11 into a gas phase, thereby generating an aerosol. An aerosol refers to a gaseous state in which vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating substance and air are mixed.

[0070] In one embodiment, the atomizer 14 heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol is transmitted to the user through the aerosol product. Specifically, the aerosol generated by the atomizer 14 moves to the aerosol product along the airflow passage 13 of the aerosol generator 10, and the airflow passage 13 is configured so that the aerosol generated by the atomizer 14 passes through the aerosol product and is transmitted to the user.

[0071] In other embodiments, the atomizer 14 generates aerosols from aerosol-generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration method refers to a method of generating aerosols by atomizing the aerosol-generating material with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a transducer.

[0072] The atomizer 14 includes a transducer, which generates short-period vibrations to atomize the aerosol-generating substance. The vibrations generated by the transducer are ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations is approximately 100 kHz to approximately 3.5 MHz, but is not limited to this.

[0073] The atomizer 14 further comprises a core that absorbs aerosol-generating material. For example, the core is positioned to cover at least one region of the oscillator, or to be in contact with at least one region of the oscillator.

[0074] When a voltage (e.g., AC voltage) is applied to the transducer, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are generated from the transducer, and these heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are transmitted to the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the core. The aerosol-generating material absorbed in the core is converted into a gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the transducer, and as a result, an aerosol is generated.

[0075] For example, the heat generated from the transducer reduces the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the core, and the ultrasonic vibrations generated from the transducer break down the reduced viscosity aerosol-generating material into fine particles, thereby generating an aerosol, but this is not the only example.

[0076] On the other hand, as another example, the atomizer 14 may be an induction heating type heater. Specifically, the atomizer 14 includes a conductive coil for heating the aerosol product by induction heating, and a susceptor that is heated by the magnetic field generated by the coil.

[0077] The coil applies a magnetic field to the susceptor. Power is supplied to the coil from the main unit's battery, creating a magnetic field inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor is a magnetic material that generates heat in response to an external magnetic field. The susceptor is located inside the coil, and the application of a magnetic field causes it to generate heat, thereby heating the aerosol product. Alternatively, the susceptor may be selectively located within the aerosol product.

[0078] The atomizer 14 is heated by power supplied from the main unit's battery. For example, when aerosol products are inserted into the storage section 12, the atomizer 14 can raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating material in the storage tank 11.

[0079] The aerosol generator 10 further includes a liquid transfer means (not shown). The liquid transfer means transfers the liquid substance composition from the storage tank 11 to the atomizer 14. For example, the liquid transfer means may be, but is not limited to, a wick such as cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramic.

[0080] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure and function of the main body included in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described as follows.

[0082] The main unit 20 includes a coupling unit 21, a sensor unit 22, a control unit 23, and a battery 24.

[0083] The coupling portion 21 provides a space for the aerosol generator 10, as described above, to be detachably coupled, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The coupling portion 21 can be formed in various forms as long as it can be coupled to the aerosol generator 10. For example, in Figure 3, the aerosol generator 10 moves vertically to couple to or separate from the coupling portion 21, but by modifying this structure, the aerosol generator 10 can move horizontally to couple to or separate from the coupling portion 21.

[0084] The aerosol generator 10 is connected to the main body 20 by being connected to the coupling part 21, and is separated from the main body 20 by being separated from the coupling part 21.

[0085] The sensor unit 22 is for sensing the state of the aerosol generator 10 or the aerosol product 30 as described above, with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The sensor unit 22 senses physical quantities (e.g., humidity, temperature, movement, etc.) in the containment unit 12 and generates a signal indicating the physical quantity. Therefore, the sensor unit 22 senses the humidity, temperature, movement, etc. of the aerosol product 30. The sensor unit 22 includes multiple sensors.

[0086] The sensor unit 22 includes at least one sensor (such as a humidity sensor, puff sensor, temperature sensor, or proximity sensor).

[0087] The sensor unit 22 is positioned on the inner wall of the coupling unit 21. At least a portion of the sensor unit 22 is exposed to the interior of the coupling unit 21 by its inner wall. In this case, when the aerosol generator 10 is coupled to the coupling unit 21, at least a portion of the sensor unit 22 is exposed toward the aerosol generator 10. That is, a portion of the sensor unit 22 faces the aerosol generator 10 directly at a close position with no obstructions in between.

[0088] As yet another example, if the aerosol generator 10 is connected to the coupling portion 21, at least a portion of the sensor portion 22 will be in direct physical contact with the aerosol generator 10.

[0089] According to one embodiment of the aerosol generating apparatus, the sensor unit 22 is positioned closer to the aerosol generator 10, so that various physical quantities such as humidity and temperature of the containment unit 12 and / or the aerosol product 30 inserted into the containment unit 12 can be measured more sensitively and accurately.

[0090] The sensor unit 22 includes metal. For example, the sensor unit 22 includes, but is not limited to, brass or stainless steel.

[0091] The sensor unit 22 is a thin film, but is not limited to this.

[0092] At least a portion of one surface of the sensor portion 22 exposed toward the aerosol generator 10 and / or the coupling portion 21 is plated with metal. For example, the sensor portion 22 may be plated with gold, nickel, or the like, but is not limited to these. Plating the sensor portion 22 minimizes damage to the surface of the sensor portion 22 exposed toward the interior of the coupling portion 21 due to friction caused by repeated separation and bonding of the aerosol product 30.

[0093] Furthermore, plating the sensor unit 22 improves its electrical conductivity, allowing it to detect objects more sensitively and accurately.

[0094] The sensor unit 22 can be arranged in various ways. For example, at least a portion of the sensor unit 22 is inserted into one surface of the main body 20. Specifically, at least a portion of the sensor unit 22 is inserted into the inner wall of the coupling portion 21.

[0095] As another example, the sensor unit 22 may be attached to a part of the main body 20. For example, at least a part of the sensor unit 22 may be attached to the inner wall of the coupling unit 21 by fastening means such as rivets, screws, or protrusions and grooves.

[0096] As yet another example, the sensor unit 22 is attached to a part of the main body 20 using an adhesive. For example, the sensor unit 22 is attached to a part of the main body 20 using double-sided tape.

[0097] For example, multiple sensor units 22 are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the aerosol generator 10, which is coupled to the coupling unit 21. Specifically, multiple sensor units 22 are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the housing unit 12. As another example, multiple sensor units 22 are arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the coupling unit 21.

[0098] Various embodiments regarding the arrangement of the sensor unit 22 will be described later with reference to Figures 4 to 6.

[0099] The sensor unit 22 includes a sensor for sensing the humidity of the housing unit 12 and / or the aerosol product 30.

[0100] At least a portion of the aerosol generated in the aerosol generation section 132 of the airflow passage 13 liquefies as it moves toward the containment section 12. The liquefied aerosol contains some moisture and penetrates or causes humidity in the aerosol product 30 contained in the containment section 12. In one embodiment, the sensor section 22 generates a signal based on the amount of aerosol (or moisture) that has penetrated or is present in the aerosol product 30. The signal regarding moisture sensed by the sensor section 22 is provided to the processor or memory of the main unit 20, thereby obtaining information about the moisture and / or humidity of the aerosol product 30.

[0101] In one embodiment, if there is a change in the amount of moisture that penetrates or is present in a part of the aerosol product 30 contained in the containment section 12, the electromagnetic properties change. In response to this, the sensor section 22 generates a signal related to such a change in electromagnetic properties. The control unit senses information regarding the moisture and / or humidity of the aerosol product 30 based on the signal from the sensor section 22.

[0102] For example, the sensor unit 22 includes a capacitive sensor (not shown). For example, the sensor unit 22 includes at least two plates arranged at a certain interval. The capacitive sensor senses changes in humidity of the housing unit 12 and / or the aerosol product 30. The capacitive sensor senses changes in relative humidity.

[0103] The two plates contained in the capacitance sensor are made of a conductive material, and a thin film material such as a polymer acts as a dielectric. The capacitance between the two plates changes with changes in the relative humidity of the air surrounding the capacitance sensor.

[0104] The relative humidity of the air surrounding the capacitance sensor is determined by measuring the capacitance between the two plates contained within the capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor can measure the change in humidity of the aerosol product 30 and / or the housing 12 by measuring the change in capacitance and / or dielectric constant between the two plates.

[0105] The accuracy and reliability of humidity measurements using capacitive sensors can be further improved when used in conjunction with other techniques such as impedance measurement or RC vibration.

[0106] The two plates contained within a capacitance sensor are called one channel. Capacitive sensors have multiple channels to simultaneously measure the capacitance of multiple parts. Multiple channels improve the resolution or accuracy of the sensing system. For example, if a capacitance sensor has two channels, it can sense the relative humidity of two different regions.

[0107] Additionally or selectively, the sensor unit 22 includes a humidity sensor that measures the humidity of the housing unit 12 and / or the aerosol product 30 in a manner different from that of a capacitance sensor.

[0108] At least a portion of the sensor unit 22 is positioned in a location corresponding to the upstream section of the airflow passing through the aerosol product 30. At the same time, the other portion of the sensor unit 22 is positioned in a location corresponding to the downstream section of the airflow passing through the aerosol product 300.

[0109] The service life of the aerosol product 30 is predetermined. Whether the aerosol product 30 has reached the end of its service life is determined by measuring its humidity (or moisture content). For example, if the amount of humidity (or moisture content) of the aerosol product 30 detected by the sensor unit 22 exceeds a predetermined value, the aerosol product 30 is considered to have reached the end of its service life.

[0110] However, if the humidity around the aerosol generator 1 or the aerosol product 30 increases due to humid weather or rain, the humidity level of the aerosol product 30 may rise to exceed a preset humidity value, even if the aerosol product 30 is not being used at all. In this case, the aerosol product 30 may be deemed to have reached the end of its lifespan, even though it is not being used at all.

[0111] In one embodiment of the aerosol generator 1, the change in humidity in at least two or more areas is measured. This makes it possible to accurately determine whether the aerosol product 30 has reached the end of its lifespan, even if the humidity of the aerosol product 30 increases due to the surrounding environment.

[0112] Referring to Figure 1, the aerosol product 300 is divided into a first region B and a second region T. The airflow passing through the aerosol product 300 passes through the first region B, then through the second region T, and reaches the user.

[0113] With respect to the airflow passing through the aerosol product 300, the first region B is located upstream of the second region T. That is, the second region T is located downstream of the first region B within the airflow of the aerosol product 300.

[0114] The sensor unit 22 includes a plurality of sensors, including a first sensor 221 and a second sensor 222. The first sensor 221 and the second sensor 222 sense the change in humidity of the aerosol product 30 and / or the housing unit 12 and generate a signal. The first sensor 221 and the second sensor 222 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol product 30. That is, the first sensor 221 and the second sensor 222 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the housing unit 12. The first sensor 221 is positioned at a location corresponding to a first region B of the aerosol product 30, and the second sensor 222 is positioned at a location corresponding to a second region T of the aerosol product 30.

[0115] The first sensor 221 and the second sensor 222 are the capacitive sensors described above.

[0116] The control unit 23 receives the signal generated by the sensor unit 22. The control unit 23 controls the operation of the aerosol generator 10 based on the signal generated by the first sensor 221 and the signal generated by the second sensor 222. The control unit 23 compares the signal from the first sensor 221 and the signal from the second sensor 222 to obtain information about humidity, and controls the operation of the aerosol generator 10 based on the information about humidity.

[0117] The airflow containing aerosols generated in the atomizer 14 of the aerosol generator 10 moves from the first region B to the second region T. Therefore, the first region B is affected by the aerosols earlier than the second region T, resulting in greater leakage, and the humidity change in the first region B is greater than the humidity change in the second region T. In other words, for a used aerosol product 30, the humidity difference between the first region B and the second region T is greater than that of an unused aerosol product 30. As a result, if the humidity difference between the first region B and the second region T exceeds a predetermined size, the aerosol product 30 is considered to have reached the end of its lifespan. Therefore, the control unit 23 compares the humidity change in the first region B with the humidity change in the second region T and determines whether the aerosol product 30 has reached the end of its lifespan based on the comparison result.

[0118] For example, if the ambient humidity around an unused aerosol product 30 is too high due to humid weather (e.g., rain), both the humidity in the first region B and the second region T of the aerosol product 30 will be high, and as a result, the humidity difference between the first region B and the second region T will be smaller than the preset value. On the other hand, if the ambient humidity around an unused aerosol product 30 is appropriate or low, both the humidity in the first region B and the second region T of the aerosol product 30 will be low, and the humidity difference between the first region B and the second region T will be smaller than the preset value. Therefore, in the case of an unused aerosol product 30, regardless of the ambient humidity, the humidity difference between the first region B and the second region T is measured to be less than or equal to the preset value, and it is determined to be unused.

[0119] On the other hand, if the difference between the humidity change in the first region B and the humidity change in the second region T is greater than or equal to a preset value, the control unit 23 determines that the aerosol product 30 has reached the end of its lifespan and interrupts the operation of the aerosol generator 10.

[0120] According to one embodiment of the aerosol generating apparatus, by measuring the humidity of two or more regions of the aerosol product 30 as described above, it is possible to accurately determine whether the lifespan of the aerosol product 30 has ended, regardless of various weather conditions.

[0121] After the aerosol product 30 that has reached the end of its lifespan is removed and a new aerosol product 30 is inserted into the storage unit 12, the control unit 23 senses the humidity difference between the first region B and the second region T of the new aerosol product 30 and determines how the aerosol generator 10 will operate based on the humidity difference.

[0122] The sensor unit 22 further includes a third sensor 223. In one embodiment, the third sensor 223 senses the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product 30. For example, the third sensor 223 includes 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 generates a signal when the aerosol product 30 is inserted and / or removed.

[0123] The third sensor 223 is positioned opposite the first sensor 221 with respect to the second sensor 222. Along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol product 30 or the containment section 12, the third sensor 223 is positioned downstream of the second sensor 222. However, the above-described arrangement of the third sensor 223 is illustrative, and the third sensor 223 can be positioned in a variety of locations where it can detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product 30.

[0124] When the control unit 23 detects the insertion of the aerosol product 30 based on the signal from the third sensor 223, it can start sensing the humidity of the containment unit 12 and / or the aerosol product 30 using the first sensor 221 and the second sensor 222 described above. When the control unit 23 detects the removal of the aerosol product 30 based on the signal from the third sensor 223, the control unit interrupts humidity sensing using the first sensor 221 and the second sensor 222.

[0125] When measuring the humidity of the storage unit 12 using the sensor unit 22, the humidity of the liquid aerosol generating substance contained in the storage tank 11 interferes with the measurement of the humidity of the storage unit 12. Therefore, the storage tank 11 is positioned away from the sensor unit 22 to reduce the error in measuring the humidity of the storage unit 12.

[0126] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the housing section 12 is positioned between the storage tank 11 and the sensor section 22. That is, the sensor section 22 is positioned on the opposite side of the storage tank 11 via the housing section 12. This structure minimizes the error in humidity measurement by the sensor section 22.

[0127] The sensor unit 22 is located in a spatially separated area from the storage tank 11. That is, the sensor unit 22 is located in the main body 20, and the storage tank 11 is located in the aerosol generator 10, which is spatially separated from the main body 20. As a result, the sensor unit 22 and the storage tank 11 are separated by the containment unit 12. This prevents the aerosol-generating substance stored in the storage tank 11 from penetrating the sensor unit 22, thereby reducing the possibility of damage or breakage of the sensor unit 22 by the aerosol-generating substance.

[0128] The control unit 23 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. Specifically, the control unit 23 controls the operation of not only the aerosol generator 10 and the battery 24, but also other components included in the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 23 can also check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether the aerosol generator 1 is in an operational state.

[0129] The control unit 23 determines whether the aerosol product 30 has reached the end of its lifespan using the method described above, and controls the operation of the aerosol generator 10 based on that determination. For example, if the control unit 23 determines that the aerosol product 30 has reached the end of its lifespan, it interrupts the operation of the aerosol generator 10.

[0130] When the control unit 23 detects that an aerosol product 30 has been inserted into the housing 12 based on the signal from the third sensor 223, it controls the operation of the aerosol generator 10 based on the signals from the first sensor 221 and the second sensor 222. For example, after the control unit 23 detects the removal of an aerosol product 30 that has reached the end of its lifespan based on the third sensor 223, if it detects that the inserted aerosol product 30 is not being used, it restarts the operation of the aerosol generator 10.

[0131] On the other hand, the aerosol generator 1 further includes various components in addition to the coupling unit 21, sensor unit 22, control unit 23, and battery 24. For example, the aerosol generator 1 includes an output unit (not shown). The output unit includes a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information.

[0132] The output unit outputs information to the outside. The output unit provides the user with information regarding the expiration of the service life of the aerosol product 30. For example, the control unit 23, based on the signals from the first sensor 221 and the second sensor 222, senses the difference in humidity change between the first region B and the second region T of the aerosol product 30, and if it determines that the service life of the aerosol product 30 has ended, it can notify the user via the output unit to replace the aerosol product 30.

[0133] The control unit 23 controls the output unit to output information based on the signals from the first sensor 221 and the second sensor 222. Specifically, the control unit 23 senses the difference in humidity change between the first region B and the second region T based on the signals from the first sensor 221 and the second sensor 222, and if it determines that the aerosol product 30 is unused, it notifies the user via the output unit that the aerosol product 30 has not reached the end of its lifespan and that the aerosol generator 1 is operating normally.

[0134] The control unit 23 comprises at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory in which a program executed by this microprocessor is stored. Those skilled in the art will understand that it may also be embodied as other forms of hardware.

[0135] The battery 24 supplies the power used when the aerosol generator 1 operates. For example, the battery 24 supplies power to the aerosol generator 10 connected to the coupling part 21 to generate aerosols, and supplies the power necessary for the control unit 23 to operate. The battery 24 also supplies the power necessary for the operation of the display, sensors, motors, etc., located in the main unit 20.

[0136] Furthermore, the main body 20 may be constructed in such a way that external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out even when the aerosol product 30 is inserted.

[0137] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of sensors in an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 shows a cross-section of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 of Figure 1, taken with reference to the II-II cross-sectional line.

[0138] Referring to Figure 4, at least a portion of the sensor portion 22 has a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the housing portion 12 (i.e., a portion of the housing of the aerosol generator 1 that defines the housing portion 12). For example, if the surface of the housing portion 12 is a curved surface that forms part of a cylinder, the sensor portion 22 is also formed as a curved surface that forms part of a cylinder.

[0139] Both the housing section 12 and the sensor section 22 include a circular curved surface with an equal radius of curvature, and the outer diameter of the housing section 12 is larger than the inner diameter of the sensor section 22. Therefore, the housing section 12 and the sensor section 22 are spaced apart by the difference between the outer diameter of the housing section 12 and the inner diameter of the sensor section 22. In this embodiment, the distance between the housing section 12 and the sensor section 22 is constant along the circumferential direction of the housing section 12. As a result, the sensor section 22 is positioned at a constant distance from the housing section 12, allowing the sensor section 22 to more sensitively and accurately sense moisture and / or humidity inside the housing section 12.

[0140] Figures 5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating the arrangement of sensors in an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figures 5 and 6 show a cross-section of the aerosol generator 1 of Figure 1, taken with respect to the II-II cross-sectional line.

[0141] Due to the design of the aerosol generator 1, the change in humidity in a specific area of ​​the containment section 12 is greater than the change in humidity in other areas. In this case, by setting the distance between the area with a large change in humidity and the sensor section 22 to be closer than the distance between the area with a small change in humidity within the entire containment section 12 and the sensor section 22, the change in humidity can be detected more sensitively and accurately.

[0142] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, a portion of the sensor unit 22 is positioned at a distance of approximately 1.5 A from the outer surface of the housing unit 12, while another portion of the sensor unit 22 is positioned at a distance of approximately 2.5 B from the outer surface of the housing unit 12.

[0143] For example, referring to Figure 5, since the first distance A is shorter than the second distance B, if the amount of humidity change in one area of ​​the housing 12 corresponding to the first distance A is greater than the amount of humidity change in other areas of the housing 12 corresponding to the second distance B, the humidity change will be measured sensitively and accurately.

[0144] As another example, referring to Figure 6, since the second distance B is shorter than the first distance A, if the change in humidity in one area of ​​the housing 12 corresponding to the second distance B is greater than the change in humidity in other areas of the housing 12 corresponding to the first distance A, the change in humidity is measured sensitively and accurately.

[0145] Figures 7 and 8 are drawings illustrating embodiments of the aerosol product.

[0146] The embodiments of the aerosol product will be described below with reference to Figures 7 and 8.

[0147] Referring to Figure 7, the aerosol product 40 comprises a tobacco rod 41 and a filter rod 42. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the first part described above comprises the tobacco rod 41, and the second part comprises the filter rod 42.

[0148] Figure 7 shows the filter rod 42 as a single segment, but is not limited to this. In other words, the filter rod 42 may consist of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 42 may include a segment for cooling the aerosol and a segment for filtering out predetermined components contained in the aerosol. Alternatively, the filter rod 42 may further include at least one additional segment that performs other functions.

[0149] The diameter of the aerosol product 40 is within the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and the length is approximately 48 mm, but is not limited to these dimensions. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 41 is approximately 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 42 is approximately 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 42 is approximately 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 42 is approximately 12 mm, but is not limited to these dimensions.

[0150] The aerosol product 40 is packaged by at least one trumpet 44. The trumpet 44 has at least one hole through which external air enters or internal gas exits. As an example, the aerosol product 40 is packaged by one trumpet 44. As another example, the aerosol product 40 may be packaged in layers by two or more trumpets 44. For example, the tobacco rod 41 may be packaged by a first trumpet 441, and the filter rod 42 may be packaged by trumpets 442, 443, and 444. The entire aerosol product 40 may then be repackaged by a single trumpet 44. If the filter rod 42 consists of multiple segments, each segment may be packaged by trumpets 442, 443, and 444.

[0151] The first and second flaps 441 and 442 are made from general filter wrapping paper. For example, the first and second flaps 441 and 442 are made from porous or non-porous wrapping paper. Alternatively, the first and second flaps 441 and 442 may be made from oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum laminated packaging material.

[0152] The third flap 443 may be made of hard-wound paper. For example, the basis weight of the third flap 443 may be 88 g / m². 2 or 96g / m 2 It is included within the range, preferably 90 g / m². 2 or 94g / m 2 It falls within the range. Furthermore, the thickness of the third trumpet 443 is within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, preferably 125 μm.

[0153] The fourth wrapper 444 is made of oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 444 is in the range of 88 g / m 2 to 96 g / m 2 and preferably in the range of 90 g / m 2 to 94 g / m 2 . Also, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 444 is included in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm and preferably is 125 μm.

[0154] The fifth wrapper 445 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 improved compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 445 is included in the range of 57 g / m 2 to 63 g / m 2 and preferably is 60 g / m 2 . Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 445 is included in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm and preferably is 67 μm.

[0155] The fifth wrapper 445 is incorporated with a predetermined substance. Here, examples of the predetermined substance include, but are not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance that is not oxidized, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any substance having the above-described properties can be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 445 without limitation.

[0156] The fifth wrapper 445 prevents the phenomenon that the aerosol generating article 40 burns. For example, if the tobacco rod 410 is heated by an atomizer, the aerosol generating article 40 may burn. Specifically, when any one of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 410 is heated to above the ignition point, there is a risk that the aerosol generating article 40 will burn. Even in such a case, since the fifth wrapper 445 contains a non-combustible substance, the phenomenon that the aerosol generating article 40 burns is prevented.

[0157] Furthermore, the fifth flaps 445 prevent the holder from being contaminated by substances generated in the aerosol product 40. The user's puff generates liquid substances within the aerosol product 40. For example, liquid substances (such as water) are generated when the aerosol generated in the aerosol product 40 is cooled by the outside air. The fifth flaps 445 enclose the aerosol product 40, preventing the liquid substances generated within the aerosol product 40 from leaking out of the aerosol product 40.

[0158] The tobacco rod 41 contains an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance includes, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco rod 41 may also contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. In addition, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the tobacco rod 41 by spraying it.

[0159] The tobacco rod 41 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 41 may be made from a sheet or from a strand. Alternatively, the tobacco rod 41 may be made from shredded tobacco obtained by cutting a tobacco sheet. The tobacco rod 41 is also surrounded by a heat conductive material. For example, the heat conductive material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited to this. As an example, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 41 evenly distributes the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 41, improving the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod and thereby improving the tobacco flavor. The heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 41 also functions as a susceptor that is heated by an induction heating atomizer. Although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 41 may also have a susceptor in addition to the heat conductive material surrounding its exterior.

[0160] The filter rod 42 may be a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, there are no restrictions on the shape of the filter rod 42. For example, the filter rod 42 may be a cylindrical rod, or a tubular rod containing a hollow inside. The filter rod 42 may also be a recessed rod. If the filter rod 42 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the segments may be made in a different shape.

[0161] The first segment of the filter rod 42 is also a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment is a tubular structure containing a hollow interior. The first segment prevents the internal material of the tobacco rod 410 from being pushed backward when the atomizer is inserted, and also generates a cooling effect on the aerosol. The diameter of the hollow interior of the first segment is a suitable diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited to these values.

[0162] The length of the first segment can be any length appropriate within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited to these. Preferably, the length of the first segment is 10 mm, but is not limited to these.

[0163] The hardness of the first segment is adjusted by controlling the plasticizer content during its manufacture. The first segment is also manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or tube of the same or different material into its interior (for example, hollow).

[0164] The second segment of the filter rod 42 cools the aerosol produced when the atomizer heats the tobacco rod 41. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to a suitable temperature.

[0165] The length or diameter of the second segment is determined in various ways depending on the form of the aerosol product 40. For example, the length of the second segment is appropriately taken within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment is 14 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0166] The second segment is produced by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, a fragrance solution may be applied to the polymer fibers. Alternatively, the second segment may be produced by weaving together a separate fiber coated with a fragrance solution and a polymer fiber. Alternatively, the second segment is formed from a rolled polymer sheet.

[0167] For example, the polymer is made from 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.

[0168] The second segment is formed from woven polymer fibers or a crimped polymer sheet, and the second segment comprises one or more longitudinally extending channels, where the channels represent passages through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

[0169] For example, the second segment, which consists of a rolled polymer sheet, is formed from a material with a thickness between approximately 5 μm and approximately 300 μm, for example, between approximately 10 μm and approximately 250 μm. The total surface area of ​​the second segment is approximately 300 mm². 2 / mm and approximately 1000mm 2 It falls between / mm. Furthermore, the aerosol cooling element has a specific surface area of ​​approximately 10mm². 2 / mg and approximately 100mm 2 Formed from materials between / mg

[0170] On the other hand, the second segment contains threads containing volatile flavor components. Here, the volatile flavor component is menthol, but is not limited to menthol. For example, the threads are filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

[0171] The third segment of the filter rod 42 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment is appropriately chosen within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be 12 mm, but is not limited to these values.

[0172] The third segment may be manufactured in such a way that flavor is generated by spraying a flavoring liquid onto it during the manufacturing process. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the third segment. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 41 is cooled by passing through the second segment of the filter rod 42, and the cooled aerosol is transmitted to the user through the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, the effect of improving the persistence of the flavor transmitted to the user occurs.

[0173] Furthermore, the filter rod 42 includes at least one capsule 43. Here, the capsule 43 may perform a function of generating flavor or a function of generating aerosol. For example, the capsule 43 has a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is enclosed in a film. The capsule 43 may be spherical or cylindrical, but is not limited to these.

[0174] Referring to Figure 8, the aerosol product 50 further comprises a front plug 53. The front plug 53 is located on one side of the tobacco rod 51 opposite the filter rod 52. The front plug 53 can prevent the tobacco rod 51 from detaching to the outside and prevents liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco rod 51 into the aerosol generator (10 in Figures 1 and 3) during smoking.

[0175] The filter rod 52 comprises a first segment 521 and a second segment 522. Here, the first segment 521 corresponds to the first segment of the filter rod 42 in Figure 4, and the second segment 522 corresponds to the third segment of the filter rod 42 in Figure 4.

[0176] The diameter and overall length of the aerosol product 50 correspond to the diameter and overall length of the aerosol product 50 in Figure 7. For example, the length of the front plug 53 is approximately 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 51 is approximately 15 mm, the length of the first segment 521 is approximately 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 522 is approximately 14 mm, but are not limited to these.

[0177] The aerosol product 50 is packaged by at least one flaps 55. The flaps 55 have at least one opening through which external air enters or internal gases exit. For example, the front plug 53 is packaged by a first flaps 551, the tobacco rod 51 by a second flaps 552, the first segment 521 by a third flaps 553, and the second segment 522 by a fourth flaps 554. The entire aerosol product 50 may then be repackaged by a fifth flaps 555.

[0178] Furthermore, at least one perforation 56 is formed in the fifth trumpet 555. For example, the perforation 56 is formed in the region surrounding the tobacco rod 51, but is not limited to this. The perforation 56 serves to transfer the heat generated by the atomizer 14 shown in Figures 1 and 2 into the interior of the tobacco rod 51.

[0179] Furthermore, the second segment 522 includes at least one capsule 54. Here, the capsule 54 may perform a function of generating flavor or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 54 has a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is enclosed in a film. The capsule 54 may be spherical or cylindrical, but is not limited to these.

[0180] The first wrapper 551 is made of a general filter wrapping paper bonded with a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the overall thickness of the first wrapper 551 is within the range of 45 μm to 55 μm, preferably 50.3 μm. The thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 551 is within the range of 6 μm to 7 μm, preferably 6.3 μm. The basis weight of the first wrapper 551 is 50 g / m². 2 or 55g / m 2 It falls within the range, preferably 53 g / m². 2 That is the case.

[0181] The second and third wrappers 552 and 553 are made from general filter paper. For example, the second and third wrappers 552 and 553 are made from porous or non-porous paper.

[0182] For example, the porosity of the second flank 552 is 35,000 CU, but is not limited to this. The thickness of the second flank 552 is within the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, preferably 78 μm. The basis weight of the second flank 552 is 20 g / m². 2 or 25g / m 2 It falls within the range, preferably 23.5 g / m². 2 That is the case.

[0183] For example, the porosity of the third flank 553 is 24,000 CU, but is not limited to this. The thickness of the third flank 553 is within the range of 60 μm to 70 μm, preferably 68 μm. The basis weight of the third flank 553 is 20 g / m². 2 or 25g / m 2 It is included within the range, preferably 21 g / m² 2 That is the case.

[0184] The fourth flap 554 is made of PLA laminate. Here, PLA laminate refers to a triple layer of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and another paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth flap 554 is within the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, preferably 110 μm. The basis weight of the fourth flap 554 is 80 g / m². 2 or 100g / m 2 It falls within the range, preferably 88 g / m² 2 That is the case.

[0185] The fifth trumpet 555 is made from sterile paper (MFW). Here, sterile paper (MFW) refers to paper specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., compared to ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth trumpet 555 is 57 g / m². 2 or 63g / m 2 It is included within the range, preferably 60 g / m². 2Furthermore, the thickness of the fifth trumpet 555 is within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, preferably 67 μm.

[0186] The fifth trumpet 555 is infused with a predetermined substance. While silicon is an example of such a substance, it is not limited to silicon. For instance, silicon possesses properties such as heat resistance (minimal change with temperature), oxidation resistance (no oxidation), resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any substance possessing the aforementioned properties, even if not silicon, may be applied (or coated) to the fifth trumpet 555 without limitation.

[0187] The front plug 53 is made of cellulose acetate. For example, the front plug 53 is made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to a cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filament constituting the cellulose acetate tow is 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 filament of the front plug 53 is 5.0. The cross-section of the filament constituting the front plug 53 is also Y-shaped. The total denier of the front plug 53 is in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably in the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the front plug 53 is 28,000.

[0188] Furthermore, if necessary, the front plug 53 includes at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel can be manufactured in a variety of ways.

[0189] The tobacco rod 51 corresponds to the tobacco rod 41 mentioned above, as shown in Figure 7. Therefore, a detailed explanation of the tobacco rod 51 will be omitted below.

[0190] The first segment 521 is made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment is a tubular structure containing a hollow interior. The first segment 521 is made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the monodenier and total denier of the first segment 521 are the same as the monodenier and total denier of the front plug 53.

[0191] The second segment 522 is made of cellulose acetate. The monodenier of the filaments constituting the second segment 522 is in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, the monodenier of the filaments of the second segment 522 is 9.0. The cross-section of the filaments of the second segment 522 is Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 522 is in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably 25,000.

[0192] Figure 9 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0193] The aerosol generator 1 includes an aerosol generator 10, a sensor unit 22, a control unit 23, a battery 24, an output unit 25, a communication unit 26, a memory 27, and a user input unit 28. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to what is shown in Figure 9. That is, a person skilled in the art will understand that depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1, some of the components shown in Figure 9 may be omitted or new components may be added. In addition, some of the components such as the sensor unit 22, the control unit 23, the battery 24, the output unit 25, the communication unit 26, the memory 27, and the user input unit 28 may be included in the main body or included in the aerosol generator 10.

[0194] As described above with reference to Figures 1 to 6, the aerosol generator 10 includes an atomizer 14 that generates aerosols from an aerosol-generating substance.

[0195] The atomizer 14 is powered by the battery 24 and heats the aerosol-generating substance. Although not shown in Figure 9, the aerosol generator 1 further includes a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the battery 24 and supplies it to the atomizer 14. Furthermore, if the aerosol generator 1 generates aerosols using an induction heating method, the aerosol generator 1 further includes a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power from the battery 24 into AC power.

[0196] The sensor unit 22 senses the state of the aerosol generator 1 or the state of the area around the aerosol generator 1 and transmits the sensed information to the control unit 23. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 23 controls other components of the aerosol generator 1 so that various functions are performed, such as controlling the operation of the aerosol generator 10, restricting smoking, determining whether to insert the aerosol product (30 in Figure 1), and displaying notifications.

[0197] The sensor unit 22 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, an insertion sensor, and a puff sensor, in addition to the first sensor 221, the second sensor 222, and the third sensor 223 described above. The functions of the first sensor 221, the second sensor 222, and the third sensor 223 are as described in Figure 3 and will therefore be omitted here.

[0198] The temperature sensor senses the temperature at which other components, such as the atomizer 14, the aerosol generating material, or the aerosol product, are heated. The aerosol generating device 1 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the atomizer 14, or the atomizer 14 itself may act as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor may be placed around the battery 24 to monitor the temperature of the battery 24.

[0199] A puff sensor detects a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel. For example, a puff sensor can detect a user's puff based on one of the following: temperature changes, flow rate changes, voltage changes, or pressure changes.

[0200] In addition to the sensors mentioned above, the sensor unit 22 further includes at least one of the following: a temperature / humidity sensor, a 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). The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an average engineer from its name, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0201] The control unit 23 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 23 comprises at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored. Those skilled in the art will understand that it may also be embodied as other forms of hardware.

[0202] The control unit 23 controls the temperature of the atomizer 14 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 24 to the atomizer 14. For example, the control unit 23 controls the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 24 and the atomizer 14. In another example, the direct heating circuit may control the power supply to the atomizer 14 by a control command from the control unit 23.

[0203] The control unit 23 analyzes the results sensed by the sensor unit 22 and controls subsequent processing. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor unit 22, the control unit 23 controls the power supplied to the atomizer 14 so that the operation of the atomizer 14 starts or stops. As another example, based on the results sensed by the sensor unit 22, the control unit 23 controls the amount of power supplied to the atomizer 14 and the duration of power supply so that the atomizer 14 is heated to a predetermined temperature or can maintain an appropriate temperature.

[0204] The control unit 23 controls the output unit 25 based on the results sensed by the sensor unit 22. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 926 reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 23 notifies the user that the aerosol generator 1 will soon be finished, through at least one of the display unit 251, the haptic unit 252, and the acoustic output unit 253.

[0205] In one embodiment, the control unit 23 controls the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater 950 based on the state of the aerosol product sensed by the sensor unit 22. For example, if the aerosol product 15 is in an over-humid state, the control unit 23 controls the power supply time to the induction coil to increase the preheating time compared to when the aerosol product 15 is in a normal state.

[0206] One embodiment also embodies a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as a program module executed by a computer. Computer-readable media are any available medium accessible by a computer, and include both volatile and non-volatile media, and isolated and non-isolated media. Computer-readable media also include both computer recording media and communication media. Computer recording media include both volatile and non-volatile, isolated and non-isolated media, embodied in any method or technique for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data such as modulated data signals or other data, and include any information transmission medium.

[0207] The battery 24 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. The battery 24 also supplies power to heat the atomizer 14. In addition, the battery 24 supplies power necessary for the operation of other components within the aerosol generator 1 (for example, the aerosol generator 10, the sensor unit 22, the control unit 23, the output unit 25, the communication unit 26, the memory 27, and the user input unit 28).

[0208] Battery 24 is either a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, battery 24 is a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to this.

[0209] The output unit 25 outputs information about the status of the aerosol generator 1 and provides it to the user. The output unit 25 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the display unit 251, the haptic unit 252, and the acoustic output unit 253. When the display unit 251 and the touchpad are arranged in a layered structure to form a touchscreen, the display unit 251 is used not only as an output device but also as an input device.

[0210] The display unit 251 visually provides the user with information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, the information about the aerosol generator 1 can include various types of information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery 24 of the aerosol generator 1, the preheating status of the atomizer 14, the insertion / removal status of aerosol products, or conditions under which the use of the aerosol generator 1 is restricted (e.g., detection of abnormal items), and the display unit 251 outputs this information to the outside. The display unit 251 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or an LED light-emitting element.

[0211] The haptic unit 252 converts electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli to provide the user with tactile information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, the haptic unit 252 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0212] The acoustic output unit 253 provides the user with auditory information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, the acoustic output unit 253 converts electrical signals into acoustic signals and outputs them externally.

[0213] The sensor unit 22, control unit 23, output unit 25, communication unit 26, memory 27, and user input unit 28 are powered by the battery 24 and perform their functions. Although not shown in Figure 9, the aerosol generator 1 further includes a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power from the battery 24 and supplies it to each component.

[0214] In one embodiment, the atomizer 14 includes any suitable electrical resistant material. For example, suitable electrical resistant materials include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys including, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nichrome. The atomizer 14 also includes, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which conductive tracks are arranged, and a ceramic heating element.

[0215] In other embodiments, the atomizer 14 is an induction heating heater. For example, the atomizer 14 includes a susceptor that heats the aerosol-generating substance by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0216] In one embodiment, the atomizer 14 includes a plurality of heaters. For example, the atomizer 14 includes a first heater for heating the aerosol product and a second heater for heating the liquid substance.

[0217] The communication unit 26 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 26 comprises a short-range communication unit 261 and a wireless communication unit 262.

[0218] The short-range communication unit 261 includes, but is not limited to, Bluetooth® communication units, BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) communication units, short-range wireless communication units, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication units, Zigbee communication units, infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication units, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication units, UWB (ultra wideband) communication units, Ant+ communication units, etc.

[0219] The wireless communication unit 262 includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit. The wireless communication unit 262 can also verify and authenticate the aerosol generator 1 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0220] Memory 27 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 1, and stores data processed by the control unit 23 and data being processed. Memory 27 includes at least one type of recording medium from among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), 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 27 stores data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0221] The user input unit 28 receives information input from the user or outputs information to the user. For example, the user input unit 28 may include, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (contact-type capacitive type, pressure-type resistive type, infrared sensing type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Although not shown in Figure 9, the aerosol generator 1 is further equipped with a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and connects with other external devices via the USB interface to send and receive information or charge the battery 24.

[0222] The above-mentioned descriptions of embodiments are illustrative only, and those skilled in the art will understand that a wider variety of modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention must be defined by the attached claims, and all differences that are equivalent to those described in the claims must be interpreted as being included within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

[0223] Those skilled in the art will understand that the invention can be embodied in modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics described above. Therefore, the disclosed methods should be considered in an explanatory rather than restrictive manner. The scope of the invention is defined in the claims, not in the foregoing description, and all differences within an equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol generator that generates aerosols from aerosol-generating material, and includes a storage tank for storing the aerosol-generating material and a puff, and a storage section for containing the aerosol product so that the aerosol passes through the aerosol product, A main body detachably coupled to the aerosol generator and positioned toward the containment section, including a sensor section for generating signals relating to the physical quantities of the containment section, The sensor unit includes a control unit to which the signal is transmitted, The aforementioned sensor unit is A first sensor is positioned at a location corresponding to the upstream of the airflow passing through the aerosol product, A second sensor is positioned downstream of the airflow passing through the aerosol product, Includes, The control unit, Based on the signals from the first sensor and the second sensor, information regarding the humidity at a position corresponding to the upstream of the airflow and a position corresponding to the downstream of the airflow is obtained. An aerosol generating apparatus that determines whether the aerosol product has reached the end of its service life based on the difference between the humidity at a location corresponding to the upstream of the airflow and the humidity at a location corresponding to the downstream of the airflow.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit is arranged between the storage tank and the sensor unit.

3. The first sensor is positioned at a location corresponding to a first region of the aerosol product, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second sensor is positioned at a location corresponding to the second region of the aerosol product.

4. The main body further includes an output unit that outputs information, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the output unit to output information based on the signal from the first sensor and the signal from the second sensor.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the aerosol generator based on a determination of whether the aerosol product has reached the end of its service life.

6. The sensor unit further includes a third sensor for generating a signal indicating the insertion of the aerosol product into the containment unit, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the aerosol generator based on the signal from the first sensor and the signal from the second sensor when it senses that the aerosol product has been inserted into the storage section based on the signal received from the third sensor.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit includes a capacitance sensor for detecting a change in capacitance.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control unit controls the aerosol generator based on the amount of change in capacitance transmitted from the capacitance sensor.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control unit senses the humidity of the aerosol product based on the amount of change in capacitance transmitted from the capacitance sensor.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the sensor portion has a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the housing portion.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a part of the sensor portion is separated from the outer surface of the housing portion by a first distance, and another part of the sensor portion is separated from the outer surface of the housing portion by a second distance.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the sensor portion, which is positioned toward the aerosol generator, is plated.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit is inserted into one surface of the main body.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit is attached to one surface of the main body.

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