Aerosol generating apparatus and its operating method

Abstract

According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a storage space into which an aerosol product is inserted, a heater for heating the aerosol product, an insertion detection sensor for detecting whether the aerosol product has been inserted into the storage space, a memory including a look-up table with preset values ​​for each aerosol product, and a controller. When the controller detects via the insertion detection sensor that the aerosol product inserted in the storage space has been removed from the storage space during a heating operation of the heater, the controller suspends the heating operation of the heater and determines whether to resume the heating operation of the heater depending on whether the aerosol product is reinserted into the storage space within a preset grace period from the point at which the heating operation was suspended.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating apparatus, and more particularly to an aerosol generating apparatus that can control the heating operation of a heater depending on whether or not an aerosol product is inserted into the containment space of the aerosol generating apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative smoking methods to conventional cigarettes. For example, there is growing demand for methods that generate aerosols not by burning the cigarette, but by heating the aerosol-generating substances within the cigarette. As a result, research into heated cigarettes or heated aerosol generators is progressing actively.

[0003] Aerosol products inserted into the containment space of an aerosol generator may be partially detached or removed from the containment space due to various reasons. For example, when a user inhales smoke in dry weather, aerosol products may stick to the user's lips and rise up.

[0004] If the heater's heating operation is maintained when some of the aerosol products are removed from the containment space, sufficient atomization may not be achieved, and the user may not be able to experience a satisfactory smoking sensation. Furthermore, even if the aerosol products are completely removed from the containment space, if the heater's heating operation is maintained, it may cause the heater to overheat, leading to increased power consumption and potential malfunction. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The present invention aims to provide an aerosol generating device that reduces unnecessary power consumption while maintaining a sufficient smoking sensation by applying smart-off technology.

[0006] The problems that the embodiments aim to solve are not limited to those described above, and any problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art in which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes a containment space into which an aerosol product is inserted, a heater for heating the aerosol product, an insertion sensing sensor for sensing whether or not the aerosol product has been inserted into the containment space, a memory including a lookup table in which a predetermined value is matched for each aerosol product, and a control unit. If the control unit senses, via the insertion sensing sensor, that the aerosol product, which is inserted into the containment space, has moved out of the containment space while the heater is heating, it temporarily stops the heating operation of the heater and decides whether or not to resume the heating operation of the heater based on whether or not the aerosol product has been reinserted into the containment space within a predetermined grace period from the time the heating operation was temporarily stopped.

[0008] An operating method of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes the steps of: sensing, via an insertion sensing sensor, whether or not the aerosol product inserted into the containment space has moved out of the containment space during the heating operation of the heater; temporarily suspending the heating operation of the heater if the aerosol product has moved out of the containment space; and deciding whether or not to resume the heating operation of the heater based on whether or not the aerosol product has been reinserted into the containment space within a predetermined grace period from the time the heating operation was temporarily suspended. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention can provide the user with a sufficient smoking sensation and reduce unnecessary power consumption by controlling the heating operation of the heater when the movement of aerosol products from the containment space of the aerosol generating device is detected using an insertion sensing sensor.

[0010] The effects according to the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and the effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from the present specification and the attached drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing an aerosol generation system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a flowchart showing that the aerosol generation device in FIG. 1 controls the power supply to the heater. [Figure 3] It is a graph for explaining the temperature change by the power control method of the heater illustrated in FIG. 2. [Figure 4A] It is a drawing for explaining a method of controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4B] It is a drawing for explaining a method of controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5A] It is a flowchart showing that an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment determines the movement of an aerosol generation article. [Figure 5B] It is a flowchart showing that an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment controls the power supply to the heater based on the insertion of an aerosol generation article. [Figure 6A] It is a drawing for explaining a method of controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generation device when an aerosol generation article according to an embodiment is in a first state. [Figure 6B] It is a drawing for explaining a method of controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generation device when an aerosol generation article according to an embodiment is in a second state. [Figure 6C] It is a drawing for explaining a method of controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generation device when an aerosol generation article according to an embodiment is in a third state. [Figure 7]This is a diagram illustrating the elements constituting an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The terminology used in the embodiments has been selected, as far as possible, to be widely used and general terms, taking into account the function of the present invention. However, this may vary depending on the intent of the articulators, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. 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 terms used in the present invention are not merely names of terms, but must be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the present invention.

[0013] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a component, this does not mean that other components are excluded, but rather that other components are included, unless otherwise stated. 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 by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that they can be easily implemented by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. However, the present invention can also be embodied in various other forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0016] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment.

[0017] Referring to Figure 1, the aerosol generation system may include an aerosol generating device 100 and an aerosol product 15.

[0018] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a control unit 110, a heater 120, an insertion sensing sensor 130, and a containment space 140. According to one embodiment, the aerosol product 15 may be contained in the containment space 140. The aerosol generating device 100 can generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol product 15 inserted into the containment space 140 via the heater 120.

[0019] The aerosol product 15 may, but is not necessarily limited to, a cigarette. The aerosol product 15 may be any article containing an aerosol-generating substance without limitation. The aerosol product 15 may include an aerosol-generating substance and a heat-conducting substance TC. The aerosol-generating substance can generate an aerosol by being heated and vaporized by the heater 120 of the aerosol generator 100.

[0020] The aerosol-generating substance may, but is not limited to, include at least one of the following: glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The aerosol-generating substance may also contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. Furthermore, the aerosol-generating substance may be supplemented with fragrances such as menthol or humectants.

[0021] As a material possessing magnetic and conductive properties, thermal conductive material TC has inherent permeability and dielectric constant as its characteristics. Therefore, the inductance value of a coil and the capacitance value of a capacitor can change due to the presence and movement of thermal conductive material TC. For example, thermal conductive material TC is also a metallic material containing at least one of aluminum, nickel, and iron. Thermal conductive material TC is also a metallic foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited to that. For example, thermal conductive material TC can be manufactured in the form of ink, tape, band, and paper.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the aerosol product 15 is also cigarette-shaped and extends in one direction. In this case, the aerosol product 15 may include a tobacco rod containing an aerosol-generating substance, a cooling rod for cooling the aerosol, and a filter rod for filtering out impurities. When the aerosol product 15 is cigarette-shaped, the tobacco rod is surrounded by a heat-conducting material TC. The heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod can uniformly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod.

[0023] In another embodiment, the aerosol product 15 is also a cartridge type containing a liquid aerosol generating substance. The aerosol product 15 may include a container for holding the liquid aerosol generating substance, a core for transporting the aerosol generating substance from the container, a heater surrounding the core for heating the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the core, and contact terminals connecting the heater and a battery.

[0024] In one embodiment, the heater 120 can heat the aerosol product 15 inserted into the containment space of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0025] For example, heater 120 is also an induction heating heater. Specifically, heater 120 may include an induction coil for heating the aerosol product 15 by induction heating, and a susceptor that can be heated by passing through a variable magnetic field generated by the induction coil.

[0026] As another example, heater 120 is also an electrical resistance heater. Specifically, heater 120 includes a conductive track, which can be heated by an electric current flowing through it. However, heater 120 is not limited to the examples described above, and can be any heater that heats up to a desired temperature. In this case, the desired temperature may be pre-set in the aerosol generator 100, or it may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0027] In one embodiment, the insertion sensing sensor 130 may include at least one of an inductive sensor 132, a temperature sensor 133, and a capacitive sensor 134.

[0028] The inductive sensor 132 can detect whether the aerosol product 15 has been removed, partially moved, or inserted into the containment space of the aerosol generator 100.

[0029] The inductive sensor 132 can measure a coil and the inductance value of the coil. According to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, if the magnetic field around a coil through which current flows changes, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change.

[0030] When the aerosol product 15 is inserted into or removed from the containment space 140, the current flowing through the coil may induce eddy currents in the heat conductive material TC of the aerosol product 15. The eddy currents flowing through the heat conductive material TC may again change the characteristics of the current, such as the frequency of the current flowing through the coil and the inductance value of the coil, through mutual induction with the coil.

[0031] The inductive sensor 132 can measure characteristic values ​​of a changing current. For example, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may include the frequency value, current value, voltage value, inductance value, effective resistance, impedance value, etc. of the alternating current. The inductive sensor 132 may further include a frequency measuring element, a rectifier, an amplifier, an oscillator circuit that generates electrical oscillations, etc.

[0032] The measurement of the coil's inductance by the inductive sensor 132 includes measuring one of the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil and obtaining the inductance value through calculation from the measured characteristic value of the current. The temperature sensor 133 can sense whether the aerosol product 15 has been removed, partially moved, or inserted into the containment space of the aerosol generator 100. The temperature sensor 133 can sense the temperature change that occurs when the aerosol product 15 is removed, partially moved, or inserted into the containment space.

[0033] The capacitive sensor 134 can detect whether the aerosol product 15 has been removed, partially moved, or inserted into the containment space of the aerosol generator 100.

[0034] The capacitive sensor 134 can measure the capacitance value between two electrodes.

[0035] The capacitive sensor 134 may include two electrodes facing each other. A dielectric material may be placed between the two electrodes. The movement of the heat conductive material TC due to the insertion and removal of the aerosol-generating material 14 into the containment space 140 affects the electric field between the two electrodes, and the capacitance value between the two electrodes may change. The capacitive sensor 134 can measure the capacitance value.

[0036] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can determine whether or not the aerosol product 15 has been inserted into the containment space 140 based on a sensing value detected using the insertion sensing sensor 130. In this case, the sensing value may include at least one of the following: an inductance value measured by an inductive sensor 132, a temperature value measured by a temperature sensor 133, and a capacitance value measured by a capacitive sensor 134.

[0037] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 is also hardware that controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 100. For example, the control unit 110 can control the operation of other components included in the aerosol generator 100, not just the heater 120 and the insertion sensing sensor 130. In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 100 and determine whether or not the aerosol generator 100 is in an operational state.

[0038] On the other hand, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 100 is not limited to that shown in Figure 1. Anyone with ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment will understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generator 100, some of the hardware configuration shown in Figure 1 may be omitted or new configurations may be added.

[0039] Figure 2 illustrates a flowchart showing how the aerosol generator shown in Figure 1 controls the power supply to the heater.

[0040] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, in operation 201, the control unit 110 can sense, via the insertion sensing sensor 130, whether the aerosol product 15, which is inserted into the containment space 140, has moved out of the containment space 140 while the heater 120 is heating. In this case, the movement of the aerosol product 15 may include cases where the front end FE of the aerosol product 15 moves beyond a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the containment space 140, or where the front end FE of the aerosol product 15 facing the bottom surface of the containment space 140 has completely left the containment space 140.

[0041] The control unit 110 may determine that the aerosol product 15 has moved if the amount of change in the sensing value detected by the insertion sensing sensor 130 differs from a predetermined value. For example, the control unit 110 may determine that the aerosol product 15 has moved if the amount of change in the sensing value detected by the insertion sensing sensor 130 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (or a first critical value).

[0042] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can sense the amount of inductance change via the inductive sensor 132 and detect whether the aerosol product 15 has moved out of the containment space 140 of the aerosol generator 100. For example, the aerosol product 15, which is inserted and located in the containment space 140 of the aerosol generator 100, may include a thermal conductive material TC. One surface of the inductive sensor 132 can generate a magnetic field. If the thermal conductive material TC located within the magnetic field generated by the inductive sensor 132 moves, the control unit 110 can sense via the inductive sensor 132 that the inductance value has changed due to the movement of the thermal conductive material TC. If the amount of inductance change is greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 110 can detect that the aerosol product 15 has moved out of the containment space 140 of the aerosol generator 100.

[0043] In another embodiment, the control unit 110 may sense temperature changes through the temperature sensor 133 and determine whether the aerosol product 15 has moved out of the containment space 140 of the aerosol generator 100. For example, if the aerosol product 15, which is inserted and located in the containment space of the aerosol generator 100, is moved (or removed), the temperature sensor 133 may detect a rapid increase in the internal temperature of the aerosol generator 100. If the amount of temperature change is greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 110 may determine that the aerosol product 15 has moved out of the containment space of the aerosol generator 100.

[0044] In another embodiment, the control unit 110 may sense the change in capacitance via the capacitive sensor 134 and determine whether the aerosol product 15 has moved out of the containment space 140 of the aerosol generator 100. For example, the aerosol product 15, which is inserted and located in the containment space 140 of the aerosol generator 100, may contain a heat conductive material TC. The movement of the heat conductive material TC due to the insertion and removal of the aerosol generating material 14 into and out of the containment space 140 affects the electric field between the two electrodes, and the capacitance value between the two electrodes may change. If the heat conductive material TC moves between the two electrodes, the control unit 110 may sense via the capacitive sensor 134 that the capacitance value has changed due to the movement of the heat conductive material TC. If the change in capacitance is greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 110 may sense that the aerosol product 15 has moved out of the containment space 140 of the aerosol generator 100.

[0045] Although not shown in Figure 1, the aerosol generator 100 may further include a memory (see 1070 in Figure 10) containing a lookup table with the predetermined values ​​matched for each aerosol product 15. The predetermined values ​​represent critical values ​​(i.e., changes in sensing values) at which the amount of aerosol atomization provided to the user is considered appropriate, and can be calculated experimentally and / or statistically for each aerosol product 15. This is because even if the movement of the aerosol generating articles 15 occurs identically within the containment space 140, the amount of atomization generated will differ depending on the type and / or content of the aerosol generating substances contained in the aerosol product 15.

[0046] On the other hand, the default value (i.e., the change in the sensing value) can be converted into the distance moved from the bottom surface of the containment space 140. When the aerosol product 15 is moved within a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the containment space 140, the amount of atomization provided by the aerosol product 15 can provide the user with a sufficient smoking sensation. For example, when the aerosol product 15 is moved within 4 mm from the bottom surface of the containment space 140, it can provide the user with substantially the same amount of atomization as if the aerosol product 15 had been properly inserted into the containment space 140.

[0047] In operation 202, if the control unit 110 detects, via the insertion sensing sensor 130, that the aerosol product 15, which is inserted into the containment space 140, has moved out of the containment space 140 while the heater 120 is heating, it may pause the heating operation of the heater 120.

[0048] If the aerosol product 15 moves within the containment space 140 independently of the user's intention, the control unit 110 can immediately turn off the heating operation of the heater 120. This prevents the aerosol generator 100 from generating unnecessary power.

[0049] Furthermore, if the heating operation of the heater 120 is interrupted when the aerosol product 15 moves beyond a predetermined distance within the containment space 140, it prevents the user from being provided with a low-quality smoking experience due to insufficient atomization. If the heating operation of the heater 120 is interrupted when the aerosol product 15 is completely removed within the containment space 140, it prevents the heater from overheating, thereby preventing an increase in power consumption and the occurrence of malfunctions.

[0050] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may, when the heater 120 is heating, detect via the insertion sensing sensor 130 that the aerosol product 15, which is inserted into the containment space 140, has moved out of the containment space 140, provide the user with an alarm and / or warning via the output unit (see 1030 in Figure 10).

[0051] For example, if the heater 120 is heating and the insertion sensing sensor 130 detects that the aerosol product 15, which is inserted into the containment space 140, has moved out of the containment space 140, the control unit 110 may display text or a diagram indicating that the aerosol product 15 has been abnormally inserted, or display a flashing red screen, via the display unit (see 1032 in Figure 10). The control unit 110 may also provide a pre-set vibration pattern via the haptic unit (see 1034 in Figure 10), or output an audio signal, such as a voice or beep, via the acoustic output unit (see 1036 in Figure 10) indicating that the aerosol product 15 has been abnormally inserted.

[0052] In operation 203, the control unit 110 can determine whether or not the aerosol product 15 is reinserted into the containment space 140 within a pre-set grace period from the point at which the heating operation of the heater 120 is temporarily suspended.

[0053] The control unit 110 may determine that the aerosol product 15 has been reinserted if the amount of change in the sensing value detected by the insertion sensing sensor 130 within a pre-set grace period is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (or a second critical value). For example, if the pre-set grace period is 5 seconds, the control unit 110 may determine that the aerosol product 15 has been reinserted if the amount of change in the sensing value detected over 5 seconds is greater than the predetermined value.

[0054] Conversely, the control unit 110 may determine that the aerosol product 15 has not been reinserted if the amount of change in the sensing value detected by the insertion sensing sensor 130 within a pre-set grace period is less than a predetermined value (or a second critical value). For example, if the specified time is 5 seconds, the control unit 110 may determine that the aerosol product 15 has not been reinserted if the amount of change in the sensing value detected over 5 seconds is less than a predetermined value.

[0055] In operation 204, the control unit 110 may decide whether or not to resume the heating operation of the heater 120 depending on whether or not the aerosol product 15 has been reinserted into the containment space 140.

[0056] The control unit 110 can automatically restart the heating operation of the heater 120 when it determines that the aerosol product 15 has been reinserted into the containment space 140 within a pre-set grace period. If the aerosol product 15 is accidentally moved from the aerosol generator 100 against the user's intention, the heater 120 will be immediately paused. However, if the aerosol product 15 is reinserted within the grace period, the heating operation of the heater 120 will be automatically restarted, thereby providing convenience for users and uninterrupted smoking. Furthermore, the control unit 110 does not control the power supply of the heater 120 by completely turning it off and on, but rather by controlling it by pausing and restarting, thereby minimizing wasted power.

[0057] Conversely, if the control unit 110 determines that the aerosol product 15 has not been reinserted into the containment space 140 within the previously set grace period, it may completely turn off the heating operation of the heater 120. In this case, turning off the power supply to the heater 120 may mean that the user has finished smoking.

[0058] Figure 3 is a graph illustrating the temperature change due to the heater power control method shown in Figure 2. In this graph, the solid line represents the first temperature graph when the aerosol product is reinserted within the grace period, and the dashed line represents the second temperature graph when the aerosol product is not reinserted within the grace period.

[0059] Referring to Figure 3, the first temperature graph TG1 shows the temperature values ​​over time and can be divided into a first section P1, which is the preheating section, and a second section P2, which is the smoking section, based on the first time point t1.

[0060] The first section P1 may include a section in which the temperature rises from the ambient temperature (first temperature t1) to the second temperature T2 at which the aerosol-generating substance volatilizes, and a section in which it falls to the smoking start temperature (third temperature T3). The second section P2 may include a section in which the temperature falls from the third temperature T3 to the holding temperature (fourth temperature T4), and a section in which the fourth temperature T4 is maintained. In this case, the second temperature T2, the third temperature T3, and the fourth temperature T4 are above the temperature at which the aerosol-generating substance volatilizes, and may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating substance.

[0061] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, an event may occur in the second section P2 in which the aerosol product 15 is moved from the containment space 140.

[0062] The control unit 110 may determine that the aerosol product 15 has moved if the amount of change in the sensing value detected by the insertion sensing sensor 130 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (or a first critical value). At a second time point T2, when the control unit 110 determines that the aerosol product 15, which is inserted into the containment space 140 via the insertion sensing sensor 130, has moved out of the containment space 140 while the heater 120 is heating, it may immediately suspend the heating operation of the heater 120.

[0063] As a result, the first temperature graph TG1 and the second temperature graph TG2 may include a section in which the temperature drops from the fourth temperature T4, which is the holding temperature, to the fifth temperature T5, which is the standby temperature. In this case, the fifth temperature T5 may decrease in proportion to the time until the aerosol product 15 is reinserted. However, the fifth temperature T5 may have a lower limit within a pre-set grace period (e.g., 5 seconds). The fifth temperature T5 may be set to a temperature that allows it to return to the fourth temperature T4 before the user notices a drop in temperature (or a decrease in smoking sensation) upon the restart of the heater 120 heating operation.

[0064] If the control unit 110 determines at the third time point T3 that the aerosol product 15 has been reinserted into the containment space 140 within the previously set grace period, it may automatically restart the heating operation of the heater 120. As a result, the first temperature graph TG1 may include a section in which the temperature rises from the standby temperature, the fifth temperature T5, to the holding temperature, the fourth temperature T4.

[0065] Conversely, if the control unit 110 determines at the third time point T3 that the aerosol product 15 has not been reinserted into the containment space 140 within the previously set grace period, it may completely turn off the heating operation of the heater 120. As a result, the second temperature graph TG2 may include a section where the temperature drops from the fifth temperature T5, which is the standby temperature, to the first temperature t1, which is the ambient temperature.

[0066] Figures 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating a method for controlling the inductive sensor of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0067] Referring to Figures 1 and 4A, the control unit 110 can sense the inductance change via the inductive sensor 132 during the grace period 400. For example, the control unit 110 can sense the inductance change by controlling the voltage of the inductive sensor 132 using the PWM (pulse width modulation) method. In this case, the control unit 110 can pre-set the number of times the inductive sensor 132 is switched to the activated state during the grace period 400. Figure 4 shows that the inductive sensor 132 is switched to the activated state 5 times during the grace period 400, but it is not limited to this.

[0068] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may determine that at the 11th time point t11, the aerosol product 15 has been moved from the containment space 140 of the aerosol generating device 100. The 11th time point t11 ​​may mean the time when the countdown of the grace period 400 begins.

[0069] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can control the supply voltage to the inductive sensor 132 at the 21st time point t21 to switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an activated state at regular intervals. In this case, if the aerosol product 15 is not reinserted during the grace period 400, the heating operation of the heater 120 is temporarily suspended, and the internal temperature of the aerosol generator 100 can decrease from the 4th temperature T4 to the 5th temperature T5. Therefore, the inductance value sensed by the inductive sensor 132 does not require periodic interruption of heating of the heater 120 separately to prevent distortion at high temperatures.

[0070] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an inactive state at the 31st time point t31.

[0071] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may sense the inductance change at least once (for example, five times) via the inductive sensor 132 from the 11th time point t11 ​​to the 41st time point t41. Based on the amount of change in inductance sensed during the grace period 400 from the 11th time point t11 ​​to the 41st time point t41, the control unit 110 may determine whether or not the aerosol product 15 has been reinserted. For example, if the amount of change in inductance sensed during the grace period 400 from the 11th time point t11 ​​to the 41st time point t41 is less than a critical value, the control unit 110 may determine that the aerosol product 15 has not been reinserted, and if it is greater than or equal to the critical value, the control unit 110 may determine that the aerosol product 15 has been reinserted.

[0072] However, unlike Figure 4A, which only shows the period after the aerosol product 15 has been moved from the containment space of the aerosol generator 100 (or during the grace period), in the case of the specified time 410 for determining whether or not the aerosol product 15 has been moved from the containment space 140 of the aerosol generator 100, as shown in Figure 4B, the control unit 110 can control the supply voltage to the inductive sensor 132 at the 21st time point t21 to switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to the activated state. At this time, the control unit 110 can cut off the power supplied from the battery to the heater 120 at the 21st time point t21. That is, the control unit 110 can perform the operation of cutting off the power supplied to the heater 120 and the operation of switching the state of the inductive sensor 132 to the activated state in parallel. In one embodiment, by cutting off the power supplied to the heater 120 at the 21st time point t21, the internal temperature of the aerosol generator 100 can be substantially reduced. Since the inductance value sensed by the inductive sensor 132 can be distorted at high temperatures, the control unit 110 can periodically interrupt the heating of the heater 120 and sense the change in inductance via the inductive sensor 132.

[0073] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 switches the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an inactive state at the 31st time point t31. At this time, the control unit 110 can control the supply of power from the battery to the heater 120 at the 31st time point t31. That is, the control unit 110 can perform the operation of supplying power to the heater 120 and the operation of switching the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an inactive state in parallel. In one embodiment, the supply of power to the heater 120 at the 31st time point t31 can substantially increase the internal temperature of the aerosol generator 100.

[0074] Figure 5A illustrates a flowchart showing how an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment determines the movement of the aerosol product. Since Figure 5A is a flowchart for specifically explaining operations 201 and 202 in Figure 2, content that corresponds to, is the same as, or is similar to the content described above may be omitted in the explanation relating to Figure 5A.

[0075] Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 5A, the control unit 110 may, during operation 201a, sense a first inductance change at regular intervals via the inductive sensor 132. For example, the first inductance change may represent the minimum inductance change value at which it is determined that the aerosol product 15 has moved.

[0076] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an activated state at a fixed period, thereby cutting off the power supplied to the heater 120. In this case, the fixed period may mean the optimal period for sensing the change in inductance via the inductive sensor 132. For example, if the fixed period is set to 1 second, the control unit 110 can switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an activated state at 1-second intervals, thereby cutting off the power supplied to the heater 120.

[0077] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 switches the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an activated state during a certain period, acquires data related to the change in inductance, and then switches the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an inactive state. For example, if the certain period is set to 1 second, the control unit 110 switches the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an activated state, acquires data related to the change in inductance within 30 ms, switches the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an inactive state, and can hold it for more than 970 ms.

[0078] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can determine in operation 201b whether the magnitude of the first inductance change sensed via the inductive sensor 132 is greater than or equal to a first critical value. For example, the first critical value may represent the minimum amount of inductance change generated when the aerosol product 15 containing the thermal conductive material TC is moved out of the containment space of the aerosol generator 100.

[0079] In one embodiment, if the magnitude of the detected first inductance change is determined to be greater than or equal to the first critical value, the control unit 110 may sense that the aerosol product 15 has been moved in operation 201c. In another embodiment, if the magnitude of the detected first inductance change is determined to be less than the first critical value, the control unit 110 may return to operation 201a and repeat the following operations.

[0080] In one embodiment, if the control unit 110 detects, in operation 202a, that the aerosol product 15, which is inserted into the containment space 140, has moved out of the containment space 140 via the insertion sensing sensor 130 while the heater 120 is heating, it may temporarily suspend the heating operation of the heater 120.

[0081] If the aerosol product 15 moves within the containment space 140 independently of the user's intention, the control unit 110 immediately turns off the heating operation of the heater 120. This prevents the aerosol generator 100 from generating unnecessary power.

[0082] According to one embodiment, in operation 202a, if the control unit 110 detects that the aerosol product 15, which is inserted into the containment space 140, has moved out of the containment space 140 via the insertion sensing sensor 130 during the heating operation of the heater 120, it may provide the user with an alarm and / or warning via the output unit (see 1030 in Figure 10).

[0083] Figure 5B illustrates a flowchart showing how an aerosol generator according to one embodiment controls the power supply to the heater based on the insertion of the aerosol product. Figure 5B is a flowchart for specifically explaining operations 203 and 204 in Figure 2, and in the explanation of Figure 5B, content that corresponds to, is the same as or similar to, the content described above may be omitted.

[0084] Referring to Figure 5B, in operation 203a, the control unit 110 sets the inductance change detection time t to 1. For example, the control unit 110 sets the inductance change detection time t to 1 and performs a countdown for a specified time (e.g., the grace period 400 in Figure 3).

[0085] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may, in operation 203b, sense a second inductance change through the inductive sensor 132. For example, the second inductance change may represent the minimum inductance change value at which it is determined that the aerosol product 15 has been reinserted.

[0086] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 switches the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an activated state at a fixed period. In this case, the fixed period may represent the optimal period for sensing the change in inductance via the inductive sensor 132. For example, if the fixed period is set to 1 second, the control unit 110 switches the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an activated state at 1-second intervals.

[0087] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an activated state during a certain period, acquire data related to the inductance change, and then switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an inactive state. For example, if the certain period is set to 1 second, the control unit 110 can switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an activated state, acquire data related to the inductance change during 30 ms, switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an inactive state, and hold it for 970 ms.

[0088] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 determines in operation 203c whether the magnitude of the second inductance change sensed via the inductive sensor 132 is greater than or equal to a second critical value. For example, the second critical value may represent the minimum amount of inductance change that occurs when the aerosol product 15 containing the thermal conductive material TC is reinserted into the containment space 140 of the aerosol generator 100.

[0089] In one embodiment, if the magnitude of the detected second inductance change is determined to be greater than or equal to the second critical value, the control unit 110 restarts the heating operation of the heater 120 in operation 204a. For example, if the magnitude of the detected second inductance change is determined to be greater than or equal to the second critical value, the control unit 110 may restart the power supply from the battery to the heater 120.

[0090] In another embodiment, if it is determined that the magnitude of the detected second inductance change is less than the second critical value, the control unit 110, in operation 203d, sets the inductance change detection time t to a grace period t. 猶予 It is possible to determine whether or not it is identical to [another entity].

[0091] In one embodiment, if it is determined that the inductance change detection time t is not the same as the grace period, the control unit 110 may calculate the inductance change detection time t as t+1 in operation 203e. For example, if the inductance change detection time is 1 second (t=1) and the grace period is 5 seconds (t 猶予 If = 5), the control unit 110 can calculate the inductance change sensing time as 2 seconds (t=2). Then, the control unit 110 returns to operation 203b and repeats the following operation.

[0092] In one embodiment, if it is determined that the sensing time t for the inductance change is the same as the specified time, the control unit 110 may interrupt the power supply to the heater 120 in operation 204b. For example, if the sensing time for the inductance change is 5 seconds (t=5) and the scheduled time is 5 seconds (t 予定If = 5), the control unit 110 may cut off the power supplied from the battery to the heater 120.

[0093] Figure 6A is a diagram illustrating a method for controlling the inductive sensor of an aerosol generator when the aerosol product is in a first state according to one embodiment. The first state may mean that the aerosol product 15 is completely inserted into the containment space 140 of the aerosol generator 100.

[0094] Referring to Figures 1 and 6A, the aerosol generation system may include an aerosol generator 100 and an aerosol product 15.

[0095] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a containment space 140 into which the aerosol product 15 can be inserted.

[0096] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 100 may include an inductive sensor 132, a susceptor 620, and an induction coil 630. In one embodiment, the induction coil 630 generates a variable magnetic field when powered by a battery, and the susceptor 620 may be heated via the variable magnetic field generated by the induction coil 630. For example, the induction coil 630 may be arranged to surround the outer circumferential surface of the susceptor 620.

[0097] In one embodiment, the inductive sensor 132 may include a first channel 600 and a second channel 610. For example, the first channel 600 may sense an inductance change generated by a first portion of the aerosol product, and the second channel 610 may sense an inductance change generated by a second portion distinct from the first portion. In one embodiment, the first channel 600 and the second channel 610 may be arranged so as not to overlap with the susceptor 620. For example, the first channel 600 may be located in a region located below the susceptor 620 (e.g., a region located in the -x direction), and the second channel 610 may be located in a region located above the susceptor 620 (e.g., a region located in the +x direction). By arranging the first channel 600 and the second channel 610 so as not to overlap with the susceptor 620, the first channel 600 and the second channel 610 can sense inductance changes without being affected by the variable magnetic field generated from the induction coil 630.

[0098] Figure 6B is a diagram illustrating a method for controlling the inductive sensor of an aerosol generator when the aerosol product is in a second state according to one embodiment. The second state may mean that a portion of the aerosol product 15 has moved a predetermined distance from the containment space of the aerosol generator 100.

[0099] Referring to Figures 1 and 6B, if the aerosol product 15 moves in the +x direction from the containment space of the aerosol generator 100, the control unit 110 may sense a change in inductance through some of the multiple channels of the inductive sensor 132. For example, the control unit 110 may sense a change in inductance through the first channel 600 of the inductive sensor 132. In one embodiment, if a change in inductance is sensed through some of the multiple channels of the inductive sensor 132, the control unit 110 does not start counting the specified time because the amount of change in inductance is less than the first critical value (see Figure 5).

[0100] Figure 6C is a diagram illustrating a method for controlling the inductive sensor of an aerosol generator when the aerosol product is in a third state according to one embodiment. The third state may mean that the aerosol product 15 has been completely removed from the containment space of the aerosol generator 100.

[0101] Referring to Figure 6C, once the aerosol product 15 is completely removed from the containment space of the aerosol generator 100 in the +x direction, the control unit 110 may sense a change in inductance via multiple channels of the inductive sensor 132. For example, the control unit 110 may sense a change in inductance via the first channel 600 and the second channel 610 of the inductive sensor 132. In one embodiment, when a change in inductance is sensed via multiple channels of the inductive sensor 132, the control unit 110 may start counting a specified time because the amount of change in inductance is greater than or equal to a first critical value (see Figure 5).

[0102] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the elements constituting an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0103] Referring to Figure 7, the aerosol generator 100 may include a susceptor 122, an induction coil 124, a battery 115, and a control unit 110. However, it is not limited thereto, and other general-purpose elements beyond those illustrated in Figure 7 may be further included in the aerosol generator 100.

[0104] The aerosol generator 100 can generate aerosols by heating the aerosol product 15 contained within the aerosol generator 100 using an induction heating method. The induction heating method may refer to a method of heating a susceptor 122, which generates heat in response to an external magnetic field, by applying an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically.

[0105] When an alternating magnetic field is applied to the susceptor 122, energy loss occurs in the susceptor 122 due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss, and the lost energy can be released from the susceptor 122 as thermal energy. The larger the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field applied to the susceptor 122, the more thermal energy can be released from the susceptor 122. The aerosol generator 100 can cause the susceptor 122 to release thermal energy by applying an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor 122 and can transfer the thermal energy released from the susceptor 122 to the aerosol product 15. In one embodiment, the susceptor 122 may be provided in the aerosol generator 100 in the form of a section, slice, or strip.

[0106] At least a portion of the susceptor 122 may consist of a ferromagnetic substance. For example, the susceptor 122 may contain metal or carbon. The susceptor 122 may contain at least one of ferrite, ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). The susceptor 122 may also contain at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, nickel alloy, metal film, ceramics such as zirconia, transition metals such as nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co), and metalloids such as boron (B) and phosphorus (P).

[0107] The aerosol generator 100 can accommodate the aerosol product 15. The aerosol generator 100 may have a storage space 140 for accommodating the aerosol product 15.

[0108] The susceptor 122 can surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the aerosol product 15 contained in the aerosol generator 100. For example, the susceptor 122 can surround the tobacco medium contained in the aerosol product 15. This allows heat to be transferred more efficiently from the susceptor 122 to the tobacco medium.

[0109] An induction coil 124 may be provided in the aerosol generator 100. The induction coil 124 can apply an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor 122. When power is supplied to the induction coil 124 from the aerosol generator 100, a magnetic field may be formed inside the induction coil 124. When an alternating current is applied to the induction coil 124, the direction of the magnetic field formed inside the induction coil 124 can be continuously changed. When the susceptor 122 is located inside the induction coil 124 and exposed to an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically, the susceptor 122 may generate heat, and the aerosol product 15 contained in the containment space of the aerosol generator 100 may be heated.

[0110] The induction coil 124 may be wound along the outer surface of the susceptor 122. Alternatively, the induction coil 124 may be wound along the inner surface of the outer housing of the aerosol generator 100. The susceptor 122 may be located in the internal space formed by the winding of the induction coil 124. When power is supplied to the induction coil 124, the alternating magnetic field generated by the induction coil 124 may be applied to the susceptor 122.

[0111] The induction coil 124 may extend along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generator 100. The induction coil 124 may extend to an appropriate length along the longitudinal direction. For example, the induction coil 124 may extend to a length corresponding to the length of the susceptor 122, or to a length longer than the susceptor 122.

[0112] The induction coil 124 can be positioned in a location suitable for applying an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor 122. For example, the induction coil 124 can be positioned in a location corresponding to the susceptor 122. Depending on the size and position of the induction coil 124, the efficiency of applying the alternating magnetic field of the induction coil 124 to the susceptor 122 can be improved.

[0113] If the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field formed by the induction coil 124 is changed, the degree to which the susceptor 122 heats the aerosol product 15 may also be changed. Since the amplitude or frequency of the magnetic field from the induction coil 124 can be changed by the power applied to the induction coil 124, the aerosol generator 100 can control the heating of the aerosol product 15 by adjusting the power applied to the induction coil 124. For example, the aerosol generator 100 can control the amplitude and frequency of the alternating current applied to the induction coil 124.

[0114] As an example, the induction coil 124 can be embodied by a solenoid. The induction coil 124 is also a solenoid wound along the inner surface of the outer housing of the aerosol generator 100, and the susceptor 122 and the aerosol product 15 may be located in the internal space of the solenoid. The material of the conductor constituting the solenoid is copper (Cu). However, it is not limited to copper, and the conductor constituting the solenoid may also be an alloy containing one or at least one of silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni).

[0115] The battery 115 can supply power to the aerosol generator 100. The battery 115 can supply power to the induction coil 124. The battery 115 may include a battery that supplies DC to the aerosol generator 100 and a conversion unit that converts the DC supplied from the battery into AC that is supplied to the induction coil 124.

[0116] Battery 115 can supply DC power to the aerosol generator 100. Battery 115 is a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, but is not limited to that. For example, the battery may be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, etc.

[0117] The conversion unit may include a low-pass filter that filters the DC supplied from the battery and outputs AC to be supplied to the induction coil 124. The conversion unit may further include an amplifier for amplifying the DC supplied from the battery. For example, the conversion unit may be embodied through a low-pass filter that constitutes the load network of a class-D amplifier.

[0118] The control unit 110 can control the power supplied to the induction coil 124. The control unit 110 can control the battery 115 so that the power supplied to the induction coil 124 is adjusted. For example, the control unit 110 can perform control to maintain a constant temperature at which the susceptor 122 heats the aerosol product 15, based on the temperature of the susceptor 122.

[0119] Figures 8 and 9 are diagrams showing examples of cigarettes.

[0120] Referring to Figure 8, the cigarette 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. In Figure 8, the filter rod 22 is illustrated as a single segment, but is not limited to this. That is, the filter rod 22 may consist of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a segment for cooling the aerosol and a segment for filtering certain components contained in the aerosol. Also, as needed, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment that performs other functions.

[0121] The diameter of cigarette 2 is within the range of 5mm to 9mm, and the length is approximately 48mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 is approximately 12mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 is approximately 10mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 is approximately 14mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 22 is approximately 12mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0122] The cigarette 2 can be wrapped by at least one wrapper 24. At least one hole can be formed in the wrapper 24 for external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out. As an example, the cigarette 2 can be wrapped by one wrapper 24. As another example, the cigarette 2 can be wrapped in a superimposed manner by two or more wrappers 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be wrapped by the first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 22 can be wrapped by the wrappers 242, 243, and 244. Then, the whole cigarette 2 can be repackaged by a single wrapper 245. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, each segment can be wrapped by the wrappers 242, 243, and 244.

[0123] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be made of a general filter wrapping paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can also be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper. Also, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be made of oil-proof paper and / or aluminum composite paper packaging materials.

[0124] The third wrapper 243 can be made of hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 is included in the range of 88 g / m 2 ~96 g / m 2 and preferably included in the range of 90 g / m 2 ~94 g / m 2 Also, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 is included in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm and preferably is also 125 μm.

[0125] The fourth wrapper 244 can be made of oil-proof hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 is included in the range of 88 g / m 2 ~96 g / m 2 and preferably included in the range of 90 g / m 2 ~94 g / m 2 Also, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 is included in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm and preferably is also 125 μm.

[0126] The fifth trumpet 245 can be 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 245 is 57 g / m². 2 ~63g / m 2 It is included within the range, preferably 60 g / m². 2 Furthermore, the thickness of the fifth trumpet 245 is within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0127] The fifth trumpet 245 may have a predetermined substance added to it. Here, an example of a predetermined substance is silicon, but it is not limited to silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance that prevents oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any substance having the aforementioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth trumpet 245 without limitation.

[0128] The fifth flaps 245 can prevent the cigarette 2 from burning. For example, if the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 13, the cigarette 2 may burn. Specifically, if the temperature of any one of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 21 rises above its ignition point, the cigarette 2 may burn. Even in such a case, since the fifth flaps 245 contains a non-combustible material, the burning of the cigarette 2 can be prevented.

[0129] Furthermore, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the aerosol generator 1 from being contaminated by substances generated in the cigarette 2. A user's puff can generate liquid substances within the cigarette 2. For example, the aerosol generated in the cigarette 2 may be cooled by external air, generating liquid substances (e.g., water). The fifth wrapper 245, by enclosing the cigarette 2, can prevent the liquid substances generated within the cigarette 2 from leaking outside the cigarette 2.

[0130] The tobacco rod 21 contains an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco rod 21 may also contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. In addition, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant can be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it.

[0131] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in sheet form or strand form. Alternatively, the tobacco rod 21 can be made from shredded tobacco obtained by finely cutting a tobacco sheet. Furthermore, the tobacco rod 21 can be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited to that. In one embodiment, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 uniformly distributes the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, improving the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod and thereby improving the tobacco flavor. The heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can also function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. In this case, although not shown, the tobacco rod 21 may further include additional susceptors in addition to the heat-conducting material surrounding its exterior.

[0132] The filter rod 22 is also a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, there are no restrictions on the shape of the filter rod 22. For example, the filter rod 22 can be a cylindrical rod or a hollow tubular rod. It can also be a recessed rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the segments may be made to have a different shape.

[0133] The first segment of the filter rod 22 is also a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment is also a hollow, tubular structure. When the heater 13 is inserted through the first segment, it prevents the internal material of the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed back, and can also generate a cooling effect on the aerosol. The diameter of the hollow portion included in the first segment can be an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0134] The length of the first segment may be set to an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first segment is 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0135] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by controlling the plasticizer content during its manufacture. Alternatively, the first segment can be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or tube of the same or different material into its interior (e.g., hollow).

[0136] The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the generated aerosol as the heater 13 heats the tobacco rod 21. Therefore, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to a suitable temperature.

[0137] The length or diameter of the second segment can be determined in various ways depending on the form of the cigarette 2. For example, the length of the second segment can be appropriately adopted within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment is about 14 mm, but is not limited to that.

[0138] The second segment may be made by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, a fragrance solution may be applied to the polymer fibers. Alternatively, the second segment may be made by weaving together a separate fiber coated with a fragrance solution and a polymer fiber. Alternatively, the second segment may be formed from a rolled polymer sheet.

[0139] For example, polymers can be made from materials 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.

[0140] Since the second segment is formed from woven polymer fibers or a crimped polymer sheet, the second segment may include one or more longitudinally extending channels, where a channel means a passage through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

[0141] For example, the second segment, which consists of a rolled polymer sheet, may be made of a material having 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 It can consist of materials between / mg.

[0142] On the other hand, the second segment may contain threads containing volatile flavor components. Here, the volatile flavor component is menthol, but is not limited to it. For example, the threads may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

[0143] The third segment of the filter rod 22 is also a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment can be appropriately set within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment can be as long as approximately 12 mm, but is not limited to that.

[0144] During the manufacturing process of the third segment, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the third segment to generate flavor. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the third segment. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 21 is cooled by passing through the second segment of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol is transmitted to the user via the third segment. Therefore, if a flavoring element is added to the third segment, the persistence of the flavor transmitted to the user may be enhanced.

[0145] Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may contain at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may perform the function of generating flavor and the function of generating aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 is also a structure that encloses a liquid containing a flavor with a coating. The capsule 23 may, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0146] Referring to Figure 9, the cigarette 3 may further include a front plug 33. The front plug 33 may be located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 opposite the filter rod 32. The front plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from detaching to the outside and prevent the liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco rod 31 to the aerosol generator (Figures 1 to 3-1) during smoking.

[0147] The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 in Figure 8, and the second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 in Figure 8.

[0148] The diameter and overall length of cigarette 3 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of cigarette 2 in Figure 8. For example, the length of the front plug 33 may be approximately 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 may be approximately 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 may be approximately 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 may be approximately 14 mm, but are not limited to these dimensions.

[0149] A cigarette 3 may be packaged by at least one flap 35. The flap 35 may have at least one hole through which external air enters or internal gases exit. For example, the front plug 33 may be packaged by a first flap 351, the tobacco rod 31 by a second flap 352, the first segment 321 by a third flap 353, and the second segment 322 by a fourth flap 354. The entire cigarette 3 may then be repackaged by a fifth flap 355.

[0150] Furthermore, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth trumpet 355. For example, the perforation 36 may be formed in the region surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited thereto. The perforation 36 may play a role in transferring heat generated by the heater 13 shown in Figures 2 and 3 into the interior of the tobacco rod 31.

[0151] Furthermore, the second segment 322 may include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may perform the function of generating flavor and the function of generating aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 is also a structure that encloses a liquid containing flavor with a coating. The capsule 34 may, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0152] The first wrapper 351 is also a general filter paper to which a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, is bonded. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 is within the range of 45 μm to 55 μm, and preferably 50.3 μm. The thickness of the metal foil in the first wrapper 351 is within the range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and preferably 6.3 μm. The basis weight of the first wrapper 351 is 50 g / m². 2 ~55g / m 2 It falls within the range, preferably 53 g / m². 2 But so.

[0153] The second and third flaps 352 and 353 can be made from common filter paper. For example, the second and third flaps 352 and 353 can be porous or non-porous paper.

[0154] For example, the porosity of the second flank 352 is 35,000 CU, but is not limited to that. Also, the thickness of the second flank 352 is within the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, preferably 78 μm. Furthermore, the basis weight of the second flank 352 is 20 g / m². 2 ~25g / m 2 It falls within the range, preferably 23.5 g / m². 2 But so.

[0155] For example, the porosity of the third flank 353 is 24,000 CU, but is not limited to that. Also, the thickness of the third flank 353 is within the range of 60 μm to 70 μm, preferably 68 μm. Furthermore, the basis weight of the third flank 353 is 20 g / m². 2 ~25g / m 2 It is included within the range, preferably 21 g / m² 2 But so.

[0156] The fourth flap 354 can be made from PLA laminate. Here, PLA laminate means a triple layer of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth flap 354 is within the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and preferably 110 μm. The basis weight of the fourth flap 354 is 80 g / m². 2 ~100g / m 2 It falls within the range, preferably 88 g / m² 2 But so.

[0157] The fifth trumpet 355 can be 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 355 is 57 g / m². 2 ~63g / m 2 It is included within the range, preferably 60 g / m². 2Furthermore, the thickness of the fifth trumpet 355 is within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0158] The fifth trumpet 355 may have a predetermined substance added to it. Here, an example of a predetermined substance is silicon, but it is not limited to silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance that prevents oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any substance having the aforementioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth trumpet 355 without limitation.

[0159] The front plug 33 can be made from cellulose acetate. For example, the front plug 33 can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to 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 33 is also 5.0. The cross-section of the filament constituting the front plug 33 is also Y-shaped. The total denier of the front plug 33 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 33 is also 28,000.

[0160] Furthermore, if necessary, the front plug 33 may include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel can be manufactured in a variety of ways.

[0161] The tobacco rod 31 can correspond to the tobacco rod 21 mentioned above, as shown in Figure 8. Therefore, a detailed explanation of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

[0162] The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may also be a hollow tubular structure. The first segment 321 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the monodenier and total denier of the first segment 321 may also be the same as the monodenier and total denier of the front plug 33.

[0163] The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The monodenier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 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 322 is also 9.0. The cross-section of the filaments of the second segment 322 is also Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 is in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably in the range of 25,000.

[0164] Figure 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0165] The aerosol generator 1000 may include a control unit 1010, a sensing bulb 1020, an output unit 1030, a battery 1040, a heater 1050, a user input unit 1060, a memory 1070, and a communication unit 1080. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1000 is not limited to that shown in Figure 10. That is, a person with ordinary skill in the art relating to this embodiment will understand that depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1000, some of the components shown in Figure 10 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0166] The sensing bulb 1020 can sense the state of the aerosol generator 1000 or the state of the area around the aerosol generator 1000 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 1010. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 1010 can control the aerosol generator 1000 so that various functions are performed, such as controlling the operation of the heater 1050, restricting smoking, determining whether or not to insert aerosol products (e.g., cigarettes, cartridges, etc.), and displaying notifications.

[0167] The sensing element 1020 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: a temperature sensor 1022, an insertion sensing sensor 1024, a puff sensor 1026, and a humidity sensing sensor 1028.

[0168] The temperature sensor 1022 may sense the temperature at which the heater 1050 (or the aerosol-generating material) is heated. The aerosol generator 1000 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 1050, or the heater 1050 itself may perform the role of a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1022 may also be positioned around the battery 1040 to monitor its temperature.

[0169] The insertion sensing sensor 1024 can detect the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 1024 includes at least one of the following: a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a change in signal due to the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products.

[0170] The puff sensor 1026 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 1026 can detect a user's puff based on any one of the following: temperature changes, flow rate changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

[0171] The humidity sensor 1028 can detect the amount of moisture contained in a cigarette. For example, the humidity sensor 1028 may be one of the following: an electrical resistance sensor, a capacitive sensor, or an optical sensor. However, this is illustrative and the humidity sensor 1028 is not limited to these.

[0172] Sensing unit 1020 may further include at least one of the following sensors in addition to the aforementioned sensors (1022 to 1028): a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an average engineer from its name, so a detailed explanation may be omitted.

[0173] The output unit 1030 may output and provide to the user information relating to the status of the aerosol generator 1000. The output unit 1030 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the display unit 1032, the haptic unit 1034, and the acoustic output unit 1036. If the display unit 1032 and the touchpad form a layered structure to constitute a touchscreen, the display unit 1032 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0174] The display unit 1032 can visually provide the user with information related to the aerosol generator 1000. For example, information related to the aerosol generator 1000 can include various types of information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery 1040 of the aerosol generator 1000, the preheating status of the heater 1050, the insertion / removal status of aerosol products, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generator 1000 is restricted (e.g., detection of abnormal items), and the display unit 1032 can output this information to the outside. The display unit 1032 can also be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or an LED light-emitting element.

[0175] The haptic unit 1034 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli to provide the user with tactile information related to the aerosol generator 1000. For example, the haptic unit 1034 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0176] The acoustic output unit 1036 can provide the user with auditory information related to the aerosol generator 1000. For example, the acoustic output unit 1036 can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0177] Battery 1040 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generator 1000. Battery 1040 can supply power to heat the heater 1050. Battery 1040 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components within the aerosol generator 1000 (e.g., sensing bulb 1020, output unit 1030, user input unit 1060, memory 1070, and communication unit 1080). Battery 1040 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, battery 1040 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to that.

[0178] The heater 1050 can be powered by the battery 1040 to heat the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in Figure 10, the aerosol generator 1000 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the battery 1040 and supplies it to the heater 1050. Furthermore, if the aerosol generator 1000 generates aerosols using an induction heating method, the aerosol generator 1000 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 1040 into an AC power supply.

[0179] The control unit 1010, sensing unit 1020, output unit 1030, user input unit 1060, memory 1070, and communication unit 1080 can perform their functions by being powered by the battery 1040. Although not shown in Figure 10, the system may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power from the battery 1040 and supplies it to each component.

[0180] In one embodiment, the heater 1050 may consist of any suitable electrical-resistant material. For example, suitable electrical-resistant materials may include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys, such as titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nichrome. The heater 1050 may also be embodied by, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which conductive tracks are arranged, or a ceramic heating element.

[0181] In other embodiments, the heater 1050 is also an induction heating heater. For example, the heater 1050 may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating substance.

[0182] In one embodiment, the heater 1050 may include a plurality of heaters. For example, the heater 1050 may include a first heater for heating a cigarette and a second heater for heating a liquid.

[0183] The user input unit 1060 can receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 1060 may include, but is not limited to, a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (such as a contact-type capacitive type, a pressure-type resistive type, an infrared sensing type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an integral tension measurement type, or a piezoelectric effect type), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Although not shown in Figure 10, the aerosol generator 1000 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may connect to other external devices via the USB interface to send and receive information or charge the battery 1040.

[0184] Memory 1070 is hardware that stores various data (e.g., temperature profiles) processed within the aerosol generator 1000, and can store data processed by the control unit 1010 and data being processed. Memory 1070 may include 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 1070 may store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 1000, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data related to the user's smoking pattern.

[0185] The communication unit 1080 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 1080 may include a short-range communication unit 1082 and a wireless communication unit 1084.

[0186] The short-range wireless communication unit 1082 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth® communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee® communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, and the like.

[0187] The wireless communication unit 1084 may include, 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 1084 may also verify and authenticate the aerosol generator 1000 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0188] The control unit 1010 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1000. In one embodiment, the control unit 1010 may include at least one processor. The processor may be embodied by an array of numerous logic gates and may be embodied by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. It will be understood that it may also be embodied by other forms of hardware, as will be understood by those ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs.

[0189] Those with ordinary skill in the art relating to this embodiment will understand that it may be embodied in modified forms that do not deviate from the essential characteristics described above. Therefore, the disclosed method should be considered in an explanatory rather than restrictive view. The scope of the invention is shown in the claims, not in the foregoing description, and all differences within an equivalent scope should be construed as being included in the invention.

Claims

1. A containment space into which aerosol products are inserted, A heater for heating the aerosol product, An insertion sensing sensor that senses whether or not the aerosol product has been inserted into the containment space, A memory including a lookup table in which a default value is matched for each aerosol product, Includes a control unit, The control unit, During the heating operation of the heater, if the insertion sensing sensor detects that the aerosol product, which is inserted into the containment space, has moved out of the containment space, the heating operation of the heater is temporarily suspended. Whether or not to restart the heater's heating operation is determined based on whether or not the aerosol product was reinserted into the containment space within a predetermined grace period from the point at which the heating operation was temporarily suspended. The control unit, If the heating operation is temporarily suspended, the heater temperature is controlled to remain at a standby temperature that does not fall below the lower limit temperature corresponding to the end of the grace period, even if it decreases over time since the suspension. The control unit, If it is determined that the aerosol product has been reinserted into the containment space within the grace period, the heating operation of the heater is restarted so that the heater temperature rises again from the standby temperature. An aerosol generating device that, if it is determined that the aerosol product has not been reinserted into the containment space within the grace period, turns off the heating operation of the heater.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines that the aerosol product has been moved if the amount of change in the sensing value detected using the insertion sensing sensor is different from the predetermined value.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the movement includes cases where the front end of the aerosol product moves away from a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the containment space, or where the front end of the aerosol product facing the bottom surface of the containment space completely leaves the containment space.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the insertion sensing sensor includes at least one of the following: an inductive sensor for sensing a change in the inductance of the housing space, a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater, and a capacitive sensor for sensing a change in the capacitance of the housing space.

5. The control unit, During the aforementioned grace period, the state of the inductive sensor is switched to the activated state at regular intervals. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a change in inductance is detected via the inductive sensor that has been switched to the activated state.

6. The control unit, When the aerosol product is inserted into the containment space, the change in the first inductance of the containment space is detected at a constant period. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein if the magnitude of the detected first inductance change is greater than or equal to a first critical value, it is determined that the aerosol product has moved out of the containment space.

7. The control unit, When the aerosol product is moved from the containment space, the inductive sensor detects the change in the second inductance of the containment space at a constant frequency over a specified time period. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the reinsertion of the aerosol product is detected when the magnitude of the detected second inductance change is greater than or equal to the second critical value.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol product comprises a thermal conductive material containing at least one of aluminum, nickel, and iron.

9. In the operation method of an aerosol generating device, During the heating operation of the heater, the insertion sensing sensor detects whether or not the aerosol product, which is inserted into the containment space, has moved out of the containment space. If the aerosol product is moved out of the containment space, the heating operation of the heater is temporarily suspended. When the heating operation is temporarily suspended, the heater temperature is controlled to remain at a standby temperature that does not fall below the lower limit temperature corresponding to the end of the previously set grace period, even if it decreases over time since the suspension of the heating operation. The step includes determining whether or not to restart the heating operation of the heater based on whether or not the aerosol product was reinserted into the containment space within the grace period from the point at which the heating operation was temporarily suspended, The step of deciding whether or not to restart the heating operation of the heater is: If it is determined that the aerosol product has been reinserted into the containment space within the grace period, the heating operation of the heater is restarted so that the heater temperature rises again from the standby temperature. A method for operating an aerosol generator, comprising the step of turning off the heating operation of the heater if it is determined that the aerosol product has not been reinserted into the containment space within the grace period.

10. The method for operating an aerosol generator according to claim 9, wherein the step of sensing whether the aerosol product has moved from the containment space is to determine that the aerosol product has moved if the amount of change in the sensing value sensed using the insertion sensing sensor based on a lookup table in which a default value has been matched for each aerosol product is different from the default value.

11. The method of operating an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the movement includes when the front end of the aerosol product moves away from a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the containment space, or when the front end of the aerosol product facing the bottom surface of the containment space moves completely away from the containment space.

12. The method for operating an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the insertion sensing sensor includes at least one of the following: an inductive sensor for sensing a change in the inductance of the housing space, a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater, and a capacitive sensor for sensing a change in the capacitance of the housing space.

13. The method for operating an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the aerosol product includes a thermal conductive material comprising at least one of aluminum, nickel, and iron.

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