Aerosol generating apparatus and method having puff recognition function

Abstract

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device with a puff recognition function includes a temperature sensor that detects a change in air temperature in an air flow path formed within the aerosol generating device, and a control unit that compares first information that differs depending on the temperature change with pre-set second information and determines whether a puff has been generated by a user based on the comparison result.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating apparatus and method having a puff recognition function, and more specifically, to an aerosol generating apparatus and method capable of recognizing and counting a user's puffs. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for methods that generate aerosols by heating the aerosol-generating substances within the cigarette, rather than by burning the cigarette to produce aerosols. As a result, research into heated cigarettes or heated aerosol generators is progressing actively. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0003] Generally, when an aerosol generator is powered on, it provides the user with a smoking experience through a predetermined number of puffs. Once the predetermined number of puffs is exhausted, the aerosol generator temporarily enters a standby or charging mode. Generally, due to the structural characteristics of heated aerosol generators, if the aerosol generating substrate is heated for an excessively long time, an aerosol that induces significantly lower smoking satisfaction will be produced. Therefore, in order to provide the user with a consistently high-quality aerosol, it is desirable to accurately count the number of puffs the user takes and temporarily interrupt the heating of the heater.

[0004] The technical problem that this disclosure aims to solve is to provide an aerosol generating device that can accurately recognize the user's puffs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure for solving the aforementioned technical problems is an aerosol generating apparatus having a puff recognition function, and includes a temperature sensor that senses temperature changes in an air flow path formed in the aerosol generating apparatus, and a control unit that compares first information which differs due to the temperature change with a pre-set second piece of information, and determines whether or not a puff has been generated by the user based on the comparison result.

[0006] A method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure for solving the aforementioned technical problems includes the steps of: a temperature sensor sensing a change in the temperature of the air in an airflow path formed in an aerosol generator; a first module comparing first information that differs due to the temperature change with pre-configured second information; and a control unit determining, based on the comparison result, whether or not a puff has occurred by the user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, puffs (inhalations) can be accurately recognized regardless of the unique characteristics of the user's inhalation behavior.

[0008] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, it is possible to provide users with aerosols of consistent quality through accurate puff counting. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates an example where a cigarette has been inserted into an aerosol generator. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates an example where a cigarette has been inserted into an aerosol generator. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates another example in which a cigarette has been inserted into an aerosol generator. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating an example of a cigarette. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating another example of a cigarette. [Figure 6]It is a diagram illustrating an example of a dual-medium cigarette used in the apparatus of FIG. 3. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view of an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a side view of the apparatus described in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] It is a diagram illustrating an example of a puff recognition circuit included in the aerosol generating apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a diagram schematically showing a cross-section of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a diagram schematically showing a perspective view of another example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 12] It is a diagram for more intuitively showing the puff recognition circuit described in FIGS. 9 to 11. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart showing an example of a puff recognition method for an aerosol generating apparatus according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating apparatus is an aerosol generating apparatus having a puff recognition function, and comprises: a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature change of an airflow path formed inside the aerosol generating apparatus; and a control unit that compares first information that varies depending on the temperature change with preset second information, and determines whether a puff by a user occurs based on a comparison result.

[0011] In the apparatus described above, the first information and the second information may be proportional to a driving voltage of a first module included in the apparatus.

[0012] In the apparatus described above, the first module is also a comparator.

[0013] In the above device, the first information is an input voltage at the positive (+) terminal of the comparator, and the second information is an input voltage at the negative (-) terminal of the comparator. When the value of the input voltage at the positive terminal is larger than the value of the input voltage at the negative terminal, the control unit can determine that a puff has occurred based on a signal output from an output terminal of the comparator.

[0014] In the above device, the first information is also a voltage value that changes according to a temperature change of an air flow path section.

[0015] In the above device, the temperature sensor may be configured by a temperature change sensing unit that senses the temperature change, and a variable resistor whose resistance is different in proportion to the temperature change.

[0016] In the above device, the temperature sensor may be configured by a temperature change sensing unit that senses the temperature change, and a variable resistor whose resistance value is different in inverse proportion to the temperature change.

[0017] In the above device, the second information may be determined by fixed resistance values of two resistors.

[0018] In the above device, the first information may be calculated based on temperature changes sensed by the two or more temperature sensors.

[0019] In the above device, the temperature sensor can selectively sense a temperature change equal to or greater than a preset value.

[0020] A method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises the steps of: sensing, by a temperature sensor, a temperature change of air in an air flow path section formed inside an aerosol generating device; comparing, by a first module, first information that varies according to the temperature change with preset second information; and determining, by a control unit, whether or not a puff has occurred by a user based on the comparison result.

[0021] In the above method, the first information and the second information may be changed in proportion to the drive voltage of the first module included in the device.

[0022] In the above method, the first module is also a comparator.

[0023] In the above method, the first information is the input voltage at the positive (+) terminal of the comparator, and the second information is the input voltage at the negative (-) terminal of the comparator. In the step of determining whether or not a puff has occurred, if the value of the input voltage at the positive terminal is greater than the value of the input voltage at the negative terminal, it can be determined that a puff has occurred based on the signal output from the output terminal of the comparator.

[0024] In the above method, the first information may be calculated based on temperature changes sensed by the two or more temperature sensors.

[0025] The terminology used in this embodiment has been selected, as far as possible, to be widely used and general terms, while taking into account the function of the present invention. However, this may vary depending on the intentions of the articulators, precedents, or the emergence of new technologies. In certain cases, the applicant may have arbitrarily selected terms, in which case their meaning will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terminology used in this invention must not be merely a set of names, but must be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention.

[0026] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a component, it means, unless otherwise specified, that it includes other components, not excludes them. Furthermore, terms such as "...part" or "...module" 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.

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying 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 be embodied in a variety of different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0029] Figures 1 and 2 are diagrams illustrating an example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generator.

[0030] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol generator 10 includes a battery 120, a control unit 110, a heater 130, and a vaporizer 180. A cigarette 200 can also be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generator 10.

[0031] The aerosol generator 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 illustrates the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, it should be clear to anyone with ordinary skill in the technical field related to this embodiment that, in addition to the components shown in Figures 1 and 2, other general-purpose components are also included in the aerosol generator 10.

[0032] Furthermore, although Figures 1 and 2 illustrate that the aerosol generator 10 includes a heater 130, the heater 130 may be omitted if necessary.

[0033] Figure 1 shows the battery 120, control unit 110, vaporizer 180, and heater 130 arranged in a line. Figure 2 shows the vaporizer 180 and heater 130 arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 10 is not limited to what is shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2. In other words, the arrangement of the battery 120, control unit 110, vaporizer 180, and heater 130 can be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generator 10.

[0034] When a cigarette 200 is inserted into the aerosol generator 10, the aerosol generator 10 activates the vaporizer 180, which generates aerosols. The aerosols generated by the vaporizer 180 pass through the cigarette 200 and are transmitted to the user. A more detailed explanation of the vaporizer 180 is provided below.

[0035] The battery 120 supplies the power used to operate the aerosol generator 10. For example, the battery 120 can supply power to heat the heater 130 or the vaporizer 180, and can supply the power necessary for the control unit 110 to operate. The battery 120 can also supply the power necessary for the operation of the display, sensors, motors, etc., provided in the aerosol generator 10.

[0036] The control unit 110 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 10. Specifically, the control unit 110 controls the operation of not only the battery 120, heater 130, and vaporizer 180, but also other components included in the aerosol generator 10. The control unit 110 can also check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 10 and determine whether or not the aerosol generator 10 is operational.

[0037] The control unit 110 includes at least one processor. This processor can also be embodied by an array of numerous logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory in which a program that can be executed by that microprocessor is stored. It can also be embodied by other forms of hardware, as can be understood by anyone with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs.

[0038] The heater 130 can be heated by power supplied from the battery 120. For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generator 10, the heater 130 can be located outside the cigarette. Thus, the heated heater 130 can raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating material inside the cigarette.

[0039] The heater 130 is also an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater 130 includes an electrical conductive track, and the heater 130 can be heated by the flow of current through the electrical conductive track. However, the heater 130 is not limited to the above example, and can be any heater that can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be one that is already set in the aerosol generator 10, or it may be set to a temperature desired by the user.

[0040] As another example, heater 130 is also an induction heating type heater. Specifically, heater 130 includes an electrically conductive coil for heating a cigarette by induction heating, and the cigarette also includes a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heating type heater.

[0041] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the heater 130 as being located outside the cigarette 200, but are not limited to this arrangement. For example, the heater 130 may include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and depending on the form of the heating element, it may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette 200.

[0042] Furthermore, the aerosol generator 10 may also be equipped with multiple heaters 130. In this case, the multiple heaters 130 may be arranged to be inserted inside the cigarette 200, or to be arranged outside the cigarette 200. Alternatively, some of the multiple heaters 130 may be inserted inside the cigarette 200, while the rest are arranged outside the cigarette 200. In addition, the shape of the heater 130 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figures 1 and 2, but can be manufactured in a variety of shapes.

[0043] The vaporizer 180 can heat a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which can pass through the cigarette 200 and be delivered to the user. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 180 can travel along the airflow passage of the aerosol generator 10, which may be configured so that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 180 passes through the cigarette and is delivered to the user.

[0044] For example, the vaporizer 180 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may also be included in the aerosol generator 10 as independent modules.

[0045] The liquid storage section can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances including volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing non-tobacco substances. The liquid storage section may be manufactured to be detachable from / attached to the vaporizer 180, or to be manufactured as an integral part of the vaporizer 180.

[0046] For example, the liquid composition may also contain water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavorings, or vitamin mixtures. The fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit fragrance components. The flavorings may also contain components that can provide users with a variety of flavors or aromas. The vitamin mixture may be, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E. The liquid composition may also contain aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0047] The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition of the liquid storage section to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means may be a wick made of cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramics, but is not limited to these.

[0048] The heating element is an element for heating a liquid composition transmitted by a liquid transfer means. For example, the heating element may be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited to these. The heating element may also be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire and may be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element is heated by an electric current supply, and heat is transferred to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

[0049] For example, the steam generator 180 may also be called a cartomizer or atomizer, but is not limited to these terms.

[0050] Furthermore, the aerosol generator 10 may also include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 120, control unit 110, and heater 130. For example, the aerosol generator 10 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. The aerosol generator 10 may also include at least one sensor (such as a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, or a cigarette insertion detection sensor). The aerosol generator 10 may also be constructed in such a way that external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out even when a cigarette 200 is inserted.

[0051] Although not shown in Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol generator 10 can also be configured with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can be used to charge the battery 120 of the aerosol generator 10. Alternatively, the heater 130 can be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generator 10 are coupled together.

[0052] Cigarette 200 is similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, Cigarette 200 can be divided into a first part containing an aerosol-generating substance and a second part containing a filter, etc. Alternatively, the second part of Cigarette 200 may also contain an aerosol-generating substance. For example, an aerosol-generating substance made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second part.

[0053] The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generator 10, while the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generator 10, or both the first part and a portion of the second part may be inserted. The user can inhale the aerosol with the second part in their mouth. At that time, the aerosol is generated by external air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol passes through the second part and is delivered to the user's mouth.

[0054] As an example, outside air may flow in through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generator 10. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generator 10, and / or the size of the air passage, may be adjusted by the user. This allows the amount of atomization, the smoking sensation, etc., to be adjusted by the user. As another example, outside air may also flow into the interior of the cigarette 200 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the cigarette 200.

[0055] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating another example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generator.

[0056] Comparing the aerosol generator shown in Figure 3 with the aerosol generator described in Figures 1 and 2, it can be seen that it does not include the vaporizer 180. Instead, the elements that perform the function of the vaporizer 180 are also included in the dual-medium cigarette 300.

[0057] The aerosol generator 10 shown in Figure 3 generates an aerosol that can be inhaled by the user by externally heating the double-medium cigarette 300 once it is inserted. The double-medium cigarette 300 will be explained in more detail with reference to Figure 6.

[0058] The following describes an example of the Cigarette 200, referring to Figure 4.

[0059] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cigarette.

[0060] Referring to Figure 4, the cigarette 200 includes a tobacco rod 210 and a filter rod 220. The first part, as described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, includes the tobacco rod 210, and the second part includes the filter rod 220.

[0061] In Figure 4, the filter rod 220 is illustrated as a single segment, but is not limited to this. In other words, the filter rod 220 can also be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 220 may include a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering out predetermined components contained in the aerosol. Furthermore, as needed, the filter rod 220 may also include at least one additional segment performing other functions.

[0062] A cigarette 200 may be packaged by at least one flap 240. The flap 240 may have at least one hole through which external air enters or internal gases exit. As an example, a cigarette 200 may be packaged by one flap 240. As another example, a cigarette 200 may also be superimposed on two or more flaps 240. For example, a first flap may package the tobacco rod 210, and a second flap may package the filter rod 220. The tobacco rod 210 and filter rod 220, packaged by their individual flap, are then joined together, and the entire cigarette 200 may be further packaged by a third flap. If each of the tobacco rod 210 or filter rod 220 consists of multiple segments, each segment may be packaged by an individual flap. The entire cigarette 200, with the segments packaged by the individual flap joined together, may then be further packaged by other flaps.

[0063] The tobacco rod 210 contains an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco rod 210 may also contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. The tobacco rod 210 may also be enriched by spraying a flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, onto the tobacco rod 210.

[0064] The tobacco rod 210 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 210 can be made from a sheet or from a strand. It can also be made from shredded tobacco, which is a sheet of tobacco that has been finely chopped. Furthermore, the tobacco rod 210 may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, this heat-conducting material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited to that. As an example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 210 can evenly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 210, improving the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod and thereby improving the tobacco flavor. The heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 210 can also function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. In this case, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 210 may also include additional susceptors in addition to the heat-conducting material surrounding its exterior.

[0065] The filter rod 220 is also a cellulose acetate filter. There are no restrictions on the shape of the filter rod 220. For example, the filter rod 220 can be a cylindrical rod, a tube-type rod containing a hollow interior, or a recessed rod. If the filter rod 220 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the segments may be made in a different shape.

[0066] The filter rod 220 is also designed to produce flavor. For example, a fragrance solution may be sprayed onto the filter rod 220, or a separate fiber coated with a fragrance solution may be inserted into the filter rod 220.

[0067] Furthermore, the filter rod 220 also contains at least one capsule 230. Here, the capsule 230 can perform the function of generating flavor, or it can perform the function of generating aerosol. For example, the capsule 230 is a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is covered with a film. The capsule 230 may, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0068] If the filter rod 220 includes a segment for cooling the aerosol, the cooling segment may be made of a polymer or a biodegradable polymer. For example, the cooling segment may be made of pure polylactic acid alone, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the cooling segment may also be made of a cellulose acetate filter with multiple pores. However, the cooling segment is not limited to the examples given above and may be any material capable of performing the function of cooling the aerosol.

[0069] Although not shown in Figure 4, one embodiment of the cigarette 200 also includes a front filter. The front filter is located on the tobacco rod 210 on one side opposite the filter rod 220. The front filter can prevent the tobacco rod 210 from detaching to the outside and can prevent the liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco rod 210 to the aerosol generator 100 (Figures 1 and 2) during smoking.

[0070] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating another example of a cigarette.

[0071] Referring to Figure 5, it can be seen that the cigarette 200 has a configuration in which the cross tube 205, tobacco rod 210, and tube 220a and filter 220b are wrapped around a final flaps 240a. In Figure 5, the flaps include individual flaps 240b, 240c, 240d, and 240e that enclose the cross tube 205, tobacco rod 210, tube 220a, and filter 220b respectively, and a final flaps 240a that encloses the cross tube 205, tobacco rod 210, tube 220a, and filter 220b that are covered by the individual flaps 240b, 240c, 240d, and 240e together.

[0072] The first part, as described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, includes the cross tube 205 and the tobacco rod 210, and the second part includes the filter 220b. For convenience of explanation, the following explanation will refer to Figures 1 and 2, and explanations that overlap with those described in Figure 4 will be omitted.

[0073] The cross tube 205 refers to a cross-shaped tube that is connected to the tobacco rod 210.

[0074] Once the cigarette 200 is inserted into the aerosol generator, the tobacco rod 210 and the cross tube 205 are the parts that are sensed by the cigarette sensing sensor. The cross tube 205 is encased in a copper-wrapped paper lid and can be used to determine whether the cigarette 200 into which the cigarette sensing sensor is inserted is a type of cigarette supported by the aerosol generator (e.g., whether the cigarette and the aerosol generator are manufactured by the same manufacturer).

[0075] The tobacco rod 210 contains an aerosol-generating substrate that is heated by the heater 130 of the aerosol generator 10 to generate an aerosol.

[0076] Tube 220a performs the function of transferring the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating substrate of the tobacco rod 210 to the filter 220b. Tube 220a is manufactured by adding triacetin (TA), a plasticizer, to cellulose acetate tow and molding it into a circular shape. Compared to the cross tube 205, it differs not only in shape but also in its arrangement, particularly in how it connects the tobacco rod 210 and the filter 220b.

[0077] Filter 220b performs the function of allowing the user to inhale the filtered aerosol by passing the aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 210 through the tube 220a. Filter 220b is also a cellulose acetate filter made from cellulose acetate tow.

[0078] The final wrapper 240a is a paper that covers the cross tube 205, the tobacco rod 210, the tube 220a, and the filter 220b, and also includes the cross tube wrapper 240b, the tobacco rod wrapper 240c, the tube wrapper 240d, and the filter wrapper 240e.

[0079] In Figure 5, the cross tube ferrule 240b is covered by an aluminum ferrule, the tube section 220a is covered by an MFW ferrule or a 24K ferrule, and the filter 220b is also covered by an oil-resistant hard ferrule or a PLA (polylactic acid) interlining. The tobacco rod ferrule 240c and the final ferrule 240a will be described in more detail below.

[0080] The tobacco rod lid 240c is a lid that encloses the tobacco rod 210 and is coated with a thermal conductivity-enhancing material to maximize the efficiency of the thermal energy transmitted by the heater 130. For example, the tobacco rod lid 240c can be manufactured by coating a general lid or release paper with at least one of the following: silver foil paper (Ag), aluminum foil paper (Al), copper foil paper (Cu), carbon paper, filler, ceramic (AlN, Al2O3), silicone carbide, sodium citrate (Na citrate), potassium citrate (K citrate), aramid fiber, nanocellulose, mineral paper, glassine paper, or SWNT (single-walled carbon nanotube). The term "general trumpet" refers to the type of trumpet commonly used in cigarettes, and specifically refers to a porous trumpet made from a material that has undergone handmade paper testing and has been verified to have papermaking workability and thermal conductivity exceeding a certain level.

[0081] Furthermore, in the present invention, the final trumpet 240 can be made by coating the MFW base paper with at least one of the various materials that can be coated onto the tobacco rod trumpet 240c, including fillers, ceramics, silicone carbide, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, aramid fibers, nanocellulose, and SWNT.

[0082] The heater 130 included in the external heating aerosol generator 10 described in Figures 1 and 2 is controlled by the control unit 110 and heats the aerosol-generating substrate contained in the tobacco rod 210 so that an aerosol is generated. At that time, the thermal energy transferred to the tobacco rod 210 consists of radiant heat 75%, convective heat 15%, and conductive heat 10%. In one embodiment, the ratio of radiant heat, convective heat, and conductive heat that constitute the thermal energy transferred to the tobacco rod 210 may differ.

[0083] The present invention overcomes the difficulty in rapidly generating aerosols due to the heater 130's inability to directly contact the aerosol-generating substrate and transfer thermal energy. As described above, the tobacco rod trumpet 240c and the final trumpet 240 are coated with a thermal conductivity-enhancing material to facilitate the efficient transfer of thermal energy to the aerosol-generating substrate of the tobacco rod 210. This allows the user to be provided with a sufficient amount of aerosol even during the initial puffing stage before the heater 130 is sufficiently heated.

[0084] In one embodiment, the thermal conductivity-enhancing material is coated on only one of the tobacco rod fin 240c or the final fin 240. In addition to the above example, the present invention can also be embodied by coating the tobacco rod fin 240c or the final fin 240 with an organometallic, inorganic metal, fiber, or polymer material having a predetermined thermal conductivity.

[0085] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a dual-medium cigarette used in the apparatus shown in Figure 3.

[0086] In Figure 6, the dual-medium cigarette differs from the cigarettes described in Figures 4 and 5 in that the aerosol-generating substrate and the tobacco substance are contained in separate parts.

[0087] Referring to Figure 6, it can be seen that the double-medium cigarette 300 has a configuration in which the aerosol base material 310, the medium 320, the cooling 330, and the filter 340 are covered by the final hood 350. In Figure 6, the final hood 350 refers to an outer covering that encloses both the individual hoods 310a, 320a, and 340a that each enclose the aerosol base material 310, the medium 320, and the filter 340, and the aerosol base material 310, the medium 320, and the filter 340 that are covered by the individual hoods 310a, 320a, and 340a.

[0088] The aerosol substrate section 310 is a portion of pulp-based paper that has been molded into a predetermined shape by incorporating a humectant. The humectant (substrate) included in the aerosol substrate section 310 is propylene glycol and glycerin. The humectant in the aerosol substrate section 310 contains propylene glycol and glycerin in a constant weight ratio relative to the weight of the base paper. When the double-medium cigarette 300 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 10 shown in Figure 3, the aerosol substrate section 310 generates humectant vapor when heated to a certain temperature or higher by the heater 130.

[0089] The medium section 320 contains one or more of the following: sheets, strands, and finely shredded tobacco sheets, and is the part that generates nicotine to provide the user with a smoking experience. Even when the double-medium cigarette 300 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 10 in Figure 3, the medium section 320 is not directly heated by the heater 130, but can be indirectly heated by conduction, convection, and radiation from the medium section flaps (or final flaps) that cover the heated aerosol base material section 310 and the medium section 320. In this invention, considering the characteristic that the temperature to be reached of the medium contained in the medium section 320 is even lower than the temperature to be reached of the humectant contained in the aerosol base material section 310, the aerosol base material section 310 is heated with an external heating heater 130, and then the temperature of the medium section 320 is indirectly increased. When the temperature of the medium contained in the medium section 320 rises above a certain temperature, nicotine vapor is generated from the medium section 320.

[0090] In one embodiment, when a dual-medium cigarette 300 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 10 shown in Figure 3, a portion of the medium portion 320 faces the heater 130 and is heated by the heater 130.

[0091] The cooling section 330 is made of a tube filter containing a predetermined weight of plasticizer, and the humectant vapor and nicotine vapor generated from the aerosol base material section 310 and the medium section 320 are mixed and aerosolized, cooled as they pass through the cooling section 330, and unlike the aerosol base material section 310, the medium section 320 and the filter section 340, it is not covered and enclosed by individual trumpets.

[0092] The filter section 340 is also a cellulose acetate filter, and there are no restrictions on the shape of the filter section 340. The filter section 340 can be a cylindrical rod or a tube with a hollow interior. If the filter section 340 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the segments may be made to have a different shape. The filter section 340 may also be made to produce flavor. For example, a fragrance liquid may be sprayed onto the filter section 340, or a separate fiber coated with the fragrance liquid may be inserted into the inside of the filter section 340.

[0093] Furthermore, the filter section 340 also includes at least one capsule. Here, the capsule can also perform the function of generating flavor. For example, the capsule may be a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is covered with a film, and may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited to these.

[0094] The final lid 350 refers to an outer covering that encloses the aerosol substrate portion 310, the medium portion 320, and the filter portion 340, which are each covered by individual lids. The final lid 350 may be made of the same material as the medium portion lid, which will be described later.

[0095] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the present invention.

[0096] Referring to Figure 7, the aerosol generator 10 according to the present invention includes a control unit 110, a battery 120, and a heater 130. A dual-medium cigarette 300 is inserted into the aerosol generator 10 and heated to generate an aerosol. Since Figure 7 is shown in isolation for ease of explanation, it will be obvious to those with ordinary skill in the art that any addition of other components, as long as they include the aforementioned components, will not fall outside the scope of the present invention.

[0097] Furthermore, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 10 is not limited to that shown in Figure 7, and the arrangement of the control unit 110, battery 120, heater 130, and dual-medium cigarette 300 may differ depending on the embodiment and design. Explanations of each component in Figure 7 have already been given in Figures 1 to 3, so they will be omitted here.

[0098] Figure 8 is a side view of the aerosol generating device 10 described in Figure 7.

[0099] Referring to Figure 8, it can be seen that the aerosol generating apparatus 10 according to the present invention includes a PCB (printed circuit board) 11, a control unit 110, a battery 120, a first heater 130A, a second heater 130B, a display 150, and a cigarette lighter insertion space 160. In the following, explanations that overlap with the explanation of the configuration described in Figure 1 will be omitted.

[0100] PCB 11 performs the function of electronically integrating various components that collect information from the aerosol generator 10 while communicating with the control unit 110. The control unit 110 and the display 150 are fixedly mounted on the surface of PCB 11, and a battery 120 for supplying power to the elements connected to PCB 11 is connected to the surface of PCB 11.

[0101] The first heater 130A and the second heater 130B each heat the two medium portions of the dual-medium cigarette 300 inserted into the cigarette insertion space 160 of the aerosol generator shown in Figure 8 at different temperatures. The first heater 130A and the second heater 130B may contain different substances, or they may contain the same substance, and receive different control signals from the control unit 110, causing them to heat to different temperatures.

[0102] The display 150 is a device that controls the output of information necessary for the user from the information generated by the aerosol generator 10 as visual information. Based on the information received from the control unit 110, it controls the information output to the LCD (liquid crystal display) panel (or LED (light-emitting diode) panel) located on the front of the aerosol generator 10.

[0103] The cigarette insertion space 160 is a space into which a cigarette 200 or a dual-medium cigarette 300 is inserted. The cigarette insertion space 160 is cylindrical in shape so that a stick-shaped cigarette 200 or a dual-medium cigarette 300 can be stably inserted, and the height (depth) of the cigarette insertion space 160 may vary depending on the length of the region in the cigarette 200 or dual-medium cigarette 300 that contains the aerosol-generating substance.

[0104] For example, if a double-medium cigarette 300 as described in Figure 6 is inserted into the cigarette insertion space 160, the height of the cigarette insertion space 160 is the same as the sum of the lengths of the aerosol base material portion 310 and the medium portion 320. When a cigarette 200 or a double-medium cigarette 300 is inserted into the cigarette insertion space 160, the first heater 130A and the second heater 130B adjacent to the cigarette insertion space 160 are heated, which can generate an aerosol.

[0105] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a puff recognition circuit included in the aerosol generating device according to the present invention.

[0106] Referring to Figure 9, the puff recognition circuit included in the aerosol generating device of the present invention includes a comparator and a plurality of resistors. The output signal of the comparator is input to the control unit, which is an MCU (microcontroller unit). In the following, the temperature sensor is provided in the airflow path and consists of a temperature change sensing unit that is directly exposed to the air, and a variable resistor unit (or variable resistor) whose resistance value changes quickly in response to the temperature change sensed by the temperature change sensing unit. Unless otherwise specified, the resistance of the temperature sensor is considered to be synonymous with the variable resistor unit.

[0107] First, the input voltage to the positive (+) terminal of the comparator is the comparator's drive voltage V. cc The temperature sensor's variable resistor R1 and fixed resistance value R2 are determined based on these factors.

[0108]

number

[0109] Equation 1 shows the input voltage V at the positive terminal of the comparator. + This is an example of a mathematical formula. Most of the variables that make up formula 1 have already been explained.

[0110] A voltage is applied to R1 and R2 in proportion to the magnitude of their respective resistances. Since the temperature sensor's resistor R1 is a variable resistor, the voltage applied to R1 also differs depending on the resistance value of R1, and the input voltage to the positive terminal of the comparator is also affected by the magnitude of R1.

[0111] The resistor R1 of the temperature sensor is either an NTC (negative temperature coefficient of resistance) element or a PTC (positive temperature coefficient of resistance) element. For example, if the resistor R1 of the temperature sensor is an NTC element, and the temperature change sensing part of the temperature sensor senses a rise in the temperature of the air in the airflow path, then the magnitude of R1 will change inversely proportional to the sensed temperature rise. As a result, the input voltage V at the positive terminal + The magnitude of the voltage increases even further than before the temperature change was detected. As another example, if the resistor R1 of the temperature sensor is a PTC element, and the temperature change sensing part of the temperature sensor senses the temperature rise of the air in the airflow path, then the magnitude of R1 changes in proportion to the detected temperature rise. As a result, the input voltage V at the positive terminal increases. + Its size becomes even smaller than before the temperature change was detected.

[0112] R2 has a fixed resistance value and, in combination with the resistance value of R1, is used to determine the input voltage at the positive terminal of the comparator. According to the interpretation of Equation 1, if R2hs is excessively large compared to R1, then R1 の The magnitude change is ignored, and the input voltage V at the positive terminal is ignored. + Since the sensitivity decreases, R2 can also be determined as an element that has a resistance value similar to the magnitude of R1 within a certain range.

[0113] Next, the input voltage at the negative (-) terminal of the comparator in Figure 9 is the comparator's drive voltage V. cc This is determined through the combination of the resistance values ​​of R3 and R4, which have fixed resistance values.

[0114]

number

[0115] Equation 2 is an example of an input voltage to the negative terminal of a comparator. In Equation 2, V - This refers to the input voltage at the negative terminal of the comparator.

[0116] Voltage is applied to R3 and R4 in proportion to the respective resistance magnitudes thereof, and both R3 and R4 have fixed resistance values, so the input voltage at the negative terminal of the comparator is the driving voltage V of the comparator cc will be proportional to the magnitude of . Generally, the driving voltage of the comparator is maintained constant, so if the driving voltage of the comparator is also regarded as a constant, the input voltage at the negative terminal can be regarded as a preset value.

[0117] The comparator compares the input voltage at the positive terminal with the input voltage at the negative terminal, and the input voltage V at the positive terminal + is the input voltage V at the negative terminal - if it is larger than that, a specific signal is output through the output part of the comparator and transmitted to an MCU (control part), and the MCU senses that the input signal has changed from a low signal to a high signal, and can determine that a puff has occurred through the aerosol generating device.

[0118] Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the input voltage at the positive terminal of the comparator is abbreviated as first information, and the input voltage at the negative terminal of the comparator is abbreviated as second information.

[0119] As described in Formula 1 and Formula 2, the first information and the second information are the driving voltage V used for driving a specific module included in the aerosol generating device, for example, a module such as a comparator cc has a characteristic proportional to . The first information depends on a value calculated by a variable resistance part in the temperature sensor, and the variable resistance part depends on a result sensed by a temperature change sensing part of the temperature sensor, so the first information can also be understood as information based on a temperature change of air in an airflow path part.

[0120] Fig. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a cross-section of an aerosol generating device according to the present invention.

[0121] Figure 10 is a diagram for easily illustrating the position of the temperature sensor and the method by which puff recognition by the MCU (control unit) is implemented in the aerosol generating device according to the present invention. In the center of Figure 10, the dual-medium cigarette 300 described in Figure 6 is inserted into the cigarette insertion space, and the path of the airflow is indicated by arrows around the cigarette insertion space as a result of the user's inhalation.

[0122] The temperature sensor in Figure 10, as explained while describing Figure 9, is fully exposed to the airflow path and in direct contact with the air inside the airflow path, and includes a temperature change sensing unit 1010' that senses temperature changes. The temperature sensor also includes a variable resistor R1 1010 whose resistance value varies depending on the temperature change sensed by the temperature change sensing unit 1010', while fixing the position of the temperature change sensing unit 1010'. As shown in Figure 10, a monitoring temperature sensor 1020' may also be provided on the heater 130 that heats the double-medium cigarette 300. However, the temperature sensor 1020' provided on the heater 130 cannot output the information necessary to recognize puffs in this invention.

[0123] Furthermore, although Figure 10 shows that temperature sensors are provided at a total of three locations, the present invention does not limit the number of temperature sensors to a specific number, so the number of temperature sensors may differ from the number shown in Figure 10 depending on the embodiment. In addition, the temperature sensors provided in the airflow path can be configured to selectively detect only temperature changes that are greater than or equal to a predetermined value, thereby further improving the reliability of puff recognition.

[0124] In Figure 10, once power is supplied to the aerosol generator and the heater 130 has finished preheating, the temperature of the air in the airflow path also stabilizes to a constant level. At that time, the temperature sensor installed in the airflow path, after the heater has finished preheating, uses the stabilized air temperature as a reference and senses the temperature change each time the user performs a puff and the temperature of the air in the airflow path temporarily cools down. It then changes the resistance value of the variable resistor R1 1010, controlling the MCU 110 on PCB 11 to recognize that a puff has occurred.

[0125] To explain Figures 9 and 10 together, in the aerosol generating device according to the present invention, the puff recognition circuit for accurately recognizing the user's puffs includes a comparator, a resistor, an MCU, etc. Of these, the variable resistor and temperature change sensing unit, which are essential for configuring the input voltage of the positive terminal of the comparator, are provided in the airflow path section, and the remaining components are mounted on PCB 11 and operate from there.

[0126] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of another example of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the present invention, which differs from the example described in Figure 7.

[0127] Referring to Figure 11, it can be seen that the variable resistor R1 1010 is located close to the cigarette lighter insertion space 160 or the heater 130 surrounding the cigarette lighter insertion space 160. The temperature change sensing unit 1010', which has a configuration corresponding to the variable resistor R1 1010, is omitted for the sake of intuitive understanding of the drawing, but in actual implementations, it would be obvious to any ordinary engineer in that field that it is located close to the variable resistor R1 1010.

[0128] To ensure that changes in the resistance of the variable resistor R1 1010 are immediately reflected, the variable resistor R1 1010 is electrically connected via wires to the PCB 11 located at the lower end of the aerosol generator, and the control unit 110 receives a predetermined input signal from a comparator mounted on the PCB 11, allowing the user to recognize that a puff has occurred.

[0129] Figure 12 is a diagram that provides a more intuitive explanation of the puff recognition circuit described in Figures 9 through 11.

[0130] Figure 12 shows a puff recognition circuit included in and driven by the aerosol generator. The upper end of Figure 12 shows a variable resistor R1 1010 and a temperature change sensing unit 1010' located in the airflow path section, while the lower end of Figure 12 shows a comparator mounted on the PCB, the remaining resistors excluding resistor R1, and the MCU 110.

[0131] As explained with reference to Figures 9 through 11, when the temperature change of the air in the airflow path is sensed, the sensed result is converted into a change in resistance value, and transmitted to the PCB, the MCU 110 receives a unique signal from a comparator that outputs a signal based on the transmitted change in resistance value, and recognizes the puff.

[0132] As illustrated in Figure 10, in one embodiment, there may be two or more temperature sensors, and according to that embodiment, the circuit can be extended to be even more complex than that shown in Figure 12.

[0133] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a puff recognition method for an aerosol generating apparatus according to the present invention.

[0134] Since Figure 13 can be realized via an aerosol generating device having a puff recognition function as described in Figures 9 to 12, the following explanation will refer to Figures 9 to 12, but redundant explanations already given above will be omitted. Also, unless otherwise specified, the temperature sensor is considered to be a general term for the combined configuration of the temperature change sensing unit 1010' and the variable resistor unit 1010.

[0135] A temperature sensor installed in the airflow path detects temperature changes in the airflow path (S1310).

[0136] A temperature sensor installed in the airflow path changes its resistance value based on the detected temperature change, and consequently, the voltage value applied to the temperature sensor is also changed (S1330).

[0137] The comparator compares the changed voltage value with the voltage critical value (S1350) and determines whether the comparison result satisfies the previously set conditions (S1370). The changed voltage value in step S1350 also becomes the first piece of information mentioned above, and the voltage critical value becomes the second piece of information. Furthermore, in step S1370, satisfying the previously set conditions means that the changed voltage value is even greater than the critical voltage value.

[0138] In step S1370, if the comparison result satisfies the previously set conditions, the comparator changes the low signal that was output as the input signal to the control unit to a high signal (step S1390). After receiving the high signal, the control unit, which had been receiving a low signal, can determine that a user puff has occurred.

[0139] According to the present invention, puffs (inhalations) can be accurately recognized regardless of the unique characteristics of the user's inhalation behavior.

[0140] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a consistent flavor aerosol can be provided to the user through accurate puff counting.

[0141] The embodiments of the present invention described above are embodied in the form of computer programs that can be executed on a computer through a variety of components, and such computer programs can be recorded on a computer-readable medium. The medium may include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks and magnetic tapes; optical recording media such as CD-ROMs (compact disc read-only memory) and DVDs (digital versatile discs); magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROMs (read-only memory), RAMs (random access memory), and flash memory.

[0142] Furthermore, the aforementioned computer program is both specifically designed and configured for the present invention and is publicly known and available to those skilled in the field of computer software. Examples of such computer programs include not only machine code generated by a compiler, but also high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like.

[0143] The specific executions described herein are embodiments and do not in any way limit the scope of the invention. For the sake of brevity of the specification, descriptions of conventional electronic configurations, control systems, software, and other functional aspects of said systems may be omitted. Furthermore, the connections of lines or connecting members between components shown in the drawings are illustrative examples of functional and / or physical or circuit connections, and in actual devices, they may be shown as a variety of functional, physical, or circuit connections that are interchangeable or added. Also, components are not necessarily required for the application of the invention unless specifically mentioned as “essential” or “important.”

[0144] In the specification of this invention (particularly in the claims), the use of the term “the foregoing” and similar descriptive terms may be singular or plural. Furthermore, where a range is described in this invention, it includes inventions applying the individual values ​​belonging to that range (unless otherwise stated), as the individual values ​​constituting that range are described in the detailed description of the invention. Finally, with respect to the steps constituting the method according to the present invention, unless explicitly stated in order or otherwise, the steps may be performed in an appropriate order. The present invention is not necessarily limited by the order in which the steps are described. In this invention, the use of all examples or exemplary terms (e.g., “etc.”) is merely for the purpose of illustrating the invention in detail and, unless limited by the claims, the scope of this invention is not limited by the foregoing examples or exemplary terms. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will know that the claims, or their equivalents, can be comprised of various modifications, combinations, and changes, and can be constructed by design conditions and factors.

Claims

1. This is an aerosol generating device that has a puff recognition function. A heater for heating the aerosol-generating substance, A temperature sensor is positioned so that a portion of it is exposed to the air inside the airflow path, and includes a variable resistor whose resistance value changes based on the temperature change of the portion thereof. A comparator connected to multiple resistors compares a first input voltage applied to the positive (+) terminal with a second input voltage applied to the negative (-) terminal. If the first input voltage is greater than the second input voltage, it changes the output low signal to a high signal and outputs it. A control unit that, after receiving the high signal from the comparator, determines that a puff has occurred as determined by the user, Including PCBs, The first input voltage is the voltage obtained by dividing the drive voltage between the first and second resistors, and the second input voltage is the voltage obtained by dividing the drive voltage between the third and fourth resistors. The first resistor has one end connected to the drive voltage and the other end connected to the second resistor and the positive terminal of the comparator, and is the variable resistor of the temperature sensor. The second resistor has one end connected to the first resistor and the positive terminal of the comparator, and the other end connected to ground. The third resistor has one end connected to the drive voltage and the other end connected to the fourth resistor and the negative terminal of the comparator. The fourth resistor has one end connected to the third resistor and the negative terminal of the comparator, and the other end connected to ground. The control unit, the comparator, the second resistor, the third resistor, and the fourth resistor are mounted on the PCB. The aerosol generating apparatus wherein the first resistor, which is part of the temperature sensor, is provided in the airflow path adjacent to the heater, and the first resistor is electrically connected to the PCB via an electric wire.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the variable resistor has a resistance value that is proportional to the temperature change.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the variable resistor has a resistance value that is inversely proportional to the temperature change.

4. The temperature sensor comprises at least two or more units. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the two or more temperature sensors determine whether or not a puff has been generated.

5. A temperature sensor including a variable resistor, which is positioned so as to be partially exposed to the air inside the airflow path and whose resistance value changes based on the temperature change of the part, detects the temperature change of the part. A comparator connected to multiple resistors compares a first input voltage applied to the positive (+) terminal with a second input voltage applied to the negative (-) terminal. If the first input voltage is greater than the second input voltage, it changes the output low signal to a high signal and outputs it. The control unit includes the step of determining, after receiving the high signal from the comparator, that a puff has occurred, The first input voltage is the voltage obtained by dividing the drive voltage between the first and second resistors, and the second input voltage is the voltage obtained by dividing the drive voltage between the third and fourth resistors. The first resistor has one end connected to the drive voltage and the other end connected to the second resistor and the positive terminal of the comparator, and is the variable resistor of the temperature sensor. The second resistor has one end connected to the first resistor and the positive terminal of the comparator, and the other end connected to ground. The third resistor has one end connected to the drive voltage and the other end connected to the fourth resistor and the negative terminal of the comparator. The fourth resistor has one end connected to the third resistor and the negative terminal of the comparator, and the other end connected to ground. The control unit, the comparator, the second resistor, the third resistor, and the fourth resistor are mounted on a PCB. A method for recognizing puffs in an aerosol generator, wherein the first resistor, which is part of the temperature sensor, is provided in the airflow path adjacent to the heater of the aerosol generator, and the first resistor is electrically connected to the PCB via an electric wire.

6. The temperature sensor comprises at least two or more units. A method for recognizing a puff in an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the two or more temperature sensors determine whether or not a puff has formed.

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