AEROSOL-GENERATING PRODUCT AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING AN AEROSOL-GENERATING PRODUCT

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article including an aerosol-generating material which is heated to generate an aerosol, wherein the aerosol-generating article includes an identification material which absorbs light of a first wavelength radiated from outside the aerosol-generating article and emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength, and the identification material includes an organic material.

Description

Aerosol-generating articles and methods for producing aerosol-generating articles

[0001] The embodiments relate to an aerosol-generating article capable of accurately identifying the presence and type of an aerosol-generating article, an aerosol-generating system including the same, and a method for manufacturing the aerosol-generating article.

[0002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for alternative methods that overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for systems that generate aerosol by heating cigarettes (or "aerosol-generating articles") using an aerosol-generating device, rather than by burning the cigarette itself.

[0003] Recently, aerosol generators equipped with separate sensors are becoming more diverse to detect cigarette insertion / removal, cigarette type, and whether the cigarette is counterfeit or tampered with. In particular, as cigarette types diversify and counterfeit cigarettes appear on the market, the need for aerosol generators with the ability to distinguish them is increasing. Aerosol generators can obtain cigarette information through various sensors, such as inductive sensors, capacitive sensors, resistive sensors, infrared sensors, and color sensors.

[0004] An aerosol generating device capable of handling various types of cigarettes can perform different control actions depending on the type of cigarette. Furthermore, the aerosol generating device can also identify counterfeit cigarettes and initiate control actions only for genuine cigarettes. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device requires a separate sensor to identify the cigarette type and whether it is counterfeit.

[0005] In particular, the aerosol generating device can perform a heating operation for a specific type of cigarette using a specific heating profile corresponding to that cigarette. Therefore, the sensing accuracy for the cigarette needs to be improved to provide an optimal smoking sensation from the cigarette.

[0006] In various embodiments according to the present disclosure, an aerosol generating system may be provided that obtains a sensing value from an aerosol generating article including an identification material that is excited by absorption of light in a predetermined wavelength range, and determines information about the aerosol generating article based on the obtained sensing value.

[0007] Various embodiments according to the present disclosure can provide an aerosol generating system capable of more accurately identifying information on an aerosol generating article by individually recognizing a plurality of identification materials.

[0008] The problems to be solved through the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0009] An aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment comprises an aerosol-generating material that is heated to generate an aerosol, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an identification material that absorbs light of a first wavelength irradiated from an outside of the aerosol-generating article and emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength, wherein the identification material may comprise an organic material.

[0010] The first wavelength may be 10 nm to 340 nm, and the second wavelength may be 380 nm to 780 nm.

[0011] The organic substance may include at least one organic substance selected from the group consisting of quinazolinone compounds, thiophene compounds, sulfobenzoic acid compounds, and naphthyridine compounds.

[0012] The maximum absorption wavelength of the above identification substance (Abs max) and the difference between the dominant wavelength (DWL) of light emitted from the above-mentioned identification material may be 20% or more based on the maximum absorption wavelength.

[0013] The above identification material may include a plurality of particles having a diameter of 0.1 μm to about 10 μm.

[0014] A wrapper for packaging the aerosol generating article may be included, and the identification material may be disposed on an outer surface of the wrapper.

[0015] A plurality of wrappers are included for overlapping and packaging the aerosol generating article, and the identification material can be placed between the plurality of wrappers.

[0016] The above identification material is arranged along the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article, and the area where the identification material is arranged can extend from 1 mm to 10 mm along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article.

[0017] The aerosol generating article includes an aerosol generating rod and a filter rod that are sequentially aligned along the length direction of the aerosol generating article, and a length from a downstream end of an area where the identification material is disposed to a boundary of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod may be 0 mm to 5 mm.

[0018] The above identification material includes a first identification material and a second identification material, the first identification material and the second identification material emit light of different wavelengths, and a difference between the wavelength of light emitted by the first identification material and the wavelength of light emitted by the second identification material may be 15 nm or more.

[0019] The identification material comprises a first identification material and a second identification material, and the first identification material and the second identification material can be spaced apart along the length direction of the aerosol generating article.

[0020] A method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment may include the steps of: preparing an identification material including an organic substance; mixing the identification material and an overprint varnish to prepare a primary solution; mixing the primary solution and a diluent to prepare an identification material solution; and applying the identification material solution to an aerosol-generating article.

[0021] The organic substance may include at least one organic substance selected from the group consisting of quinazolinone compounds, thiophene compounds, sulfobenzoic acid compounds, and naphthyridine compounds.

[0022] The above-mentioned identification material solution may contain 0.01 wt% to 20 wt% of the identification material, 10 wt% to 40 wt% of the OP varnish, and 50 wt% to 85 wt% of the diluent.

[0023] The above OP varnish may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of nitrocellulose, polyamide, propyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, and 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH).

[0024] An aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment may include an aerosol-generating rod comprising an aerosol-generating material that is heated to generate an aerosol; a filter rod connected to the aerosol-generating rod; a wrapper surrounding at least one of the aerosol-generating rod and the filter rod; and an identification material disposed on at least one of the aerosol-generating rod, the filter rod, or the wrapper, the identification material emitting light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength when excited by light of a first wavelength. The identification material may include a first identification material and a second identification material that are different from each other in at least one of an amount, a concentration, a type, or a composition ratio.

[0025] The second wavelength emitted by the first identification material and the second wavelength emitted by the second identification material may have different ranges.

[0026] The difference between the second wavelength emitted by the first identification material and the second wavelength emitted by the second identification material may be 15 nm or more.

[0027] The first identification material and the second identification material may be spaced apart from each other along the length of the wrapper.

[0028] At least one of the first identification material and the second identification material may be disposed on the outer surface of the wrapper.

[0029] At least one of the first identification material and the second identification material may be disposed in an area along the circumferential direction of the wrapper.

[0030] At least one of the first identification material or the second identification material comprises an organic substance, and the organic substance may comprise at least one organic substance selected from the group consisting of a quinazolinone-based compound, a thiophene-based compound, a sulfobenzoic acid-based compound, and a naphthyridine-based compound.

[0031] An aerosol generating system according to one embodiment may include: an aerosol generating article according to one embodiment; and an aerosol generating device having a cavity into which the aerosol generating article is inserted. The aerosol generating device may include: a heater for heating the aerosol generating article inserted into the cavity; a sensor module including a light emitting unit for emitting light of the first wavelength toward each of the first identification material and the second identification material of the aerosol generating article inserted into the cavity, and a light receiving unit for receiving light of the second wavelength emitted from each of the first identification material and the second identification material; and a control unit for determining information of the aerosol generating article based on a sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit, and controlling power supply to the heater based on the determined information of the aerosol generating article.

[0032] When the light receiving unit receives light of the second wavelength emitted by the first identification material, the control unit can activate the heater.

[0033] When the light receiving unit receives light of the second wavelength emitted by the second identification material, the control unit can control the power supply to the heater with a temperature profile corresponding to the aerosol generating article.

[0034] After the heater is activated as the light receiving unit receives light of the second wavelength emitted by the first identification material, the control unit can control the light receiving unit to receive light of the second wavelength emitted by the second identification material.

[0035] The sensor module may include a first sensor module having a light emitting unit that emits light of the first wavelength toward the first identification material and a light receiving unit that receives light of the second wavelength emitted by the first identification material, and a second sensor module having a light emitting unit that emits light of the first wavelength toward the second identification material and a light receiving unit that receives light of the second wavelength emitted by the second identification material.

[0036] The sensor module may be movably arranged in the aerosol generating device to move to a position corresponding to the first identification material or the second identification material.

[0037] An aerosol generating system according to one embodiment may further include a shielding portion arranged to surround the sensor module and block an electric or magnetic field signal generated from the outside.

[0038] An aerosol generating system according to one embodiment may further include a lens disposed between the sensor module and the cavity, through which light of the first wavelength emitted by the light emitting unit and light of the second wavelength emitted by the first identification material and the second identification material pass.

[0039] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device can perform heating according to a temperature profile corresponding to the type of the detected aerosol generating article by detecting the type of the inserted aerosol generating article, thereby providing an optimal smoking sensation to the user.

[0040] Additionally, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating system can more accurately identify information about an aerosol generating article and save power consumption by individually recognizing a plurality of identification substances.

[0041] Additionally, since the identification material according to the present disclosure does not substantially emit light before being irradiated with a predetermined wavelength, it can provide information about the aerosol-generating article to the aerosol-generating device without affecting the appearance of the aerosol-generating article and without being recognized by the user.

[0042] In addition, the aerosol generating device according to the present disclosure can improve the identification accuracy of an aerosol generating article by determining information about the aerosol generating article based on a sensing value from an identification material.

[0043] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0044] Figures 1 to 3 are drawings illustrating examples of aerosol generating articles.

[0045] Figures 4a to 4d are cross-sectional side views of an aerosol generating article to illustrate examples of placement locations / methods of identification materials.

[0046] Figures 5a to 5d are perspective views of an aerosol generating article for illustrating examples of placement locations / methods of identification materials.

[0047] Figures 6a and 6b are drawings of the tobacco rod, filter rod, and wrapper separated from the aerosol generating article.

[0048] Figure 7 is a schematic side view of an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of an aerosol generation system having a different heating method than the aerosol generation system of FIG. 7.

[0050] Figure 9a is a perspective view illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device to which a sensor module is applied.

[0051] Figure 9b is a perspective view showing some components of the aerosol generating device illustrated in Figure 9a.

[0052] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing another example of an aerosol generating device to which a sensor module is applied.

[0053] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing another example of an aerosol generating device to which a sensor module is applied.

[0054] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment that determines information about an aerosol generating article and controls power supply to a heater.

[0055] FIG. 13a is an example of a graph of wavelengths emitted from a first identification material as wavelengths in a first wavelength range are investigated.

[0056] Figure 13b is an example of a graph of wavelengths emitted from a second identification material as wavelengths in the first wavelength range are investigated.

[0057] Figure 14a is an example of a graph of wavelengths emitted from a third identification material as wavelengths in the first wavelength range are investigated.

[0058] Figure 14b is an example of a graph of wavelengths emitted from a third identification material as wavelengths in the first wavelength range are investigated.

[0059] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of another specific example of how an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment determines information about an aerosol generating article.

[0060] Figure 16 is a schematic side view of an aerosol generating system including an example of a sensor module.

[0061] Figure 17 is a schematic side view of an aerosol generating system including multiple sensor modules.

[0062] Figure 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system including another example of a sensor module.

[0063] Figure 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system including multiple sensor modules.

[0064] Figure 20 is a schematic side view of an aerosol generating system including a shield.

[0065] Figure 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system including a support unit, a fixed unit, and a baffle.

[0066] Figure 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system including a lens.

[0067] FIG. 23a is a side view of a sensor module according to one embodiment, FIG. 23b is a plan view of a sensor module according to one embodiment, and FIG. 23c is a block diagram of a sensor module according to one embodiment.

[0068] FIGS. 24a and 24b are graphs illustrating detection results of a sensor module according to one embodiment.

[0069] FIG. 25 is a side view of a sensor module according to one embodiment.

[0070] FIG. 26 is a side view of a sensor module according to one embodiment.

[0071] Figure 27 is a side view of a sensor module according to one embodiment.

[0072] Fig. 28 is a side view of a sensor module according to one embodiment.

[0073] FIG. 29 is a side view of a sensor module according to one embodiment.

[0074] Fig. 30 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0075] An aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment comprises an aerosol-generating material that is heated to generate an aerosol, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an identification material that absorbs light of a first wavelength irradiated from an outside of the aerosol-generating article and emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength, wherein the identification material may comprise an organic material.

[0076] The first wavelength may be 10 nm to 340 nm, and the second wavelength may be 380 nm to 780 nm.

[0077] The organic substance may include at least one organic substance selected from the group consisting of quinazolinone compounds, thiophene compounds, sulfobenzoic acid compounds, and naphthyridine compounds.

[0078] The maximum absorption wavelength of the above identification substance (Abs max ) and the difference between the dominant wavelength (DWL) of light emitted from the above-mentioned identification material may be 20% or more based on the maximum absorption wavelength.

[0079] The above identification material may include a plurality of particles having a diameter of 0.1 μm to about 10 μm.

[0080] A wrapper for packaging the aerosol generating article may be included, and the identification material may be disposed on an outer surface of the wrapper.

[0081] A plurality of wrappers are included for overlapping and packaging the aerosol generating article, and the identification material can be placed between the plurality of wrappers.

[0082] The above identification material is arranged along the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article, and the area where the identification material is arranged can extend from 1 mm to 10 mm along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article.

[0083] The aerosol generating article includes an aerosol generating rod and a filter rod that are sequentially aligned along the length direction of the aerosol generating article, and a length from a downstream end of an area where the identification material is disposed to a boundary of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod may be 0 mm to 5 mm.

[0084] The above identification material includes a first identification material and a second identification material, the first identification material and the second identification material emit light of different wavelengths, and a difference between the wavelength of light emitted by the first identification material and the wavelength of light emitted by the second identification material may be 15 nm or more.

[0085] The identification material comprises a first identification material and a second identification material, and the first identification material and the second identification material can be spaced apart along the length direction of the aerosol generating article.

[0086] A method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment may include the steps of: preparing an identification material including an organic substance; mixing the identification material and an overprint varnish to prepare a primary solution; mixing the primary solution and a diluent to prepare an identification material solution; and applying the identification material solution to an aerosol-generating article.

[0087] The organic substance may include at least one organic substance selected from the group consisting of quinazolinone compounds, thiophene compounds, sulfobenzoic acid compounds, and naphthyridine compounds.

[0088] The above-mentioned identification material solution may contain 0.01 wt% to 20 wt% of the identification material, 10 wt% to 40 wt% of the OP varnish, and 50 wt% to 85 wt% of the diluent.

[0089] The above OP varnish may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of nitrocellulose, polyamide, propyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, and 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH).

[0090] The terms used in the examples have been selected from widely used, current terms, taking into account the functions of the present invention. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, in which case their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on their meaning and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply their names.

[0091] When a part of the specification is said to "include" a component, this does not exclude other components, but rather implies the inclusion of other components, unless otherwise specifically stated. Furthermore, terms such as "-unit" and "-module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0092] As used herein, when an expression such as "at least one" precedes an array of elements, it modifies the entire array of elements, not just each individual element. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.

[0093] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette accommodated in an internal space.

[0094] The aerosol generating device may include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater may be heated when current flows through the electrically conductive track.

[0095] The heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0096] The cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be made of a sheet, a strand, or a tobacco sheet cut into small pieces. Additionally, the tobacco rod may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil.

[0097] The filter rod may be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may be composed of at least one segment. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a predetermined component contained within the aerosol.

[0098] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material.

[0099] An aerosol generating device may include a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be formed or assembled integrally with the body, and may be secured so as not to be detached by a user. The cartridge may be mounted to the body while containing the aerosol generating substance therein. However, this is not limited thereto, and the aerosol generating substance may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the body.

[0100] The cartridge may contain an aerosol-generating substance in any one of a variety of states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol-generating substance may comprise a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material including volatile tobacco flavoring components, or may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material.

[0101] The cartridge can be operated by an electric signal or wireless signal transmitted from the main body, thereby converting the phase of an aerosol-generating substance inside the cartridge into a gaseous phase to generate an aerosol. The aerosol may refer to a gas that is a mixture of vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating substance and air.

[0102] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may heat a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol may be delivered to the user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition may travel along an airflow path of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow path may be configured such that the aerosol may pass through the cigarette and be delivered to the user.

[0103] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance using ultrasonic vibration. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating substance with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0104] The aerosol generating device may include a vibrator, which may generate short-cycle vibrations to atomize the aerosol generating material. The vibrations generated by the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency range of the ultrasonic vibrations may be, but is not limited to, about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz.

[0105] The aerosol generating device may further include a wick that absorbs the aerosol generating substance. For example, the wick may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the vibrator or may be positioned to contact at least a portion of the vibrator.

[0106] When a voltage (e.g., an alternating current) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations may be generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator may be transmitted to an aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick. The aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick may be converted into a gaseous phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the vibrator, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0107] For example, the viscosity of an aerosol-generating substance absorbed into a wick may be lowered by heat generated from a vibrator, and an aerosol may be generated by fine particles of an aerosol-generating substance with a lowered viscosity due to ultrasonic vibration generated from a vibrator, but is not limited thereto.

[0108] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article accommodated in the aerosol generating device by induction heating.

[0109] An aerosol generating device may include a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil may apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. As power is supplied to the coil from the aerosol generating device, a magnetic field may be formed within the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor may be a magnetic material that generates heat due to an external magnetic field. When the susceptor is positioned within the coil and a magnetic field is applied, the susceptor generates heat, thereby heating the aerosol generating article. Additionally, optionally, the susceptor may be positioned within the aerosol generating article.

[0110] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further comprise a cradle.

[0111] The aerosol generator can be configured as a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can charge the aerosol generator's battery. Alternatively, the heater can be heated while the cradle and aerosol generator are combined.

[0112] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. The present disclosure may be implemented in a form that can be implemented in the various embodiments of the aerosol generating devices described above, or may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0113] Hereinafter, examples of aerosol generating articles will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0114] Figures 1 to 3 are drawings illustrating examples of aerosol generating articles.

[0115] Although the filter rod (22) is illustrated as a single segment in FIG. 1, it is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod (22) may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod (22) may include a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering a predetermined component contained within the aerosol. In addition, the filter rod (22) may further include at least one segment for performing another function, if necessary.

[0116] The aerosol-generating article (2) may be wrapped by at least one wrapper (24). The wrapper (24) may have at least one hole formed therein through which outside air is introduced or internal gas is discharged. As an example, the aerosol-generating article (2) may be wrapped by one wrapper (24). As another example, the aerosol-generating article (2) may be wrapped by two or more wrappers (24) in an overlapping manner. For example, the tobacco rod (21) may be wrapped by a first wrapper (24a), and the filter rod (22) may be wrapped by wrappers (24b, 24c, 24d). In addition, the entire aerosol-generating article (2) may be repackaged by a single wrapper (24e). If the filter rod (22) is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped by wrappers (24b, 24c, 24d).

[0117] The tobacco rod (21) 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. In addition, the tobacco rod (21) may contain other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. In addition, a flavoring agent, such as menthol or a humectant, may be added to the tobacco rod (21) by spraying it onto the tobacco rod (21).

[0118] The tobacco rod (21) can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod (21) can be manufactured as a sheet or a strand. Furthermore, the tobacco rod (21) can be manufactured as a cut tobacco sheet. Furthermore, the tobacco rod (21) can be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod (21) can evenly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod (21) to improve the heat conductivity applied to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the taste of the tobacco. Furthermore, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod (21) can function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in the drawing, the tobacco rod (21) can further include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat-conducting material surrounding the exterior.

[0119] The filter rod (22) may be a cellulose acetate filter. Meanwhile, there is no limitation on the shape of the filter rod (22). For example, the filter rod (22) may be a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod having a hollow portion therein. In addition, the filter rod (22) may be a recessed rod. If the filter rod (22) is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0120] The filter rod (22) may be manufactured to generate a flavor. For example, a flavoring agent may be sprayed onto the filter rod (22), or a separate fiber coated with a flavoring agent may be inserted into the interior of the filter rod (22).

[0121] Additionally, the filter rod (22) may include at least one capsule (23). Here, the capsule (23) may generate a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule (23) may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is encapsulated in a film. The capsule (23) may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0122] If the filter rod (22) includes a segment for cooling the aerosol, the cooling segment may be manufactured from a polymer material or a biodegradable polymer material. For example, the cooling segment may be manufactured from pure polylactic acid, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the cooling segment may be manufactured from a cellulose acetate filter having a plurality of holes. However, the cooling segment is not limited to the above-described examples, and may be manufactured without limitation as long as it can perform the function of cooling the aerosol.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating article (3) may further include a shear plug (33). The shear plug (33) may be positioned on one side of the tobacco rod (31) opposite the filter rod (32). The shear plug (33) may prevent the tobacco rod (31) from escaping to the outside and may prevent liquefied aerosol from the tobacco rod (31) from flowing into the aerosol generating device during smoking.

[0124] The filter load (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 load (22) of FIG. 1, and the second segment (322) may correspond to the second segment of the filter load (22) of FIG. 1.

[0125] The diameter and overall length of the aerosol generating article (3) may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the aerosol generating article (2) of FIG. 1. For example, the length of the shear plug (33) may be about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod (31) may be about 15 mm, the length of the first segment (321) may be about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment (322) may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0126] The aerosol generating article (3) may be wrapped by at least one wrapper (35). The wrapper (35) may have at least one hole formed therein through which external air may be introduced or internal gas may be discharged. For example, the shear plug (33) may be wrapped by a first wrapper (35a), the tobacco rod (31) may be wrapped by a second wrapper (35b), the first segment (321) may be wrapped by a third wrapper (35c), and the second segment (322) may be wrapped by a fourth wrapper (35d).

[0127] In addition, the entire aerosol generating article (3) can be repackaged by the fifth wrapper (35e). In addition, at least one perforation (36) can be formed in the fifth wrapper (35e). For example, the perforation (36) can be formed in an area surrounding the tobacco rod (31), but is not limited thereto. The perforation (36) can serve to transfer heat generated by the heater to the interior of the tobacco rod (31).

[0128] Additionally, the second segment (322) may include at least one capsule (34). Here, the capsule (34) may generate a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule (34) may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is encapsulated in a film. The capsule (34) may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0129] Figure 3 is a drawing illustrating an example of an aerosol generating article.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 3, the aerosol generating article (4) may include a first aerosol generating rod (41), a second aerosol generating rod (42), a cooling rod (43), and a filter rod (44). Additionally, the aerosol generating article (4) may be packaged by at least one wrapper (45).

[0131] The first aerosol generating rod (41), the second aerosol generating rod (42), the cooling rod (43), and the filter rod (44) may be arranged sequentially along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (4). Here, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (4) may be a direction in which the length of the aerosol generating article (4) extends. For example, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (4) may be a direction from the first aerosol generating rod (41) toward the filter rod (44).

[0132] The aerosol generated from the first aerosol generating rod (41) and the second aerosol generating rod (42) can form an airflow by passing through the first aerosol generating rod (41), the second aerosol generating rod (42), the cooling rod (43), and the filter rod (44) in sequence, and thus, the smoker can inhale the aerosol from the filter rod (44).

[0133] The first aerosol generating rod (41) can be heated to generate an aerosol. The first aerosol generating rod (41) can include an aerosol generating material. In addition, the first aerosol generating rod (41) can contain other additives such as a humectant and / or an organic acid, and can contain a flavoring such as menthol. For example, the aerosol generating material can include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol.

[0134] The first aerosol generating rod (41) may include an aerosol generating substrate impregnated with an aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating substrate may include a crimped sheet, and the aerosol generating material may be included in the first aerosol generating rod (41) in a state impregnated in the crimped sheet. Additionally, other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids and flavoring liquids may be included in the first aerosol generating rod (41) in a state absorbed by the crimped sheet.

[0135] The aerosol generating substrate may be placed inside the first aerosol generating rod (41) in a wound state. The wound aerosol generating substrate may be wound around an axis extending along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (4), but is not limited thereto.

[0136] The crimped sheet may be a sheet composed of a polymeric material. For example, the polymeric material may include at least one of paper, cellulose acetate, lyocell, and polylactic acid. For example, the crimped sheet may be a paper sheet that does not emit an off-flavor due to heat even when heated to a high temperature.

[0137] The first aerosol generating rod (41) may extend from about 7 mm to about 20 mm from the end of the aerosol generating article (4), and the second aerosol generating rod (42) may extend from about 7 mm to about 20 mm from the end of the first aerosol generating rod (41). However, the lengths to which each of the first aerosol generating rod (41) and the second aerosol generating rod (42) extend may be appropriately adjusted within a range that can be easily changed by a person skilled in the art.

[0138] The second aerosol generating rod (42) can be heated to generate an aerosol containing nicotine. For example, the second aerosol generating rod (42) can contain tobacco material. The tobacco material can take the form of, but is not limited to, tobacco strands, tobacco particles, tobacco sheets, tobacco beads, tobacco granules, tobacco powder, or tobacco extract.

[0139] For example, the second aerosol generating rod (42) may include a plurality of tobacco strands, and the plurality of tobacco strands may include a sheet-shaped cut filler. The sheet-shaped cut filler may be manufactured by cutting a sheet-shaped cut filler. The sheet-shaped cut filler may be manufactured by the following process. Tobacco raw materials are ground to manufacture a slurry containing an aerosol generating material (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, etc.), a flavoring liquid, a binder (e.g., guar gum, xanthan gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, etc.), water, etc. Natural pulp or cellulose may be added to the slurry, and one or more binders may be mixed and used. The slurry may be cast to form a sheet, and then dried to manufacture a sheet-shaped cut filler. The manufactured sheet-shaped cut filler may be manufactured by cutting or cutting the sheet-shaped cut filler. The tobacco raw materials may be tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, and / or tobacco fines generated during tobacco processing. Additionally, the sheet may contain other additives such as wood cellulose fibers.

[0140] Additionally, the second aerosol generating rod (42) may include tobacco charcoal produced by blending and processing various types of tobacco leaves and then cutting them. Additionally, the second aerosol generating rod (42) may include a mixture of plate-shaped leaf charcoal and tobacco charcoal.

[0141] As another example, the second aerosol generating rod (42) may comprise a plurality of tobacco granules. The tobacco granules may be particles having a diameter of about 100 μm to about 2,000 μm. The tobacco granules may be manufactured by extruding a mixture of tobacco leaf powder, a pH adjuster, and a solvent.

[0142] A plurality of tobacco granules may be disposed between the filter material. The filter material may, for example, comprise a bundle of cellulose acetate fiber strands. The plurality of tobacco granules may be evenly dispersed between the plurality of cellulose fibers. As another example, the filter material may comprise a crimped paper sheet. The crimped paper sheet may be disposed in a wound state within the second aerosol generating rod (42). The crimped paper sheet may be wound around an axis extending along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (4). A plurality of tobacco granules may be dispersed and disposed within the wound paper sheet.

[0143] Additionally, the second aerosol generating rod (42) may include an aerosol generating substrate impregnated with a liquid aerosol generating composition. The aerosol generating substrate may include a crimped sheet, and the liquid aerosol generating composition may be included in the second aerosol generating rod (42) in a state of being impregnated in the crimped sheet. The aerosol generating substrate included in the second aerosol generating rod (42) may be equally applied to the aerosol generating substrate included in the first aerosol generating rod (41).

[0144] The liquid aerosol-generating composition may include nicotine. The nicotine may include freebase nicotine and a nicotine salt. Freebase nicotine may refer to neutral nicotine without protons. For example, when a strong base, such as ammonia, is added to a positively charged nicotine salt, the strong base is converted into a cation, and the nicotine salt may become freebase nicotine, which is in a neutral state.

[0145] Additionally, the liquid aerosol-generating composition may include an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material may be the same as described above for the aerosol-generating substrate included in the first aerosol-generating rod (41).

[0146] The liquid aerosol-generating composition may be impregnated in an amount of from about 0.05 g to about 1.0 g per 1 g of the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the liquid aerosol-generating composition may be impregnated in an amount of from about 0.1 g to about 0.8 g per 1 g of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0147] The cooling rod (43) can cool the aerosol generated from the first aerosol generating rod (41) and the second aerosol generating rod (42). The cooling rod (43) can be made of a biodegradable polymer material and can have a cooling function. For example, the cooling rod (43) can be made of polylactic acid (PLA) fiber, but is not limited thereto.

[0148] Alternatively, the cooling rod (43) may be made of a cellulose acetate filter. However, the cooling rod (43) is not limited to the examples described above, and any material that performs the function of cooling the aerosol may be used without limitation. For example, the cooling rod (43) may be a tube filter including a hollow portion or a paper tube.

[0149] At least one hole (431) may be formed on the outer surface of the cooling rod (43). The at least one hole (431) may be formed along the circumferential direction of the cooling rod (43) to form one or more rows. The at least one hole (431) may allow external air to be introduced into the interior of the cooling rod (43). The external air introduced into the interior of the cooling rod (43) may be mixed with the high-temperature aerosol generated from the first aerosol generating rod (41) and the second aerosol generating rod (42) to cool the aerosol.

[0150] The filter rod (44) can filter out some components contained in the aerosol passing through the filter rod (44). The filter rod (44) can include a filter material. For example, the filter rod (44) can be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod (44) can be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow.

[0151] There is no limitation on the shape of the filter rod (44). For example, the filter rod (44) may be a cylindrical rod, or a tubular rod having a hollow space inside. Alternatively, the filter rod (44) may be a recessed rod having a hollow space with an open end. If the filter rod (44) is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0152] The filter rod (44) may be manufactured to generate a flavor. As an example, the filter rod (44) may contain a flavoring agent, and a separate fiber containing the flavoring agent may be inserted into the interior of the filter rod (44).

[0153] Additionally, the filter rod (44) may include at least one capsule. Here, the capsule may generate a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule may be a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is encapsulated in a film. The capsule may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0154] The aerosol generating article (4) may include a wrapper (45) surrounding at least a portion of the first aerosol generating rod (41) to the filter rod (44). Furthermore, the aerosol generating article (4) may include a wrapper (45) surrounding all of the first aerosol generating rod (41) to the filter rod (44). The wrapper (45) may be positioned at the outermost portion of the aerosol generating article (4), and the wrapper (45) may be a single wrapper, or may be a combination of multiple wrappers.

[0155] The aerosol generating article (4) may be wrapped in layers by two or more wrappers. For example, the first aerosol generating rod (41) may be wrapped by a first wrapper (45a), the second aerosol generating rod (42) may be wrapped by a second wrapper (45b), the cooling rod (43) may be wrapped by a third wrapper (45c), and the filter rod (44) may be wrapped by a fourth wrapper (45d). In addition, the entire aerosol generating article (4) may be re-wrapped by a fifth wrapper (45e).

[0156] The first wrapper (45a) may surround the first aerosol generating rod (41), and the second wrapper (45b) may surround the second aerosol generating rod (42). The first wrapper (45a) and the second wrapper (45b) may be a combination of paper and metal foil, such as aluminum foil. For example, the first wrapper (45a) and the second wrapper (45b) may be laminated sheets in which paper and metal foil are laminated. The first wrapper (45a) and the second wrapper (45b) may be laminated sheets in which paper is arranged on one side of the metal foil, or may be laminated sheets in which paper is arranged on both sides of the metal foil.

[0157] The paper of the first wrapper (45a) may contain a grease-resistant material. For example, the paper of the first wrapper (45a) may contain polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) or silicone. The paper of the first wrapper (45a) may have its surface coated with polyvinyl alcohol or silicone.

[0158] The third wrapper (45c) can surround the cooling rod (43). The third wrapper (45c) can include a paper roll. The paper roll of the third wrapper (45c) can be a porous roll or a non-porous roll. At least one perforation (45f) can be formed in the third wrapper (45c). For example, the third wrapper (45c) wraps the cooling rod (43) having at least one hole (431) formed therein, and at least one perforation (45f) formed in the third wrapper (45c) can be formed at a position corresponding to at least one hole (431) formed in the cooling rod (43).

[0159] The fourth wrapper (45d) can surround the filter rod (44). The fourth wrapper (45d) can include hard paper having a greater thickness and basis weight than general paper. For example, the thickness of the hard paper can be about 70 um to about 150 um, and the basis weight can be about 50 g / m. 2 About 100 g / m 2It may be. In addition, the hard paper may contain an oil-resistant material. For example, the hard paper may contain a surface treatment with an oil-resistant material such as polyvinyl alcohol or silicone.

[0160] The fifth wrapper (45e) can collectively surround the first aerosol generating rod (41) wrapped by the first wrapper (45a), the second aerosol generating rod (42) wrapped by the second wrapper (45b), the cooling rod (43) wrapped by the third wrapper (45c), and the filter rod (44) wrapped by the fourth wrapper (45d). The fifth wrapper (45e) can prevent the exterior of the aerosol generating article (4) from being contaminated by the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article (4). Liquid substances can be generated within the aerosol generating article (4) by the user's puff. For example, liquid substances (e.g., moisture, etc.) can be generated by cooling the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article (4) by the outside air. As the fifth wrapper (45e) wraps the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (4), the generated liquid substances can be prevented from leaking out of the aerosol generating article (4).

[0161] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating devices that can distinguish between different types of aerosol generating articles and identify aerosol generating articles suitable for use with an aerosol generating device and aerosol generating articles unsuitable for use with an aerosol generating device.

[0162] To this end, an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment may include an identification material. The identification material may be disposed on a component of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the identification material may be disposed on a wrapper, a filter rod, a tobacco rod, a shear plug, and / or an aerosol-generating rod. The following embodiments will be described based on an example in which the identification material is disposed on a wrapper; however, the components on which the identification material may be disposed, as described above, may vary.

[0163] The identification material may have physical, chemical, or optical properties. The identification material may be a material that has the property of changing the properties of the wavelength of transmitted light and emitting light. Specifically, the identification material may be excited when light in a predetermined wavelength range is absorbed. In the present disclosure, "the material being excited" may mean that the state of the material changes from a ground state to an excited state. Thereafter, during the process of the state of the identification material changing from an excited state to a ground state, light in a predetermined wavelength range may be emitted from the identification material. For example, the identification material may be a material included in the lanthanide series and may include a material composed of at least one element having atomic numbers 57 to 71.

[0164] In one embodiment, the identification material may include a taggant. The taggant may have an identifiable spectroscopic signature when absorbing and / or emitting light. The taggant may absorb a specific range of wavelengths when irradiated with light by a light-emitting unit of the aerosol generating device. The taggant may be excited by absorbing light and emit at least one wavelength of light that is shifted from the wavelength of the excited light. In this case, the light emitted by the taggant may be in the form of photoluminescence, phosphorescence, or fluorescence.

[0165] Light having a specific wavelength range emitted by the taggant can be received by the light receiving unit of the aerosol generating device. Based on the wavelength of the light received by the light receiving unit, the aerosol generating device can identify the type of aerosol generating article.

[0166] The specific range of wavelengths emitted by a taggant can be determined by the amount, concentration, type and / or composition ratio of the taggant material.

[0167] The taggant may comprise an organic substance. In one embodiment, the taggant may comprise one or more organic substances selected from the group consisting of a quinazolinone compound, a thiophene compound, a sulfobenzoic acid compound, and a naphthyridine compound.

[0168] The quinazolinone compound may include a quinazolinone derivative or a salt thereof. For example, the quinazolinone compound may include 4(3H)-quinazolinone, 6-chloro-2-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl); 4(3H)-quinazolinone, 6-chloro-2-(4-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl); 4(3H)-quinazolinone, 7-chloro-2-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl); 2-(5-chloro-2-hydroxy-phenyl)-3H-quinazolin-4-one;

[0169] The thiophene compound may include a thiophene derivative or a salt thereof. For example, the thiophene compound may include 2,5-bis(5-tert-butyl-2-benzoxazolyl)thiophene.

[0170] The sulfobenzoic acid compound may include a sulfobenzoic acid derivative or a salt thereof. For example, the sulfobenzoic acid compound may include benzoic acid, 2-[(2-hydroxy-5-sulfobenzoyl)amino]-, monosodium salt.

[0171] The naphthyridine compound may include a naphthyridine derivative or a salt thereof. For example, the naphthyridine compound may include a 1,8-naphthyridine derivative; a 1,5-naphthyridine derivative.

[0172] The taggant may also include an inorganic material. In one embodiment, the taggant may include one or more inorganic materials selected from the group consisting of rare earths, actinide metal oxides, and ceramics. For example, the rare earth may include one lanthanide selected from the group consisting of lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, nitride, and lutetium.

[0173] Additionally, the taggant may be a mixed organic and inorganic material. In one embodiment, the taggant may include a material in which an organic and an inorganic material are covalently, coordinately, ionicly, or covalently bonded. For example, the taggant may be a material in which an inorganic lanthanide and an organic material are coordinately bonded. For example, the taggant may include europium, tris[7-chloro-1-cyclopropyl-6-fluoro-1,4-dihydro-4-(oxo-kappaO)-1,8-naphthyridine].

[0174] The identification material is identified by the maximum absorption wavelength (Abs) for the light being investigated for the identification material. max) and the dominant wavelength (DWL) of the emitted light may be about 20% or more based on the maximum absorption wavelength. When the difference between the maximum absorption wavelength and the dominant wavelength of the identification material has the above-mentioned numerical range, significant identification accuracy can be achieved. When the difference between the maximum absorption wavelength and the dominant wavelength of the identification material is less than about 20%, light reflected by a component other than the identification material may act as noise and reduce identification accuracy. For example, the identification material may have a difference between the maximum absorption wavelength for light irradiated to the identification material and the dominant wavelength of the emitted light of about 25% to about 70% based on the maximum absorption wavelength. In addition, the identification material may have a difference between the maximum absorption wavelength for light irradiated to the identification material and the dominant wavelength of the emitted light of about 30% to about 65% based on the maximum absorption wavelength.

[0175]

[0176] Experimental example: Photoemission experiment of identification material containing taggant

[0177] After irradiating the identification material containing the taggant with light, the wavelength of the emitted light was determined. The wavelength of the irradiated light was 365 nm, and the dominant wavelength (DWL) of the emitted light was measured, and the results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0178] Example 1 described in Table 1 is a quinazolinone compound, 4(3H)-quinazolinone, 6-chloro-2-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl), Example 2 is a quinazolinone compound, 2-(5-chloro-2-hydroxy-phenyl)-3H-quinazolin-4-one, Example 3 is a thiophene compound, 2,5-bis(5-tert-butyl-2-benzoxazolyl)thiophene, and a sulfobenzoic acid compound, a sulfobenzoic acid compound, a mixture of benzoic acid, 2-[(2-hydroxy-5-sulfobenzoyl)amino]-, monosodium salt (85-90:10-15 weight ratio), Example 4 is a mixture of europium, Tris[7-chloro-1-cyclopropyl-6-fluoro-1,4-dihydro-4-(oxo-kappaO)-1,8-naphthyridine.

[0179] Distinction Maximum absorption wavelength (nm, Abs) max )CIE chromaticity coordinates, wavelength (nm, DWL) Example 1396X=0.4300±0.05y=0.5347±0.05546.4±5 Example 2382X=0.3232±0.05Y=0.5943±0.05518.8±5 Example 3364X=0.1590±0.05Y=0.1825±0.05471.3±5 Example 4382X=0.6633±0.02Y=0.3155±0.02622±5

[0180] As can be seen in Table 1, Examples 1 to 4 can be seen to absorb light, become excited, and emit light of a wavelength different from the wavelength of the absorbed light. In addition, Examples 1 to 4 have a maximum absorption wavelength (Abs) for the light being irradiated. max ) and the difference in the wavelength of the emitted light is about 20% or more based on the maximum absorption wavelength (Example 1: about 38%, Example 2: about 36%, Example 3: about 29%, Example 4: about 63%).

[0181] The taggant may be prepared by adding it to a paper slurry or paste prior to drying of a component of the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a wrapper), or by painting or spraying it onto the component. The taggant may be incorporated into the component of the aerosol-generating article in nanogram quantities.

[0182] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article (5) may include a taggant in an amount greater than or equal to a predetermined first content. Accordingly, the aerosol-generating article (5) may include a sufficient amount of taggant to enable the aerosol-generating article (5) to emit light in a specific wavelength range. For example, when the taggant is sprayed onto a surface, the sprayed solution may include the taggant in a concentration between about 1 ppm and about 1000 ppm. In another example, the taggant may be present in a concentration of 6 mg / mm. 2 This could also be included in the rapper award.

[0183] In one embodiment, the identification material solution may be applied to the surface of a component of an aerosol-generating article. The identification material solution may refer to a liquid composition comprising the identification material. For example, the identification material solution may be used to coat the surface of a wrapper of an aerosol-generating article. In another example, the identification material solution may be printed on the surface of a wrapper of an aerosol-generating article.

[0184] For example, an identification substance solution may be prepared according to a manufacturing method including the steps of preparing an identification substance, mixing the identification substance and OP varnish to prepare a primary solution, and mixing the primary solution and a diluent to prepare the identification substance solution. The prepared identification substance may be applied to a component of an aerosol-generating article.

[0185] The step of preparing an identification material may be a step of preprocessing the identification material so that it has a shape or properties suitable for application to a component of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the identification material included in the identification material solution may be a plurality of particles having a diameter of about 0.1 μm to about 10 μm. The identification material may be milled to have a diameter within the aforementioned range. When the identification material has a diameter within the aforementioned range, the identification material can be uniformly dispersed and disposed on the surface of the aerosol-generating article to which the identification material solution has been applied, and printability may be improved. When the identification material has a diameter less than about 0.1 μm, it may be difficult to detect the light emitted by the identification material. When the identification material has a diameter greater than about 10 μm, uniform dispersion of the identification material may be difficult, and printability may be degraded. The identification material may have, for example, a diameter of about 0.5 μm to about 5 μm, or about 0.7 μm to 3 μm.

[0186] The identification material solution may include an overprint varnish (OP varnish). In the present disclosure, the OP varnish may refer to a liquid coating that solidifies upon curing. For example, the OP varnish may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of nitrocellulose, polyamide, propyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, and 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH).

[0187] The identification material solution may include a diluent. The diluent may be a diluent known in the art used in gravure printing or offset printing. For example, the diluent may include one or more substances selected from the group consisting of water, alcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, vegetable oils, fatty amines, propyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, and ethyl acetate. The vegetable oils may include one or more oils selected from the group consisting of linseed oil, soybean oil, castor oil, corn oil, tung oil, otticita oil, and coconut oil. The fatty amines may be one or more selected from the group consisting of oleyl amine, stearyl amine, and oleyl diamine.

[0188] For example, the identification substance solution may comprise, but is not limited to, about 0.01 wt% to about 20 wt% identification substance, about 10 wt% to about 40 wt% OP varnish, and about 50 wt% to about 85 wt% diluent. The identification substance solution may comprise about 0.05 wt% to about 10 wt% identification substance, about 15 wt% to about 30 wt% OP varnish, and about 60 wt% to about 80 wt% diluent.

[0189] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 4a to 5d, various embodiments regarding the placement location / method of the identification material will be sequentially examined.

[0190] Figures 4a to 4d are cross-sectional side views of an aerosol generating article (5) to illustrate examples of placement locations / methods of identification materials.

[0191] Referring to FIGS. 4A to 4D , the aerosol generating article (5) may include an identification material (10), a tobacco rod (51), a filter rod (52), and a wrapper (53). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating article (5) illustrated in FIGS. 4A to 4D is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating article described above, and therefore, a redundant description thereof will be omitted below. In addition, it will be appreciated that some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to a person skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below.

[0192] Referring to Fig. 4a, the identification material (10, taggant) can be uniformly arranged over the entire area of ​​the wrapper (53) along the length direction of the wrapper (53). Accordingly, the sensor module of the aerosol generating device can sense the entire area of ​​the wrapper (53) where the identification material (10) is arranged, thereby improving the degree of freedom in the arrangement structure of the sensor module. Accordingly, the ease of the manufacturing process of the aerosol generating device can be improved.

[0193] In addition, since the identification material (10) is exposed on the outer surface of the wrapper (53), the sensor module of the aerosol generating device can easily recognize the identification material (10). That is, the sensitivity of the sensor module can be improved.

[0194] The identification material (10) illustrated in FIG. 4a can be uniformly placed over the entire area of ​​the wrapper (53) by being added to the paper slurry or paste during the manufacturing process of the wrapper (53).

[0195] Referring to FIG. 4b, the identification material (10) can be arranged on the outer surface of the wrapper (53) along the longitudinal direction of the wrapper (53). Accordingly, the sensor module of the aerosol generating device can sense the entire region in the longitudinal direction of the wrapper (53) in which the identification material (10) is arranged, so the degree of freedom in the arrangement structure of the sensor module can be improved.

[0196] In addition, since the identification material (10) is exposed on the outer surface of the wrapper (53), the sensor module of the aerosol generating device can easily recognize the identification material (10). That is, the sensitivity of the sensor module can be improved.

[0197] In addition, based on the improved sensitivity, the amount of identification material (10) used can be reduced compared to the embodiment shown in Fig. 4a.

[0198] The identification material (10) illustrated in FIG. 4b can be arranged along the length direction of the wrapper (53) in a manner of being sprayed onto the surface of the wrapper (53).

[0199] Referring to FIG. 4c, the identification material (10) may be placed on the inner surface of the wrapper (53) along the longitudinal direction of the wrapper (53). Accordingly, the identification material (10) may not be separated from the wrapper (53) even without a separate adhesive. Accordingly, the accuracy of the aerosol generating device's operation of identifying the identification material (10) may be improved, and the process for bonding the identification material (10) to the wrapper (53) may be omitted in the manufacturing process of the aerosol generating article (5).

[0200] The identification material (10) illustrated in FIG. 4c may be disposed on the inner surface of the wrapper (53) in a manner that it is sprayed onto the inner surface of the wrapper (53). At this time, the thickness of the wrapper (53) may be set to an appropriate range so that the sensor module of the aerosol generating device can identify the identification material (10) disposed on the inner surface of the wrapper (53). For example, the thickness of the wrapper (53) may range from about 10 μm to about 200 μm.

[0201] Referring to FIG. 4d, two wrappers (53) can overlap and surround an aerosol-generating article (5). An identification material (10) can be arranged lengthwise between the two overlapped wrappers (53). Accordingly, the identification material (10) may not be separated from the wrappers (53) without a separate adhesive. Accordingly, the accuracy of the aerosol-generating device's operation of identifying the identification material (10) can be improved, and the process for adhering the identification material (10) to the wrappers (53) in the manufacturing process of the aerosol-generating article (5) can be omitted.

[0202] In addition, compared to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4c, since the identification material (10) is positioned close to the outer surface of the wrapper (53), the sensor module of the aerosol generating device can easily recognize the identification material (10). That is, the sensitivity of the sensor module can be improved compared to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4c.

[0203] Figures 5a to 5d are perspective views of an aerosol generating article (5) for explaining examples of placement locations / methods of identification materials.

[0204] The aerosol generating article (5) illustrated in FIGS. 5a to 5d may be at least one of the aerosol generating articles described above, and therefore, any redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0205] Additionally, the aerosol generating article (5) may incorporate at least one of the components or features of the embodiments described above, unless such combination is technically clearly impossible. For example, the embodiments described in FIGS. 5A to 5D are described based on the identification material (10) being disposed on the outer surface of the wrapper, but this is not limited thereto, and the identification material (10) illustrated in FIGS. 5A to 5D may also be disposed on the inner surface of the wrapper.

[0206] Referring to Fig. 5a, the identification material (10) is arranged along the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article (5), but may be arranged only in a portion along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (5). In this case, the sensor module of the aerosol generating device can be arranged at a predetermined position along the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article (5) to recognize the identification material (10), thereby improving the degree of freedom in the arrangement structure of the sensor module.

[0207] In addition, the amount of identification material (10) used can be reduced compared to the embodiment in which the identification material (10) is arranged over the entire area along the length of the wrapper.

[0208] For example, the area where the identification material (10) is disposed may extend from about 1 mm to about 10 mm along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (5). For example, the area where the identification material (10) is disposed may extend from about 2 mm to about 7 mm along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (5).

[0209] In addition, the aerosol generating article (5) includes an aerosol generating rod and a filter rod that are sequentially aligned along the length direction of the aerosol generating article (5), and the identification material (10) can be arranged in an area extending from the boundary of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod in a direction toward the aerosol generating rod.

[0210] The length from the downstream end of the area where the identification material (10) is placed to the boundary of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod may be from about 0 mm to about 5 mm. In the aforementioned range, heat applied to the aerosol generating article (5) can be prevented from being transferred to the identification material (10). For example, the length from the downstream end of the area where the identification material (10) is placed to the boundary of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod may be from about 1 mm to about 3 mm.

[0211] Here, "upstream" and "downstream" can be determined based on the direction in which air flows when a user inhales aerosol using the aerosol generating article (5). For example, when a user inhales aerosol using the aerosol generating article (5) illustrated in FIG. 5A, the air may move from the bottom toward the top of the aerosol generating article (5) based on FIG. 5A. Meanwhile, those skilled in the art will readily understand that "upstream" and "downstream" may be relative depending on the relationship between the components.

[0212] Referring to FIG. 5b, the identification material (10) may be positioned only along a portion of the circumferential and longitudinal directions of the aerosol generating article (5). Accordingly, the amount of identification material (10) used can be further reduced compared to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5a.

[0213] Referring to FIG. 5c, the identification material (10) may extend along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (5), but may be arranged only in a portion along the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article (5). In this case, the sensor module of the aerosol generating device may be arranged at a predetermined position along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (5) to recognize the identification material (10), thereby improving the degree of freedom in the arrangement structure of the sensor module.

[0214] In addition, the amount of identification material (10) used can be reduced compared to the embodiment in which the identification material (10) is arranged over the entire area along the length of the wrapper.

[0215] Meanwhile, since the identification material (10) described in FIGS. 5A to 5C is positioned only in one area of ​​the aerosol generating article (5), the structure of the sensor module of the aerosol generating device for recognizing the identification material (10) can be implemented so as to be changed without being fixed to a specific location. A detailed description thereof will be provided later with reference to FIGS. 16 to 19.

[0216] Referring to FIG. 5d, the identification material (10) may include a first identification material (10a) and a second identification material (10b) spaced apart from each other along the length direction. Each of the first identification material (10a) and the second identification material (10b) may be a taggant, and the arrangement of the first identification material (10a) and the second identification material (10b) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 5d, and may be arranged in the embodiments described in FIGS. 4a to 5c.

[0217] The first identification material (10a) and the second identification material (10b) may have different functions. To this end, the amount, concentration, type, and / or composition ratio of the materials in the first identification material (10a) and the second identification material (10b) may be set differently. As a result, the specific range of wavelengths emitted by the first identification material (10a) and the second identification material (10b) may be different, and the sensor module of the aerosol generating device may recognize the specific range of wavelengths emitted by the first identification material (10a) and the second identification material (10b), respectively.

[0218] The difference between the wavelength value emitted from the first identification material (10a) and the wavelength value emitted from the second identification material (10b) may be about 15 nm or more. If the wavelength value emitted from the first identification material (10a) and the wavelength value emitted from the second identification material (10b) are less than about 15 nm, the accuracy of the control unit in distinguishing the type of the identification material may decrease. Here, the wavelength value emitted from the first identification material (10a) and the wavelength value emitted from the second identification material (10b) may each mean a dominant wavelength (DWL). For example, the difference between the wavelength value emitted from the first identification material (10a) and the wavelength value emitted from the second identification material (10b) may be about 30 nm or more, about 50 nm or more, or about 100 nm or more.

[0219] Meanwhile, since the identification material (10) described in FIG. 5d is arranged in multiple units in one area of ​​the aerosol generating article (5), the sensor module of the aerosol generating device for recognizing the multiple identification materials (10) may be implemented in multiple units or may be implemented to be changed without being fixed to a specific location. A detailed description thereof will be provided later in FIG. 17.

[0220] In the following, in an embodiment where the identification material is placed on the outer surface of the wrapper, a separation prevention part that prevents the identification material from being separated from the wrapper will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0221] Figures 6a and 6b are drawings of the tobacco rod, filter rod, and wrapper separated from the aerosol generating article.

[0222] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the aerosol generating article (5) may include an identification material (10), a separation prevention member (20), a tobacco rod (51), a filter rod (52), and a wrapper (53). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating article (5) illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating article described above, and therefore, a redundant description thereof will be omitted below. In addition, it will be appreciated that some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to a person skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below.

[0223] The separation prevention unit (20) can perform a function of preventing the identification material (10) from falling off from the wrapper (53). The separation prevention unit (20) can be placed on the wrapper (53) so as to cover the area where the identification material (10) is placed. The separation prevention unit (20) can have a transparent property so as not to block light irradiated on the identification material (10) even if it covers the area where the identification material (10) is placed.

[0224] The separation prevention member (20) may change color at the temperature at which the tobacco rod (51) is heated, as illustrated in FIG. 6B. For example, the separation prevention member (20) may include a thermochromic material that is transparent before being heated but changes color after being exposed to heat. Since the separation prevention member (20) is arranged to cover the identification material (10), the identification material (10) may be obscured when the separation prevention member (20) changes color. Accordingly, a user can easily determine with the naked eye whether the aerosol generating article (5) is being used. For example, the separation prevention member (20) may change color from transparent to opaque brown when heated to a temperature of 200°C to 400°C.

[0225] The temperature at which the separation prevention part (20) discolors may be higher than the activation temperature of the identification material (10). In the present disclosure, the activation temperature of the identification material (10) may be a critical temperature at which the identification material (10) emits light having a different wavelength from the irradiated light. If the temperature at which the separation prevention part (20) discolors is lower than the activation temperature of the identification material (10), the separation prevention part (20) may discolor before the identification material (10) emits light, thereby blocking the light irradiated to the identification material (10), and thus the sensor module may not be able to recognize the identification material (10). According to one embodiment, the temperature at which the separation prevention part (20) discolors is higher than the activation temperature of the identification material (10), and thus the completeness of the operation of the sensor module recognizing the identification material (10) can be ensured.

[0226] In one embodiment, the area of ​​the separation prevention member (20) may be larger than the area of ​​the area where the identification material (10) is arranged, and the separation prevention member (20) may be arranged so that the area where the identification material is arranged is not exposed to the outside. For example, the end of the separation prevention member (20) may be spaced apart from the end of the identification material (10) by a preset distance (20L). The above-mentioned preset distance (20L) may be about 1 mm to about 10 mm.

[0227] If the preset distance (20L) is less than about 1 mm, the identification material (10) may be more likely to fall off from the wrapper (53). In addition, if the preset distance (20L) exceeds about 10 mm, the area of ​​the separation prevention part (20) may be excessively expanded, causing it to be unintentionally heated.

[0228] In one embodiment, the separation prevention member (20) may include an adhesive material. The separation prevention member (20) may include the same material as the OP varnish of the identification material solution. For example, the separation prevention member (20) may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of nitrocellulose, polyamide, propyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, and 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH).

[0229] Hereinafter, an aerosol generating device in which the above-described aerosol generating product is used will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0230] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment. In the present disclosure, the aerosol generating system may be used to mean an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device.

[0231] Referring to FIG. 7, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an aerosol generating device body (100), a control unit (110), a battery (120), a memory (130), a heater (140), and a sensor module (150). However, the components of the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited thereto, and other components may be added or at least one component may be omitted depending on the embodiment.

[0232] In addition, since at least one of the components of the aerosol generation system illustrated in FIG. 7 is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generation system described above, any redundant description thereof will be omitted below. Furthermore, it should be understood that some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range readily understandable to those skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below.

[0233] The aerosol generating device body (100) can form the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device (1). The aerosol generating device body (100) can accommodate components of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0234] The aerosol generating device body (100) may be formed with a cavity (100a) capable of accommodating an aerosol generating article (5). The aerosol generating article (5) accommodated in the cavity (100a) may be heated by a heater (140). The cavity (100a) may be an elongated cavity, a joining region, an insertion region, or a heating region that accommodates the aerosol generating article (5). The cavity (100a) may have a shape corresponding to at least a portion of the aerosol generating article (5). For example, the cavity (100a) may have a shape extending in one direction (e.g., -Z direction) from an opening. The aerosol generating article (5) may be inserted longitudinally into the cavity (100a) through the opening.

[0235] The aerosol generating article (5) accommodated in the cavity (100a) may include the above-described identification material (10). The identification material (10) may be provided on at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the aerosol generating article (5). When the aerosol generating article (5) is accommodated in the cavity (100a), the identification material (10) may be located inside the aerosol generating device body (100).

[0236] The control unit (110) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (110) may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microcontroller and a memory storing a program that can be executed in the microcontroller, but is not limited thereto.

[0237] The control unit (110) can control the power supplied from the battery (120) to the heater (140). For example, the control unit (110) can control the amount of power supplied from the battery (120) to the heater (140) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater (140) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at a designated temperature.

[0238] In one embodiment, the control unit (110) can receive detection results from the sensor module (150). The memory (130) is connected to the control unit (110) and can store executable instructions. The control unit (110) can control the operation of the aerosol generating device (1) by executing the instructions stored in the memory (130).

[0239] In one embodiment, the control unit (110) receives a detection result from the sensor module (150) and executes a command related to the sensor module (150) among the commands stored in the memory (130), thereby recognizing identification information about the aerosol generating article (5) based on the amount of light emitted from the identification material (10). For example, the identification information may be information about the type, authenticity, and / or contained material of the aerosol generating article (5). The control unit (110) may control the operation of the aerosol generating device (1) based on the recognized identification information.

[0240] Specifically, the control unit (110) can control the power supply to the heater (140) based on the information of the determined aerosol generating article (5). The control unit (110) can control the operation of the heater (140) differently based on the identification information by executing a command related to the operation of the heater (140) among the commands stored in the memory (130).

[0241] The battery (120) can supply power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the battery (120) can be electrically connected to the heater (140) and supply power so that the heater (140) can be heated. In addition, the battery (120) can also supply power required for the operation of other components of the aerosol generating device (1), such as the control unit (110). The battery (120) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery (120) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but the type of the battery (120) is not limited thereto.

[0242] The memory (130) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (110).

[0243] The memory (130) may have information on an appropriate temperature profile and operation based on various information such as the type of the aerosol generating article (5), the type of the contained substance, the content ratio of the substance, the content of the substance, and the degree of over-humidification. The control unit (110) may execute a command for operation of the heater (140) (e.g., operation cycle, operation intensity, etc.) from the memory (130) based on the identification substance (10), thereby performing an operation corresponding to the aerosol generating article (5).

[0244] The heater (140) can receive power from the battery (120) to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating article (5). For example, the heater (140) can be placed outside the tobacco rod of the aerosol generating article (5) to heat the tobacco rod.

[0245] The heater (140) is not limited to the example illustrated in FIG. 7. That is, although the heater (140) illustrated in FIG. 7 is positioned on the outside of the aerosol generating article (5), the heater (140) may also include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element. In this case, the heater (140) may be inserted into the aerosol generating article (5) to heat the interior of the aerosol generating article (5).

[0246] The sensor module (150) can detect the identification material (10) of the aerosol generating article (5). In addition, the sensor module (150) can detect whether the aerosol generating article (5) has been inserted into the cavity (100a).

[0247] A sensor module (150) may be placed in the aerosol generating device body (100) to recognize the identification material (10) of the aerosol generating article (5). The sensor module (150) may be placed in the cavity (100a) so as to be located at a corresponding position of the identification material (10).

[0248] The sensor module (150) may include a light emitting unit (151) and a light receiving unit (155).

[0249] The light emitting unit (151) can emit light of a first wavelength toward the cavity (100a). For example, the light emitting unit (151) can be formed of at least one light emitting diode that emits light of a first wavelength when current flows.

[0250] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the light of the first wavelength emitted by the light emitting unit (151) can be transmitted to the identification material (10) of the aerosol generating article (5). The light of the first wavelength is excited in the identification material (10), and the identification material (10) can emit light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength. Optical properties such as the wavelength and amount of light emitted from the identification material (10) can be determined depending on the amount, concentration, type, and / or composition ratio of the identification material (10).

[0251] The light receiving unit (155) can receive light emitted from the identification material (10) of the aerosol generating article (5). For example, the light receiving unit (155) can be formed of at least one light receiving diode that allows current to flow when light is irradiated.

[0252] The light receiving unit (155) can detect the optical characteristics of light emitted from the aerosol generating article (5) (e.g., the amount of light of the second wavelength) and recognize identification information about the aerosol generating article (5). The light receiving unit (155) can provide the detection result to the control unit (110).

[0253] Below, the light of the first wavelength emitted by the light emitting unit (151) and the light of the second wavelength received by the light receiving unit (155) will be described.

[0254] In one embodiment, the light of the first wavelength may be infrared, and the light of the second wavelength may be infrared having a wavelength different from the first wavelength. For example, the first wavelength may be a wavelength in the range of 930 nm to 990 nm. The second wavelength may be a wavelength in the range of 1000 nm to 1020 nm. For example, the first wavelength may be a wavelength of 980 nm, and the second wavelength may be a wavelength of 1012 nm.

[0255] Accordingly, the sensor module (150) can recognize the identification information of the aerosol generating article (5) without being visually exposed to the user by using light of a first wavelength and light of a second wavelength consisting of infrared rays.

[0256] In one embodiment, the light of the first wavelength may be ultraviolet light, and the light of the second wavelength may be infrared light. For example, the first wavelength may be a wavelength in the range of 300 nm to 340 nm. The second wavelength may be a wavelength in the range of 1000 nm to 1020 nm. For example, the first wavelength may be a wavelength of 320 nm, and the second wavelength may be a wavelength of 1012 nm.

[0257] In one embodiment, the light of the first wavelength may be ultraviolet light, and the light of the second wavelength may be visible light. At this time, the light receiving unit (155) may be a color sensor. The color sensor may include an RGB (Red Green Blue) sensor or an XYZ light sensor for measuring, determining, or distinguishing the color of the identification mark. The RGB sensor includes light sources of three colors and can detect color information by reflecting light on an object. The XYZ light sensor includes a light-to-digital converter and can detect xy chromaticity coordinates according to the CIE (Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage) 1931 color space.

[0258] For example, the first wavelength may be a wavelength in the range of 340 nm to 375 nm, and the second wavelength may be a wavelength in the range of 380 nm to 780 nm. For example, the first wavelength may be a wavelength of 365 nm, and the second wavelength may be a wavelength of 613 nm to 627 nm (red light). As another example, the first wavelength may be a wavelength of 365 nm, and the second wavelength may be a wavelength of 540 nm to 551 nm (yellow light). Furthermore, the first wavelength may be a wavelength of 365 nm, and the second wavelength may be a wavelength of 513 nm to 537 nm (green light). Furthermore, the first wavelength may be a wavelength of 365 nm, and the second wavelength may be a wavelength of 437 nm to 477 nm (blue light).

[0259] As another example, the first wavelength may be a wavelength in the range of about 250 nm to about 260 nm, and the second wavelength may be a wavelength in the range of about 400 nm to about 750 nm. For example, the first wavelength may be a wavelength of 255 nm, and the second wavelength may be a wavelength of 580 nm (yellow light).

[0260] In one embodiment, the first wavelength may be a wavelength in the range of 600 nm to 900 nm, and the second wavelength may be a wavelength in the range of 1000 nm to 1020 nm. For example, the first wavelength may be a wavelength of 700 nm, and the second wavelength may be a wavelength of 1012 nm. In this case, the sensor module (150) may include a near-infrared (NIR) sensor.

[0261] As described above, the sensor module (150) can improve the identification accuracy for an aerosol generating article (5) by using different types of light (or having a relatively large wavelength change) such as light of a first wavelength and light of a second wavelength.

[0262] For example, based on a sensing value of about 1012 nm received through the light receiving unit (155), the control unit (110) may determine that the aerosol generating article (5) inserted into the aerosol generating device (1) is a first type of aerosol generating article (5). For another example, based on a sensing value of about 1012 nm received through the light receiving unit (155), the control unit (110) may determine that the aerosol generating article (5) inserted into the aerosol generating device (1) is a genuine article that has not been counterfeited.

[0263] If it is determined that the type of the aerosol generating article (5) is a first type of aerosol generating article, the control unit (110) can control the power supply to the heater (140) based on a temperature profile corresponding to the first type of aerosol generating article. For another example, if it is determined that the aerosol generating article (5) is a counterfeit article, the control unit (110) can not supply power to the heater (140) or can cut off the power being supplied.

[0264] When the type of aerosol generating article (5) is detected based on the sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit (155), the battery (120) can supply power to the heater (140) according to the temperature profile corresponding to the detected type of aerosol generating article (5). For another example, when the aerosol generating article (5) is determined to be a counterfeit article based on the sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit (155), the battery (120) can not supply power to the heater (140).

[0265] The light emitting unit (151) and the light receiving unit (155) may be arranged adjacent to the cavity (100a). For example, the light emitting unit (151) and the light receiving unit (155) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the z-axis direction along the direction in which the cavity (100a) extends. As another example, the light emitting unit (151) and the light receiving unit (155) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the x-axis direction crossing the direction in which the cavity (100a) extends so as to surround at least one area of ​​the cavity (100a). In this case, ‘at least one area of ​​the cavity’ may mean an area corresponding to an area in which an identification material (10) is arranged in the aerosol generating article (5) when the aerosol generating article (5) is accommodated in the cavity (100a).

[0266] FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of an aerosol generation system having a different heating method than the aerosol generation system of FIG. 7.

[0267] Referring to FIG. 8, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an aerosol generating device body (100), a control unit (110), a battery (120), a memory (130), a heater (140), and a sensor module (150). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating system illustrated in FIG. 8 (e.g., the sensor module (150)) is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating system illustrated in FIG. 7, and therefore, a duplicate description thereof will be omitted below. In addition, it will be appreciated that some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to a person skilled in the art with reference to the drawings and descriptions below.

[0268] An aerosol generating device (1) can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article (5) accommodated in a cavity (100a) using an induction heating method. The induction heating method may refer to a method of heating a magnetic body by applying an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically to the magnetic body that generates heat due to an external magnetic field.

[0269] When an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic body, energy loss may occur in the magnetic body due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss, and the lost energy may be released from the magnetic body as heat energy. The greater the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field applied to the magnetic body, the more heat energy may be released from the magnetic body. The aerosol generating device (1) can release heat energy from the magnetic body by applying an alternating magnetic field to the magnetic body, and can transfer the heat energy released from the magnetic body to the aerosol generating article (5).

[0270] For this purpose, the heater (140) may include a susceptor (140a) and a coil (140b).

[0271] The susceptor (140a) is a magnetic material that generates heat by a magnetic field. The susceptor (140a) may be placed inside the aerosol generating device body (100) and may be placed to surround the aerosol generating article (5) accommodated in the cavity (100a). In this case, the susceptor (140a) may be formed in the shape of an entirely hollow cylinder, but the shape is not limited thereto.

[0272] In a modified embodiment, the susceptor (140a) may be positioned inside an aerosol generating article (5) accommodated in a cavity (100a). In this case, the susceptor (140a) may be included in the aerosol generating article (5) in the shape of a piece, a flake, or a strip.

[0273] At least a portion of the susceptor (140a) may be formed of a ferromagnetic substance. For example, the susceptor (140a) may include a metal or carbon. The susceptor (140a) may include at least one of ferrite, a ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). In addition, the susceptor (140a) may include at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, a nickel alloy, a metal film, a ceramic such as zirconia, a transition metal such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), and a metalloid such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P).

[0274] The coil (140b) can apply an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor (140a) to heat the susceptor (140a). The coil (140b) can be arranged to surround the outside of the susceptor (140a). The battery (120) can include a battery unit that supplies direct current to the coil (140b) and a converter that converts the direct current supplied from the battery unit into alternating current supplied to the coil (140b).

[0275] The sensor module (150) can recognize the identification material (10) of the aerosol generating article (5) accommodated in the cavity (100a), and the control unit (110) can control the power supply to the coil (140b) based on the information of the aerosol generating article (5).

[0276] Below, examples of aerosol generation systems to which a sensor module (150) is applied will be sequentially examined with reference to FIGS. 9a to 11b.

[0277] Figure 9a is a perspective view illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device to which a sensor module is applied.

[0278] Referring to FIG. 9A, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an aerosol generating device body (100), a sensor module (150), a cartridge (200), a heater assembly (300), and a cap (400). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating system illustrated in FIG. 9A (e.g., the sensor module (150)) is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating system described above, and therefore, a redundant description thereof will be omitted below. In addition, it will be appreciated that some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to a person skilled in the art with reference to the drawings and descriptions below.

[0279] Components for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1) may be arranged inside the aerosol generating device main body (100). For example, a battery (not shown) and a control unit (not shown) may be arranged inside the aerosol generating device main body (100). However, the battery and the control unit are merely examples of components arranged inside the aerosol generating device main body (100), and other components (e.g., a user interface, a sensor, etc.) may be further arranged inside the aerosol generating device main body (100) in addition to the above-described components. The aerosol generating device main body (100) may be positioned at the lower portion (e.g., the portion facing the -z direction) of the cartridge (200) and the cap (400) to support the cartridge (200) and the cap (400).

[0280] An aerosol generating material may be stored inside the cartridge (200), and the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge (200) may be supplied to a heating unit (not shown) included in the cartridge (200). Accordingly, the aerosol generating material may be aerosolized within a chamber (not shown) included in the cartridge (200) by the heating unit. In the present disclosure, the term "aerosol" may refer to particles generated by mixing air with vapor generated by heating the aerosol generating material, and the expression may be used with the same meaning hereinafter.

[0281] The aerosol generating material stored inside the cartridge (200) may include a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may include a liquid composition including a non-tobacco material.

[0282] In one embodiment, the liquid composition may include any one or a mixture of water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, fragrance, flavoring agent, and vitamin mixture. The fragrance may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit-flavored ingredients. The flavoring agent may include ingredients that can provide a variety of flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may include, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The liquid composition may also include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0283] For example, the liquid composition may comprise a solution of glycerin and propylene glycol in any weight ratio to which a nicotine salt has been added. The liquid composition may also comprise two or more nicotine salts. The nicotine salt may be formed by adding a suitable acid, including an organic or inorganic acid, to nicotine. The nicotine may be naturally occurring nicotine or synthetic nicotine and may have any suitable weight concentration relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

[0284] The acid for forming the nicotine salt may be appropriately selected in consideration of the rate of nicotine absorption in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device (1), flavor or taste, solubility, etc. For example, the acid for forming the nicotine salt may be a single acid selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharic acid, malonic acid, or malic acid, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group, but is not limited thereto.

[0285] The heater assembly (300) may include a cavity (100a) for accommodating an aerosol generating article (5). The heater assembly (300) may also include the heater (140) of FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, and may heat a tobacco rod of the aerosol generating article (5) accommodated in the cavity (100a).

[0286] The heater assembly (300) can be connected to the chamber of the cartridge (200). Accordingly, the aerosol generated in the chamber can move to the heater assembly (300). The aerosol moved to the heater assembly (300) can pass through the aerosol generating article (5) accommodated in the cavity (100a) formed in the heater assembly (300) and be discharged to the outside. The user can contact the aerosol generating article (5) with his / her mouth and inhale the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1) through the aerosol generating article (5).

[0287] According to one embodiment, the sensor module (150) is disposed in the heater assembly (300) and can recognize the identification material (10) of the aerosol generating article (5) accommodated in the cavity (100a), and the control unit (110) can control the power supply to the heater assembly (300) based on the information of the aerosol generating article (5).

[0288] Although not shown, the sensor module (150) may include a light emitting unit that irradiates light of a first wavelength to the identification material (10) of the aerosol generating article (5), and a light receiving unit that receives light of a second wavelength emitted by the identification material (10).

[0289] The cap (400) may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the cartridge (200), at least a portion of the aerosol generating device body (100), and at least a portion of the heater assembly (300). For example, the cap (400) may be coupled to the aerosol generating device body (100) to surround the entire outer side of the cartridge (200) and the entire outer side of the heater assembly (300). The cap (400) may protect the cartridge (200), the aerosol generating device body (100), and the heater assembly (300) from external impact or the ingress of external foreign substances. The cap (400) may be detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device body (100).

[0290] The cap (400) may include a cap body (401), a door (402), and a cap hole (403).

[0291] The cap body (401) functions as the main body of the cap (400) and can be detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device body (100). A door guide hole (not shown) into which at least a portion of a door (402) is inserted to guide movement of the door can be formed in the cap body (401).

[0292] The door (402) can be located at the upper part of the cap body (401) (e.g., the part facing the +z direction) and can open or close the cap hole (403). The door (402) can be inserted into the door guide hole of the cap body (401) and move along one direction (e.g., the x-axis direction).

[0293] The cap hole (403) may be formed at the upper portion of the cap body (401) (e.g., the portion facing the +z direction) and may be connected to the cavity (100a) of the heater assembly (300). In a state where the cap (400) is coupled to the aerosol generating device body (100), the aerosol generating article (5) may pass through the cap hole (403) and be accommodated in the cavity (100a) of the heater assembly (300).

[0294] The cap (400) may further include a window (450).

[0295] The window (450) may include a transparent material, such as acrylic or glass. The window (450) may be formed along one direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) on the outer surface of the cap body (401) at a corresponding position in the cartridge (200). The user can check the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substance stored in the cartridge (200) through the window (450).

[0296] Figure 9b is a perspective view showing some components of the aerosol generating device illustrated in Figure 9a.

[0297] Referring to FIG. 9b, the cartridge (200) can be detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device body (100). The cartridge (200) can be coupled to the aerosol generating device body (100) by being inserted into the insertion portion (100b) of the aerosol generating device body (100).

[0298] When the cartridge (200) is coupled to the aerosol generating device body (100), the cartridge (200) can be connected to the heater assembly (300) through the connection portion (100c) of the aerosol generating device body (100). The aerosol generated in the chamber of the cartridge (200) can flow to the heater assembly (300) through the connection portion (100c), and as a result, can pass through the aerosol generating article inserted into the cavity (100a) and be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0299] When the cartridge (200) is coupled to the aerosol generating device body (100), the cartridge (200) can be electrically connected to a component of the aerosol generating device (1) via a terminal (100d) of the aerosol generating device body (100). For example, the cartridge (200) can be connected to a control unit and a battery via the terminal (100d). The control unit can control the power supply to the heating unit (not shown) of the cartridge (200). At least a portion of the terminal (100d) can be exposed toward the insertion unit (100b).

[0300] According to one embodiment, the sensor module (150) is arranged on one side of the aerosol generating device body (100) facing the insertion portion (100b) and can recognize the identification material (10) arranged in the cartridge (200). Depending on the type of the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge (200), the amount, concentration, type, and / or composition ratio of the identification material (10) can be determined, and the control unit (110) can control the power supply to the heating unit of the cartridge (200) based on the information on the aerosol generating material inside the cartridge (200).

[0301] Although not shown, the sensor module (150) may include a light emitting unit that irradiates light of a first wavelength to the identification material (10) of the cartridge (200), and a light receiving unit that receives light of a second wavelength emitted by the identification material (10).

[0302] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing another example of an aerosol generating device to which a sensor module is applied.

[0303] Referring to FIG. 10, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an aerosol generating device body (100), a sensor module (150), a cartridge (200), a heater assembly (300), and a cover (500). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 10 (e.g., the sensor module (150)) is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device described above, and therefore, a redundant description thereof will be omitted below. In addition, it will be appreciated that some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to a person skilled in the art with reference to the drawings and descriptions below.

[0304] The aerosol generating device main body (100) is positioned at the bottom of the heater assembly (300) and can support the heater assembly (300), and components for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1) can be arranged inside the aerosol generating device main body (100). The components may be a control unit, a battery, and a memory, and a description thereof is omitted as it has been described above.

[0305] An aerosol generating material may be stored inside the cartridge (200), and the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge (200) may be supplied to a heater assembly (300) positioned at the bottom (e.g., the portion facing the -z direction) of the cartridge (200). Since the aerosol generating material stored inside the cartridge (200) is the same as or similar to the aerosol generating material described in FIG. 9A, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0306] In one embodiment, the cartridge (200) may include a mouthpiece (200m) for supplying aerosol to a user. For example, the mouthpiece (200m) may connect or fluidly connect the interior of the heater assembly (300) and the exterior of the aerosol generating device (1), and the aerosol generated within the heater assembly (300) may be discharged to the exterior of the aerosol generating device (1) through the mouthpiece (200m). At this time, the user may contact the mouth of the mouthpiece (200m) and inhale the aerosol discharged to the exterior of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0307] In the present disclosure, the term "fluid connection" may mean that components are connected to each other so that a fluid, such as air or liquid, can flow therethrough.

[0308] The heater assembly (300) is positioned between the cartridge (200) and the aerosol generating device body (100) and can perform the function of generating an aerosol by converting the phase of an aerosol generating material into a gaseous phase. The heater assembly (300) can generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material supplied from the cartridge (200).

[0309] For example, the heater assembly (300) can heat an aerosol generating material supplied from a cartridge (200) to generate vapor from the aerosol generating material. The generated vapor can be mixed with outside air introduced into the interior of the heater assembly (300) from the exterior of the heater assembly (300), resulting in the generation of an aerosol.

[0310] The heater assembly (300) may include a chamber that provides a space where an aerosol is generated, a wick that absorbs an aerosol generating material, and a heating unit that heats the aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick.

[0311] An aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment can enable replacement of the cartridge (200) and / or the heater assembly (300) through a structure in which the cartridge (200) and the heater assembly (300) are detachably coupled, and the heater assembly (300) and the aerosol generating device body (100) are detachably coupled.

[0312] When the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge (200) is depleted, the user can continue smoking by replacing the existing cartridge (200) with a new cartridge (200). As another example, when the performance of a component (e.g., a heating element or a wick) of the heater assembly (300) deteriorates and a sufficient amount of aerosol is not generated, the user can replace the existing heater assembly (300) with a new heater assembly (300) to ensure that a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated.

[0313] When the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge (200) is consumed and replacement of the cartridge (200) is required, the aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment can be implemented in a structure in which only the cartridge (200) is replaced and the heater assembly (300) is reusable. Accordingly, even when replacement of the cartridge (200) is required, components such as the heating unit included in the heater assembly (300) do not necessarily need to be replaced together, so the overall cost of use of the aerosol generating device (1) according to the embodiment can be reduced.

[0314] According to one embodiment, the sensor module (150) can recognize an identification material (10) placed on one side of the cartridge (200). Depending on the type of aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge (200), the amount, concentration, type, and / or composition ratio of the identification material (10) can be determined, and the control unit (110) can control the power supply to the heating unit of the cartridge (200) based on information on the aerosol generating material inside the cartridge (200).

[0315] Although not shown, the sensor module (150) may include a light emitting unit that irradiates light of a first wavelength to the identification material (10) of the cartridge (200), and a light receiving unit that receives light of a second wavelength emitted by the identification material (10).

[0316] In Fig. 10, an embodiment is illustrated in which the identification material (10) is positioned on the lower surface of the cartridge (200) (e.g., the portion facing the -z direction) and the sensor module (150) is positioned between the cartridge (200) and the heater assembly (300), but is not limited thereto. That is, as another example, the identification material (10) may be positioned on the side surface of the cartridge (200) (e.g., the surface facing the +y direction), and the sensor module (150) may be positioned correspondingly in the aerosol generating device (1).

[0317] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a cover (500) for protecting components of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0318] The cover (500) is arranged to surround at least one area of ​​the cartridge (200), the aerosol generating device body (100), and the heater assembly (300), thereby fixing the positions of the aerosol generating device body (100), the cartridge (200), and the heater assembly (300), and protecting the aerosol generating device body (100), the cartridge (200), and the heater assembly (300) from external impact or the inflow of foreign substances.

[0319] According to one embodiment, the cover (500) may be formed integrally with the aerosol generating device body (100), but is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the cover (500) may be detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device body (100).

[0320] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing another example of an aerosol generating device to which a sensor module is applied.

[0321] Referring to FIG. 11, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an aerosol generating device body (100), a sensor module (150), a cartridge (200), and a cap (400). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 11 (e.g., the sensor module (150)) is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device described above, and therefore, a duplicate description thereof will be omitted below. In addition, it will be appreciated that some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to a person skilled in the art with reference to the drawings and descriptions below.

[0322] The aerosol generating device main body (100) is positioned at the bottom of the cartridge (200) and can support the cartridge (200), and components for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1) can be arranged inside the aerosol generating device main body (100). The components arranged inside the aerosol generating device main body (100) may be a control unit, a battery, and a memory, and a description thereof is omitted as it has been described above.

[0323] The cartridge (200) may include a storage unit (210), a cavity (220), and a chamber (230).

[0324] The storage unit (210) stores an aerosol generating substance and may be positioned at the upper portion of the chamber (230) (e.g., the portion facing the +z direction) and connected or fluidly connected to the internal space of the chamber (230). For example, when the aerosol generating substance stored in the storage unit (210) is depleted, the user can continue smoking by replacing the existing cartridge (200) with a new cartridge (200). In another example, when the performance of a component of the cartridge (200) (e.g., the heating unit) deteriorates and a sufficient amount of aerosol is not generated or leakage of the aerosol generating substance occurs, the user can replace the existing cartridge (200) with a new cartridge (200) to ensure a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated or to prevent leakage of the aerosol generating substance. Since the aerosol generating substance stored in the storage unit (210) is the same as the aerosol generating substance described in FIG. 9A, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0325] An aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may enable replacement of a cartridge (200) through a structure in which the cartridge (200) is detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device body (100). That is, the aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may have a structure in which a storage unit (210) for storing an aerosol generating substance and a cavity (220) for accommodating an aerosol generating article (2) are replaced together through replacement of the cartridge (200).

[0326] The cavity (220) may include an outer wall (220a), and the inner space of the cavity (220) and the aerosol generating device body (100) may be spatially separated through the outer wall (220a).

[0327] The chamber (230) may be positioned at the lower portion of the storage unit (210) (e.g., the portion facing the -z direction) and the lower portion of the cavity (220) (e.g., the portion facing the -z direction), and may be communicated with the storage unit (210) and the cavity (220). Accordingly, the aerosol generating material stored in the storage unit (210) may be introduced into the internal space of the chamber (230), and the aerosol generated in the internal space of the chamber (230) may move to the cavity (220).

[0328] A coupling groove (200a) and a coupling surface (200b) for coupling between the cartridge (200) and the aerosol generating device body (100) may be formed on the outer surface of the chamber (230). The coupling surface (200b) may be formed to be inclined along the direction in which the aerosol generating device (1) extends (e.g., the z-axis direction).

[0329] The aerosol generating device body (100) may include an insertion portion (100b) into which a cartridge (200) is inserted and a coupling protrusion (101) protruding toward the insertion portion (100b).

[0330] For example, when the cartridge (200) moves toward the insertion portion (100b) and the engaging projection (101) is inserted into the engaging groove (200a) along the engaging surface (200b) formed to be inclined on the outer surface of the chamber (230), the cartridge (200) can be engaged with the aerosol generating device body (100). In addition, when the cartridge (200) moves away from the insertion portion (100b) and the engaging projection (101) is separated from the engaging groove (200a), the cartridge (200) can be separated from the aerosol generating device body (100).

[0331] In the above manner, the cartridge (200) can be detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device body (100), but the coupling method of the cartridge (200) and the aerosol generating device body (100) is not limited thereto.

[0332] The aerosol generating device body (100) may include a terminal (100d) and an induction plate (102).

[0333] The terminal (100d) may perform a function of electrically connecting the cartridge (200) and the aerosol generating device body (100). For example, the terminal (100d) may electrically connect the heating unit of the cartridge (200) and the battery of the aerosol generating device body (100). When the cartridge (200) is inserted into the insertion portion (100b) and coupled to the aerosol generating device body (100), the terminal (100d) may be electrically connected to the cartridge (200). At least a portion of the terminal (100d) may be exposed to the insertion portion (100b), and a hole may be formed in the aerosol generating device body (100) to expose the terminal (100d).

[0334] The guide plate (102) may be placed between the cartridge (200) and the aerosol generating device body (100). The guide plate (102) may perform a function of guiding air introduced into the interior of the aerosol generating device (1) to flow into the interior of the chamber (230). The guide plate (102) may be placed so as to be inclined with respect to the direction in which the aerosol generating device (1) extends (e.g., the z-axis direction).

[0335] According to one embodiment, the sensor module (150) may include a first sensor module (150a) and a second sensor module (150b).

[0336] The first sensor module (150a) is placed in the cavity (220) and can recognize the identification material of the aerosol generating article accommodated in the cavity (220), and the control unit (110) can control the power supply to the heating unit of the cartridge (200) based on the information of the aerosol generating article.

[0337] Although not shown, the first sensor module (150a) may include a light emitting unit that irradiates light of a first wavelength as an identification material of an aerosol generating article, and a light receiving unit that receives light of a second wavelength emitted by the identification material.

[0338] The second sensor module (150b) can recognize the identification material (10) arranged on one side of the cartridge (200). The second sensor module (150b) can be arranged toward the insertion part (100b) of the main body (100) of the aerosol generating device. Depending on the type of the aerosol generating material stored in the storage unit (210), the amount, concentration, type, and / or composition ratio of the identification material (10) can be determined, and the control unit (110) can control the power supply to the heating unit of the cartridge (200) based on the information on the aerosol generating material inside the storage unit (210).

[0339] Although not shown, the second sensor module (150b) may include a light emitting unit that irradiates light of a first wavelength to the identification material (10) of the cartridge (200), and a light receiving unit that receives light of a second wavelength emitted by the identification material (10).

[0340] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment, which determines information about an aerosol generating product and controls power supply to a heater. In the description of Figure 12, at least one component of the aerosol generation system is identical or similar to the aforementioned description, and therefore, any redundant description may be omitted.

[0341] Referring to FIG. 12, a method of operating an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment may include four steps.

[0342] First, the control unit of the aerosol generating device can irradiate light to the identification material through the light emitting unit in operation S100.

[0343] In one embodiment, when insertion of an aerosol-generating article is detected, the control unit can irradiate light having a predetermined wavelength through the light-emitting unit. For example, the aerosol-generating device may include an insertion detection sensor, such as an inductive sensor, a capacitance sensor, or a pressure sensor, and when insertion of an aerosol-generating article is detected through the insertion detection sensor, the control unit can irradiate light having a predetermined wavelength through the light-emitting unit.

[0344] In another embodiment, when a user input is received for the aerosol generating device, the control unit may irradiate light having a predetermined wavelength through the light emitting unit. For example, the aerosol generating device may include a physical button that allows the user to select a state of the device (e.g., power on / off), and when a user input is received for the physical button, the control unit may irradiate light having a predetermined wavelength through the light emitting unit.

[0345] In one embodiment, the wavelength of light irradiated through the light emitting unit may correspond to a first wavelength range. In this case, the first wavelength range may refer to a wavelength range of light capable of exciting an identification substance, and thus may be preset to correspond to the identification substance. For example, in order to identify an aerosol generating article including an identification substance excited at a wavelength of about 365 nm, the first wavelength range may be preset to a range of about 340 nm to about 375 nm.

[0346] In one embodiment, the first wavelength range capable of exciting the identification material can include at least one of a wavelength range from about 250 nm to about 260 nm, from about 300 nm to about 340 nm, from about 350 nm to about 390 nm, from about 600 nm to about 900 nm, or from about 930 nm to about 990 nm.

[0347] For example, when the first wavelength range includes a wavelength range of about 300 nm to about 340 nm, the control unit can irradiate ultraviolet light of about 320 nm to the identification material of the aerosol generating article through the light emitting unit.

[0348] For another example, if the first wavelength range includes a wavelength range of about 340 nm to 375 nm, the control unit can irradiate ultraviolet light of about 365 nm to the identification material of the aerosol generating article through the light emitting unit.

[0349] For another example, if the first wavelength range includes a wavelength range of about 930 nm to 990 nm, the control unit may irradiate infrared light of about 980 nm to the identification material of the aerosol generating article through the light emitting unit.

[0350] Next, the control unit can sense light emitted from the identification material through the light receiving unit in operation S200.

[0351] In one embodiment, the wavelength of light sensed through the light receiving unit may correspond to a second wavelength range. In this case, the second wavelength range may refer to a wavelength range of light emitted from an identification material excited by light of the first wavelength range. For example, the identification material may emit light in a range of about 1000 nm to about 1020 nm when excited at a wavelength of about 320 nm, and the control unit may determine the wavelength range of about 1000 nm to about 1020 nm acquired through the light receiving unit as the second wavelength range emitted from the identification material.

[0352] In one embodiment, the control unit can sense light emitted from the identification material by receiving an ADC value from the light receiving unit. At this time, as light is received from the identification material, the light receiving unit can obtain an analog signal, and the 'ADC value' can mean a digital value converted from the analog signal so that the control unit can recognize the signal obtained by the light receiving unit. For example, based on the ADC value received from the light receiving unit, the control unit can determine the wavelength range of the light emitted from the identification material.

[0353] Next, the control unit can determine information about the aerosol-generating article based on the sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit in operation S300. At this time, the information about the aerosol-generating article may include the type of the aerosol-generating article, whether the aerosol-generating article is counterfeit, etc.

[0354] In one embodiment, the control unit can determine information about the aerosol generating article based on different sensing values ​​sensed depending on the type of identifying material.

[0355] For example, the identification material may include a first identification material that emits light at about 1012 nm and a second identification material that emits light at about 700 nm.

[0356] At this time, if the sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit corresponds to the wavelength value (about 1012 nm) emitted from the first identification material, the control unit can determine that the aerosol generating article is a first type of aerosol generating article including the first identification material.

[0357] Alternatively, if the sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit corresponds to a wavelength value (about 700 nm) emitted from the second identification material, the control unit may determine that the aerosol generating article is a second type of aerosol generating article including the second identification material.

[0358] The difference between the wavelength value emitted from the first identification material and the wavelength value emitted from the second identification material may be about 15 nm or more. If the wavelength value emitted from the first identification material and the wavelength value emitted from the second identification material are less than about 15 nm, the accuracy of the control unit in distinguishing the type of the identification material may decrease. Here, the wavelength value emitted from the first identification material and the wavelength value emitted from the second identification material may each mean a dominant wavelength (DWL). For example, the difference between the wavelength value emitted from the first identification material and the wavelength value emitted from the second identification material may be about 30 nm or more, about 50 nm or more, or about 100 nm or more.

[0359] In one embodiment, the control unit can determine information about the aerosol generating article based on different sensing values ​​sensed according to different concentrations of the identifying substance.

[0360] For example, the identification material may include a first concentration of the identification material having a first concentration (e.g., 20%) and a second concentration of the identification material having a second concentration (e.g., 30%), but of the same type of material.

[0361] At this time, if the sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit exceeds the first threshold value, the control unit can determine that the aerosol generating article is a first type of aerosol generating article including an identification substance of a first concentration.

[0362] Alternatively, if the sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit exceeds a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, the control unit may determine that the aerosol generating article is a second type of aerosol generating article including an identification substance of a second concentration.

[0363] Next, the control unit (110) can control the power supply to the heater based on the information of the aerosol generating article in operation S400.

[0364] In one embodiment, the control unit may control power supply to the heater based on the type of the aerosol-generating article. For example, if the type of the aerosol-generating article is determined to be a first type of aerosol-generating article, the control unit may control power supply to the heater based on a first temperature profile preset for the first type of aerosol-generating article. For another example, if the type of the aerosol-generating article is determined to be a second type of aerosol-generating article, the control unit may control power supply to the heater based on a second temperature profile preset for the second type of aerosol-generating article. In this case, the preset first temperature profile and the second temperature profile may be different from each other.

[0365] In one embodiment, the control unit may control power supply to the heater based on whether the aerosol-generating article is counterfeit. For example, if the aerosol-generating article is determined to be genuine, the control unit may control power supply to the heater based on a preset temperature profile for the aerosol-generating article (5). In another example, if the aerosol-generating article is determined to be counterfeit, the control unit may not supply power to the heater or may cut off the current power supply.

[0366] Figure 13a is an example of a wavelength graph emitted from a first identification material as wavelengths in a first wavelength range are irradiated. Figure 13b is an example of a wavelength graph emitted from a second identification material as wavelengths in a first wavelength range are irradiated.

[0367] Referring to FIG. 13A, the first identification material included in the aerosol generating article can emit light having a predetermined wavelength range by light of a first wavelength range irradiated from the light emitting unit. In this case, the first wavelength range can be a wavelength range of about 300 nm to about 340 nm.

[0368] In one embodiment, the control unit of the aerosol generating device may determine a wavelength range (520) exceeding a threshold value (510) in a first graph (500a), which is a wavelength graph emitted from a first identification substance, as a second wavelength range. For example, the control unit may receive a sensing value corresponding to the wavelength range (520) through a light receiving unit, and the wavelength range (520), which is the second wavelength range, may be a wavelength range of about 1000 nm to about 1020 nm.

[0369] Referring to FIG. 13b, the second identification material included in the aerosol generating article can emit light having a predetermined wavelength range in response to light of a first wavelength range irradiated from the light emitting unit. In this case, the first wavelength range may be a wavelength range of about 930 nm to about 990 nm.

[0370] In one embodiment, the control unit (110) of the aerosol generating device may determine a wavelength range (520) exceeding a threshold value (510) in a second graph (500b), which is a wavelength graph emitted from a second identification substance, as the second wavelength range. For example, the control unit may receive a sensing value corresponding to the wavelength range (520) through a light receiving unit, and the wavelength range (520), which is the second wavelength range, may be a wavelength range of about 1000 nm to about 1020 nm.

[0371] The first graph (500a) of FIG. 13a and the second graph (500b) of FIG. 13b are depicted in the same form for convenience of explanation, but are not limited thereto. For example, the first graph (500a) of FIG. 13a and the second graph (500b) of FIG. 13b may have similar wavelength ranges exceeding the threshold value (510) to some extent, but may have different overall graph forms.

[0372] Figure 14a is an example of a graph of wavelengths emitted from a third identification material as wavelengths in the first wavelength range are irradiated. Figure 14b is an example of a graph of wavelengths emitted from a third identification material as wavelengths in the first wavelength range are irradiated.

[0373] Referring to FIG. 14A, the third identification material included in the aerosol generating article can emit light having a predetermined wavelength range in response to light of a first wavelength range irradiated from the light emitting unit. In this case, the first wavelength range may be a wavelength range of about 340 nm to about 375 nm.

[0374] In one embodiment, the control unit of the aerosol generating device may determine a wavelength range (620) exceeding a threshold value (610) in a third graph (600a), which is a wavelength graph emitted from a third identification substance, as a second wavelength range. For example, the control unit may receive a sensing value corresponding to the wavelength range (620) through a light receiving unit, and the wavelength range (620), which is the second wavelength range, may be a portion of a wavelength range of about 400 nm to about 750 nm.

[0375] For example, when the wavelength range (620) is about 450 nm to about 490 nm, the control unit may determine that the sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit corresponds to 'blue', and may determine that the aerosol generating article in which the identification material is expressed as 'blue' is the first type of aerosol generating article.

[0376] For another example, when the wavelength range (620) is about 490 nm to about 570 nm, the control unit may determine that the sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit corresponds to 'green', and may determine that the aerosol generating article in which the identification substance is expressed as 'green' is the second type of aerosol generating article.

[0377] For another example, when the wavelength range (620) is about 630 nm to about 750 nm, the control unit may determine that the sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit corresponds to 'red', and may determine that the aerosol generating article in which the identification material is expressed as 'red' is the third type of aerosol generating article.

[0378] Referring to FIG. 14B, the third identification material included in the aerosol generating article can emit light having a predetermined wavelength range by light of a first wavelength range irradiated from the light emitting unit. At this time, the first wavelength range may be a wavelength range of about 250 nm to about 260 nm. That is, the third identification material can be excited not only in a wavelength range of about 350 nm to about 390 nm but also in a wavelength range of about 250 nm to about 260 nm.

[0379] In one embodiment, the control unit of the aerosol generating device may determine a wavelength range (620) exceeding a threshold value (610) in a fourth graph (600b), which is a wavelength graph emitted from a third identification substance, as a second wavelength range. For example, the control unit may receive a sensing value corresponding to the wavelength range (620) through a light receiving unit, and the wavelength range (620), which is the second wavelength range, may be a portion of a wavelength range of about 400 nm to about 750 nm.

[0380] The third graph (600a) of Fig. 14a and the fourth graph (600b) of Fig. 14b are depicted in the same form for convenience of explanation, but are not limited thereto. For example, the third graph (600a) of Fig. 14a and the fourth graph (600b) of Fig. 14b may have similar wavelength ranges exceeding the threshold value (610) to some extent, but may have different overall graph forms.

[0381] Fig. 15 is a flowchart illustrating another specific example of how an aerosol generating system, according to one embodiment, determines information about an aerosol generating product. Fig. 15 is a flowchart that further concretizes the operation of Fig. 12. In the description of Fig. 15, since at least one component of the aerosol generating system is identical or similar to the aforementioned description, any redundant description may be omitted.

[0382] Referring to FIG. 15, operation S200 may include operation S210 and operation S220.

[0383] First, the control unit of the aerosol generating device can stop irradiating light on the identification substance through the light emitting unit in operation S210 after irradiating light on the identification substance through the light emitting unit.

[0384] For example, when a first time period has elapsed since the time point at which light is irradiated from the light-emitting unit, the state of the identification material may change from the ground state to the excited state. In this case, the 'first time period' may mean a time period during which no further change in the state of the material occurs after the identification material is excited by absorption of light. The control unit may irradiate light to the identification material through the light-emitting unit for the first time period, and when the first time period has elapsed, stop irradiating light to the identification material through the light-emitting unit.

[0385] Next, the control unit can sense light emitted from the identification material through the light receiving unit after a second time has elapsed from the time point at which the light irradiation of the light from the light emitting unit to the identification material is stopped in operation S220. In this case, the 'second time' may mean a time period from when the light irradiation from the light emitting unit is stopped until the light irradiated from the light emitting unit is no longer sensed by the light receiving unit.

[0386] That is, the light receiving unit needs to focus on sensing the light emitted from the identification material, but since the light irradiated from the light emitting unit is sensed together with the light receiving unit, some noise may be included in the sensing value.

[0387] However, the identification material according to the present disclosure can emit light (i.e., residual light emission) for a predetermined period of time even when light irradiated from the light-emitting unit is blocked. Therefore, so that the light-receiving unit can sense only the light emitted from the identification material, the control unit can sense the light emitted from the identification material through the light-receiving unit after a second period of time has elapsed from the time at which the light irradiation from the light-emitting unit is stopped.

[0388] In one embodiment, the control unit can sense light emitted from the identification material through the light receiving unit after a time of about 200 μs to about 2000 μs has elapsed from the time when the light irradiation of the light of the light emitting unit to the identification material is stopped.

[0389] For example, if the identification material is a first type of material that emits light for a relatively long time even after the light irradiated from the light emitting unit is blocked, or a material of a first concentration, the control unit can sense the light emitted from the identification material through the light receiving unit after a time of about 500 μs to about 2000 μs has elapsed.

[0390] For another example, if the identification material is a second type of material that emits light for a relatively short time after the light irradiated from the light emitting unit is blocked, or is a material having a second concentration lower than the first concentration, the control unit can sense the light emitted from the identification material through the light receiving unit after a time of about 200 μs to about 500 μs has elapsed.

[0391] Meanwhile, in another embodiment, the light-emitting unit may simultaneously emit light and the light-receiving unit may receive light emitted by the identification material. Accordingly, the time it takes for the sensor module to recognize the identification material can be shortened. However, since the light emitted by the light-emitting unit is simultaneously sensed by the light-receiving unit, some noise may be included in the sensing value. A specific structure for blocking noise will be described later with reference to FIGS. 21, 27, and 29.

[0392] Below, various embodiments of the sensor module will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0393] Figure 16 is a schematic side view of an aerosol generating system including an example of a sensor module.

[0394] Referring to FIG. 16, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an aerosol generating device body (100), a control unit (110), a battery (120), a memory (130), a heater (140), and a sensor module (150). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating system illustrated in FIG. 16 (e.g., the sensor module (150)) is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating system described above, and therefore, a redundant description thereof will be omitted below. In addition, it will be appreciated that some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to a person skilled in the art with reference to the drawings and descriptions below.

[0395] The sensor module (150) can be movably arranged on the aerosol generating device body (100) along the direction in which the cavity (100a) extends. In this case, even if the identification material (10) is not positioned at a constant position along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (5), the sensor module (150) can recognize the identification material (10). Accordingly, the degree of freedom in the operation of arranging the identification material (10) on the aerosol generating article (5) can be improved.

[0396] The sensor module (150) may be arranged to be movable using a motor and gears, but is not limited thereto. For example, the sensor module (150) may be movable under the control of the control unit (110). As another example, the sensor module (150) may be arranged to be movable based on a user's input signal.

[0397] Although not shown, the sensor module (150) may include a light emitting unit that irradiates light of a first wavelength to the identification material (10) and a light receiving unit that receives light of a second wavelength emitted by the identification material (10).

[0398] Figure 17 is a schematic side view of an aerosol generating system including multiple sensor modules.

[0399] Referring to FIG. 17, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an aerosol generating device body (100), a control unit (110), a battery (120), a memory (130), a heater (140), and a sensor module (150). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating system illustrated in FIG. 17 (e.g., the sensor module (150)) is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating system described above, and therefore, a redundant description thereof will be omitted below. In addition, it will be appreciated that some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to a person skilled in the art with reference to the drawings and descriptions below.

[0400] The sensor module (150) may include a first sensor module (150a) and a second sensor module (150b) that identify the first identification material (10a) and the second identification material (10b) of the aerosol generating article (5), respectively. The aerosol generating article (5) illustrated in FIG. 17 may be identical to the aerosol generating article (5) illustrated in FIG. 5d.

[0401] In one embodiment, the first identification material (10a) may be used to determine whether an aerosol generating article (5) is accommodated in the cavity (100a). Additionally, the second identification material (10b) may be used to determine the type of the aerosol generating article (5).

[0402] Although not shown, the first sensor module (150a) may include a light emitting unit that irradiates light of a first wavelength to the first identification material (10a) and a light receiving unit that receives light of a second wavelength emitted by the first identification material (10a). The first sensor module (150a) may be placed in the aerosol generating device body (100) so as to be positioned at a corresponding position of the first identification material (10a).

[0403] Additionally, the second sensor module (150b) may include a light emitting unit that irradiates light of a first wavelength to the second identification material (10b) and a light receiving unit that receives light of a second wavelength emitted by the second identification material (10b). The second sensor module (150b) may be placed in the aerosol generating device body (100) so as to be positioned at a corresponding position of the second identification material (10b).

[0404] The second wavelength range of the light emitted by the first identification material (10a) may be different from the second wavelength range of the light emitted by the second identification material (10b). For example, the second wavelength range of the light emitted by the first identification material (10a) may be a wavelength in the range of 1000 nm to 1020 nm, and the second wavelength range of the light emitted by the second identification material (10b) may be a wavelength in the range of 400 nm to 750 nm.

[0405] In one embodiment, when the first sensor module (150a) receives light of the second wavelength emitted by the first identification material (10a), the control unit can determine that the aerosol generating article (5) is accommodated in the cavity (100a). Accordingly, the control unit can activate a component of the aerosol generating device (1), such as a heater (140).

[0406] In addition, as the second sensor module (150b) receives light of the second wavelength emitted by the second identification material (10b), the control unit can determine the type of the aerosol generating article (5) or whether the aerosol generating article (5) is counterfeit. Accordingly, the control unit can control the power supply to a component (e.g., heater (140)) of the aerosol generating device (1) based on the information on the aerosol generating article (5).

[0407] According to one embodiment, the first sensor module (150a) and the second sensor module (150b) separately recognize the first identification material (10a) and the second identification material (10b), thereby enabling more accurate identification of whether an aerosol generating article (5) has been inserted and the type of the aerosol generating article (5).

[0408] In one embodiment, after the component (e.g., heater (140)) of the aerosol generating device (1) is activated as the light receiving unit (155) receives light of the second wavelength emitted by the first identification material (10a), the control unit can control the light receiving unit (155) to receive light of the second wavelength emitted by the second identification material (10b). That is, the operation of the second sensor module (150b) may be performed when the first sensor module (150a) determines that the aerosol generating article (5) is accommodated in the cavity (100a), and may not be performed in any other case. That is, as the operation of the second sensor module (150b) is selectively performed, the power consumed by the second sensor module (150b) can be saved.

[0409] Either the first sensor module (150a) or the second sensor module (150b) can be arranged to be movable along the direction in which the cavity (100a) extends.

[0410] In another embodiment, either the first sensor module (150a) or the second sensor module (150b) may be omitted. In this case, the sensor module (150) may be movably arranged on the aerosol generating device body (100) along the direction in which the cavity (100a) extends. Accordingly, even if a plurality of identification materials (10) are arranged on the aerosol generating article (5), each identification material (10) can be recognized by a single sensor module (150), thereby implementing a simple sensor module structure.

[0411] Figure 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system including another example of a sensor module.

[0412] Referring to Fig. 18, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an aerosol generating device body (100) and a sensor module (150). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating system illustrated in Fig. 18 (e.g., the sensor module (150)) is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating system described above, and therefore, a duplicate description thereof will be omitted below. In addition, it will be appreciated that some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to a person skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below.

[0413] The sensor module (150) may be movably arranged on the aerosol generating device body (100) along the circumferential direction of the cavity (100a). In this case, even if the identification material (10) is not always positioned at the same location along the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article (5), the sensor module (150) can recognize the identification material (10) by moving. Accordingly, the degree of freedom in the operation of arranging the identification material (10) on the aerosol generating article (5) can be improved.

[0414] In addition, regardless of the direction in which the aerosol generating article (5) is inserted into the cavity (100a), the sensor module (150) can move to a position corresponding to the identification material (10) to recognize the identification material (10), so that the usability of the aerosol generating device (1) can be improved.

[0415] In addition, even if the identification material (10) is placed only in one area along the circumference of the aerosol generating article (5), the sensor module (150) can move to recognize the identification material (10), so the amount of identification material (10) used can be reduced.

[0416] The sensor module (150) may be arranged to be movable using a motor and gears, but is not limited thereto. For example, the sensor module (150) may be movable under the control of the control unit (110). As another example, the sensor module (150) may be arranged to be movable based on a user's input signal.

[0417] Although not shown, the sensor module (150) may include a light emitting unit that irradiates light of a first wavelength to the identification material (10) and a light receiving unit that receives light of a second wavelength emitted by the identification material (10).

[0418] Figure 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system including multiple sensor modules.

[0419] Referring to FIG. 19, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an aerosol generating device body (100) and a sensor module (150). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating system illustrated in FIG. 19 (e.g., the sensor module (150)) is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating system described above, and therefore, a duplicate description thereof will be omitted below. In addition, it will be appreciated that some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to a person skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below.

[0420] A plurality of sensor modules (150) may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the cavity (100a). In this case, even if the identification material (10) is not always positioned at the same location along the circumferential direction of the aerosol-generating article (5), the sensor module (150) can recognize the identification material (10). Accordingly, the degree of freedom in the operation of arranging the identification material (10) on the aerosol-generating article (5) can be improved.

[0421] In addition, regardless of the direction in which the aerosol generating article (5) is inserted into the cavity (100a), the sensor module (150) arranged along the circumferential direction of the cavity (100a) can recognize the identification material (10), so the usability of the aerosol generating device (1) can be improved.

[0422] In addition, even if the identification material (10) is placed only in one area along the circumference of the aerosol generating article (5), the sensor module (150) can recognize the identification material (10), so the amount of identification material (10) used can be reduced.

[0423] Although not shown, each of the plurality of sensor modules (150) may include a light emitting unit that irradiates light of a first wavelength to the identification material (10) and a light receiving unit that receives light of a second wavelength emitted by the identification material (10).

[0424] Although four sensor modules (150) are illustrated in FIG. 19, the number of sensor modules (150) is not limited thereto.

[0425] Figure 20 is a schematic side view of an aerosol generating system including a shield.

[0426] Referring to FIG. 20, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an aerosol generating device body (100), a control unit (110), a battery (120), a memory (130), a heater (140), a sensor module (150), and a shielding unit (160). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating system illustrated in FIG. 20 (e.g., the sensor module (150)) is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating system described above, and therefore, a redundant description thereof will be omitted below. In addition, it will be appreciated that some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to a person skilled in the art with reference to the drawings and descriptions below.

[0427] The shielding unit (160) can perform the function of blocking electric / magnetic field signals generated from outside the aerosol generating device (1). Accordingly, the sensor module (150) can accurately recognize the identification material (10) without noise from outside the aerosol generating device (1).

[0428] In one embodiment, the shield (160) can reduce electric / magnetic field signals generated outside the aerosol generating device (1) by more than 90%. The shield (160) can absorb or reflect the electric / magnetic field signals.

[0429] The shield (160) may include an electrically conductive material or a thermally conductive material. For example, the shield (160) may include at least one of an aluminum material and a stainless steel material.

[0430] The shielding portion (160) may be arranged to surround the sensor module (150). The shielding portion (160) may include a first portion covering the upper portion of the sensor module (150) (e.g., a portion facing the +z direction), a second portion covering the lower portion of the sensor module (150) (e.g., a portion facing the -z direction), and a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion and covering the side portion of the sensor module (150) (e.g., a portion facing the +x direction).

[0431] FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment in which the first part of the shielding part (160) is positioned above the light-emitting unit (151) and the second part of the shielding part (160) is positioned below the light-receiving unit (155), but is not limited thereto. That is, the positions of the light-emitting unit (151) and the light-receiving unit (155) may be exchanged, and in this case, the first part of the shielding part (160) may be positioned above the light-receiving unit (155) and the second part of the shielding part (160) may be positioned below the light-emitting unit (151).

[0432] Figure 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system including a support unit, a fixed unit, and a baffle.

[0433] Referring to FIG. 21, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a sensor module (150), a sensor support unit (170), a fixing unit (175), and a partition wall (178). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating system illustrated in FIG. 21 (e.g., the sensor module (150)) is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating system described above, and therefore, a redundant description thereof will be omitted below. In addition, it will be appreciated that some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to a person skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below. For example, the sensor module (150) illustrated in FIG. 21 may be arranged to be movable along the direction in which the cavity extends, or may be arranged to be movable along the circumferential direction of the cavity. In addition, a shielding member of FIG. 20 may be arranged on the outside of the sensor module (150) of FIG. 21.

[0434] According to one embodiment, since the light emitting unit (151) and the light receiving unit (155) are arranged at a preset angle, the light emitting unit (151) can emit light and the light receiving unit (155) can receive light emitted by the identification material (10) at the same time. This is because the path of the light of the first wavelength and the path of the light of the second wavelength do not overlap each other but are offset by a preset angle. Accordingly, the time it takes for the sensor module (150) to recognize the identification material (10) can be shortened.

[0435] The sensor support unit (170) can support the light emitting unit (151) and the light receiving unit (155). The sensor support unit (170) can be fixed to the main body of the aerosol generating device. The sensor support unit (170) can include a light emitting support unit (171) that supports the light emitting unit (151) and a light receiving support unit (172) that supports the light receiving unit (155). The light emitting support unit (171) and the light receiving support unit (172) can be connected to each other at a predetermined angle. Although FIG. 21 illustrates an example in which the light emitting support unit (171) and the light receiving support unit (172) are connected at an obtuse angle, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the light emitting support unit (171) and the light receiving support unit (172) can be connected to each other at an acute angle or a right angle. The light emitting support unit (171) and the light receiving support unit (172) can also be formed integrally.

[0436] In one embodiment, the sensor support unit (170) may be a printed circuit board (PCB) or a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0437] The fixing unit (175) can perform a function of fixing the sensor support unit (170) to the aerosol generating device body (not shown in FIG. 21). The fixing unit (175) can include a first fixing part (175a) for fixing the light-emitting support unit (171) and a second fixing part (175b) for fixing the light-receiving support unit (172). For example, the light-emitting support unit (171) can be fixed by being inserted into a first fixing groove (176a) formed in the first fixing part (175a), and the light-receiving support unit (172) can be fixed by being inserted into a second fixing groove (176b) formed in the second fixing part (175b).

[0438] A partition wall (178) may be placed between the light emitting unit (151) and the light receiving unit (155). The partition wall (178) may perform a function of preventing the light receiving unit (155) from directly sensing the light emitted by the light emitting unit (151) so that the light receiving unit (155) can focus on sensing the light emitted from the identification material (10). Even if the light receiving unit (155) receives the light emitted by the identification material (10) at the same time as the light emitting unit (151) emits light, the light receiving unit (155) can relatively accurately recognize the light emitted by the identification material (10) without noise.

[0439] The bulkhead (178) may extend from the sensor support unit (170) toward the cavity. The bulkhead (178) may extend from the sensor support unit (170) toward the cavity so as to protrude further than the sensor module (150). The bulkhead (178) may include an electrically conductive material. For example, the bulkhead (178) may include at least one of an aluminum material and a stainless steel material.

[0440] Although Fig. 21 illustrates one light emitting unit (151) and one light receiving unit (155) arranged at a predetermined angle, this is merely exemplary. That is, the light emitting unit (151) and the light receiving unit (155) of two sensor modules (150) arranged along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (5) may also be arranged at a predetermined angle.

[0441] Figure 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system including a lens.

[0442] Referring to FIG. 22, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a sensor module (150), a lens (180), and a range support unit (185). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating system illustrated in FIG. 22 (e.g., the sensor module (150)) is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating system described above, and therefore, a duplicate description thereof will be omitted below. In addition, it will be appreciated that some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted (e.g., the partition wall of FIG. 21) within a range easily understandable to a person skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below. For example, the sensor module (150) illustrated in FIG. 22 may be arranged to be movable along the direction in which the cavity extends, or may be arranged to be movable along the circumferential direction of the cavity. In addition, a shielding member of FIG. 20 may be arranged on the outside of the sensor module (150) of FIG. 22.

[0443] According to one embodiment, since the light emitting unit (151) and the light receiving unit (155) are arranged at a preset angle, the light emitting unit (151) can emit light and the light receiving unit (155) can receive light emitted by the identification material (10) at the same time. This is because the path of the light of the first wavelength and the path of the light of the second wavelength do not overlap each other but are offset by a preset angle. Accordingly, the time it takes for the sensor module (150) to recognize the identification material (10) can be shortened.

[0444] Although Fig. 22 illustrates an example in which the light emitting unit (151) and the light receiving unit (155) are connected at a right angle, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the light emitting unit (151) and the light receiving unit (155) may be connected to each other at an acute angle or an obtuse angle.

[0445] The lens (180) may be positioned adjacent to the sensor module (150). The lens (180) may be positioned between the sensor module (150) and the cavity. The light of the first wavelength emitted by the light emitting unit (151) and the light of the second wavelength emitted by the identification material (10) may pass through the lens (180). For example, the lens (180) may be either a concave lens or a convex lens.

[0446] The lens (180) may include a first lens (181) and a second lens (182).

[0447] The first lens (181) can focus the light irradiated by the light emitting unit (151) onto the identification material (10) of the aerosol generating article (5). The size of the first lens (181) can be larger than that of the light emitting unit (151). Accordingly, the first lens (181) can increase the amount of light of the first wavelength reaching the identification material (10).

[0448] The second lens (182) can focus the light emitted by the identification material (10) onto the light receiving unit (155). The size of the second lens (182) can be larger than that of the light receiving unit (155). Accordingly, the second lens (182) can increase the amount of light of the second wavelength reaching the light receiving unit (155).

[0449] The first lens (181) and the second lens (182) can transmit a specific range of wavelengths and absorb a specific range of wavelengths. The specific range of wavelengths that the first lens (181) transmits may be the range of the first wavelength described above, and the specific range of wavelengths that the first lens (181) absorbs may be wavelengths other than the first wavelength. In addition, the specific range of wavelengths that the second lens (182) transmits may be the range of the second wavelength described above, and the specific range of wavelengths that the second lens (182) absorbs may be wavelengths other than the second wavelength.

[0450] According to one embodiment, the first lens (181) and the second lens (182) can pass a specific range of wavelengths and filter the specific range of wavelengths, thereby removing noise and improving the recognition accuracy of the sensor module (150).

[0451] The lens support unit (185) can support the lens (180). The lens support unit (185) can include a first lens support unit (185a) that supports the first lens (181) and a second lens support unit (185b) that supports the second lens (182). The first lens support unit (185a) and the second lens support unit (185b) can be connected to each other at a predetermined angle. In FIG. 22, an example in which the first lens support unit (185a) and the second lens support unit (185b) are connected at a right angle is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the first lens support unit (185a) and the second lens support unit (185b) can be connected to each other at an acute angle or an obtuse angle. The first lens support unit (185a) and the second lens support unit (185b) can also be formed integrally.

[0452] The lens support unit (185) may include a resin. For example, the lens support unit (185) may include polystyrene, polypropylene, or polyethylene.

[0453] The lens (180) can be coupled to the range support unit (185) in a manner in which it is inserted into the range support unit (185), but the coupling method is not limited thereto.

[0454] Although Fig. 22 illustrates one light emitting unit (151) and one light receiving unit (155) arranged at a predetermined angle, this is merely exemplary. That is, the light emitting unit (151) and the light receiving unit (155) of two sensor modules (150) arranged along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (5) may also be arranged at a predetermined angle.

[0455] FIG. 23a is a side view of a sensor module (150) according to one embodiment, FIG. 23b is a plan view of a sensor module (150) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 23c is a block diagram of a sensor module (150) according to one embodiment.

[0456] Referring to FIGS. 23a, 23b and 23c, a sensor module (150) according to one embodiment may include a light emitting unit (151), a light receiving unit (155) substrate (158), a molding member (190) and a filter (195).

[0457] At least one of the components of the sensor module (150) (e.g., the light emitting unit (151)) is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the sensor module described above, and therefore, any duplicate description thereof will be omitted below. In addition, it goes without saying that some of the components and structures of the sensor module (150) may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to a person skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below.

[0458] In one embodiment, the substrate (158) may include a substrate surface (158a) and a substrate terminal (159). The substrate surface (158a) may be a surface of the substrate (158) on which a device or chip is placed (e.g., a surface in the +x direction). The substrate terminal (159) may be placed on a surface opposite to the substrate surface (158a) (e.g., a surface in the -x direction).

[0459] In one embodiment, the substrate surface (158a) may be a surface facing the sensing target (e.g., an aerosol generating article or cartridge) of the sensor module (150). The substrate terminal (159) may be electrically and / or physically connected to the aerosol generating device.

[0460] The sensor module (150) may further include a first element (152), a first conductive member (153), a second element (156), and a second conductive member (157).

[0461] In one embodiment, a first element (152) and a second element (156) may be provided on a substrate surface (158a). The first element (152) may be connected to a light-emitting unit (151). The second element (156) may be connected to a light-receiving unit (155).

[0462] In one embodiment, the first conductive member (153) can electrically connect the first element (152) and the light-emitting unit (151). The second conductive member (157) can electrically connect the second element (156) and the light-receiving unit (155).

[0463] For example, the first element (152) may include two terminals, including a negative terminal and a positive terminal. The light emitting unit (151) may be directly coupled to either of the two terminals of the first element (152). The first conductive member (153) may connect the light emitting unit (151) to the other of the two terminals.

[0464] For example, the second element (156) may include two terminals (e.g., a negative terminal and a positive terminal). The light receiving unit (155) may be directly coupled to either of the two terminals of the second element (156). The second conductive member (157) may connect the light receiving unit (155) to the other of the two terminals.

[0465] In one embodiment, the first element (152) and the second element (156) may be arranged adjacent to each other on the substrate surface (158a) along one direction (e.g., the z-axis direction). In addition, the light emitting unit (151) and the light receiving unit (155) may be arranged adjacent to each other on the substrate surface (158a). Meanwhile, the arrangement direction of the light emitting unit (151) and the light receiving unit (155) is not limited to that illustrated in FIGS. 23A and 23B. That is, the light emitting unit (151) and the light receiving unit (155) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the x-axis direction or the y-axis direction.

[0466] In one embodiment, the sensor module (150) may be implemented in a package form by arranging a light emitting unit (151) and a light receiving unit (155) on a substrate surface (158a) of a single substrate (158). The sensor module (150) in a package form may be advantageous for miniaturization and may provide space efficiency of the aerosol generating device.

[0467] In one embodiment, a molding member (190) may be disposed on the substrate surface (158a). The molding member (190) may protect the substrate surface (158a) and other components mounted on the substrate surface (158a). The molding member (190) may be made of a non-conductive material. The molding member (190) may reduce or prevent electrical short-circuiting or unnecessary short-circuiting of the substrate surface (158a) and other components mounted on the substrate surface (158a).

[0468] In one embodiment, the molding member (190) may include a base region (191). The base region (191) may be arranged to surround the light emitting unit (151) and the light receiving unit (155) on the substrate surface (158a).

[0469] In one embodiment, the molding member (190) may be made of a light-transmitting material. The molding member (190) may guide light emitted from the light-emitting unit (151) through the base region (191) to be transmitted to the detection target of the sensor module (150).

[0470] In one embodiment, the base region (191) may be formed as a single body by connecting regions surrounding each of the light emitting unit (151) and the light receiving unit (155). The base region (191) may be substantially uniformly applied on the substrate surface (158a) and cured. The base region (191) formed as a single body may provide efficiency in manufacturing the sensor module (150).

[0471] In this disclosure, "substantially," "approximately," or "about" may mean the same level, reflecting tolerances or errors in typical manufacturing processes. Alternatively, "substantially" may refer to a range including any one of + / -0.1%, + / -0.5%, + / -1%, + / -3%, + / -5%, + / -7%, + / -10%, + / -15%, and + / -20%, based on the literal equivalent 0%.

[0472] In one embodiment, the filter (195) can filter at least a portion of the light received by the light receiving unit (155). For example, the filter (195) can filter light of a first wavelength among the light received by the light receiving unit (155). Alternatively, for example, the filter (195) can filter light of a portion of the light received by the light receiving unit (155) that includes light of the first wavelength.

[0473] In one embodiment, the control unit can recognize identification information for an aerosol generating article or cartridge based on the amount of light filtered by the filter (195) by executing commands stored in the memory.

[0474] In one embodiment, the filter (195) can improve the identification accuracy of the sensor module (150) by blocking the light of the first wavelength transmitted to the light receiving unit (155). In addition, in one embodiment, the sensor module (150) including the filter (195) can provide ease of design of at least one control unit and / or memory.

[0475] When the light receiving unit (155) receives light of the first wavelength, at least one control unit and / or memory needs to select light of the second wavelength among the light received by the light receiving unit (155), or ignore or block light of the first wavelength. The control unit and / or memory may require additional configuration or operation circuit-wise (or operationally, by program, or in a different manner), which may result in increased design difficulty.

[0476] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may have the advantage of not only providing identification accuracy but also reducing the design difficulty of a control unit and / or memory by having a filter (195) block light of a first wavelength from a sensor module (150).

[0477] In one embodiment, the filter (195) may include at least some of an optical filter (196), a filter element (197), and a switching element (198). Hereinafter, a filtering method and configuration of the filter (195) will be exemplarily described with reference to FIG. 23C. However, the method and configuration of the filter (195) described below are merely examples, and the filter (195) may filter light received by the light receiving unit (155) in various methods and configurations.

[0478] In one embodiment, the optical filter (196) can reflect (or absorb) light of the first wavelength. The optical filter (196) can be physically arranged to surround at least a portion of the light receiving unit (155). The optical filter (196) can be arranged on an outer surface of the light receiving unit (155). Alternatively, the optical filter (196) can be arranged on the molding member (190). The optical filter (196) can provide an advantage in design difficulty of the filter (195) by physically or structurally blocking light of the first wavelength.

[0479] In one embodiment, the filter element (197) can controllably filter the detection results of the sensor module (150). The filter element (197) can be controllably connected to the light receiving unit (155). For example, the filter element (197) can be implemented as a wafer filter.

[0480] In one embodiment, the filter element (197) can noise-process light of a first wavelength among the light received by the light receiving unit (155). The filter element (197) can be disposed on the light receiving unit (155) or the substrate (158). For example, the filter element (197) can be a part of the second element (156) or the substrate (158).

[0481] In one embodiment, the switching element (198) can controllably filter the detection results of the sensor module (150). The switching element (198) can be controllably connected to the light emitting unit (151) and / or the light receiving unit (155). For example, the switching element (198) can be implemented as a wafer filter.

[0482] In one embodiment, the switching element (198) can block the light emission of the light emitting unit (151) while the light receiving unit (155) receives light. The switching element (198) can be disposed in the light emitting unit (151) or the substrate (158). For example, the filter element (197) can be a part of the first element (152) or the substrate (158).

[0483] Figures 24a and 24b are graphs illustrating detection results of a sensor module according to one embodiment. Specifically, Figures 24a and 24b are graphs illustrating the response according to the wavelength of light received by a light receiving unit when the light emitting unit of the sensor module emits a first wavelength (W1).

[0484] In describing FIGS. 24a and 24b, at least one of the components of the aerosol generating system is identical or similar to that described above, so redundant descriptions may be omitted.

[0485] For example, FIG. 24a may be a response according to the wavelength of light received by the sensor module before being filtered by a filter (e.g., the filter of FIG. 23c). Alternatively, FIG. 24a may be a response according to the wavelength of light received by the sensor module when the sensor module does not include a filter. The response may be a parameter that relatively indicates light of adjacent wavelengths based on the wavelength with the largest amount of light received by the light receiving unit (1.0).

[0486] For example, FIG. 24b may be a response diagram according to the wavelength of light received by the sensor module after being filtered by the filter. Alternatively, FIG. 24b may be a response diagram according to the wavelength of light received by the sensor module when the sensor module includes a filter.

[0487] In one embodiment, light of the first wavelength (W1) emitted from the light emitting unit may mean light of a wavelength that substantially primarily includes light of the first wavelength (W1). For example, the first wavelength (W1) may be a wavelength between 960 nm and 990 nm.

[0488] Referring to FIG. 24a, when the light emitting unit emits light of the first wavelength (W1), it can be seen that the amount of light of the first wavelength (W1) is the largest, and the amount of light of the wavelength substantially (or approximately) decreases as distance from the first wavelength (W1) increases.

[0489] In one embodiment, light of a first wavelength (W1) is excited in the identification material of the aerosol generating article or the identification material of the cartridge, and the identification material can emit light of a second wavelength (W2) different from the first wavelength (W1).

[0490] In one embodiment, the light of the second wavelength (W2) emitted from the identification material may refer to light of a wavelength that substantially primarily includes light of the second wavelength (W2). For example, the second wavelength (W2) may be a wavelength between 1000 nm and 1020 nm.

[0491] Referring to FIGS. 24a and 24b, when the identification material emits light of the second wavelength (W2), it can be seen that the amount of light of the second wavelength (W2) is the largest, and the amount of light of the wavelength substantially (or approximately) decreases as distance from the second wavelength (W2) increases.

[0492] In one embodiment, the filter can filter wavelengths within a first filtering range (Fw). The first filtering range (Fw) can be a range from a reference wavelength between the first wavelength (W1) and the second wavelength (W2) to include the first wavelength (W1). For example, the first filtering range (Fw) can be a wavelength less than 1000 nm.

[0493] In one embodiment, the control unit can recognize identification information for an aerosol generating article based on the amount of light of a second wavelength (W2) outside the first filtering range (Fw) by executing commands stored in the memory.

[0494] In one embodiment, when the difference between the first wavelength (W1) and the second wavelength (W2) is not large, for example, when both the light of the first wavelength (W1) and the light of the second wavelength (W2) are infrared, the control unit may have difficulty recognizing identification information based on the amount of light of the second wavelength (W2), and there is a possibility that an error may occur in the identification result or the accuracy may be reduced. The sensor module according to one embodiment can reduce or eliminate an error in the identification result and improve the identification accuracy by physically blocking or controllably noise-processing the first filtering range (Fw) including the light of the first wavelength (W1) through a filter.

[0495] Fig. 25 is a side view of a sensor module (150) according to one embodiment.

[0496] Referring to FIG. 25, the sensor module (150) may include a light emitting unit (151), a light receiving unit (155), a substrate (158), a molding member (190), and a first dome-shaped molding area (192).

[0497] At least one of the components of the sensor module (150) (e.g., the light emitting unit (151)) is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the sensor module described above, and therefore, any duplicate description thereof will be omitted below. In addition, it goes without saying that some of the components and structures of the sensor module (150) may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to a person skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below.

[0498] In one embodiment, the first dome-shaped molding region (192) may be positioned at a position corresponding to the light emitting unit (151) on one side (e.g., the side in the +x direction) of the base region (191) facing the cavity. The first dome-shaped molding region (192) may guide light emitted from the light emitting unit (151).

[0499] For example, the first dome-shaped molding region (192) can guide at least a portion of the light emitted from the light emitting unit (151) to be focused on the identification material of the detection target (aerosol generating article or cartridge) of the sensor module (150).

[0500] In one embodiment, the first dome-shaped molding region (192) can provide light transmission efficiency of the light emitting unit (151), and the sensor module (150) can improve sensing accuracy through the first dome-shaped molding region (192).

[0501] In one embodiment, the first dome-shaped molding region (192) may be formed as a single body that is continuous with the base region (191). Alternatively, the first dome-shaped molding region (192) may have a discontinuous structure with the base region (191) and may be joined to the base region (191).

[0502] Fig. 26 is a side view of a sensor module (150) according to one embodiment.

[0503] Referring to FIG. 26, the sensor module (150) may include a light emitting unit (151), a light receiving unit (155), a substrate (158), a molding member (190), a first dome-shaped molding area (192), and a second dome-shaped molding area (193).

[0504] Among the components of the sensor module (150), at least one (e.g., the light emitting unit (151)) is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the sensor module described above, and therefore, any duplicate description will be omitted below. In addition, it goes without saying that some of the components and structures of the sensor module (150) may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to a person skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below.

[0505] In one embodiment, the second dome-shaped molding region (193) may be positioned at a position corresponding to the light receiving unit (155) on one side of the base region (191) facing the cavity (e.g., the side in the +x direction). The second dome-shaped molding region (193) may guide light transmitted to the light receiving unit (155).

[0506] For example, the second dome-shaped molding region (193) can guide light emitted from the identification material to be focused onto the light receiving unit (155).

[0507] In one embodiment, the second dome-shaped molding region (193) can provide light absorption efficiency of the light receiving unit (155), and the sensor module (150) can improve sensing accuracy through the second dome-shaped molding region (193).

[0508] In one embodiment, the second dome-shaped molding region (193) may be formed as a single body that is continuous with the base region (191). Alternatively, the second dome-shaped molding region (193) may have a discontinuous structure with the base region (191) and may be joined to the base region (191).

[0509] Fig. 27 is a side view of a sensor module (150) according to one embodiment.

[0510] Referring to FIG. 27, the sensor module (150) may include a light emitting unit (151), a light receiving unit (155), a substrate (158), a partition wall (178), and a molding member (190).

[0511] Among the components of the sensor module (150), at least one (e.g., the light emitting unit (151)) is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the sensor module described above, and therefore, any duplicate description will be omitted below. In addition, it goes without saying that some of the components and structures of the sensor module (150) may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to a person skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below.

[0512] The base region (191) of the molding member (190) can be placed on the substrate surface to surround the light emitting unit (151) and the light receiving unit (155).

[0513] The molding member (190) may include a light-transmitting material. The molding member (190) may guide light emitted from the light-emitting unit (151) through the base region (191) to be transmitted to the detection target of the sensor module (150).

[0514] In one embodiment, the base region (191) may include a first molding region (191a) and a second molding region (191b). The first molding region (191a) may surround the light emitting unit (151). The second molding region (191b) may surround the light receiving unit (155).

[0515] In one embodiment, the second molding region (191b) may be spaced apart from and separated from the first molding region (191a). Alternatively, the first molding region (191a) and the second molding region (191b) may be disposed discontinuously from each other.

[0516] In one embodiment, the first molding region (191a) and the second molding region (191b) are separated from each other, thereby preventing light emitted from the light emitting unit (151) from being transmitted to the light receiving unit (155) via the molding member (190). The sensor module (150) can improve sensing accuracy through the first molding region (191a) and the second molding region (191b).

[0517] In one embodiment, the partition wall (178) may define a first molding region (191a) and a second molding region (191b). The partition wall (178) may be positioned between the first molding region (191a) and the second molding region (191b). The partition wall (178) may have a shape extending along the first molding region (191a) and the second molding region (191b).

[0518] In one embodiment, the partition wall (178) may include an epoxy molding compound (EMC) material. The partition wall (178) may be made of a material having relatively low light transmittance compared to the molding member (190). The partition wall (178) may prevent light emitted from the light emitting unit (151) from being transmitted to the light receiving unit (155). The sensor module (150) may improve sensing accuracy through the partition wall (178).

[0519] Fig. 28 is a side view of a sensor module (150) according to one embodiment.

[0520] Referring to FIG. 28, the sensor module (150) may include a light emitting unit (151), a light receiving unit (155), a substrate (158), a partition wall (178), a molding member (190), and a first dome-shaped molding area (192a).

[0521] Among the components of the sensor module (150), at least one (e.g., the light emitting unit (151)) is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the sensor module described above, and therefore, any duplicate description will be omitted below. In addition, it goes without saying that some of the components and structures of the sensor module (150) may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to a person skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below.

[0522] The molding member (190) may include a base region (191) composed of a first molding region (191a) surrounding the light-emitting unit (151) and a second molding region (191b) surrounding the light-receiving unit (155).

[0523] The first dome-shaped molding region (192a) may be positioned at a position corresponding to the light emitting unit (151) on one side (e.g., the side in the +x direction) of the base region (191) facing the cavity. For example, the first dome-shaped molding region (192a) may be positioned on the first molding region (191a).

[0524] In one embodiment, the first dome-shaped molding region (192a) can guide light emitted from the light emitting unit (151). For example, the first dome-shaped molding region (192a) can guide at least a portion of the light emitted from the light emitting unit (151) to be focused on an identification material of a detection target (aerosol generating article or cartridge) of the sensor module (150).

[0525] In one embodiment, the first dome-shaped molding area (192a) can provide light transmission efficiency of the light emitting unit (151), and the sensor module (150) can improve sensing accuracy through the first dome-shaped molding area (192a).

[0526] In one embodiment, the first dome-shaped molding region (192a) may be formed as a single body that is continuous with the first molding region (191a). Alternatively, the first dome-shaped molding region (192a) may have a discontinuous structure with the first molding region (191a) and may be joined to the first molding region (191a).

[0527] Fig. 29 is a side view of a sensor module (150) according to one embodiment.

[0528] Referring to FIG. 29, the sensor module (150) may include a light emitting unit (151), a light receiving unit (155), a substrate (158), a partition wall (178), and a molding member (190), a first dome-shaped molding area (192), and a second dome-shaped molding area (193).

[0529] At least one of the components of the sensor module (150) (e.g., the light emitting unit (151)) is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the sensor module described above, and therefore, any duplicate description thereof will be omitted below. In addition, it goes without saying that some of the components and structures of the sensor module (150) may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to a person skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below.

[0530] In one embodiment, the molding member (190) may include a base region (191) comprising a first molding region (191a) surrounding the light emitting unit (151) and a second molding region (191b) surrounding the light receiving unit (155).

[0531] In one embodiment, the second dome-shaped molding region (192b) may be positioned at a position corresponding to the light receiving unit (155) on one side (e.g., the side in the +x direction) of the base region (191) facing the cavity. For example, the second dome-shaped molding region (192b) may be positioned on the upper surface of the second molding region (191b).

[0532] In one embodiment, the second dome-shaped molding region (192b) can guide light transmitted to the light receiving unit (155). For example, the second dome-shaped molding region (192b) can guide light emitted from the identification material to be focused on the light receiving unit (155).

[0533] In one embodiment, the second dome-shaped molding area (192b) can provide light absorption efficiency of the light receiving unit (155), and the sensor module (150) can improve sensing accuracy through the second dome-shaped molding area (192b).

[0534] In one embodiment, the second dome-shaped molding region (192b) may be formed as a single body that is continuous with the second molding region (191b). Alternatively, the second dome-shaped molding region (192b) may have a discontinuous structure with the second molding region (191b) and may be joined to the second molding region (191b).

[0535] Fig. 30 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0536] The aerosol generating device (1000) may include a power source (1100), a control unit (1200), a sensor (1300), an output unit (1400), an input unit (1500), a communication unit (1600), a memory (1700), and at least one heater (1800, 2400). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (1000) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 30. That is, a person skilled in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1000), some of the components illustrated in FIG. 30 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0537] The sensor (1300) can detect the status of the aerosol generating device (1000) or the status around the aerosol generating device (1000) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (1200). Based on the detected information, the control unit (1200) can control the aerosol generating device (1000) to perform various functions, such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800), restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating article and / or cartridge (19) is inserted, and displaying a notification.

[0538] The sensor (1300) may include at least one of a temperature sensor (1310), a puff sensor (1320), an insertion detection sensor (1330), a reuse detection sensor (1340), a cartridge detection sensor (1350), a cap detection sensor (1360), and a motion detection sensor (1370).

[0539] The temperature sensor (1310) can detect the temperature at which the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1000) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800), or the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) itself may serve as the temperature sensor.

[0540] The temperature sensor (1310) can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). For example, the temperature sensor (1310) can include a resistance element whose resistance value changes in response to a temperature change of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). It can be implemented by a thermistor, which is an element that utilizes the property of changing resistance depending on temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor (1310) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). For example, the temperature sensor (1310) can be configured as a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). At this time, the temperature sensor (1310) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or heater (1800) as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or heater (1800).

[0541] A temperature sensor (1310) may be placed around the power source (1100) to monitor the temperature of the power source (1100). The temperature sensor (1310) may be placed adjacent to the power source (1100). For example, the temperature sensor (1310) may be attached to one side of a battery, which is the power source (1100). For example, the temperature sensor (1310) may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0542] A temperature sensor (1310) is placed inside the main body of the aerosol generating device and can detect the internal temperature of the main body of the aerosol generating device.

[0543] The puff sensor (1320) can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor (1320) can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor (1320) can be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor (1320) can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1000) can correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor (1320) can be arranged in correspondence to the airflow path through which the gas flows in the aerosol generating device (1000).

[0544] The insertion detection sensor (1330) can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. The insertion detection sensor (1330) can detect a signal change according to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article. The insertion detection sensor (1330) can be installed around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor (1330) can detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article according to a change in the permittivity within the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor (1330) can be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0545] An inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be positioned adjacent to an insertion space. For example, when a magnetic field changes around a current-flowing coil, the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.

[0546] An inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil. For example, an inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

[0547] A capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the electromagnetic properties of the surroundings, for example, the electrostatic capacitance around the conductor. For example, when an aerosol-generating article including a metallic wrapper is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic properties around the conductor may be changed by the wrapper of the aerosol-generating article.

[0548] A reuse detection sensor (1340) can detect whether an aerosol-generating article has been reused. The reuse detection sensor (1340) may be a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the color of the aerosol-generating article. The color sensor can detect the color of a portion of a wrapper that wraps the outside of the aerosol-generating article. The color sensor can detect a value for an optical characteristic corresponding to the color of the object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristic may be a wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as a single component with the proximity sensor, or may be implemented as a separate component distinct from the proximity sensor.

[0549] At least some of the wrappers constituting the aerosol-generating article may change color due to the aerosol. The reuse detection sensor (1340) may be positioned in response to a position where at least some of the wrappers that change color due to the aerosol are disposed when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the aerosol-generating article is used by a user, the color of at least some of the wrappers may be a first color. At this time, as at least some of the wrappers are wetted by the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device (1000) while passing through the aerosol-generating article, the color of at least some of the wrappers may change to a second color. Meanwhile, the color of at least some of the wrappers may be maintained at the second color after changing from the first color to the second color.

[0550] The cartridge detection sensor (1350) can detect the mounting and / or removal of the cartridge (19). The cartridge detection sensor (1350) can be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc.

[0551] The cap detection sensor (1360) can detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the aerosol generating device body, the cartridge (19) covered by the cap and a portion of the aerosol generating device body may be exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor (1360) can be implemented by a contact sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0552] A motion detection sensor (1370) can detect the movement of an aerosol generating device. The motion detection sensor (1370) can be implemented with at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0553] In addition to the sensors (1310 to 1370) described above, the sensor (1300) may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred from its name by a person skilled in the art, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0554] The output unit (1400) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1000) and provide it to the user. The output unit (1400) may include at least one of a display (1410), a haptic unit (1420), and an audio output unit (1430), but is not limited thereto. When the display (1410) and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display (1410) can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0555] The display (1410) can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device (1000) to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (1000) can mean various information such as the charging / discharging status of the power supply (1100) of the aerosol generating device (1000), the preheating status of the heater (1800), the insertion / removal status of the aerosol generating product and / or cartridge (19), the mounting / removal status of the cap, or the status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1000) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal product), and the display (1410) can output the above information to the outside. For example, the display (1410) can be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display (1410) can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0556] The haptic unit (1420) can provide tactile information about the aerosol generating device (1000) to the user by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus. For example, the haptic unit (1420) can generate a vibration corresponding to the completion of the initial preheating when the initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) for a set period of time. The haptic unit (1420) can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0557] The acoustic output unit (1430) can provide information about the aerosol generating device (1000) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit (1430) can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0558] The power source (1100) can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device (1000). The power source (1100) can supply power so that the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) can be heated. In addition, the power source (1100) can supply power required for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device (1000), such as a sensor (1300), an output unit (1400), an input unit (1500), a communication unit (1600), and a memory (1700). The power source (1100) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (1100) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0559] Although not shown in FIG. 30, the aerosol generating device (1000) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power source (1100) and include a switching element.

[0560] The power protection circuit can block the power supply (1100) according to certain conditions. For example, the power protection circuit can block the power supply (1100) when the voltage level of the power supply (1100) is higher than a first voltage corresponding to overcharge. For example, the power protection circuit can block the power supply (1100) when the voltage level of the power supply (1100) is lower than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarge.

[0561] The heater (1800) can receive power from the power source (1100) to heat the medium or aerosol generating material within the aerosol generating article. Although not illustrated in FIG. 300, the aerosol generating device (1000) may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the power source (1100) and supplies it to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). In addition, when the aerosol generating device (1000) generates the aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating device (1000) may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the direct current power of the power source (1100) into alternating current power.

[0562] The control unit (1200), sensor (1300), output unit (1400), input unit (1500), communication unit (1600), and memory (1700) may receive power from the power source (1100) to perform their functions. Although not illustrated in FIG. 30, the device may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the power source (1100) and supplies it to each component. In addition, although not illustrated in FIG. 300, a noise filter may be provided between the power source (1100) and the heater (1800). The noise filter may be a low pass filter. The low pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low pass filter may correspond to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power source (1100) to the heater (1800). By using a low-pass filter, high-frequency noise components can be prevented from being applied to a sensor (1300), such as an insertion detection sensor (1330).

[0563] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, and the like. Furthermore, the heater (1800) may be implemented as, but not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate having electrically conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, and the like.

[0564] In another embodiment, the heater (1800) may be an induction heater. For example, the heater (1800) may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0565] The input unit (1500) can receive information input from a user or output information to the user. For example, the input unit (1500) can be a touch panel. The touch panel can include at least one touch sensor that detects touch. For example, the touch sensor can include, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc.

[0566] The display (1410) and the touch panel may be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted into the display (1410) (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel may be added on the display (1410) panel (add-on type).

[0567] Meanwhile, the input unit (1500) may include, but is not limited to, buttons, key pads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0568] The memory (1700) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1000), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (1200). The memory (1700) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory (1700) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generating device (1000), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

[0569] The communication unit (1600) may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit (1600) may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0570] The short-range wireless communication unit 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, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0571] The wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0572] Although not shown in FIG. 30, the aerosol generating device (1000) further includes a connection interface, such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can transmit and receive information or charge a power source (1100) by connecting to another external device through a connection interface, such as a USB interface.

[0573] The control unit (1200) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1000). In one embodiment, the control unit (1200) can include at least one processor. The processor can be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present embodiment can be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0574] The control unit (1200) can control the temperature of the heater (1800) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (1100) to the heater (1800). The control unit (1200) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) sensed by the temperature sensor (1310). The control unit (1200) can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). For example, the control unit (1200) can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) based on a temperature profile stored in the memory (1700).

[0575] The aerosol generating device (1000) may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply (1100) between the power supply (1100) and the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater (2400), the heater (1800), or the induction coil (18001). The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit (1200) may control the power supply circuit.

[0576] The control unit (1200) can control power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit may be an inverter that converts direct current power output from the power source (1100) into alternating current power. For example, the inverter may be configured as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.

[0577] The control unit (1200) can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power source (1100) to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). The control unit (1200) can turn off the switching element so that power is cut off to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). The control unit (1200) can control the current supplied from the power source (1100) by controlling the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0578] The control unit (1200) can control the voltage output from the power source (1100) by controlling the switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power source (1100). For example, the power conversion circuit can include a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the power source (1100). For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented using a buck-boost converter, a zener diode, etc.

[0579] The control unit (1200) can control the on / off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit to adjust the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit. When the on state of the switching element continues, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the level of the voltage output from the power source (1100). The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power source (1100) to the voltage output from the power source. As the duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element decreases, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may decrease. The heater (1800) can be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0580] The control unit (1200) can control power to be supplied to the heater (1800) using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0581] For example, the control unit (1200) can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater (1800) using the PWM method. The control unit (1200) can control the power supplied to the heater (1800) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

[0582] For example, the control unit (1200) can determine a target temperature that is the target of control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (1200) can control the power supplied to the heater (1800) using a PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference value between the temperature of the heater (1800) and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[0583] The control unit (1200) can prevent the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) from overheating. For example, the control unit (1200) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit so that the supply of power to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) is cut off based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (1200) can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) by a predetermined ratio based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (1200) may determine that the aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge (19) is exhausted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) exceeding a limit temperature, and may cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater (2400).

[0584] The control unit (1200) can control the charging and discharging of the power source (1100). The control unit (1200) can check the temperature of the power source (1100) based on the output signal of the temperature sensor (1310).

[0585] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device (1000), the control unit (1200) can check whether the temperature of the power source (1100) is higher than or equal to the first limit temperature, which is a standard for blocking charging of the power source (1100). If the temperature of the power source (1100) is lower than the first limit temperature, the control unit (1200) can control the power source (1100) to be charged based on a preset charging current. If the temperature of the power source (1100) is higher than or equal to the first limit temperature, the control unit (1200) can block charging of the power source (1100).

[0586] When the power of the aerosol generating device (1000) is turned on, the control unit (1200) can check whether the temperature of the power source (1100) is higher than or equal to the second limit temperature, which is a standard for blocking discharge of the power source (1100). If the temperature of the power source (1100) is lower than the second limit temperature, the control unit (1200) can control to use the power stored in the power source (1100). If the temperature of the power source (1100) is higher than or equal to the second limit temperature, the control unit (1200) can stop using the power stored in the power source (1100).

[0587] The control unit (1200) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source (1100). For example, the control unit (1200) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power source (1100) based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power source (1100).

[0588] The control unit (1200) can determine whether an aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (1330). The control unit (1200) can determine that an aerosol-generating article is inserted based on an output signal of the insertion detection sensor (1330). If it is determined that an aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion space, the control unit (1200) can control to supply power to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). For example, the control unit (1200) can supply power to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) based on a temperature profile stored in the memory (1700).

[0589] The control unit (1200) can determine whether an aerosol-generating article is removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit (1200) can determine whether an aerosol-generating article is removed from the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (1330). For example, the control unit (1200) can determine that an aerosol-generating article is removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the heater (1800) is higher than a limited temperature or if the temperature change slope of the heater (1800) is higher than a set slope. If it is determined that an aerosol-generating article is removed from the insertion space, the control unit (1200) can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800).

[0590] The control unit (1200) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater (1800) according to the state of the aerosol-generating article detected by the sensor (1300). The control unit (1200) can check the level range within which the signal level of the capacitance sensor is included based on a lookup table. The control unit (1200) can determine the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article according to the checked level range.

[0591] When the aerosol generating article is in a hyper-humidified state, the control unit (1200) can control the power supply time to the heater (1800) to increase the preheating time of the aerosol generating article compared to the normal state.

[0592] The control unit (1200) can determine whether an aerosol-generating article inserted into an insertion space has been reused through the reuse detection sensor (1340). For example, the control unit (1200) can compare a sensing value of a signal of the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range that includes a first color, and if the sensing value is included in the first reference range, it can determine that the aerosol-generating article has not been used. For example, the control unit (1200) can compare a sensing value of a signal of the reuse detection sensor with a second reference range that includes a second color, and if the sensing value is included in the second reference range, it can determine that the aerosol-generating article has been used. If it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been used, the control unit (1200) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800).

[0593] The control unit (1200) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is coupled and / or removed through the cartridge detection sensor (1350). For example, the control unit (1200) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is coupled and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cartridge detection sensor.

[0594] The control unit (1200) can determine whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted. For example, the control unit (1200) can preheat the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) by applying power, and determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) exceeds a limited temperature during the preheating period. If the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) exceeds the limited temperature, the control unit (1200) can determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted. If the control unit (1200) determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted, the control unit (1200) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800).

[0595] The control unit (1200) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is usable. For example, the control unit (1200) can determine that the cartridge (19) is unusable if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge (19) based on data stored in the memory (1700). For example, the control unit (1200) can determine that the cartridge (19) is unusable if the total time that the heater (2400) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the heater (2400) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power.

[0596] The control unit (1200) can make a judgment regarding the user's inhalation through the puff sensor (1320). For example, the control unit (1200) can determine whether a puff has been generated based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor. For example, the control unit (1200) can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor (1320). If the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or if no puffs are detected for a preset time or longer, the control unit (1200) can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800).

[0597] The control unit (1200) can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed through the cap detection sensor (1360). For example, the control unit (1200) can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cap detection sensor.

[0598] The control unit (1200) can control the output unit (1400) based on the result detected by the sensor (1300). For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor (1320) reaches a preset number, the control unit (1200) can notify the user that the aerosol generating device (1000) will soon be terminated through at least one of the display (1410), the haptic unit (1420), and the audio output unit (1430). For example, the control unit (1200) can notify the user through the output unit (1400) based on a determination that no aerosol generating product exists in the insertion space. For example, the control unit (1200) can notify the user through the output unit (1400) based on a determination that the cartridge (19) and / or the cap is not mounted. For example, the control unit (1200) can transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) to the user through the output unit (1400).

[0599] The control unit (1200) may store and update a history of events that have occurred in the memory (1700) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. The events may include operations such as detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, initiation of heating of the aerosol generating article, detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or heater (1800), detection of overvoltage application to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or heater (1800), termination of heating of the aerosol generating article, power on / off of the aerosol generating device (1000), initiation of charging of the power source (1100), detection of overcharging of the power source (1100), termination of charging of the power source (1100), etc., performed in the aerosol generating device (1000). The history of events may include the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a given event is detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, log data corresponding to the event may include data on the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor (1330), etc. For example, if a given event is detection of overheating of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800), the voltage applied to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800), the current flowing through the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800), etc.

[0600] The control unit (1200) may control to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving data regarding authentication from the external device through the communication link, the control unit (1200) may release restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device (1000). Here, the data regarding authentication may include data indicating completion of user authentication for a user corresponding to the external device. The user may perform user authentication through the external device. The external device may determine whether user data is valid based on the user's birthday, a unique number representing the user, etc., and may receive data regarding the use authorization of the aerosol generating device (1000) from an external server. The external device may transmit data indicating completion of user authentication to the aerosol generating device (1000) based on the data regarding the use authorization. When the user authentication is completed, the control unit (1200) may release restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device (1000). For example, the control unit (1200) may release the restriction on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the heater (1800) when user authentication is completed.

[0601] The control unit (1200) can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generating device (1000) to an external device via a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity, operation mode, etc. of the power supply (1100) of the aerosol generating device (1000) via a display of the external device.

[0602] An external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol generating device (1000) based on an input that initiates location search of the aerosol generating device (1000). When receiving a location search request from the external device, the control unit (1200) may control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, in response to the location search request, the haptic unit (1420) may generate vibration. For example, in response to the location search request, the display (1410) may output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0603] The control unit (1200) can control to perform a firmware update when receiving firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generating device (1000) and determine whether a new version of the firmware exists. When an input requesting firmware download is received, the external device can receive a new version of the firmware data and transmit the new version of the firmware data to the aerosol generating device (1000). The control unit (1200) can control to perform a firmware update of the aerosol generating device (1000) upon receiving a new version of the firmware data.

[0604] The control unit (1200) can transmit data on the sensing value of at least one sensor (1300) to an external server (not shown) through the communication unit (1600), and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing value through machine learning such as deep learning from the server. The control unit (1200) can perform an operation of determining a user's inhalation pattern, an operation of generating a temperature profile, etc. using the learning model received from the server. The control unit (1200) can store, in the memory (1700), the sensing value data of at least one sensor (1300) and data for learning an artificial neural network (ANN). For example, the memory (1700) can store a database for each component provided in the aerosol generating device (1000) for learning the artificial neural network (ANN), and weights and biases forming the artificial neural network (ANN) structure. The control unit (1200) can learn data on the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor (1300), the user's suction pattern, the temperature profile, etc. stored in the memory (1700), and generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's suction pattern, generating the temperature profile, etc.

[0605] The description of the above-described embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection for the invention should be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the claims should be construed as being included within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

[0606] Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may have their respective components or functions combined or used together.

[0607] For example, it means that a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that a combination is possible, except in cases where a combination is described as impossible.

[0608] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating material that is heated to generate an aerosol, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises an identification material configured to absorb light of a first wavelength emitted from outside the aerosol generating article and emit light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength, in which the identifying material contains organic material.

2. The aerosol generating article of claim 1, wherein the first wavelength is from about 10 nm to 340 nm and the second wavelength is from about 380 nm to 780 nm.

3. An aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the organic material comprises at least one material from the group consisting of a quinazolinone-based compound, a thiophene-based compound, a sulfobenzoic acid-based compound, and a naphthyridine-based compound.

4. An aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the difference between the longest absorption wavelength (Absmax) of the identification material and the dominant wavelength (DWL) of the light emitted by the identification material is 20% or more relative to the longest absorption wavelength.

5. The aerosol generating article of claim 1, wherein the identification material comprises a plurality of particles, each of which has a diameter of approximately 0.1 μm to 10 μm.

6. The aerosol generating article according to claim 1, further comprising: a wrapper in which the aerosol generating article is packaged, in which the identification material is located on the outer surface of the wrapper.

7. The aerosol generating article of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of overlapping wrappers in which the aerosol generating article is packaged, wherein the identification material is located between the plurality of wrappers.

8. The aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the identification material is located in the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article, and the region in which the identification material is located has a length of approximately 1 mm to 10 mm in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article.

9. An aerosol generating article according to claim 1, in which the aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol generating rod and a filter rod, sequentially arranged in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article, and the length from the lower end of the region in which the identification material is located to the boundary between the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod is from 0 mm to 5 mm.

10. An aerosol generating article according to claim 1, in which the identification material comprises a first identification material and a second identification material, the first identification material and the second identification material emit light of different wavelengths, and the difference between the wavelength of light emitted by the first identification material and the wavelength of light emitted by the second identification material is 15 nm or more.

11. An aerosol generating article according to claim 1, in which the identification material comprises a first identification material and a second identification material, and the first identification material is separated from the second identification material in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article.

12. A method for manufacturing an article for generating an aerosol, comprising the following steps: preparation of identification material containing organic material; preparation of the first solution by mixing the identification material with top coat; preparing a solution of the identification material by mixing the first solution with a diluent; and applying a solution of identification material to the product to generate an aerosol.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the organic material comprises at least one material from the group consisting of quinazolinone-based compounds, thiophene-based compounds, sulfobenzoic acid-based compounds, and naphthyridine-based compounds.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the solution of the identification material comprises from about 0.01 to 20% by weight of the identification material, from about 10 to 40% by weight of the topcoat varnish, and from about 50 to 85% by weight of the diluent.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the topcoat varnish comprises one or more materials from the group consisting of nitrocellulose, polyamide, propyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, and diisononyl 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylate (DICH).