Aerosol-generating device and aerosol-generating method

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may comprise: a housing having an accommodation space; a color determination unit for detecting the color of any one portion of an aerosol-generating item inserted into the accommodation space; a first heater and a second heater for heating different portions of the aerosol-generating item; and a control unit for controlling heating of the first heater and the second heater on the basis of information transmitted from the color determination unit.

Description

Aerosol generating device and aerosol generating method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating method.

[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 methods that generate aerosols by heating aerosol-generating substances within an aerosol-generating device, rather than through the combustion of a cigarette. Accordingly, research into heated aerosol-generating devices or devices is actively underway.

[0003] An aerosol generating device extracts a specific component from a medium or substance through an aerosol. The medium may contain various components. The components contained in the medium may be flavoring substances of various components. For example, the components contained in the medium may include nicotine, herbal ingredients, and / or coffee ingredients.

[0004] In order to provide the best taste sensation by heating a medium containing various substances, it is very important to heat different types of aerosol-generating materials with the best heating pattern. However, there is a problem in that it is difficult to accurately provide various heating patterns depending on the type of aerosol-generating material.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned and other problems.

[0006] Another purpose may be to determine the type of aerosol-generating article inserted and provide different heating patterns depending on the type of aerosol-generating article.

[0007] Another purpose may be to provide an aerosol generating device capable of minimizing changes between aerosol at the beginning of heating and aerosol at the end of heating.

[0008] An aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a housing having a receiving space formed therein, a color determining unit that detects the color of a portion of an aerosol-generating article inserted into the receiving space, a first heater and a second heater that heat different portions of the aerosol-generating article, and a control unit that controls heating of the first heater and the second heater based on information transmitted from the color determining unit.

[0009] An aerosol generating method according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a step of detecting the color of a portion of an aerosol-generating article using a color determination unit, a step of setting a heating pattern of a first heater and a second heater based on information transmitted from the color determination unit, and a step of heating the aerosol-generating article using the set heating pattern.

[0010] The present disclosure can provide an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating method that determine the type of an inserted aerosol generating article and provide different heating patterns depending on the type of the aerosol generating article.

[0011] Specifically, the aerosol generating device according to the present disclosure can detect the color of an aerosol generating article and heat the aerosol generating article in various patterns using a first heater and a second heater.

[0012] In addition, the aerosol generating device according to the present disclosure can minimize changes in aerosol at the beginning of heating and aerosol at the end of heating.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating article applied to an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a first color portion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of an aerosol generating device according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 6 is a configuration diagram of an aerosol generating device according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an aerosol generation method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components are given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0021] The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are given or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing specifications, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves.

[0022] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0023] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0024] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0025] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating article applied to an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, an aerosol generating device (101) according to embodiments of the disclosure may include a housing (150), a first heater (125), a second heater (126), a color determination unit (CS1), and a battery (129).

[0028] The housing (150) forms an outer shape and can be formed in various shapes such as a rod shape, a box shape, etc. A battery (129), a control unit (121), a first heater (125), a second heater (126), etc. can be arranged inside the housing (150). A receiving space (151) into which an aerosol generating article (130) is inserted is formed in the housing (150), and the receiving space (151) can be located at the upper part of the housing (150). A cover for opening and closing the receiving space (151) may also be installed in the housing (150).

[0029] The aerosol generating device (101) may further include an aerosol generating article (130). As illustrated in FIG. 3, the aerosol generating article (130) may be formed as a cylindrical stick, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The aerosol generating article (130) may include any one material or a combination of two or more materials in various states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, or a gel state, capable of generating an aerosol.

[0030] The aerosol-generating article (130) may include a medium portion (132), a first segment (131), a second segment (133), a third segment (134), and a wrapper (TR1). However, this is exemplary, and the aerosol-generating article (130) may be formed in various forms, and the present invention is not limited to the structure of the aerosol-generating article (130).

[0031] The medium (132) may include at least one component of granular tobacco (tobacco granules), reconstituted tobacco, and tobacco filler. In addition, the medium (132) may further include an aerosol-generating substance such as glycerin. In addition, the medium (132) may further contain other additives such as a flavoring agent, a humectant, and / or an organic acid. In addition, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a moisturizer may be added to the medium (132) by spraying.

[0032] In one embodiment, the first segment (131) may be composed of a cellulose acetate filter. In addition, the first segment (131) may be composed of a paper filter and a porous molding, etc. For example, the length of the first segment (131) may be 4 to 15 mm, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the first segment (131) may include glycerin, menthol, a flavoring substance, etc. to generate atomization. In addition, the first segment (131) may have a specific shape, such as a Y or X, and may be formed in a circular tow shape, etc.

[0033] The second segment (133) and the third segment (134) may be composed of a cellulose acetate filter. In addition, the second segment (133) or the third segment (134) may include at least one fragrance capsule. Alternatively, the second segment (133) and the third segment (134) may be composed of a cellulose acetate filter mixed with a fragrance material. As an example, the second segment (133) or the third segment (134) may be composed of a hollow filter, and as another example, the third segment (134) may be omitted.

[0034] The wrapper (TR1) may include a first roll (137), a second roll (138), a third roll (139), a first color portion (135), a second color portion (136), and an outer shell (TR2). The wrapper (TR1) may have at least one hole formed therein through which external air may flow in or internal gas may flow out. The wrapper (TR1) may include a material having high thermal conductivity.

[0035] The medium portion (132) may be wrapped by the first roll (137), the second segment (133) may be wrapped by the second roll (138), and the third segment (134) may be wrapped by the third roll (139). In addition, the first segment (131) may be wrapped by the first color portion (135), and a portion of the second segment (133) may be wrapped by the second color portion (136).

[0036] The entire aerosol-generating article (130) can be repackaged by the outer shell (TR2), and the outer shell (TR2) can be made of sterilized paper (MFW), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0037] The first color portion (135) may be located at the leading edge of the aerosol generating article (130) and may be located further from the leading edge than the medium portion (132). The first color portion (135) may be located between the first segment (131) and the outer shell (TR2), or may be arranged on the outside of the outer shell (TR2).

[0038] When the first color portion (135) is located on the inner side of the outer shell (TR2), the portion of the outer shell (TR2) that surrounds the first color portion (135) may be formed of a light-transmitting layer that transmits light. The light-transmitting layer may transmit 10% to 90% of light. The light-transmitting layer may be a single layer or multiple layers, and specifically, may be multiple layers.

[0039] The light-transmitting layer may include at least one selected from the group consisting of polyolefin, agar, and cellulose-based materials. When the light-transmitting layer includes all of polyolefin, agar, and cellulose-based materials, the light-transmitting layer becomes more transparent and exhibits better temperature stability.

[0040] The light-transmitting layer may include a first layer comprising polyolefin, a second layer comprising agar, and a third layer comprising a cellulose-based material. For example, the first to third layers may be laminated to form a laminated film. Specifically, the polyolefin may be any one selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, and combinations thereof, and the cellulose-based material may be alpha-cellulose, beta-cellulose, or hydroxyalkyl cellulose.

[0041] The first color portion (135) may include a metal, and for example, may include a metal film and paper. The metal film may include pure aluminum (Al) or an aluminum alloy, and specifically, may include pure aluminum.

[0042] The purity of pure aluminum may be 98% or greater, or 99% or greater. The aluminum alloy may further include one or more metals selected from the group consisting of copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), silicon (Si), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn) in addition to aluminum.

[0043] In this case, the content of the aluminum may be 50 wt% or more, 60 wt% or more, 70 wt% or more, 80 wt% or more, or 90 wt% or more based on the total weight of the aluminum alloy.

[0044] As illustrated in Fig. 4, an anodic oxide film (160) may be formed on the first color portion (135). The anodic oxide film (160) may have various colors, such as red, green, blue, yellow, and purple.

[0045] An anodic oxide film (160) can be formed by anodizing. Here, anodizing refers to connecting a metal to an anode and electrolyzing it in an electrolyte, thereby forming an oxide film that has adhesion to the metal by oxygen generated at the anode.

[0046] The anodic oxide film (160) may include a porous layer (161) formed on a metal thin film substrate (SB1) and a sealing layer (162) formed on the porous layer (161). The sealing layer (162) may be formed by various methods, such as an organic sealing treatment method. The substrate (SB1) may be formed of a metal thin film such as aluminum.

[0047] A plurality of fine pores (163) may be formed in the porous layer (161) due to oxidation. The sealing layer (162) may be formed by applying an organic material such as a synthetic resin or by immersing it in such a material. The first color portion (135) may have various colors due to the sealing layer (162) described above.

[0048] The sealing layer (162) basically includes a color-indicating material, and in addition to the color-indicating material, may include at least one of a conductive polymer, a flavoring material, and a flavoring material release prevention agent. The pores (163) may include a first pore and a second pore, and the types of the functional material carried in the first pore and the functional material carried in the second pore may be the same or different.

[0049] The sealing layer (162) may include a conductive polymer, thereby effectively preventing the electrical conductivity from being lowered due to the presence of the anodic oxide film (160).

[0050] The conductive polymer is not particularly limited, and may include a polymer having an electrical conductivity of 1 S / cm or more, 10 S / cm or more, or 100 S / cm or more at 20°C, and specifically, a polymer having an electrical conductivity of 1 to 1000 S / cm. Specifically, the conductive polymer may include at least one selected from the group consisting of polyacetylene, polyparaphenylene, polyparaphenylene sulfide, polythiophene, polypyrrole, polyparaphenylene vinylene, PEDOT-PSS (Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-polystyrene sulfonate), and polyaniline.

[0051] The weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the conductive polymer is not particularly limited, but may specifically be 1,000 to 500,000 g / mol, 1,000 to 100,000 g / mol, or 1,000 to 10,000 g / mol. In some examples, when the weight average molecular weight of the conductive polymer satisfies the above numerical range, the conductive polymer can better penetrate into the pores.

[0052] The sealing layer (162) may include a flavoring agent. Specifically, by including the flavoring agent within the gap (163), a variety of satisfaction and smoking experiences can be provided to the consumer. When the aerosol-generating product is inserted into the aerosol-generating device, the flavoring agent contained in the aerosol-generating product's wrapper can be vaporized and inhaled into the consumer's mouth. The flavoring agent is not particularly limited, but may specifically include menthol, natural plant-based flavorings, sugars, cocoas, esters, and the like.

[0053] Meanwhile, the second color portion (136) is spaced apart from the first color portion (135) with the medium portion (132) in between, and may be located on the outside of the second segment (133). The second color portion (136) may be formed by a structure in which a color indicator material is colored on the outer skin (TR2). As another example, the second color portion (136) may include an aluminum thin film having an anodic oxide film formed thereon.

[0054] The color indicator material is not particularly limited and may be a material that changes the color of the aerosol-generating article's paper. Specifically, the color indicator material may be any one selected from the group consisting of dyes, pigments, and mixtures thereof.

[0055] In some examples, the dye is not particularly limited and may be a dye commercially available in the relevant technical field. Specifically, the dye may include a disodium salt of ethyl [4-[p[ethyl (msulfobenzyl)amino]-α-(o-sulfophenyl)benzylidene]-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene](m-sulfobenzyl)ammonium hydroxide inner salt, a disodium salt of 6-hydroxy-5-[(2-methyl-4-sulfophenyl)azo]-2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, or a mixture thereof.

[0056] In some examples, the pigment is not particularly limited and may be any one selected from the group consisting of organic pigments, inorganic pigments, and mixtures thereof. In some other examples, the pigment may include a color-changing pigment that changes color depending on temperature.

[0057] In some examples, the pigment may include at least one of bis(dimethylammonium)tetrachloronickelate, bis(diethylammonium) tetrachlorocuprate, vanadium dioxide, and nickel sulfate.

[0058] Meanwhile, a first heater (125), a second heater (126), a color determination unit (CS1), an inductance recognition unit (123), a battery (129), and a control unit (121) may be installed inside the housing (150), and a display unit (141), an input unit (128), a lamp (142), etc. may be installed outside the housing.

[0059] The display unit (141) can display the remaining battery level, heating mode, device status, etc. The lamp (142) can be made of an LED, etc., and can display the heating status, etc. in color.

[0060] The input unit (128) can receive information input from a user, and may include, but is not limited to, a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. The user can manually set a heating pattern using the input unit (128).

[0061] The aerosol generating device (101) may include a first heater (125) and a second heater (126), wherein the first heater (125) and the second heater (126) are positioned outside the aerosol generating article (130) and can heat the aerosol generating article (130). The first heater (125) and the second heater (126) may be formed in a tubular shape including a hollow portion, and may also be formed in a curved surface facing the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (130) and surrounding the aerosol generating article.

[0062] For example, the first heater (125) and the second heater (126) may be electrically resistive heaters. For example, the first heater (125) and the second heater (126) may include electrically conductive tracks, and the first heater (125) and the second heater (126) may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive tracks.

[0063] As another example, the first heater (125) and the second heater (126) may include an induction coil and a heating body heated by the induction coil. Specifically, the first heater (125) and the second heater (126) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an alternating current flowing through the induction coil.

[0064] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the first heater (125) and the second heater (126) are installed to surround the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article (130) so as to heat the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article (130), and the first heater (125) and the second heater (126) can be formed to heat different parts of the aerosol-generating article (130) but have the same length.

[0065] As another example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the first heater (125) and the second heater (126) are arranged adjacent to the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article (130), and the lengths (the portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article) of the first heater (125) and the second heater (126) may be different.

[0066] The first length (L1) of the first heater (125) extending in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article (130) may be formed longer than the second length (L2) of the second heater (126) extending in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article (130). Here, the first length (L1) may be formed to be 1.2 to 3 times the second length (L2). When the first length (L1) is formed longer than the second length (L2), the first heater (125) can serve as a main heater and heat quickly, and the second heater (126) can serve as an auxiliary heater and precisely control the temperature of the aerosol-generating article (130).

[0067] As another example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the first heater (125) may be formed as a heating rod inserted into the interior of the aerosol-generating article (130), and the second heater (126) may be installed to heat the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article (130). When the first heater (125) is inserted into the interior of the aerosol-generating article (130) and the second heater (126) is installed to surround the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article, not only can the aerosol-generating article (130) be heated quickly, but also the temperature of the aerosol-generating article (130) can be more easily controlled.

[0068] The battery (129) can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device (101). For example, the battery (129) can supply current to the first heater (125), the second heater (126), the control unit (121), and various sensors.

[0069] A cartridge may be installed inside the housing (150), and the cartridge may contain an aerosol-forming substance having any one of the following states: liquid state, solid state, gaseous state, or gel state.

[0070] For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material including volatile tobacco flavor components, or may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material.

[0071] For example, the cartridge may be integrally formed with the case or detachably coupled to the case. The cartridge may be connected to the receiving space (151) through a channel.

[0072] As another example, a moisture sensor may be installed inside the housing (150). The moisture sensor may measure the humidity of the aerosol-generating article (130). The location of the moisture sensor is not particularly limited, and may be located inside the aerosol generating device (101) to measure the humidity of the aerosol-generating article (130).

[0073] The moisture sensor is not particularly limited and may be a variety of moisture-measuring devices. Specifically, the moisture sensor may be a moisture-measuring device using near-infrared spectroscopy that irradiates a near-infrared wavelength with a high affinity for moisture onto an aerosol-generating article (130), then captures the emitted beam to measure moisture.

[0074] The inductance recognition unit (123) recognizes the change in inductance due to the insertion of the aerosol-generating article (130) and transmits a signal to the control unit (121). As illustrated in Fig. 1, the inductance recognition unit may be positioned so as to face the tip of the aerosol-generating article (130) and to be spaced downward from the tip of the aerosol-generating article (130).

[0075] When an aerosol-generating article (130) is inserted into an aerosol generating device (101), an induced electromotive force may be generated as the size and direction of a magnetic field or current change due to the presence of a first color portion (135) including a metal and a conductive polymer. Inductance refers to the ratio of magnetic flux to current, and different inductances may be determined depending on the type of conductive polymer, through which the operating conditions of the aerosol-generating article (130) may be determined.

[0076] As another example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the inductance recognition unit (123) may be positioned to face the outer surface of the first color unit (135). The inductance recognition unit (123) and the first color sensor (122) may be spaced apart from each other with the aerosol generating article (130) interposed therebetween. As another example, the first color sensor (122) may be fixed to the inductance recognition unit (123) or formed integrally with the inductance recognition unit (123).

[0077] When an aerosol generating article (130) is inserted, an inductance change occurs due to the first color part (135) containing metal, and the inductance recognition part (123) recognizes the inductance change and transmits it to the control part (121).

[0078] When a signal is transmitted from the inductance recognition unit (123), the control unit (121) determines that an aerosol-generating article (130) has been inserted, turns on the power, and controls the color determination unit (CS1) to measure the color.

[0079] The color determination unit (CS1) may include a first color sensor (122) and a second color sensor (124). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the color determination unit (CS1) may include only one color sensor.

[0080] The first color sensor (122) detects the color of the first color section (135) and measures the RGB value of the first color section (135) to determine whether the color of the first color section (135) corresponds to one of the preset colors.

[0081] The second color sensor (124) detects the color of the second color section (136) and measures the RGB value of the second color section (136) to determine whether the color of the second color section (136) corresponds to one of the preset colors.

[0082] The memory (127) stores a preset heating pattern, and a plurality of heating patterns matching the information transmitted from the first color sensor (122) and the second color sensor (124) can be stored in the memory (127). The heating pattern can include the heating pattern of the first heater (125) and the second heater (126).

[0083] In the present disclosure, the control unit (121) controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (101). Specifically, the control unit (121) controls the operation of the battery (129), the first heater (125), the second heater (126), the inductance recognition unit (123), as well as other components included in the aerosol generating device (101).

[0084] The control unit (121) searches for a heating pattern according to a specified color from the heating pattern stored in the memory (127) based on information transmitted from the first color sensor (122) and the second color sensor (124) and controls the first heater (125) and the second heater (126) with the corresponding heating pattern.

[0085] The control unit (121) can control the initial heating temperature of the first heater (125) and the second heater (126) for a preset initial heating time based on the information transmitted from the first color sensor (122), and can control the reheating temperature of the first heater (125) and the second heater (126) for a preset reheating time based on the information transmitted from the second color sensor (124). Here, the initial heating time can be 30 seconds to 50 seconds, and the reheating time can be 15 seconds to 25 seconds after the initial heating time.

[0086] As another example, the control unit (121) may heat the first heater (125) or the second heater (126) to a preset initial heating temperature range based on information transmitted from the first color sensor (122), and heat the first heater (125) or the second heater (126) to a preset reheating temperature range after a preset number of reheating puffs. Here, the number of reheating puffs may be 5 to 9. For this purpose, a puff sensor may be installed inside the housing (150).

[0087] As another example, the control unit (121) may heat the first heater (125) to the initial heating temperature range based on information transmitted from the first color sensor (122), and heat the first heater (125) and the second heater (126) to the reheating temperature range after the number of reheating puffs based on information transmitted from the second color sensor (124).

[0088] As another example, the control unit (121) may heat the first heater (125) and the second heater (126) to the initial heating temperature range based on the information transmitted from the first color sensor (122), stop heating after the number of reheating puffs, and then heat only the first heater (125) to the reheating temperature range based on the information transmitted from the second color sensor (124).

[0089] As another example, the control unit (121) may control the heating of the first heater (125) based on information transmitted from the first color sensor (122), and may control the heating of the second heater (126) based on information transmitted from the second color sensor (124).

[0090] Specifically, when the first color sensor (122) detects a first color, the control unit (121) can heat the first heater (125) and the second heater (126) to a first temperature range, and when the first color sensor (122) detects a second color, the control unit (121) can heat the first heater (125) and the second heater (126) to a second temperature range that is lower than the first temperature range. In addition, when the first color sensor (122) detects a third color, the control unit (121) can heat the first heater (125) and the second heater (126) to a third temperature range that is lower than the second temperature range.

[0091] Here, the first color may be red, the second color blue, and the third color green, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the colors may be set in various ways. In addition, when the first color sensor (122) detects white, the first heater (125) and the second heater (126) may be heated to the maximum temperature.

[0092] The first temperature range may be 190 to 220 degrees Celsius, the second temperature range may be 160 to 190 degrees Celsius, and the third temperature range may be 130 to 160 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature may be 170 degrees Celsius or higher.

[0093] As another example, the control unit (121) may heat the first heater (125) and the second heater (126) for a preset initial heating time, cool the first heater (125) and the second heater (126) for a cooling time, heat to a temperature 60 to 80 degrees Celsius lower than the maximum temperature, and then stop heating. Here, the initial heating time may be 30 to 50 seconds, and the cooling time may be 15 to 25 seconds.

[0094] As another example, the control unit (121) may heat only the first heater (125) to the first reheating temperature after a preset number of puffs when the second color sensor (124) detects the first color, heat only the first heater (125) to the second reheating temperature when the second color sensor (124) detects the second color, and stop heating the first heater (125) when the third color is detected.

[0095] Here, the first reheating temperature may be 180 to 200 degrees Celsius, and the second reheating temperature may be 150 to 170 degrees Celsius. The control unit (121) reheats the first heater (125) only for the reheating time, and the reheating time may be 25 to 35 seconds.

[0096] Meanwhile, if the user manually changes the heating pattern, the control unit (121) can control the first heater (125) and the second heater (126) according to the heating pattern specified by the user.

[0097] As described above, according to the present disclosure, various combinations of heating patterns can be realized using the first color sensor (122) and the second color sensor (124), thereby providing the user with the best possible taste sensation. In addition, by using the first heater (125) and the second heater (126), the aerosol-generating article (130) can be heated at a precise heating temperature according to the heating time, thereby minimizing the difference between the initial aerosol and the later aerosol.

[0098] Hereinafter, an aerosol generating method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0099] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an aerosol generation method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol generation method can be performed using the aerosol generation device described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 . The matters relating to the aerosol generation device described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 can also be applied to the aerosol generation method of FIG. 7 .

[0100] The aerosol generating method according to the present embodiment may include a step (S101) of detecting a change in inductance due to insertion of an aerosol-generating article (130). The step (S101) of detecting a change in inductance recognizes a change in inductance due to insertion of an aerosol-generating article (130) and transmits a signal to a control unit. The step (S101) of detecting a change in inductance detects a change in inductance caused by a first color portion (135) made of metal when an aerosol-generating article is inserted.

[0101] The aerosol generating method according to the present embodiment may include a color sensing step (S102) for detecting the color of a portion of an aerosol-generating article using a color determining unit (CS1). The color sensing step (S102) may use two color sensors (122, 124) to determine the colors of different locations of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the color sensing step (S102) may use a first color sensor (122) to determine the color of a first color portion (135) located at a tip portion of an aerosol-generating article (130), and may use a second color sensor (124) to determine the color of a second color portion (136) spaced apart from the first color portion (135) by a medium portion (132). The color sensing step (S102) may determine and match whether the detected color corresponds to any one of the colors stored in the memory (127).

[0102] The aerosol generation method according to the present embodiment may further include a step (S103) of setting a heating pattern of a heater based on information transmitted from a color determination unit (CS1). The step (S103) of setting a heating pattern searches for a heating pattern stored in a memory (127) based on the information transmitted in the step (S102) of detecting a color and sets a matching heating pattern.

[0103] The step of setting the heating pattern (S103) can set a matching heating pattern using two pieces of color information transmitted from the first color sensor (122) and the second color sensor (124).

[0104] As an example, the step of setting the heating pattern (S103) may control the initial heating temperature of the first heater (125) and the second heater (126) based on the information transmitted from the first color sensor (122), and may set the reheating temperature of the first heater (125) or the second heater (126) based on the information transmitted from the second color sensor (124).

[0105] As another example, the step of setting the heating pattern (S103) may set the heating temperature and time of the first heater (125) based on information transmitted from the first color sensor (122), and may set the heating temperature and time of the second heater (126) based on information transmitted from the second color sensor (124).

[0106] The aerosol generating method according to the present embodiment may further include a step (S104) of heating an aerosol-generating article using a set heating pattern. The step (S104) of heating an aerosol-generating article heats the aerosol-generating article (130) using a first heater (125) and a second heater (126), and the first heater (125) and the second heater (126) can be controlled to different temperatures and different heating times.

[0107] The step of heating the aerosol-generating article (S104) heats the first heater (125) and the second heater (126) to a preset initial heating temperature range, and after a preset number of reheating puffs, the first heater (125) or the second heater (126) can be heated to a preset reheating temperature range. Here, the number of reheating puffs can be 5 to 9.

[0108] As an example, the step (S104) of heating an aerosol-generating article may be performed by heating the first heater (125) and the second heater (126) to an initial heating temperature range, stopping heating after a certain number of reheating puffs, and then heating only the first heater (125) to a reheating temperature range.

[0109] As another example, the step of heating the aerosol-generating article (S104) may heat only the first heater (125) to the initial heating temperature range, and after the number of reheating puffs, the first heater (125) and the second heater (126) may be heated to the reheating temperature range.

[0110] In addition, the step of heating the aerosol-generating article (S104) may include heating the first heater (125) and the second heater (126) for a preset initial heating time, cooling the first heater (125) and the second heater (126) for a cooling time, heating to a temperature 60 to 80 degrees Celsius lower than the maximum temperature, and then stopping the heating. Here, the initial heating time may be 30 to 50 seconds, and the cooling time may be 15 to 25 seconds.

[0111] 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.

[0112] For example, it means that configuration A described in a specific embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if the combination between the configurations is not directly described, it means that the combination is possible, except in cases where the combination is described as impossible.

[0113] 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

Housing with a formed receiving space; A color determination unit that detects the color of a portion of an aerosol-generating article inserted into the above-mentioned receiving space; A first heater and a second heater for heating different parts of the aerosol-generating article; and An aerosol generating device, comprising a control unit that controls heating of the first heater and the second heater based on information transmitted from the color determination unit. In the first paragraph, An aerosol generating device, wherein the color determination unit includes a first color sensor that detects the color of a certain part of the aerosol generating article and a second color sensor that detects the color of another part of the aerosol generating article. In the second paragraph, The first heater and the second heater are installed to heat the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article, An aerosol generating device, wherein the lengths of the first heater and the second heater extending in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article are the same or different. In the third paragraph, If the lengths of the first heater and the second heater are different, An aerosol generating device, wherein the first length of the first heater extending in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article is formed longer than the second length of the second heater extending in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article. In the second paragraph, An aerosol generating device, wherein the first heater is formed of a heating rod inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating article, and the second heater is installed to heat the outer surface of the aerosol generating article. In the second paragraph, An aerosol generating device, wherein the control unit controls the initial heating temperature of the first heater or the second heater for a preset initial heating time based on information transmitted from the first color sensor, and controls the reheating temperature of the first heater or the second heater for a preset reheating time after the initial time based on information transmitted from the second color sensor. In the second paragraph, An aerosol generating device, wherein the control unit controls the initial heating temperature of the first heater or the second heater based on information transmitted from the first color sensor, and controls the reheating temperature of the first heater or the second heater after a preset number of reheating puffs based on information transmitted from the second color sensor. In the second paragraph, An aerosol generating device, wherein the control unit controls heating of the first heater based on information transmitted from the first color sensor and controls heating of the second heater based on information transmitted from the second color sensor. In the second paragraph, An aerosol generating device, wherein the control unit heats the first heater and the second heater to a preset first temperature range when the first color sensor detects a first color, and heats the first heater and the second heater to a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range when the second color sensor detects a second color. In the second paragraph, An aerosol generating device, wherein the control unit heats the first heater to a first reheating temperature after a preset number of puffs when the second color sensor detects the first color, and heats the first heater to a second reheating temperature lower than the first reheating temperature after a preset number of puffs when the second color sensor detects the second color. In the second paragraph, Further comprising an aerosol-generating article inserted into the above-mentioned receiving space, A part formed on the above aerosol generating article includes a metal thin film having an anodic oxide film formed thereon, An aerosol generating device wherein the above anodic oxide film includes a porous layer formed on a substrate and a sealing layer formed on the porous layer, and the sealing layer includes a color indicating material. A step of detecting the color of a portion of an aerosol-generating article using a color judgment unit; A step of setting the heating pattern of the first heater and the second heater based on the information transmitted from the color judgment unit; and An aerosol generating method, comprising the step of heating an aerosol generating article with a set heating pattern. In Article 12, An aerosol generating method in which the step of setting the heating pattern controls the initial heating temperature of the first heater and the second heater based on information transmitted from the first color sensor of the color determination unit, and sets the reheating temperature of the first heater or the second heater based on information transmitted from the second color sensor of the color determination unit. In Article 12, An aerosol generating method, wherein the step of setting the heating pattern sets the heating temperature and time of the first heater based on information transmitted from the first color sensor of the color determination unit, and sets the heating temperature and time of the second heater based on information transmitted from the second color sensor of the color determination unit. In Article 12, An aerosol generating method, wherein the step of heating the aerosol generating article controls the initial heating temperature of the first heater and the second heater based on information transmitted from the first color sensor of the color determination unit, and controls the reheating temperature of the first heater or the second heater after a preset number of reheating puffs based on information transmitted from the second color sensor of the color determination unit.

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