Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device, according to one embodiment, comprises: a housing including an accommodation portion into which an aerosol-generating article can be inserted; a heater disposed on one surface of a film and heating the aerosol-generating article as power is supplied; a humidistor sensor disposed on one surface of the film and sensing humidity of the aerosol-generating article; and a processor electrically connected to the heater and the humidistor sensor, wherein the processor may control power supply to the heater on the basis of the humidity of the aerosol-generating article sensed by means of the humidistor sensor.

Description

Aerosol generating device

[0001] Various embodiments according to the present disclosure relate to an aerosol generating device capable of detecting over-humidity and over-dryness of a cigarette through a humidifier sensor.

[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 aerosol by heating aerosol-generating materials, rather than by burning cigarettes. Accordingly, research into heated aerosol generators is actively underway.

[0003] When an aerosol-generating article is inserted into the receiving space, the aerosol-generating device can heat the aerosol-generating article according to a preset temperature profile. The temperature profile may refer to temperature change data of the heater or the aerosol-generating article during a smoking operation. The aerosol generated as the aerosol-generating article is heated may vary depending on the components of the aerosol-generating material contained in the aerosol-generating article. For example, the temperature and amount of aerosol generated may vary depending on the moisture content of the aerosol-generating material.

[0004] When an aerosol-generating article contains a certain amount of moisture, an aerosol of an appropriate temperature and amount can be generated as the article is preheated. However, if the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article exceeds the appropriate range during preheating, the moisture may cause the heater's heating rate to decrease, generating excessive water vapor and generating high-temperature aerosol. Furthermore, if the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article is less than the appropriate range during preheating, it may be difficult to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol. Therefore, an aerosol generating device capable of setting a different preheating temperature profile depending on the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article is required.

[0005] However, 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 knowledge in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0006] In one embodiment, an aerosol generating device includes a housing including a receiving portion into which an aerosol generating article can be inserted, a heater disposed on one surface of a film and configured to heat the aerosol generating article when power is supplied thereto, a humidifier sensor disposed on one surface of the film and configured to detect humidity of the aerosol generating article, and a processor electrically connected to the heater and the humidifier sensor, wherein the processor can control power supply to the heater based on humidity of the aerosol generating article detected through the humidifier sensor.

[0007] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device can detect the humidity of an aerosol generating article inserted into a receiving portion without adding a separate configuration for arranging a humistor sensor by arranging a humistor sensor on a film on which a heater is arranged.

[0008] However, 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 technical field to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0009] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2a illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2b illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the arrangement structure of the heater and the humidifier sensor in a state where the film is spread out according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the arrangement structure of the heater and the humidifier sensor when the film illustrated in FIG. 5 is fully rolled.

[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a film arranged to wrap an aerosol generating article according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a film arranged to wrap an aerosol generating article according to another embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a film arranged to wrap an aerosol generating article according to another embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart for explaining a control operation based on humidity detected through a humidistat sensor of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[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 will be assigned the same reference numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar drawing numbers may be used for similar or related components.

[0021] The suffixes “module” and “unit” used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves. Meanwhile, the suffixes “module” or “unit” may include units implemented with hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A “module” or “unit” may be a component configured integrally, or a minimum unit of the component that performs one or more functions, or a part thereof. For example, a “module” or “unit” may be implemented in the form of an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[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] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory (17)) readable by a machine (e.g., an aerosol generating device (1)). For example, a processor (e.g., a control unit (12)) of the machine (e.g., an aerosol generating device (1)) may call at least one command among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called command. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0027] In the present disclosure, the direction of the aerosol generating device (1) can be defined based on the orthogonal coordinate system. In the orthogonal coordinate system, the x-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The y-axis direction can be defined as the front-back direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0028] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), a memory (17), and / or a heater (18, 24). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that some of the components illustrated in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0030] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) can detect the status of the aerosol generating device (1) or the status around the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (12). For example, the sensor unit (13) may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a reuse detection sensor, an overly moist detection sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor, and / or a movement detection sensor. Meanwhile, the sensor unit (13) may further include various sensors, such as a liquid remaining amount sensor for detecting the liquid remaining amount of the cartridge, and an immersion sensor for detecting immersion of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0031] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature at which the heater (18, 24) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater (18, 24), or the heater (18, 24) itself may function as a temperature sensor. As an example, the temperature sensor may be used to measure the impedance to the heater (18). The impedance to the heater (18) may be correlated with the temperature of the heater (18). The temperature sensor may measure the current and / or voltage applied to the heater (18) (or the induction coil). Based on the measured current and / or voltage, the impedance to the heater (18) may be calculated. The control unit (12) may estimate the temperature of the heater (18) based on the calculated impedance.

[0032] For example, the temperature sensor may include a resistance element (e.g., a thermistor) whose resistance value changes in response to a temperature change of the heater (18, 24). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element, and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (18, 24) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0033] As another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor that detects the resistance value of the heater (18, 24). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater (18, 24), and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (18, 24) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the power source (11). The temperature sensor can be positioned adjacent to the power source (11). For example, the temperature sensor can be attached to one surface of the power source (11) (e.g., a battery) and / or mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board. For example, the aerosol generating device (1) can include a power protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor can be positioned adjacent to the power source (11) together with the power protection circuit.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be placed inside the housing (not shown) of the aerosol generating device (1) to detect the temperature inside the housing (not shown).

[0036] In one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect a user's puff.

[0037] For example, the puff sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1), and the control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1) may correspond to the pressure of an airflow path through which gas flows. The puff sensor may be arranged in correspondence to the airflow path through which gas flows in the aerosol generating device (1).

[0038] As another example, the puff sensor may include a temperature sensor. When the user puffs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow path, the space where the aerosol generating product is inserted (hereinafter, referred to as the insertion space), the heater (18, 24), etc. The control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path, etc. output from the temperature sensor.

[0039] As another example, the puff sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor may measure a temperature used to correct the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. As an example, the puff sensor may correct a signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and output the corrected signal. As another example, the puff sensor may output a signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a signal corresponding to the internal pressure measured by the puff sensor. In this case, the control unit (12) may receive the signals and correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

[0040] As another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In the present disclosure, the capacitance sensor may also be referred to as a capacitive sensor or a capacitive sensor. When a user puffs, a temperature change and / or aerosol flow may occur within the insertion space of the aerosol-generating article, and thus, the permittivity within the insertion space may change. The control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the permittivity within the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0041] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0042] According to one embodiment, an insertion detection sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. The insertion detection sensor can be installed around the insertion space. Additionally, the insertion detection sensor can include any combination of the examples described above.

[0043] For example, the insertion detection sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol-generating article is inserted or removed within the insertion space, the permittivity around the conductor may change. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal corresponding to the permittivity within the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitive sensor.

[0044] As another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and the at least one coil may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol-generating article) includes a conductor, a change in a magnetic field may occur around the current-carrying coil when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article including the conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of the alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.). Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article (e.g., the medium portion of the aerosol-generating article) may include a susceptor (SUS). Even in this case, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil based on the insertion or removal of a susceptor or the like within the insertion space, and the control unit (12) may also detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0045] The insertion detection sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented with various sensors (e.g., proximity sensors, etc.) for detecting insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. Furthermore, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above. In one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may include a switch or the like for detecting pressure by an aerosol-generating article.

[0046] In one embodiment, the reuse detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article has been reused. For example, the reuse detection sensor may be a color sensor for detecting the color of the aerosol-generating article. When the aerosol-generating article is used by a user, a color change may occur in a portion of the wrapper surrounding the outside of the aerosol-generating article due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor may output a signal corresponding to an optical characteristic (e.g., a wavelength of light) corresponding to the color of the wrapper based on light reflected from the wrapper. If a change in the color of a portion of the wrapper is detected, the control unit (12) may determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the over-humidity detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is over-humidified. For example, the over-humidity detection sensor can include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor can include at least one conductor disposed adjacent to an insertion space. The control unit (12) can detect whether the aerosol-generating article is over-humidified based on the level of a signal corresponding to a permittivity or the like output from the capacitive sensor. For example, the control unit (12) can check a level range within which the level of the signal is included based on a look-up table, and determine the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article based on the checked level range.

[0048] In one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can detect whether an aerosol generating article is genuine and / or detect the type of aerosol generating article.

[0049] For example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an optical sensor for detecting an identification material (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., wrapper) of an aerosol-generating article. The optical sensor may irradiate light toward the identification material (or identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article and detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating article based on the reflected light. For example, the identification material may include a material that emits light in a specific wavelength range based on the irradiated light. The control unit (12) may detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating article based on the range of the wavelength.

[0050] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The dielectric constant within the insertion space may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating product inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating product based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant within the insertion space output from the capacitive sensor.

[0051] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. When a conductor is included in the wrapper and / or the interior (e.g., the medium portion) of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space, the characteristics of the current detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of the alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.) when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion space may differ depending on the type of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect whether the inserted aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or the type of the inserted aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor.

[0052] The cigarette identification sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the authenticity of an aerosol-generating product and / or the type of aerosol-generating product. Furthermore, the cigarette identification sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor may detect the mounting and / or removal of the cartridge. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), and / or an optical sensor.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the cap detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of the cap. For example, the cap detection sensor can include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC) and / or an optical sensor. The cap can include a structure that covers at least a portion of a cartridge mounted or inserted into the aerosol generating device (1) or covers at least a portion of a housing of the aerosol generating device (1). The cap detection sensor can output a signal corresponding to the mounting or removal when the cap is mounted on or removed from the housing, and the control unit (12) can detect the mounting or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the mounting or removal.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the motion detection sensor can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device (1). The motion detection sensor can be implemented as at least one of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) may further include, in addition to the aforementioned sensors, at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (Global Positioning System, GPS), or a proximity sensor. Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the output unit (14) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1). The output unit (14) may include, but is not limited to, a display, a haptic unit, and / or an audio output unit. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (1) may include a charging / discharging status of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), a preheating status of the heater (18, 24), an insertion / removal status of an aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge, a mounting and / or removal status of a cap, or a status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article). The display can visually provide information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the display may include a light emitting diode (LED) light emitting element, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display, if it includes a touch pad, can also be used as an input unit (15). The haptic unit can provide tactile information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the haptic unit can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electrical stimulation device, etc. The acoustic output unit can provide audible information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the power source (11) can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (11) can include one or more batteries. The power source (11) can supply power so that the heater (18, 24) can be heated. In addition, the power source (11) can also supply power required for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device (1), such as the control unit (12), the sensor unit (13), the output unit (14), the input unit (15), the communication unit (16), and the memory (17). The power source (11) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (11) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source (11) can also be a replaceable type (detachable) battery (hereinafter, referred to as a removable battery). The removable battery may be mounted in the battery compartment provided within the aerosol generating device (1) or may be removed from the battery compartment. The removable battery may be charged by wire and / or wirelessly.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be powered by the power source (11) to heat the aerosol generating article and / or the medium and / or the aerosol generating material within the cartridge. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a heater (18) for heating the aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge heater (24) for heating the cartridge (i.e., the solid and / or liquid medium).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the electrically resistive heater may include an electrically resistive material, such as a metal or metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. The electrically resistive heater may be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate having electrically conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be an induction heating heater. For example, the induction heating heater may include a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field. A magnetic field may be generated from the induction coil by an alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The generated magnetic field may penetrate the heater, and an eddy current may be generated in the susceptor. The susceptor may be heated based on the generation of the eddy current. According to one embodiment, the susceptor may be included within the aerosol generating article (e.g., the medium portion). In this case, the susceptor included within the aerosol generating article may be heated by the induction coil.

[0062] The heater (18, 24) is not limited to the examples described above, and may include or be replaced with various heating methods, structures, components, etc. for heating the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the input unit (15) can receive information input from a user. For example, the input unit (15) can include a touch panel, a button, a key pad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the memory (17) is hardware that stores various data processed in the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (12). For example, the memory (17) 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. For example, the memory (17) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generating device (1), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (16) may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device (e.g., a portable electronic device). For example, the communication unit (16) may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (wireless local area network) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (infrared Data Association, IrDA) communication unit, a WFD (Wireless Fidelity Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an ANT (Adaptive Network Topology)+ communication unit, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the control unit (12) can include at least one processor. The control unit (12) can be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose MCU (microcontroller unit) (or microprocessor) and a memory storing a program that can be executed in such an MCU. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment pertains that the control unit (12) can be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (11) to the heater (18, 24). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) based on the temperature of the heater (18, 24) detected using a temperature sensor (e.g., the sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) based on a temperature profile and / or a power profile stored in the memory (17).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to the heater (18, 24) by controlling a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heater (18, 24) and the power source (11). For example, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / DC converter (e.g., a buck converter, a buck-boost converter, a boost converter, a Zener diode, etc.) that converts power to be supplied to the heater (18, 24), and a DC / AC converter (e.g., an inverter) that converts power to be supplied to an induction coil (not shown). The DC / AC converter may be implemented as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements. For example, a power conversion circuit may include at least one switching element, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET).

[0069] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the current and / or voltage supplied to the heater (18, 24) by controlling the frequency and / or duty ratio of a current pulse input to at least one switching element of the power conversion circuit (not shown). The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element can correspond to the ratio of the output voltage of the power conversion circuit to the output voltage of the power source (11).

[0070] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method. For example, the control unit (12) can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater (18, 24) using the PWM method. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse. For example, the control unit (12) can determine a target temperature that is a target of control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by using the PID method, which is a feedback control method using the difference value between the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can determine a target power that is the target of control based on the power profile. The control unit (12) can also control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) to correspond to the preset target power over time.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can detect the user's puff by detecting the power supplied to the heater (18, 24). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) using a PID method. When the user's puff is generated, a temporary temperature drop may occur in a space where an aerosol generating article is inserted (hereinafter, referred to as the insertion space), the heater (18, 24), etc. Accordingly, a change may occur in the power (or current) supplied to the heater (18, 24) during the power control using the PID method. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on the change in the controlled power.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can prevent the heater (18, 24) from overheating. For example, the control unit (12) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to reduce the amount of power supplied to the heater (18, 24) or to stop supplying power to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the temperature of the heater (18, 24) exceeds a preset limit temperature.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control charging and discharging of the power source (11). For example, the control unit (12) can check the temperature of the power source (11) using a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than a first limit temperature, the control unit (12) can block charging of the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than a second limit temperature, the control unit (12) can stop using (e.g., discharging) the power stored in the power source (11). The control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source (11). For example, the control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power source (11) based on voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power source (11).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13).

[0076] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article into the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) may also determine that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater (18, 24) is equal to or higher than a limited temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater (18, 24) is equal to or higher than a set slope.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater (18, 24) based on the state of the aerosol generating article. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol generating article is in an over-humidified state by using an over-humidity detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)), the control unit (12) may increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) to the heater (18, 24).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating article has been reused. For example, the control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) if it is determined that the aerosol generating article has been used.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the cartridge is coupled and / or removed using a cartridge detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)), the control unit (12) can stop the power supply to the heater (18, 24) or control the power not to be supplied to the heater (18, 24).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the temperature of the heater (18, 24) exceeds a limit temperature while preheating the heater (18, 24) (i.e., during the preheating period), the control unit (12) may determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted. If the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the cartridge is available for use. For example, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the current number of puffs is determined to be greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge based on data stored in the memory (17). Alternatively, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total time that the heater (18, 24) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the heater (18, 24) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power. In this case, the control unit (12) may stop the power supply to the heater (18, 24) or control that power is not supplied to the heater (18, 24).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the user's puff. For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether a puff has been generated and / or the intensity of the puff using a puff sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs and / or no puffs are detected for a preset period of time. The control unit (12) can also control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when a puff is detected.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is genuine and / or the type thereof. For example, the control unit (12) may detect whether the aerosol generating article is genuine and / or the type thereof using a cigarette identification sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is counterfeit, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24). If the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is genuine, the control unit (12) may control (e.g., start) the power supply to the heater (18, 24). As another example, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) differently depending on the type of the aerosol generating article (or cartridge). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, 24) based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a first aerosol generating article (or a first cartridge), and can control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, 24) based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a second aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the output unit (14) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13). For example, the control unit (12) may control the output unit (14) to visually, tactilely and / or audibly provide information that the aerosol generating device (1) is about to be terminated when the number of puffs counted using a puff sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)) reaches a preset number. For example, the control unit (12) may also control the output unit (14) to visually, tactilely and / or audibly provide information about the temperature of the heater (18, 24).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may store and update a history of events that have occurred in the memory (17) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, the event 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 a heater (18, 24), detection of overvoltage application to a heater (18, 24), termination of heating of an aerosol generating article, power on / off of the aerosol generating device (1), initiation of charging of the power source (11), detection of overcharging of the power source (11), termination of charging of the power source (11), etc., performed in the aerosol generating device (1). For example, 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 an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if a given event is detection of overheating of a heater (18, 24), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the heater (18, 24), the voltage applied to the heater (18, 24), the current flowing through the heater (18, 24), and the like.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the communication unit (16) to form a communication link with an external device such as a user's mobile terminal.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may release restrictions on the use of at least one function (e.g., heating function) of the aerosol generating device (1) when data regarding authentication is received from an external device via a communication link. For example, the data regarding authentication may include the user's birthday, a unique number identifying the user, whether the user has completed authentication, etc.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to an external device via a communication link (e.g., remaining capacity of the power source (11), operating mode, etc.). The transmitted data can be output through a display of the external device, etc.

[0089] According to one embodiment, when a request for location search of the aerosol generating device (1) is received from an external device via a communication link, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the control unit (12) can control the haptic unit to generate vibration or control the display to output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can perform a firmware update when firmware data is received from an external device via a communication link.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may transmit data on the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor unit (13) to an external server (not shown) via a communication link, and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing values ​​through machine learning, such as deep learning, from the server. The control unit (12) may perform an operation of determining a user's suction pattern, an operation of generating a temperature profile, etc., using the learning model received from the server.

[0092] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may include at least one switching element and may cut off the power supply (11) in response to overcharging and / or overdischarging of the power supply (11). The aerosol generating device (1) may further include a connection interface, such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may transmit and receive information or charge the power supply (11) by connecting to another external device through the connection interface.

[0093] The aerosol generating article referred to in the present disclosure may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium portion) and at least one filter rod. The heater (18) may be arranged to correspond to the at least one aerosol generating rod, and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement order and / or position of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod may include at least one of nicotine, an aerosol generating material, and an additive. For example, the aerosol generating material may include glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and / or propylene glycol (PG), and may also include various other substances. For example, the additive may include a flavoring agent and / or an organic acid, and may also include various other substances. For example, the aerosol-generating rod may comprise an aerosol-generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a liquid non-tobacco material (e.g., an aerosol-generating material and / or nicotine), and / or may comprise a solid tobacco material (e.g., leaf tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, etc.). The tobacco material may be included in the aerosol-generating rod in various forms, such as cut tobacco, granules, powder, etc. In one embodiment, the additive of the aerosol-generating rod may comprise an alkaline material. Based on the alkaline material, the nicotine of the tobacco material included in the aerosol-generating rod may have an alkaline pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, freebase nicotine may be released from the aerosol-generating rod even at low temperatures. In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating rod may comprise two or more aerosol-generating rods, each of which may comprise a tobacco material and / or a non-tobacco material.Meanwhile, although not shown, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may be individually and / or integrally wrapped by at least one wrapper. In the present disclosure, the aerosol generating article may also be referred to as a stick.

[0094] The cartridge referred to in the present disclosure may contain an aerosol-generating material having any one of the following states: a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol-generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. Meanwhile, the cartridge may include a storage unit containing the aerosol-generating material and / or a liquid delivery means impregnating (containing) the aerosol-generating material. For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The cartridge heater (24) may be included in the cartridge in the form of a coil-shaped structure surrounding (or winding) the liquid delivery means, or in a structure contacting one side of the liquid delivery means. Alternatively, the cartridge heater (24) may be included in an aerosol-generating device (1) that is separable from the cartridge.

[0095] Fig. 2a illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment. Fig. 2b illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a housing (10), a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), and / or a heater (182, 183) (e.g., the heater (18) of FIG. 1). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that the components included in the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 2A or FIG. 2B, and that some of the components may be omitted or new configurations may be added. The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 2A may be referred to as an 'internal heating type' aerosol generating device that heats the inside of the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 2B may be referred to as an 'external heating type' aerosol generating device that heats the outside of the aerosol generating article (2). In the drawings below, any description overlapping with that of FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) may provide a space opened upwardly to allow an aerosol-generating article (2) to be inserted. In the present disclosure, the space opened upwardly may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the interior of the housing (10) to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may be longer than the length of a region of the aerosol-generating article (2) containing an aerosol-generating material and / or medium. The lower end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the housing (10), and the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may protrude to the outside of the housing (10). A user may hold the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (2) exposed to the outside in his / her mouth and inhale the aerosol.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the heater (182, 183) can heat the aerosol generating article (2).

[0099] Referring to FIG. 2a, the heater (182) may be an internal heating type heater.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the internally heated heater may extend upwardly in a space (i.e., an insertion space) into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the internally heated heater may include a rod-shaped or needle-shaped heating element as illustrated, but may also include various heating elements such as a tubular heating element or a plate-shaped heating element. The internally heated heater may be inserted through the lower portion of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0101] According to one embodiment, the internal heating heater may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater.

[0102] For example, an electric resistance heater may include an electric resistance material on the inside (e.g., an inner hollow portion or inner surface) or the outside (e.g., an outer surface), and may be heated as current flows through the electric resistance material. In this case, the electric resistance heater may be electrically connected to a power source (11), and may directly generate heat by receiving current from the power source (11). In addition, the induction coil (181) may be omitted.

[0103] For example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an induction coil (181) that surrounds at least a portion of the internal heating type heater (e.g., is disposed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator or the like may be further included on the outside of the induction coil (181) to increase the efficiency of induction heating. The induction heating type heater may include a susceptor and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (181). According to one embodiment, the induction heating type heater (e.g., susceptor) (or a heater module including the same) may be arranged to be detachable from the housing (10).

[0104] According to one embodiment, the heater (182) may be a multi-heater. The multi-heater may include a first heater and a second heater, and may be inserted into the aerosol generating article (2). The first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of two or more aerosol generating rods, respectively (respectively). Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of a first portion and a second portion of one aerosol generating rod, respectively. Meanwhile, when the heater (182) is an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be respectively disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may respectively be disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first part and the second part of one heater (182). In addition, three or more heaters and / or induction coils may be included.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the susceptor may be disposed (or included) inside (e.g., in the medium portion) of the aerosol generating article (2), and the susceptor included inside the aerosol generating article (2) may be implemented to generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from an induction coil (181).

[0106] Referring to FIG. 2b, the heater (183) may be an external heating type heater.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the external heating heater may extend upwardly around the space into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). For example, the external heating heater may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. For example, the external heating heater may have a tubular shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) having a hollow space therein. The external heating heater may also have a shape having a hollow space on the inside and surrounding the hollow space. In this case, the external heating heater may be supported by a polyimide film. A heater supported by such a film may be referred to as a film heater. The external heating heater may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The external heating heater may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the hollow space.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the external heating heater may include an electric resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater, and a description overlapping with FIG. 2A will be omitted. Meanwhile, in the case of an induction heating heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an external heating heater implemented as a tubular susceptor, and may include an induction coil (181) surrounding at least a portion of the external heating heater (e.g., disposed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In addition, the induction coil (181) may include a fan coil. Meanwhile, when the external heating heater is an electric resistance heater, a separate induction coil (181) may be omitted since heat generation is possible through current flow on a tubular electric resistance heater (e.g., a film heater). Meanwhile, an insulating material may be disposed on the outside of the external heating heater. Through this, heat radiating from the heater (183) in an outer radial direction and applied to the outside of the housing (10) may be reduced.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) may be a multiple heater, and the first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction to surround at least a portion of the insertion space, respectively. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. Meanwhile, when the heater (183) is an induction heating heater, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater, respectively. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first part and the second part of one heater (183), respectively.

[0110] Unlike as shown in FIG. 2a or FIG. 2b, the heater (182) of FIG. 2a and the heater (183) of FIG. 2b may be included together in the aerosol generating device (1). In this case, the heater (182) may heat the inside of the aerosol generating article (2), and the heater (183) may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0111] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing (10) may include a structure (e.g., a hole) through which air can be introduced from the outside into the housing (10). The air introduced into the housing (10) may be introduced into the aerosol generating article (2) through the lower end (i.e., the upstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generated based on the heating of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the upper end (i.e., the downstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2) together with the introduced air.

[0112] Figure 3 illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a housing (10), a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), and / or a heater (183, 24) (e.g., the heater (18, 24) of FIG. 1). However, those skilled in the art will understand that the components included in the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 3, and that some of the components may be omitted or new configurations may be added. In the drawings below, any description overlapping with that of FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) may provide an upper-open space (hereinafter, referred to as an insertion space) into which an aerosol-generating article (2) is inserted. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the interior of the housing (10) to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) can be inserted. The lower end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the housing (10), and the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may protrude outside the housing (10).

[0115] Unlike the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge (19) may provide an insertion space for accommodating the aerosol generating article (2). In this case, the insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the interior of the cartridge (19) to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol generating article (2) can be inserted. The lower end of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the cartridge (19), and the upper end of the aerosol generating article (2) may protrude outside the cartridge (19). Furthermore, in this case, the aerosol generating device (1) may not include a heater (183).

[0116] In one embodiment, the depth of the insertion space may be greater than the length of the region containing the aerosol-generating material and / or medium in the aerosol-generating article (2). The user may hold the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (2) exposed to the outside in his / her mouth and inhale air.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) can heat the aerosol generating article (2). The heater (183) can extend upwardly around the space into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). For example, the heater (183) can be in the form of a tube (e.g., a cylindrical shape) having a hollow space therein. The heater (183) can have a shape that includes a hollow space on the inside and surrounds the hollow space. In this case, the heater (183) can be supported by a polyimide film. A heater supported by such a film can be referred to as a film heater. The heater (183) can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater (183) can heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the hollow space. In the present disclosure, the heater (183) may be referred to as an external heating type heater that heats the outside of the aerosol generating article (2). Meanwhile, an insulating material may be placed on the outside of the heater (183). Through this, the heat radiating from the heater (183) in an outward direction and applied to the outside of the housing (10) can be reduced.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating type heater.

[0119] For example, an electrical resistance heater includes an electrically resistive material and can be heated as current flows through the electrically resistive material. In this case, the electrical resistance heater can be electrically connected to a power source (11) and can directly generate heat by receiving current from the power source (11).

[0120] For example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an induction coil (not shown) that surrounds at least a portion of the heater (183) (e.g., is disposed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater (183). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator or the like may further be included on the outside of the induction coil (not shown) to increase the efficiency of induction heating. The induction heating type heater includes a susceptor and can generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (not shown).

[0121] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) may be a multi-heater. The multi-heater may include a first heater and a second heater, and may be inserted into the aerosol generating article (2). The first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of two or more aerosol generating rods, respectively (respectively). Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of a first portion and a second portion of one aerosol generating rod, respectively. Meanwhile, when the heater (183) is an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be respectively disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may respectively be disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first part and the second part of one heater (183). In addition, three or more heaters and / or induction coils may be included.

[0122] Unlike the drawing, the aerosol generating device (1) may not include a heater (183). The aerosol generating article (2) may be heated directly or indirectly by the cartridge heater (24), or may not be substantially heated. Indirect heating may mean that the aerosol generating article (2) is heated by receiving heat contained in the aerosol during the process in which the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (24) passes through the aerosol generating article (2). In this case, the aerosol generating device (1) may be referred to as a non-heating (or indirect heating) aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating rod of the aerosol generating article (2) may include an additive such as a basic substance. Based on this basic substance, the nicotine contained in the aerosol generating rod may have a basic pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). This basic nicotine can flow into the user's oral cavity together with the aerosol flowing into the aerosol generating article (2) from the cartridge (19) described below.

[0123] Unlike the illustrated embodiment, the heater (183) may include an internal heating heater. For example, the internal heating heater may include various heating elements, such as a rod-shaped or tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, or a needle-shaped heating element. The internal heating heater may be inserted through the lower portion of the aerosol generating article (2) and may be configured to heat the inside of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0124] According to one embodiment, the cartridge (19) may be detachably coupled to the housing (10). For example, a space may be formed on one side of the housing (10), and at least a portion of the cartridge (19) may be inserted into the space formed on one side of the housing (10) so that the cartridge (19) may be mounted on the housing (10). Alternatively, the cartridge (19) may be formed integrally with the housing (10).

[0125] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) and / or the cartridge (19) may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing (10) may include a structure through which air can be introduced from the outside into the interior of the housing (10) when the cartridge (19) is inserted. The introduced air can pass through the cartridge (19) and enter the insertion space through the airflow channel (CN) and flow into the user's oral cavity. The airflow channel (CN) may include various structures to reduce residual droplets or facilitate airflow.

[0126] In FIG. 3, the cartridge (19) is positioned laterally relative to the aerosol-generating article (2), and the airflow channel (CN) is formed from the side of the aerosol-generating article (2) to the lower end (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol-generating article (2), but the positions of the cartridge (19) and the airflow channel (CN) are not limited thereto. For example, the cartridge (19) may be positioned adjacent to the lower end (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol-generating article (2), and in this case, the airflow channel (CN) may be formed in a substantially straight shape so as to connect the cartridge (19) and the lower end (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol-generating article (2).

[0127] According to one embodiment, the cartridge (19) may include a storage portion (C0) containing an aerosol generating material, a cartridge heater (24), and / or a liquid delivery means impregnating (containing) the aerosol generating material. The liquid delivery means (25) may impregnate the aerosol generating material supplied from the chamber (C0). For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the cartridge heater (24) can heat the aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge (19). For example, the cartridge heater (24) can include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0129] For example, an electrical resistance heater includes an electrically resistive material and can be heated as a current flows through the electrically resistive material. As another example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an induction coil (not shown) around the induction heating type heater. The induction heating type heater includes a susceptor and can generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (not shown). The cartridge heater (24) may be formed in a coil shape that surrounds (or winds) a liquid delivery means and / or in a shape (e.g., a pattern shape) that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means.

[0130] Unlike the illustration, the cartridge heater (24) may be included in the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the cartridge heater (24) may be included inside the housing (10). In this case, the cartridge (19) and the cartridge heater (24) may be separated by removing the cartridge (19).

[0131] According to one embodiment, an aerosol may be generated based on the heat generation of the cartridge heater (24). For example, as an aerosol generating material impregnated in a liquid delivery means is heated by the cartridge heater (24), vapor may be generated from the aerosol generating material, and the generated vapor may be mixed with outside air introduced into the cartridge (19), thereby generating an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (24) may be introduced into the aerosol generating article (2) through the airflow channel (CN). Tobacco or a flavoring material may be added to the aerosol as it passes through the aerosol generating article (2), and the aerosol added with the tobacco or flavoring material may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through one end of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0132] Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 4, an aerosol generating device (400) according to one embodiment may include a housing (410), at least one humistor sensor (440), and a heater (450). Components of the aerosol generating device (400) may be identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, or FIG. 3, and any redundant description thereof will be omitted below. At this time, the humistor sensor is a sensor that detects humidity and may also be referred to as a humidity sensor.

[0134] In one embodiment, the housing (410) forms the overall exterior of the aerosol generating device (400), and an internal space may be formed inside the housing (410) in which components of the aerosol generating device (400) may be placed. For example, a humidifier sensor (440) and a heater (450) may be placed in the internal space of the housing (410), but are not limited thereto.

[0135] In one embodiment, the housing (410) may include an opening (405), and at least a portion of the aerosol generating article (M) may be inserted or received within the housing (410) through the opening (405). Although the drawings only illustrate an embodiment in which the opening (405) is positioned at an upper region of the housing (410), the present invention is not limited thereto, and in some embodiments, the opening (405) may be positioned at a side surface of the housing (410).

[0136] In one embodiment, the film (460) (or, may be referred to as a 'base film') may be composed of polyimide (PI) having heat resistance or insulating properties. For example, the film (460) may form the base of the heater (450) and the humidifier sensor (440), and may be arranged to surround the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (M) inserted through the receiving portion (415).

[0137] In one embodiment, the heater (450) is disposed on one surface of the film (460) and positioned in the interior space of the housing (410), and can heat an aerosol-generating article (M) inserted or accommodated in the receiving portion (415) of the housing (410) through the opening (405) to generate an aerosol. For example, the heater (450) can generate heat as power is supplied to heat the aerosol-generating article (M) inserted or accommodated in the receiving portion (415), and vaporized particles generated by the heating of the aerosol-generating article (M) can be mixed with air to generate an aerosol.

[0138] In one embodiment, the humidifier sensor (440) is positioned on one surface of the film (460) in the same manner as the heater (450) and is located in the internal space of the housing (410) and can detect the humidity of an aerosol generating article (M) inserted or received into the receiving portion (415) of the housing (410) through the opening (405). For example, the humidifier sensor (440) can detect the humidity according to the moisture contained in the aerosol generating article through two electrodes and convert the detected humidity into an electrical signal.

[0139] In one example, the humistor sensor (440) may include a resistive humistor sensor. For example, the humistor sensor (440) may include two electrodes and a conductive layer made of a low-resistivity material. The conductive layer may be deposited to cover the upper portions of the two electrodes, and the two electrodes may be arranged in an interlocking pattern to increase the contact area. Additionally, as the conductive layer absorbs moisture contained in the aerosol-generating article (M), the resistance between the two electrodes may change, and the humistor sensor (440) may detect relative humidity through this change in resistance.

[0140] In another example, the humistor sensor (440) may include a capacitive humistor sensor. For example, the humistor sensor (440) may include two electrodes and a dielectric layer (or insulating layer) composed of a non-conductive polymer. The dielectric layer is deposited to be positioned between the two electrodes, and the two electrodes may be positioned in an interlocking pattern to increase the contact area. In addition, the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer may change as it absorbs moisture contained in the aerosol generating article (M), and the humistor sensor (440) may detect relative humidity through a change in voltage between the two electrodes according to the change in the dielectric constant.

[0141] In another example, the humistor sensor (440) may include a thermal conductivity humistor sensor. For example, the humistor sensor (440) may include a first thermistor sealed in a chamber filled with dry nitrogen and a second thermistor placed in an open chamber. When power is supplied to the humistor sensor (440), the resistances of each of the first and second thermistors can be calculated, and the absolute humidity can be detected through the calculated resistance difference.

[0142] In one embodiment, the humistor sensor (440) may include a first sensor disposed on a first portion of the film (460) spaced apart from the heater (450) in a first direction (e.g., the y direction in FIG. 4) and a second sensor disposed on a second portion of the film (460) spaced apart from the heater in a second direction (e.g., the -y direction in FIG. 4). A detailed description thereof will be provided later with reference to FIG. 5.

[0143] In one embodiment, the humidifier sensor (440) may be positioned on the film (460) so as not to overlap with the heater (450) and may serve to detect the humidity of the aerosol generating article (M) inserted into the receiving portion (415). For example, the humidifier sensor (440) may include at least one electrode pattern positioned so as not to overlap with the heating pattern of the heater (450).

[0144] In the present disclosure, the expression 'the humistor sensor (440) is positioned so as not to overlap the heater (450)' may mean a structure in which the humistor sensor (440) and the heater (450) are positioned so as not to overlap when viewed in the radial direction of the film (460).

[0145] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (400) may further include a battery (420) and a processor (430).

[0146] The battery (420) can supply power necessary for the operation of the aerosol generating device (400). For example, the battery (420) can supply power to the heater (450) so that the heater (450) can be heated. As another example, the battery (420) can supply power necessary for the operation of the processor (430) or power necessary for the operation of the humistor sensor (440).

[0147] The processor (430) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (400).

[0148] For example, the processor (430) may be electrically connected and / or operatively connected to the heater (450) to control its operation. That is, the processor (430) may control the heater (3450) to be supplied with power based on a predetermined heating temperature profile.

[0149] In the present disclosure, the expression “operably connected” may mean a state in which components are connected so that they can exchange signals via wireless communication, or exchange optical signals and / or magnetic signals, and the expression may be used with the same meaning hereinafter.

[0150] For another example, the processor (430) may be electrically and / or operatively connected to the humidifier sensor (440) to control its operation. That is, the processor (430) may determine a heating temperature profile to be applied to the heater (450) based on the humidity of the aerosol generating article (M) detected by the humidifier sensor (440), or control power supply to the heater (450) to be cut off.

[0151] In one embodiment, the processor (430) may be placed or mounted on a printed circuit board (not shown) located in the internal space of the housing (410), and may be electrically or operatively connected to the heater (450) and / or the humidifier sensor (440) through an electrical connection member (e.g., a cable, a C-clip, an FPCB, etc.) that connects the printed circuit board and the heater (450) and / or the humidifier sensor (440). However, the arrangement structure of the processor (430) is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the arrangement structure of the processor (430) may be changed depending on the embodiment.

[0152] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the arrangement structure of the heater and the humidifier sensor when the film is unfolded according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the arrangement structure of the heater and the humidifier sensor when the film shown in FIG. 5 is fully rolled.

[0153] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, an array (500) including a heater (e.g., heater (450) of FIG. 4) and a humidifier sensor (e.g., humidifier sensor (440) of FIG. 4) may be formed by arranging a heater (540) and two humidifier sensors (520, 530) on a film (510). The array (500) illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 may be an example of a heater applicable to the aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3, and any further description thereof may be omitted herein.

[0154] In one embodiment, the array (500) may include a film (510), a first humidifier sensor (520), a second humidifier sensor (530), and a heater (540).

[0155] In one embodiment, when the array (500) is in an unfolded state as illustrated in FIG. 5, the heater (540) may be placed on an area of ​​the film (510). For example, the heater (540) may include an electrically resistive pattern formed of a metal material, and the first terminal (542) and the second terminal (544) at both ends may be electrically connected to a battery (e.g., the battery (420) of FIG. 4) to receive power from the battery. Additionally, the heater (540) may be placed at the center of the film (510).

[0156] In one embodiment, when the array (500) is in an unfolded state as illustrated in FIG. 5, the first humistor sensor (520) and the second humistor sensor (530) may be respectively disposed on the first and second portions of the film (510). For example, the first humistor sensor (520) and the second humistor sensor (530) may each include a first electrode and a second electrode having a comb shape. The first electrode and the second electrode having a comb shape may be interlocked and disposed to face each other.

[0157] The first terminal (522) and the second terminal (524) at both ends of the first humistor sensor (520) and the first terminal (532) and the second terminal (534) at both ends of the second humistor sensor (530) may be electrically connected to the battery (420) and may receive power from the battery. In addition, the first humistor sensor (520) may be spaced apart from the heater (540) in a first direction (e.g., the y direction in FIG. 5) and may be arranged in an upper region of the film (510), and the second humistor sensor (530) may be spaced apart from the heater (540) in a second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., the -y direction in FIG. 5) and may be arranged in a lower region of the film (510).

[0158] However, the arrangement structure of the array (500) is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, at least one of the first humistor sensor (520) and the second humistor sensor (530) may be arranged to extend to the center of the film (510) if it is arranged so as not to overlap with the heater (540).

[0159] In one embodiment, the first humidor sensor (520) and the second humidor sensor (530) may serve to detect the humidity of an inserted aerosol generating article (e.g., the aerosol generating article (M) of FIG. 4). For example, the first humidor sensor (520) and the second humidor sensor (530) may each include two electrodes printed or mounted on a film (510), and the aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (400) of FIG. 4) may detect a humidity change and / or a humidity value based on the magnitude and / or frequency of an electrical signal detected from the two electrodes.

[0160] In one embodiment, the first humistor sensor (520) and the second humistor sensor (530) may be positioned so as not to overlap with the heater (540). If the first humistor sensor (520) and the second humistor sensor (530) overlap with the heater (540), the sensing sensitivity of the first humistor sensor (520) and the second humistor sensor (530) may decrease due to the heat generated from the heater (540), and damage to the sensors may occur. On the other hand, as in the array (500) according to one embodiment, the first humistor sensor (520) and the second humistor sensor (530) are positioned so as not to overlap with the heater (540), so that damage to the sensors, malfunction, and a decrease in sensing sensitivity due to the heat generated from the heater (540) can be prevented.

[0161] In one embodiment, the array (500) may be formed by rolling an unfolded film (510) into a cylindrical shape so as to have an internal hollow space.

[0162] For example, in the film (510) in FIG. 5, one end of the film (510) where the first humistor sensor (520) and the heater (540) are positioned adjacently and the other end of the film (510) where the second humistor sensor (530) and the heater (540) are positioned adjacently can be rolled.

[0163] At this time, in FIG. 6, the film (510) is shown as being wound so that the surface where the first humistor sensor (520), the second humistor sensor (530), and the heater (540) are exposed constitutes the outer surface of the array (500), but this is not limited thereto. For example, the film (510) may be wound so that the surface where the first humistor sensor (520), the second humistor sensor (530), and the heater (540) are exposed constitutes the inner surface of the array (500).

[0164] As illustrated in FIG. 6, when the film (510) is completely rolled, the cross-section of the array (500) can be formed into a circular or oval tube shape. The cylindrical array (500) having an internal hollow space can be arranged to surround the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (M) inside the aerosol generating device (400), and can heat the aerosol generating article (M) as power is supplied to the heater (540).

[0165] An aerosol generating device (400) according to one embodiment may not have a separate configuration in which a humistor sensor (520, 530) can be placed due to the arrangement structure of the above-described array (500), and thus may be economical in terms of manufacturing cost. In addition, the space occupied by the humistor sensor (520, 530) within the aerosol generating device (400) may be minimized, thereby promoting miniaturization of the device.

[0166] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a film arranged to wrap an aerosol generating article according to one embodiment.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 7, an aerosol generating article (750) includes a medium portion (752) containing tobacco material and a filter portion (754) coupled to a downstream end of the medium portion (752), and an array (700) may be formed by arranging a heater (720) and one humidifier sensor (730) on a film (710).

[0168] In one embodiment, the medium portion (752) may include an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material 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 medium portion (752) 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 by spraying into the medium portion (752).

[0169] In one embodiment, the medium portion (752) may be manufactured in various ways. For example, the medium portion (752) may be manufactured as a sheet or as a strand. Furthermore, the medium portion (752) may be manufactured as a tobacco sheet cut into small pieces. Furthermore, the medium portion (752) may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the medium portion (752) may evenly distribute heat transferred to the medium portion (752) to improve the heat conductivity applied to the medium portion (752), thereby improving the taste of the tobacco. Furthermore, the heat-conducting material surrounding the medium portion (752) may function as a susceptor heated by an induction coil.

[0170] In one embodiment, the filter portion (754) may be made of cellulose acetate. In addition, there is no limitation on the shape of the filter portion (754). For example, the filter portion (754) may be a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod having a hollow portion therein. In addition, the filter portion (754) may be a recessed rod. If the filter portion (754) is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the segments may be made in a different shape.

[0171] In one embodiment, the filter portion (754) may be manufactured to generate a flavor. For example, a flavoring agent may be sprayed onto the filter portion (754), or a separate fiber coated with a flavoring agent may be inserted into the interior of the filter portion (754).

[0172] In one embodiment, when the filter unit (754) includes a cooling segment for cooling the aerosol, the cooling segment may be made of a polymeric material or a biodegradable polymeric material. For example, the cooling segment may be made by a weaving process for a bundle of fibers composed of the polymeric material or the biodegradable polymeric material. The cooling segment may be made of pure polylactic acid, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the cooling segment may be made of a cellulose acetate filter having at least one hole. However, the cooling segment is not limited to the examples described above, and may be made of any material without limitation as long as it can perform the function of cooling the aerosol.

[0173] In one embodiment, the filter unit (754) may include a moisture absorbing material (not shown). The moisture absorbing material may be composed of a material that absorbs moisture from the surroundings and may be a conductive polymer. For example, the moisture absorbing material may be composed of at least one of lithium chloride (LiCl) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3), but is not limited thereto.

[0174] In the present disclosure, since the filter portion (754) includes a moisture-sensitive material, the sensing sensitivity of the humidifier sensor (730) can be improved. The material constituting the filter portion (754) may have a substantially lower degree of absorption of surrounding moisture compared to the material constituting the medium portion (752). Since the humidifier sensor (730) is arranged to surround the filter portion (754) of the aerosol-generating article (750), the humidifier sensor (730) can detect the humidity of the filter portion (754) among the aerosol-generating article (750). At this time, since the filter section (754) includes a moisture absorbing material that absorbs surrounding moisture (e.g., moisture contained in the medium section (752), moisture absorbed from the outside, etc.), the moisture absorbing material can act as a wick for moisture, and the humidifier sensor (730) can detect the humidity of the moisture-containing moisture absorbing material, thereby detecting the humidity of the filter section (754) with relatively high sensing sensitivity.

[0175] In addition, the aerosol generating device in the present disclosure (e.g., the aerosol generating device (400) of FIG. 4) can accurately determine whether the state of the aerosol generating article (750) is over-humidified, normal, or over-dried based on this.

[0176] In one embodiment, the desiccant may be included in the filter portion (754) in various shapes and may be positioned in various locations. For example, the desiccant may be included in the filter portion (754) in a cylindrical shape penetrating the center of the filter portion (754) in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (750). In another example, the desiccant may be included in the filter portion (754) in a tube shape surrounding the outer periphery of the filter portion (754). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the desiccant may be positioned in various shapes at locations capable of absorbing moisture in the surroundings.

[0177] In one embodiment, a cylindrical array (700) formed by winding a film (710) in one direction may be arranged to surround an aerosol generating article (750). A heater (720) may be arranged to surround a medium portion (752) of the aerosol generating article (750), and a humidistat sensor (730) may be arranged to surround a filter portion (754) of the aerosol generating article (750).

[0178] For example, a heater (720) may be disposed on a first portion of a film (710) surrounding a medium portion (752) of an aerosol generating article (750) so as to heat the medium portion (752) to generate an aerosol. Additionally, a humidistat sensor (730) may be disposed on a second portion of a film (710) surrounding a filter portion (754) of an aerosol generating article (750) so as to sense the humidity of the filter portion (754).

[0179] Figure 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a film arranged to wrap an aerosol generating article according to another embodiment. In the specific description of Figure 8, descriptions corresponding to, identical to, or similar to the above may be omitted.

[0180] Referring to FIG. 8, the aerosol generating article (850) includes a shear plug (852), a medium portion (854) containing tobacco material, and a filter portion (856) positioned opposite the shear plug (852) with the medium portion (854) as the center, and the array (800) may be formed by arranging a heater (840) and two humidor sensors (820, 830) on a film (810). At this time, the medium portion (854) and the filter portion (856) may be the same components as the medium portion (752) and the filter portion (754) of FIG. 7.

[0181] In one embodiment, the shear plug (852) may include a cavity that introduces outside air to form a mainstream smoke inside the aerosol generating article (850). For example, the cavity formed in the shear plug (852) may have a circular cross-section. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the cavity formed in the shear plug (852) may have various cross-sections. For example, the cavity formed in the shear plug (852) may have a Y-shaped cross-section.

[0182] In one embodiment, the shear plug (852) may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the shear plug (852) may be made by adding a plasticizer such as triacetin to cellulose acetate tow. The shear plug (852) may prevent the medium portion (854) from escaping to the outside and may prevent impurities from entering the medium portion (854) from the outside.

[0183] In one embodiment, at least one of the shear plug (852) and the filter portion (856) may include a moisture absorbing material (not shown). The moisture absorbing material may be composed of a material that absorbs moisture from the surroundings and may be a conductive polymer. For example, the moisture absorbing material may be composed of, but is not limited to, at least one of lithium chloride (LiCl) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3).

[0184] In one embodiment, the desiccant may be included in the shear plug (852) and / or the filter portion (856) in various shapes and may be positioned at various locations. For example, the desiccant may be positioned in the shear plug (852) in a tube shape penetrating the hollow portion of the shear plug (852). In another example, the desiccant may be included in the filter portion (856) in a cylindrical shape penetrating the center of the filter portion (856) in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (850). In yet another example, the desiccant may be included in the shear plug (852) and / or the filter portion (856) in a tube shape surrounding the outer periphery of the shear plug (852) and / or the filter portion (856). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the desiccant may be positioned in various shapes at locations capable of absorbing moisture in the surroundings.

[0185] In one embodiment, a cylindrical array (800) formed by winding a film (810) in one direction may be arranged to surround an aerosol generating article (850). A heater (840) may surround a medium portion (854) of the aerosol generating article (850), and a first humistor sensor (820) and a second humistor sensor (830) may be arranged to surround a shear plug (852) and a filter portion (856) of the aerosol generating article (850), respectively.

[0186] For example, a heater (840) may be placed in the central portion of a film (810) surrounding the medium portion (854) of an aerosol generating article (850) so that the medium portion (854) can be heated to generate an aerosol.

[0187] Additionally, the first humidifier sensor (820) may be disposed on a first portion of the film (810) surrounding the shear plug (852) of the aerosol generating article (850) so as to sense the humidity of the shear plug (852). In this case, the first portion may refer to a portion spaced apart in a first direction (e.g., the y direction of FIG. 5) from the central portion of the film (810) where the heater (840) is disposed.

[0188] Additionally, a second humidifier sensor (830) may be disposed on a second portion of the film (810) surrounding the filter portion (856) of the aerosol generating article (850) to sense the humidity of the filter portion (856). In this case, the second portion may refer to a portion spaced apart in a second direction (e.g., the -y direction of FIG. 5) from the central portion of the film (810) where the heater (840) is disposed.

[0189] Figure 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a film arranged to wrap an aerosol generating article according to another embodiment. In the specific description of Figure 9, descriptions corresponding to, identical to, or similar to the above may be omitted.

[0190] Referring to FIG. 9, an aerosol generating article (950) includes a shear plug (952), a medium portion (954) containing tobacco material, and a filter portion (956) positioned opposite the shear plug (952) with the medium portion (954) as the center, and the array (900) may be formed by positioning a heater (940) and two humidifier sensors (920, 930) on a film (910). At this time, the shear plug (952), the medium portion (954), and the filter portion (956) may be the same components as the shear plug (852), the medium portion (854), and the filter portion (856) of FIG. 8.

[0191] In one embodiment, a cylindrical array (900) formed by winding a film (910) in one direction may be arranged to surround an aerosol generating article (950). A heater (940) may surround a portion of a medium portion (954) of the aerosol generating article (950), and a first humistor sensor (920) and a second humistor sensor (930) may be arranged to surround a shear plug (952) and a filter portion (956) of the aerosol generating article (950), respectively. In addition, the first humistor sensor (920) may be arranged to surround a portion of the remaining portion of the medium portion (954) adjacent to the shear plug (952), and the second humistor sensor (930) may be arranged to surround a portion of the remaining portion of the medium portion (954) adjacent to the filter portion (956).

[0192] For example, a heater (940) may be placed in a central portion of a film (910) surrounding a portion of the medium portion (954) of an aerosol generating article (950) so that the medium portion (954) can be heated to generate an aerosol.

[0193] In addition, the first humistor sensor (920) may be disposed on a first portion of the film (910) surrounding an area adjacent to the shear plug (952) among the shear plug (952) and the medium portion (954) of the aerosol generating article (950) so as to sense humidity in a portion of the shear plug (952) and the medium portion (954). In this case, the first portion may mean a portion spaced apart in a first direction (e.g., the y direction of FIG. 5) from the central portion of the film (910) where the heater (940) is disposed.

[0194] In addition, a second humidifier sensor (930) may be disposed on a second portion of the film (910) surrounding an area adjacent to the filter portion (956) among the filter portion (956) and the medium portion (954) of the aerosol generating article (950) so as to sense humidity in a portion of the filter portion (956) and the medium portion (954). In this case, the second portion may refer to a portion spaced apart in a second direction (e.g., the -y direction of FIG. 5) from the central portion of the film (910) where the heater (940) is disposed.

[0195] The humidity of the aerosol generating article (950) can be sensed more accurately by the first humistor sensor (920) and the second humistor sensor (930) being arranged to surround a portion of the medium portion (954), respectively. Since the material constituting the medium portion (954) can absorb moisture from the surroundings at a substantially higher degree than the material constituting the shear plug (952) and the filter portion (956), the humidity change of the aerosol generating article (950) can be sensitively applied to the medium portion (954). In the case of the array (900) having the arrangement structure as illustrated in FIG. 9, the accuracy of humidity sensing can be improved because humidity sensing for the medium portion (954) is possible as well as humidity sensing for the shear plug (952) and the filter portion (956).

[0196] FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart for explaining a control operation based on humidity detected through a humidistat sensor of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0197] Referring to FIG. 10, a processor (e.g., processor (430) of FIG. 4) can detect humidity of an aerosol generating article (e.g., aerosol generating article (M) of FIG. 4) through a humidifier sensor (e.g., humidifier sensor (440) of FIG. 4) in operation 1010. For example, the processor (430) can detect humidity according to moisture contained in the aerosol generating article (M) through electrodes included in the humidifier sensor (440) and convert the detected humidity into an electrical signal.

[0198] According to one embodiment, the processor (430) may control power supply to a heater (e.g., heater (450) of FIG. 4) based on the humidity of the aerosol generating article (M) detected in operation 1020.

[0199] In one embodiment, the processor (430) can determine whether the humidity of the detected aerosol-generating article (M) is within a preset range. In this case, the preset range may refer to a humidity range in which the humidity status of the aerosol-generating article is determined to be normal, and may be an electrical signal range (e.g., resistance value, voltage value, etc.).

[0200] In one embodiment, the processor (430) may supply power to the heater (450) based on a first temperature profile when the humidity of the detected aerosol generating article (M) is within a preset range, and may supply power to the heater (450) based on a second temperature profile that is different from the first temperature profile when the humidity is below or above the preset range.

[0201] For example, if the humidity of the aerosol generating article (M) is detected through the humidometer sensor (440) before the heating operation for the aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (400) of FIG. 4) is initiated, and the detected humidity of the aerosol generating article (M) is within a preset range, the processor (430) may supply power to the heater (450) based on a first temperature profile. At this time, the first temperature profile is a temperature profile for heating the aerosol generating article (M) in a normal state, and may include a temperature rising section, a temperature maintaining section, and a temperature falling section.

[0202] For another example, if the humidity of the aerosol generating article (M) is detected through the humidifier sensor (440) before the heating operation for the aerosol generating device (400) is initiated, and the detected humidity of the aerosol generating article (M) is below or exceeds a preset range, the processor (430) may supply power to the heater (450) based on a second temperature profile. At this time, the second temperature profile is a temperature profile for heating the aerosol generating article (M) in an over-humidified state and / or an over-dried state, and may include a temperature rising section, a temperature maintaining section, and a temperature falling section.

[0203] Additionally, at least one of the temperature rise section, temperature maintenance section, and temperature decrease section of the second temperature profile may be longer or shorter than the temperature rise section, temperature maintenance section, and temperature decrease section of the first temperature profile. For example, the temperature rise section of the second temperature profile may be longer than the temperature increase section of the first temperature profile.

[0204] However, the first and second temperature profiles described above are merely examples and are not limiting. In other embodiments, the first and second temperature profiles may vary depending on the manufacturer's design.

[0205] In one embodiment, the processor (430) may supply power to the heater (450) when the humidity of the detected aerosol generating article (M) is within a preset range, and may cut off the power supply to the heater (450) when the humidity is below or above the preset range.

[0206] For example, after the heating operation for the aerosol generating device (400) is initiated, if the humidity of the aerosol generating article (M) is detected through the humidifier sensor (440), and the detected humidity of the aerosol generating article (M) is within a preset range, the processor (430) can supply power to the heater (450).

[0207] For another example, after the heating operation for the aerosol generating device (400) is initiated, the humidity of the aerosol generating article (M) is detected through the humidifier sensor (440), and when the detected humidity of the aerosol generating article (M) is below or exceeds a preset range, the processor (430) can cut off the power supply to the heater (450).

[0208] 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.

[0209] 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.

[0210] 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. In the aerosol generating device, A housing comprising a receptacle into which an aerosol generating article can be inserted; A heater that is placed on one side of the film and heats the aerosol generating article as power is supplied; A humidifier sensor disposed on the one side of the film and detecting the humidity of the aerosol generating article; and A processor electrically connected to the heater and the humidifier sensor, The above processor, An aerosol generating device that controls power supply to the heater based on the humidity of the aerosol generating article detected through the above-described humistor sensor.

2. In paragraph 1, The above film, An aerosol generating device positioned in the inner space of the housing and surrounding the aerosol generating article inserted through the receiving portion.

3. In paragraph 1, The above aerosol generating article is, a medium comprising tobacco material; and Includes a filter section, An aerosol generating device wherein the above-mentioned humistor sensor surrounds the filter section, and the above-mentioned heater surrounds the medium section.

4. In paragraph 1, The above Humistor sensor, a first humidifier sensor disposed on a first portion of the film and spaced apart from the heater in a first direction; and An aerosol generating device comprising a second humidifier sensor disposed on a second portion of the film and spaced apart from the heater in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

5. In paragraph 4, The above aerosol generating article is, A shear plug comprising a hollow body for introducing outside air into the interior of the aerosol generating article; a medium comprising tobacco material; and It includes a filter part arranged at a position opposite to the shear plug with the medium part as the center, An aerosol generating device, wherein the first humistor sensor surrounds the shear plug, the heater surrounds the medium portion, and the second humistor sensor surrounds the filter portion.

6. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device wherein the above-mentioned humistor sensor and the above-mentioned heater are arranged on the one side of the above-mentioned film so as not to overlap each other.

7. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein the above-mentioned humistor sensor comprises a first electrode and a second electrode having a comb shape.

8. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device wherein the above-mentioned humistor sensor is any one of a resistive sensor, an electrostatic sensor and a thermal conductivity sensor.

9. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device wherein the above film is formed in a cylindrical shape having an inner hollow space.

10. In paragraph 1, The above aerosol generating article is, a medium comprising tobacco material; and Includes a filter section including a moisture absorbing material, The above-mentioned humistor sensor is an aerosol generating device that detects the humidity of the desiccant included in the filter unit.

11. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein the above film is composed of polyimide.

12. In paragraph 1, The above processor, An aerosol generating device that supplies power to the heater based on a first temperature profile when the humidity of the detected aerosol generating article is within a preset range, and supplies power to the heater based on a second temperature profile that is different from the first temperature profile when the humidity of the detected aerosol generating article is below or exceeds the preset range.

13. In paragraph 1, The above processor, An aerosol generating device that supplies power to the heater when the humidity of the detected aerosol generating article is within a preset range, and cuts off the power supply to the heater when the humidity of the detected aerosol generating article is below or exceeds the preset range.

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