Aerosol-generating apparatus and aerosol-generating system comprising same

Abstract

This aerosol generating apparatus may comprise: a housing comprising an accommodation space for accommodating an aerosol-generating article; a heater for generating heat as power is supplied; a conductor for transferring the heat generated by the heater to the aerosol-generating article accommodated in the accommodation space and heating the aerosol-generating article; and a buffer layer for delaying the heat transferred from the heater to the aerosol-generating article.

Description

Aerosol generating device and aerosol generating system including the same

[0001] The embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system including the same, which can cause aerosol to be generated later in some areas of an aerosol generating article compared to the rest of the aerosol generating article without using multiple heaters.

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for systems that generate aerosols by heating cigarettes or aerosol-generating articles using an aerosol-generating device, rather than by burning cigarettes to generate aerosols.

[0003] Aerosol generating devices can generate aerosols by heating an aerosol generating material inserted into the device through a heater. Recently, however, research is increasing on various methods to enhance the user's smoking sensation, not just generating aerosols by simply heating an aerosol generating material.

[0004] In the case of an aerosol generating device that heats an aerosol generating item using a conventional heater, a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated from the item during the initial smoking phase; however, during the later smoking phase, most of the aerosol generating material contained in the item is heated, resulting in insufficient aerosol generation. Consequently, a situation may arise where the user's smoking sensation deteriorates during the later smoking phase.

[0005] In other words, in existing aerosol generating devices, the amount of aerosol generated varies depending on the timing of smoking, which reduces the user's smoking sensation; therefore, various methods have been proposed to maintain a constant amount of aerosol generated regardless of the timing of smoking.

[0006] As one approach, a method has been proposed to maintain a constant amount of aerosol generation by heating regions of an aerosol-generating article in different ways using multiple heaters. As another approach, even when using a single heater, a method has been proposed to maintain a constant amount of aerosol generation by varying the shape or material of the heater for each region of the aerosol-generating article, or by varying the shape or density of the conductive pattern placed within the heater for each region of the aerosol-generating article.

[0007] However, in the case of the aforementioned methods, the use of multiple heaters leads to high power consumption, which reduces the overall operating time of the aerosol generating device; furthermore, the manufacturing process becomes complex and manufacturing costs may increase due to the need to form different shapes or materials for the heaters depending on the area of ​​the aerosol-generating product. In other words, since the previously proposed methods may reduce user convenience or complicate the manufacturing process, there is a need for a new method that can maintain a constant amount of aerosol generated.

[0008] The present disclosure aims to improve the user's smoking sensation by maintaining a constant amount of aerosol generated throughout the smoking time without using multiple heaters or deforming the shape or material of the heaters, through an aerosol generating device comprising a buffer layer capable of causing some areas of an aerosol generating article to be heated more slowly (or 'delayed heating') compared to other areas.

[0009] The problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0010] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include: a housing comprising a receiving space for receiving an aerosol generating article; a heater that generates heat as power is supplied; a conductor for transferring heat generated from the heater to the aerosol generating article received in the receiving space to heat the aerosol generating article; and a buffer layer for delaying the heat transferred from the heater to the aerosol generating article.

[0011] An aerosol generating system according to one embodiment comprises: an aerosol generating article including a medium portion; and an aerosol generating device for heating the aerosol generating article; wherein the aerosol generating device comprises: a housing including a receiving space for receiving the aerosol generating article; a heater that generates heat as power is supplied; a conductor for transferring heat generated from the heater to the aerosol generating article to heat the aerosol generating article; and a buffer layer for delaying the heat transferred from the heater to the aerosol generating article; wherein the buffer layer is arranged to surround only a part of the medium portion to delay the heat transferred to the part of the medium portion, thereby allowing the part of the medium portion to reach a designated temperature later than the remaining part of the medium portion.

[0012] An aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can heat some areas of an aerosol generating article more slowly than other areas using only one heater through a buffer layer, thereby enabling a uniform amount of aerosol to be generated throughout the smoking process.

[0013] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 2a illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 2b illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 3 according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the temperature change over time in the first region of the medium part of the aerosol generating article surrounded by a buffer layer and the remaining region of the medium part from the time when the operation of the heater is initiated.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 3 according to another embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 3 according to another embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components are assigned the same reference numeral regardless of the drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar drawing symbols may be used for similar or related components.

[0025] The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the sake of ease of drafting the specification, and do not inherently possess distinct meanings or roles. Meanwhile, the suffixes "module" or "unit" may include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. "Module" or "unit" may be a component formed as a whole, or the smallest unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, "module" or "unit" may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0026] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art may obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description is omitted. Furthermore, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings; it should be understood that the drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the concept and technical scope of this disclosure.

[0027] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0028] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0029] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0030] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory (17)) readable by a machine (e.g., aerosol generating device (1)). For example, a processor (e.g., control unit (12)) of the machine (e.g., aerosol generating device (1)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in 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 instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0031] In the present disclosure, the direction of the aerosol generating device (1) can be defined based on an 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).

[0032] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a power supply (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 this embodiment that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1), some of the components shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) can detect the state of the aerosol generating device (1) or the state 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 motion detection sensor. Meanwhile, the sensor unit (13) may further include various sensors, such as a liquid residue sensor for detecting the liquid residue in the cartridge and a water immersion sensor for detecting the water immersion of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0035] According to one embodiment, a 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 that detects the temperature of the heater (18, 24), or the heater (18, 24) itself may perform the role of a temperature sensor. For example, the temperature sensor may be used to measure the impedance of the heater (18). The impedance of 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 induction coil). Based on the measured current and / or voltage, the impedance of the heater (18) may be calculated. The control unit (12) may estimate the temperature of the heater (18) based on the calculated impedance.

[0036] For example, the temperature sensor may include a resistive 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 resistive 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the temperature of a power source (11). The temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to the power source (11). For example, the temperature sensor may be attached to one side of the power source (11) (e.g., a battery) and / or mounted on one side of a printed circuit board. For example, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to the power source (11) together with the protection circuit module.

[0039] 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).

[0040] According to one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect the user's puff.

[0041] 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 the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor may be positioned in the aerosol generating device (1) in correspondence with the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0042] As another example, the puff sensor may include a temperature sensor. When a user's puff occurs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow path, the space where the aerosol generating article is inserted (hereinafter, the insertion space), the heater (18, 24), etc. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path, etc. output from the temperature sensor.

[0043] As another example, the puff sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor may measure the 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.

[0044] As another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In the present disclosure, the capacitance sensor may be referred to as a cap sensor or a capacitive sensor. When a user's puff occurs, a temperature change and / or a flow of aerosol may occur within the insertion space of the aerosol generating article, and accordingly, the dielectric constant inside the insertion space may change. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0045] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and can be implemented as various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. The insertion detection sensor may be installed around the insertion space. Additionally, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

[0047] For example, the insertion detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, the dielectric constant 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 dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0048] As another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and said at least one coil may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol generating article) includes a conductor, when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the insertion space or removed from the insertion space, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil through which the current flows. 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 alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.). Alternatively, a susceptor (SUS), etc., may be included in the aerosol generating article (e.g., the medium part of the aerosol generating article). In this case as well, a change in the magnetic field around the coil may occur based on the insertion or removal of a susceptor, etc., within the insertion space, and the control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0049] The insertion detection sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented as various sensors (e.g., proximity sensors, etc.) for detecting the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. Additionally, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above. According to one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may include a switch, etc., for detecting pressure caused by an aerosol-generating article.

[0050] According to one embodiment, a reuse detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is 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 change in color may occur in a part of the wrapper covering 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., wavelength of light) corresponding to the color of the wrapper based on light reflected from the wrapper. When the control unit (12) detects a change in color in a part of the wrapper, it may determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the over-humidity detection sensor can detect whether the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state. For example, the over-humidity detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor disposed adjacent to an insertion space. The control unit (12) can detect whether the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state based on the level of a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., output from the capacitance sensor. For example, the control unit (12) can determine the level range in which the level of the signal is included based on a look-up table, and determine the amount of moisture for the aerosol generating article based on the confirmed level range.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is genuine or / or detect the type of aerosol-generating article.

[0053] For example, a cigarette identification sensor may include a light sensor for detecting an identification material (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., wrapper) of an aerosol-generating article. The light sensor may irradiate light toward the identification material (or identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article and detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or of a specific type based on the reflected light. For example, the identification material may include a material that emits light of a specific wavelength band based on the irradiated light. The control unit (12) may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or of a specific type based on the range of the wavelengths.

[0054] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The dielectric constant inside the insertion space may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating item inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) can detect whether the aerosol-generating item is genuine and / or of the type based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0055] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. If a conductor is included in the wrapper and / or interior (e.g., the medium) of the aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space, the characteristics of the current detected by the inductive sensor when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the insertion space (e.g., frequency of alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.) may differ depending on the type of aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) can detect whether the inserted aerosol generating article is genuine and / or of the type based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor.

[0056] The cigarette identification sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented as various sensors for detecting whether an aerosol-generating article is genuine or / or for detecting the type of an aerosol-generating article. Additionally, the cigarette identification sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of a 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.

[0058] According to one embodiment, a cap detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of a cap. For example, the cap detection sensor may 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 may 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 the housing of the aerosol generating device (1). The cap detection sensor may output a signal corresponding to the mounting or removal when the cap is mounted on the housing or removed from the housing, and the control unit (12) may detect the mounting or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the mounting or removal.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the motion detection sensor can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device (1). The motion detection sensor may be implemented as at least one of an accelerometer or a gyro sensor.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a position sensor (Global Positioning System, GPS), or a proximity sensor in addition to the aforementioned sensors. Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description may be omitted.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the output unit (14) may output information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device (1). The output unit (14) may include a display, a haptic unit and / or an acoustic output unit, but is not limited thereto. For example, information regarding the aerosol generating device (1) may include the charging / discharging state of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), the preheating state of the heater (18, 24), the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge, the mounting and / or removal state of the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article). The display may visually provide information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the display may include an LED (light emitting diode) light-emitting element, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED), etc. The display can also be used as an input unit (15) if it includes a touch pad. The haptic unit can provide information about the state of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user tactilely. For example, the haptic unit may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electric stimulation device, etc. The acoustic output unit can provide information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it externally.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the power source (11) can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (11) may include one or more batteries. The power source (11) can supply power so that the heater (18, 24) can be heated. Additionally, the power source (11) may supply power required for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device (1), such as the control unit (12), sensor unit (13), output unit (14), input unit (15), communication unit (16), memory (17), etc. The power source (11) may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (11) may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source (11) may be a replaceable type (detachable) battery (hereinafter referred to as a removable battery). The removable battery may be mounted in a battery housing provided within the aerosol generating device (1) or removed from the battery housing. The removable battery may also be charged via wired and / or wireless connections.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) can heat the aerosol generating article and / or the medium and / or aerosol generating material within the cartridge by receiving power from the power source (11). 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., solid and / or liquid medium).

[0064] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be an electric resistive heater. For example, the electric resistive heater may include an electric 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 electric resistive heater may be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate with an electric conductive track, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the induction heating type 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 penetrates the heater, and eddy currents may be generated in the susceptor. The susceptor may be heated based on the generation of eddy currents. According to one embodiment, the susceptor may be contained within an aerosol-generating article (e.g., a medium). In this case as well, the susceptor contained within the aerosol-generating article may be heated by the induction coil.

[0066] 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 an aerosol generating article and / or cartridge.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the input unit (15) can receive information input from a user. For example, the input unit (15) may include a touch panel, a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the memory (17) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed by the control unit (12) and data to be processed. 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.), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. For example, the memory (17) can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device (1), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (16) may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device (e.g., 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., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0070] 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) may include at least one processor. The control unit (12) may be implemented as an array of logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose MCU (micro controller unit) (or microprocessor) and a memory storing a program that can be executed on such MCU. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0071] 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., 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 power profile stored in the memory (17).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the 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., buck converter, buck-boost converter, boost converter, Zener diode, etc.) that converts power to be supplied to the heater (18, 24), and a DC / AC converter (e.g., 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, the power conversion circuit may include at least one switching element, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET).

[0073] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can adjust the frequency and / or duty ratio of a current pulse input to at least one switching element of a power conversion circuit (not shown) to adjust the current and / or voltage supplied to the heater (18, 24). The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond to the ratio of the output voltage of the power conversion circuit to the output voltage of the power supply (11).

[0074] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by 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 the supply of a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to the heater (18, 24) by 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 the target of the control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by using a 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.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can determine a target power that is the target of control based on a power profile. The control unit (12) may also control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) to correspond to a preset target power over time.

[0076] 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 occurs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the space where the aerosol generating item is inserted (hereinafter, 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 of the PID method. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on the change in the controlled power.

[0077] 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 stop the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the fact that the temperature of the heater (18, 24) exceeds a preset limit temperature.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the 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)). The control unit (12) can cut off the charging of the power source (11) if the temperature of the power source (11) is above a first limit temperature. The control unit (12) can stop the use (e.g., discharge) of the power stored in the power source (11) if the temperature of the power source (11) is above a second limit temperature. 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 the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power source (11).

[0079] 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).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article into the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when it is determined that an aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when it is determined that an 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 an aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the heater (18, 24) is above a limit temperature or the temperature change slope of the heater (18, 24) is above a set slope.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount for the heater (18, 24) based on the state of the aerosol generating article. For example, the control unit (12) can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) for the heater (18, 24) if it is determined that the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state using an over-humidity detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)).

[0082] 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 is reused. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol-generating article has been used, it can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24).

[0083] 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, the control unit (12) can use a cartridge detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)) to determine that the cartridge is separated, and if it is determined that the cartridge is separated, the power supply to the heater (18, 24) is stopped or the power is not supplied to the heater (18, 24).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted. For example, the control unit (12) may determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted if it 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). If it is determined that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the cartridge is usable. For example, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if, based on data stored in the memory (17), the current number of puffs is determined to be greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set in the cartridge. Alternatively, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total time the heater (18, 24) is heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time, or if 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).

[0086] 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 occurred 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 or / or when no puff is detected for more than a preset time. The control unit (12) may also control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when a puff is detected.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is genuine and / or of a specific type. For example, the control unit (12) can detect whether the aerosol generating item is genuine and / or of a specific type using a cigarette identification sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is counterfeit, it can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24). If the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is genuine, it can control (e.g., start) the power supply to the heater (18, 24). For another example, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) differently depending on the specific type of the aerosol generating item (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 to be a first aerosol generating article (or a first cartridge), and 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 a second cartridge) is detected to be a second aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge).

[0088] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to provide visual, tactile, and / or auditory information that the aerosol generating device (1) will soon be terminated when the number of puffs counted using the puff sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)) reaches a preset number. For example, the control unit (12) can also control the output unit (14) to provide visual, tactile, and / or auditory information regarding the temperature of the heater (18, 24).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may store and update a history of the event that occurred in the memory (17) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, the event may include operations performed in the aerosol generating device (1), such as detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, initiation of heating of the aerosol generating article, puff detection, puff termination, detection of overheating of the heater (18, 24), detection of overvoltage application to the heater (18, 24), termination of heating of the 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. For example, the history of the event may include the time and date when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of insertion of an aerosol-generating article, the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the sensing value of an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of overheating of a heater (18, 24), the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the temperature of the heater (18, 24), the voltage applied to the heater (18, 24), the current flowing through the heater (18, 24), etc.

[0090] 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.

[0091] According to one embodiment, when the control unit (12) receives authentication data from an external device via a communication link, it may release the restriction on the use of at least one function (e.g., heating function) of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the authentication data may include the user's birthday, a unique number representing the user, whether the user's authentication is complete, etc.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can transmit data regarding the status of the aerosol generating device (1) (e.g., remaining capacity of the power supply (11), operating mode, etc.) to an external device via a communication link. The transmitted data can be output through a display of the external device, etc.

[0093] According to one embodiment, when a control unit (12) receives a location search request for an aerosol generating device (1) 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 vibrations or control the display to output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can perform a firmware update when firmware data is received from an external device through a communication link.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) transmits data regarding the sensing value of at least one sensor unit (13) to an external server (not shown) via a communication link, and receives and stores a learning model generated by learning the sensing value through machine learning, such as deep learning, from the server. The control unit (12) can use the learning model received from the server to perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile.

[0096] Although not illustrated 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 over-discharging 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.

[0097] The aerosol generating article mentioned in the present disclosure may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium part) and at least one filter rod. A heater (18) may be positioned to correspond to 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 include various other materials. For example, the additive may include flavoring agents and / or organic acids, and may include various other materials. 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 whole tobacco, granules, or powder. According to one embodiment, the additive of the aerosol generating rod may comprise a basic material. Based on the basic material, the nicotine in the tobacco material included in the aerosol generating rod may have a basic 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. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating rod comprises two or more aerosol generating rods, and said two or more aerosol generating rods may each comprise a tobacco material and / or a non-tobacco material.Meanwhile, although not illustrated, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may each and / or integrally be wrapped by at least one wrapper. In the present disclosure, the aerosol generating article may be referred to as a stick.

[0098] The cartridge mentioned in the present disclosure may contain an aerosol generating material having any one of the states, such as 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 containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. Meanwhile, the cartridge may include a storage portion containing the aerosol generating material and / or a liquid delivery means impregnated (containing) the aerosol generating material. For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as a cotton fiber, a ceramic fiber, a glass fiber, or a porous ceramic. The cartridge heater (24) may be included in the cartridge in a coil-shaped structure that surrounds (or winds) the liquid delivery means or in a structure that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means. Alternatively, the cartridge heater (24) may be included in an aerosol generating device (1) that is detachable from the cartridge.

[0099] FIG. 2a illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 2b illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a housing (10), a power supply (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), and / or a heater (182, 183) (e.g., heater (18) of FIG. 1). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to this embodiment that the components included in the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited to those shown 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) shown in FIG. 2a may be referred to as an 'internal heating type / nb aerosol generating device' that heats the inside of an aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generating device (1) shown in FIG. 2b may be referred to as an 'external heating type' aerosol generating device that heats the outside of an aerosol generating article (2). In the following drawings, descriptions that overlap with FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) may provide a space that is open upward to allow an aerosol generating article (2) to be inserted. In the present disclosure, the space that is open upward may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed to a predetermined depth toward the interior of the housing (10) so that at least a portion of the aerosol generating article (2) can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may be greater than the length of the area containing the aerosol generating material and / or medium in the aerosol generating article (2). 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). A user may take the upper end of the aerosol generating article (2) exposed to the outside into their mouth and inhale the aerosol.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the heater (182, 183) can heat the aerosol generating article (2).

[0103] Referring to FIG. 2a, the heater (182) may be an internal heating type heater.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the internal heating element may extend upward in a space (i.e., an insertion space) into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the internal heating element 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 internal heating element may be inserted through the lower part of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0105] According to one embodiment, the internal heating type heater may include an electric resistance heater and / or an induction heating type heater.

[0106] For example, an electric resistive heater may contain an electric resistive material on the inside (e.g., inner hollow or inner surface) or on the outside (e.g., outer surface) and may be heated as current flows through the electric resistive material. In this case, the electric resistive heater may be electrically connected to a power source (11) and may be directly heated by receiving current from the power source (11). Additionally, the induction coil (181) may be omitted.

[0107] 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 an internal heating type heater (e.g., is placed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator, etc., may be further included outside 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 disposed so as to be detachable from the housing (10).

[0108] According to one embodiment, the heater (182) may be a multiple heater. The multiple heater may include a first heater and a second heater and may be inserted into an 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 electric resistive heaters and / or induction heating heaters, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first heater and the second heater may be respectively placed at positions corresponding to longitudinal positions of two or more aerosol generating rods. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be respectively placed at positions corresponding to longitudinal positions of a first part and a second part of a single aerosol generating rod. Meanwhile, if 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 placed at positions corresponding to longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be respectively placed at positions corresponding to longitudinal positions of a first part and a second part of a single heater (182). In addition, the heater and / or induction coil may include three or more.

[0109] According to one embodiment, a susceptor may be placed (or included) inside an aerosol generating article (2) (e.g., a medium part), 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).

[0110] Referring to FIG. 2b, the heater (183) may be an external heating type heater.

[0111] According to one embodiment, an external heating type heater may extend upwardly around a space (i.e., an insertion space) into which an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the external heating type heater may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. As an example, the external heating type heater may include a tube shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) containing a hollow inside. The external heating type heater may also include a shape containing a hollow inside and surrounding said hollow. In this case, the external heating type 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 type heater may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The external heating type heater may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into said hollow.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the external heating type heater may include an electric resistive heater and / or an induction heating type heater, and a description redundant with FIG. 2a is omitted. Meanwhile, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an external heating type heater implemented as a tubular susceptor and may include an induction coil (181) that surrounds at least a portion of the external heating type heater (e.g., placed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). Additionally, the induction coil (181) may include a fan coil. Meanwhile, if the external heating type heater is an electric resistive heater, a separate induction coil (181) may be omitted because heat generation is possible through the flow of current on the tubular electric resistive heater (e.g., film heater). Meanwhile, an insulating material may be placed on the outside of the external heating type heater. This reduces the heat radiating outward from the heater (183) and applied to the outside of the housing (10).

[0113] 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 each surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electric resistive heater and / or an induction heating type heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. Meanwhile, if 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 arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be respectively arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first portion and the second portion of a single heater (183).

[0114] Unlike as depicted 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).

[0115] 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 from the outside can be introduced into the housing (10). The air introduced into the housing (10) may be introduced into the aerosol generating article (2) through the bottom (i.e., 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 mouth through the top (i.e., downstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2) together with the introduced air.

[0116] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 3, an aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2a to FIG. 2b) may include a housing (110) (e.g., the housing (10) of FIG. 2a or FIG. 2b), a heater (200) (e.g., the heater (18) of FIG. 1), a conductor (210), and a buffer layer (220). The components of the aerosol generating device (100) may be identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 1 to FIG. 2a or FIG. 2b, and redundant descriptions below will be omitted.

[0118] The housing (110) forms the overall exterior of the aerosol generating device (100), and an internal space may be formed within the housing (110) in which components of the aerosol generating device (100) may be disposed. For example, a power source (111) (e.g., the power source (11) of FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2a to 2b), a control unit (112) (e.g., the control unit (12) of FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2a to 2b), a heater (200), a conductor (210), and / or a buffer layer (220) may be disposed in the internal space of the housing (110), but the components disposed in the internal space of the housing (110) are not limited thereto.

[0119] The power source (111) may be placed in the internal space of the housing (110) to supply power necessary for the operation of the aerosol generating device (100). For example, the power source (111) may supply power to the heater (200) so that the heater (200) can generate heat. As another example, the power source (111) may supply power necessary for the operation of the control unit (112).

[0120] The control unit (112) is positioned in the internal space of the housing (110) and can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (100). For example, the control unit (112) may be electrically or operatively connected to the power source (111) and / or the heater (200) and can control the power supplied from the power source (111) to the heater (200). In this disclosure, the expression "operatively connected" may mean a state in which components are connected to transmit and receive signals via wireless communication, or to transmit and receive optical signals and / or magnetic signals, and such expression may be used with the same meaning below. In another example, the control unit (112) may be electrically or operatively connected to a sensor unit (not shown) (e.g., the sensor unit (13) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2a to FIG. 2b) and control the power supplied from the power source (111) to the heater (200) based on the detection results of the sensor unit.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the housing (110) may include an opening (110h) connecting the interior space of the housing (110) to the exterior, and a receiving space (110a) (or 'insertion space') into which an aerosol-generating article (S) (e.g., the aerosol-generating article (2) of FIG. 2a or FIG. 2b) can be inserted. At least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (S) may be inserted into the interior of the receiving space (110a) through the opening (110h). Although the drawings only illustrate an embodiment in which the opening (110h) is positioned in the upper portion of the housing (110), it is not limited thereto, and according to the embodiment, the opening (110h) may be positioned on the side of the housing (110).

[0122] A heater (200) is placed in the internal space of the housing (110) and can generate heat to heat an aerosol generating article (S). For example, the heater (200) can generate heat as power is supplied from the power source (111), and the aerosol generating article (S) can be heated as the heat generated from the heater (200) is transferred to the aerosol generating article (S).

[0123] According to one embodiment, the heater (200) may include an electric resistive heater positioned to surround an aerosol-generating article (S) contained in a receiving space (110a). For example, the heater (200) may include a film heater positioned to surround the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article (S). The film heater may include an electric conductive track, and heat may be generated as power is supplied to the electric conductive track.

[0124] According to another embodiment, the heater (200) may include an induction heating heater (or 'susceptor') positioned to surround an aerosol-generating article (S). For example, the heater (200) may generate heat by an alternating magnetic field generated from a coil (not shown) (e.g., the induction coil (181) in FIG. 2b).

[0125] The types of heaters (200) are not limited to the embodiments described above, and the aerosol generating device (100) may include other types of heaters (200) other than the heaters (200) described above, depending on the embodiment, as long as the temperature of the aerosol generating article (S) can be raised to a specified temperature. In the present disclosure, 'specified temperature' may mean a temperature at which vaporized particles can be generated from the aerosol generating article (S). At this time, the specified temperature may be a temperature pre-set in the aerosol generating device (100), but the temperature may be changed by the type of aerosol generating device (100) and / or by user operation.

[0126] A conductor (210) can heat an aerosol generating article (S) by transferring heat generated from a heater (200) to the aerosol generating article (S). For example, the conductor (210) may include a material with high thermal conductivity (e.g., metal) and may be positioned adjacent to the receiving space (110a) and the heater (200) to transfer heat generated from the heater (200) to the aerosol generating article (S).

[0127] According to one embodiment, a conductor (210) may be positioned to surround the outer surface of an aerosol generating article (S) between an aerosol generating article (S) and a heater (200) that are accommodated in a receiving space (110a). At this time, the heater (200) may be positioned to surround the outer surface of the conductor (210), and the conductor (210) may be positioned to surround the conductor (210), and heat generated from the heater (200) may be transferred to the aerosol generating article (S) through the conductor (210) through the arrangement structure in which the conductor (210) surrounds the aerosol generating article (S).

[0128] As the aerosol generating article (S) is heated by heat transferred through the conductor (210), vaporized particles may be generated from the aerosol generating article (S). The vaporized particles generated from the aerosol generating article (S) may be mixed with external air entering through an airflow passage (not shown) or the space between the aerosol generating article (S) and the opening (110h), and as a result, an aerosol may be generated inside the receiving space (110a). A user may inhale the aerosol generated inside the receiving space (110a) by contacting the aerosol generating article (S) with a mouth and inhaling.

[0129] The buffer layer (220) can serve to delay the transfer of heat generated from the heater (200) to the aerosol generating article (S). At this time, the buffer layer (220) may be referred to as a 'heat buffer layer'. According to one embodiment, the buffer layer (220) has heat resistance so as not to be damaged by the heat generated from the heater (200), and may include a material that absorbs at least a portion of the heat generated from the heater (200) from the time the operation of the heater (200) begins until a specified time, so that the rate of temperature rise is lower than the rate of temperature rise of the conductor (210), but after the specified time, can rise to the same specified temperature as the conductor (210) as a sufficient amount of heat is supplied.

[0130] For example, the buffer layer (220) may include a block containing a phase change material (PCM) or a liquid that can absorb heat from the time the heater (200) starts operating until the time it stops operating, thereby suppressing or slowing down the rise in temperature, but the buffer layer (220) is not limited thereto. In another example, the buffer layer (220) may include a polymer compound with a relatively high heat capacity. In this case, the polymer compound may include at least one of polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyimide (PI), polyetherimide (PEI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polysulfone (PSU), and polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), but is not limited thereto.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the buffer layer (220) may be positioned to surround only a portion of the aerosol generating article (S) contained in the receiving space (110a) between the heater (200) and the conductor (210). As the heat transferred to a portion of the aerosol generating article (S) is delayed by such a positioning structure of the buffer layer (220), a portion of the aerosol generating article (S) may take longer to reach a specified temperature compared to other portions of the aerosol generating article (S). As a result, aerosol may be generated later in a portion of the aerosol generating article (S) surrounded by the buffer layer (220) compared to other portions of the aerosol generating article (S).

[0132] In an aerosol generating device without a buffer layer (220), as the entire aerosol generating material (S) is heated from the initial smoking period, the aerosol generating material contained in the aerosol generating material (S) is depleted in the later smoking period, and the amount of aerosol generated is inevitably reduced relatively. As a result, the amount of aerosol generated is inconsistent, which may lead to a situation where the user's smoking sensation is reduced. In the present disclosure, the 'initial smoking period' refers to the time period from the time when the operation of the heater begins until a designated time, and the 'later smoking period' may refer to the time period from the designated time until smoking ends.

[0133] On the other hand, the aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment delays the transfer of heat to a part of the aerosol generating item (S) through the buffer layer (220), thereby allowing aerosol to be generated from another part of the aerosol generating item (S) during the initial smoking period and aerosol to be generated from a part of the aerosol generating item (S) during the later smoking period. That is, the aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment can provide a constant amount of aerosol to the user throughout the smoking period by making the timing of aerosol generation different for each part of the aerosol generating item (S) with only one heater (200).

[0134] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (100) may further include a tube (230) for fixing a heater (200), a conductor (210), and a buffer layer (220). According to one embodiment, the tube (230) is positioned to surround the heater (200) surrounding the conductor (210) and the buffer layer (220), and can fix the positions of the heater (200), the conductor (210), and the buffer layer (220) inside the housing (110) by pressing the heater (200) in a direction toward the conductor (210). For example, the tube (230) may be a heat shrink tube that shrinks by heat to press the heater (200) in a direction toward the conductor (210), but is not limited thereto.

[0135] Below, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, we will examine in detail the process of heating an aerosol-generating article (S) by means of a heater (200), a conductor (210), and a buffer layer (220).

[0136] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 3 according to one embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a graph showing the temperature change over time of the first region of the medium portion of the aerosol generating article surrounded by a buffer layer and the remaining region of the medium portion from the time when the operation of the heater is initiated. At this time, in FIG. 5, T1 represents the temperature change over time of the first region (A) of the medium portion (S1), and T2 represents the temperature change over time of the remaining region excluding the first region (A) of the medium portion (S1).

[0137] Referring to FIG. 4, an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment (e.g., the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 3) may include a heater (200), a conductor (210), a buffer layer (220), and a tube (230). The above-described components of the aerosol generating device may be substantially identical or similar to the components of the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 3, and redundant descriptions below will be omitted. Furthermore, the components of the aerosol generating device are not limited thereto, and depending on the embodiment, other components may be added or at least one component (e.g., the tube (230)) may be omitted.

[0138] A conductor (210) is positioned to surround the outer surface of an aerosol generating article (S) contained in a receiving space (e.g., receiving space (110a) of FIG. 3), and a heater (200) is positioned to surround the outer surface of the conductor (210), so that heat generated from the heater (200) can be transferred to the aerosol generating article (S) through the conductor (210). For example, the heater (200) can generate heat as power is supplied from a power source (e.g., power source (111) of FIG. 3), and the heat generated from the heater (200) can be transferred to the conductor (210), and the aerosol generating article (S) can be heated by the heat transferred to the conductor (210).

[0139] The buffer layer (220) is positioned to surround only a portion of the aerosol generating article (S) contained in the receiving space between the heater (200) and the conductor (210), thereby delaying the heat transferred to the portion of the aerosol generating article (S).

[0140] According to one embodiment, the heater (200) may include a first part (201) that extends along the longitudinal direction of the receiving space and contacts the outer surface of the conductor (210), and a second part (202) that is connected to the first part (201) but spaced apart from the conductor (210) and forms a recess (200r) in which a buffer layer (220) can be received between the heater (200) and the conductor (210). The buffer layer (220) can be received in the recess (200r) and its position can be fixed between the heater (200) and the conductor (210). At this time, the recess (200r) may be formed to surround the outer surface of a part of the aerosol generating article (S), and the buffer layer (220) may be received in the aforementioned recess (200r) and positioned to surround the outer surface of a part of the aerosol generating article (S).

[0141] According to one embodiment, an aerosol-generating article (S) may include a medium portion (S1). For example, the medium portion (S1) may include a tobacco material and / or a non-tobacco material. The tobacco material and the non-tobacco material may have various shapes. For example, the tobacco material and the non-tobacco material may have at least one form among a sheet, a cigar, a strand, a particle, a bead, a granule, a powder, and an extract, but are not limited thereto.

[0142] Tobacco materials may be manufactured using at least one tobacco raw material selected from leaf tobacco raw materials and reconstituted tobacco raw materials. Leaf tobacco raw materials may include at least one selected from yellow tobacco, Burley tobacco, and Oriental tobacco, but are not limited thereto. Reconstituted tobacco raw materials may refer to tobacco raw materials regenerated by utilizing tobacco by-products. For example, reconstituted tobacco raw materials may include leaf tobacco. Non-tobacco materials may be materials manufactured without using tobacco raw materials. For example, non-tobacco materials may be manufactured using cellulose, nicotine, organic acids, etc. Furthermore, non-tobacco materials may be manufactured using cellulose, nicotine salts, etc., but are not limited thereto.

[0143] Tobacco substances and non-tobacco substances may include aerosol-generating substances. For example, aerosol-generating substances may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but are not limited thereto. Additionally, tobacco substances may include other additive substances such as flavoring agents and organic acids.

[0144] In one example, the medium portion (S1) may include a plurality of tobacco sticks, but is not limited thereto. In another example, the medium portion (S1) may include at least one plate-shaped leaf sheet or a plurality of tobacco granules. In yet another example, the medium portion (S1) may include an aerosol generating substrate impregnated with a nicotine liquid composition.

[0145] As the medium portion (S1) of the aerosol generating article (S) is heated by heat transferred through the conductor (210), the temperature of the medium portion (S1) may rise, and when the temperature of the medium portion (S1) rises above a designated first temperature, an aerosol may be generated from the medium portion (S1). In the present disclosure, the 'designated first temperature' may mean a temperature at which vaporized particles may be generated from the medium portion (S1).

[0146] According to one embodiment, the buffer layer (220) may be positioned to surround only a portion of the medium portion (S1) of the aerosol-generating article (S) when the aerosol-generating article (S) is fully accommodated in the receiving space. For example, the buffer layer (220) may be positioned to surround only the outer surface of the first region (A) of the medium portion (S1) to delay the transfer of heat generated from the heater (200) to the first region (A).

[0147] Referring to FIG. 5, in the first region (A) of the medium (S1), heat transfer is delayed by the buffer layer (220) during the first puff section (P1) (or 'initial smoking section') from the time when the operation of the heater (200) begins until a specified time (t), so the rate of temperature rise may be lower compared to the rest of the medium (S1). In other words, the first region (A) of the medium (S1) may be heated with a delay compared to the rest of the medium (S1) by the buffer layer (220).

[0148] In the second puff section (P2) (or 'later smoking section') after the designated time point (t), as a sufficient amount of heat is supplied to the buffer layer (220), the temperature of the buffer layer (220) may rise to the same temperature as the conductor (210). For example, the temperature of the remaining area of ​​the medium section (S1) may rise to the designated temperature (T tg After rising to )(e.g., first temperature), the temperature of the first region (A) of the medium part (S1) is also a designated temperature (T tg It can rise up to ).

[0149] Based on the time when the operation of the heater (200) is initiated, the remaining area of ​​the medium part (S1) is at a designated temperature (T) compared to the first area (A) of the medium part (S1). tg As it reaches ) first, aerosols can be generated preferentially from the remaining area of ​​the medium part (S1) and then from the first area (A) of the medium part (S1).

[0150] According to one embodiment, the first region (A) is less than half of the total area of ​​the medium portion (S1), so the buffer layer (220) may be arranged to surround an area less than half of the outer surface of the medium portion (S1). If the buffer layer (220) is arranged to surround an area exceeding half of the outer surface of the medium portion (S1), a situation may occur where a sufficient amount of aerosol is not generated during the initial smoking phase. On the other hand, the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment can generate a uniform amount of aerosol regardless of the smoking time through a structure in which the buffer layer (220) is arranged to surround an area less than half of the outer surface of the medium portion (S1).

[0151] In an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, after the aerosol generating material contained in the remaining area of ​​the medium part (S1) is consumed through the heating method described above, an aerosol can be generated from the first area (A) of the medium part (S1), and as a result, a uniform amount of aerosol can be generated throughout the smoking time.

[0152] Below, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, we will examine in detail the various arrangement structures of the buffer layer (220) and the aerosol generating article (S) and the heating process accordingly.

[0153] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 3 according to another embodiment.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 6, an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment (e.g., the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 3) may include a heater (200), a conductor (210), a buffer layer (220), and a tube (230). An aerosol generating device according to another embodiment may be a device in which only the relative arrangement structure of the aerosol generating article (S) and the buffer layer (220) is changed from the aerosol generating device of FIG. 4, and redundant descriptions below will be omitted.

[0155] According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating article (S) may include a medium portion (S1) (e.g., the medium portion (S1) of FIG. 4) and an aerosol base portion (S2), and the buffer layer (220) may be positioned to surround a portion of the medium portion (S1) and a portion of the aerosol base portion (S2) when the aerosol generating article (S) is fully accommodated in a receiving space (e.g., the receiving space (110a) of FIG. 3).

[0156] The aerosol base (S2) may include an aerosol generating material that generates an aerosol as it is heated. For example, the aerosol generating material may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but the types of aerosol generating materials are not limited thereto. As another example, the aerosol base (S2) may further include other additive materials such as flavoring agents and organic acids.

[0157] According to one embodiment, the aerosol substrate (S2) may include an aerosol generating substrate impregnated with a liquid aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating substrate may have a sheet shape. For example, the aerosol generating substrate may be a crimped sheet with wrinkles formed therein. The sheet-shaped aerosol generating substrate may be included in the aerosol substrate (S2) in a wound state. At this time, the aerosol generating substrate may include a polymer material. The polymer material may include at least one of paper, cellulose, cellulose acetate, lyocell, and polylactic acid. For example, the aerosol generating substrate may be a paper sheet that does not produce an off-odor due to heat even when heated to a high temperature.

[0158] Although the drawing discloses a structure in which the aerosol base portion (S2) and the medium portion (S1) are arranged sequentially along the length direction of the aerosol generating article (S) based on the bottom surface of the receiving space, the arrangement positions of the medium portion (S1) and the aerosol base portion (S2) may be changed according to the embodiment. For example, the medium portion (S1) and the aerosol base portion (S2) may be arranged sequentially along the length direction of the aerosol generating article (S) based on the bottom surface of the receiving space.

[0159] According to one embodiment, the buffer layer (220) may be arranged to surround the outer surface of the first region (A) of the medium part (S1) and the outer surface of the second region (B) of the aerosol base part (S2) when the aerosol generating article (S) is completely accommodated in the receiving space, and as a result, the transfer of heat generated from the heater (200) to the first region (A) of the medium part (S1) and the second region (B) of the aerosol base part (S2) may be delayed.

[0160] As heat transferred from the heater (200) to the first region (A) of the medium part (S1) and the second region (B) of the aerosol substrate part (S2) is delayed by the buffer layer (220), aerosol may be generated later in the first region (A) compared to the remaining region of the medium part (S1), and aerosol may also be generated later in the second region (B) compared to the remaining region of the aerosol substrate part (S2). For example, as the first region (A) is delayed heating by the buffer layer (220), the remaining region of the medium part (S1) heated by the conductor (210) without the buffer layer (220) may rise in temperature faster than the first region (A), and as a result, aerosol may be generated preferentially in the remaining region of the medium part (S1) before aerosol is generated in the first region (A). Additionally, as the second region (B) is delayed-heated by the buffer layer (220), the remaining region of the aerosol substrate (S2) heated by the conductor (210) without the buffer layer (220) may have its temperature rise faster than the second region (B), and as a result, aerosol may be generated preferentially in the remaining region of the aerosol substrate (S2) before aerosol is generated in the second region (B).

[0161] If the buffer layer (220) is positioned to surround an area exceeding half of the outer surface of the medium part (S1) and / or the outer surface of the aerosol base part (S2), a situation may occur where a sufficient amount of aerosol is not generated during the initial smoking phase. On the other hand, an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment can generate a uniform amount of aerosol regardless of the smoking time through a structure in which the buffer layer (220) is positioned to surround an area less than half of the outer surface of the medium part (S1) and / or the outer surface of the aerosol base part (S2). That is, the first area (A) may be less than half of the total area of ​​the medium part (S1), and the second area (B) may be less than half of the total area of ​​the aerosol base part (S2), but is not limited thereto.

[0162] According to another embodiment, an aerosol generating device may generate an aerosol from the first region (A) of the medium (S1) and the second region (B) of the aerosol source (S2) after the aerosol generating material is consumed in the remaining region of the medium part (S1) and the remaining region of the aerosol source part (S2) through the arrangement structure described above. Accordingly, in the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment, a uniform amount of aerosol can be generated throughout the smoking time, and as a result, a uniform amount of aerosol can be delivered to the user, thereby improving the user's smoking sensation.

[0163] Although not illustrated in the drawings, according to another embodiment, the buffer layer (220) may be positioned to surround only the outer surface of the second region (B) of the aerosol substrate (S2) when the aerosol generating article (S) is completely accommodated in the receiving space. In this case, when heat is generated from the heater (200), aerosol may be generated first in the remaining regions of the medium (S1) and the aerosol substrate (S2), and then aerosol may be generated from the second region (B) of the aerosol substrate (S2).

[0164] According to another embodiment, the buffer layer (220) may be arranged to surround the entire outer surface of the first region (A) of the medium part (S1) and the outer surface of the aerosol substrate part (S2) when the aerosol generating article (S) is completely accommodated in the receiving space. In this case, when heat is generated from the heater (200), aerosol may be generated first in the remaining region of the medium part (S1), and then aerosol may be generated from the first region (A) of the medium part (S1) and the aerosol substrate part (S2).

[0165] According to another embodiment, the buffer layer (220) may be arranged to surround the entire outer surface of the medium portion (S1) and the outer surface of the second region (B) of the aerosol substrate portion (S2) when the aerosol generating article (S) is completely accommodated in the receiving space. In this case, when heat is generated from the heater (200), aerosol may be generated first in the remaining region of the aerosol substrate portion (S2), and then aerosol may be generated from the medium portion (S1) and the second region (B) of the aerosol substrate portion (S2).

[0166] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 3 according to another embodiment.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 7, an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment (e.g., the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 3) may include a heater (200), a conductor (210), a buffer layer (220), and a tube (230). The aerosol generating device according to another embodiment may be a device in which only the relative arrangement structure of the aerosol generating article (S) and the buffer layer (220) is changed from the aerosol generating device of FIG. 6, and redundant descriptions below will be omitted.

[0168] According to one embodiment, the buffer layer (220) may be positioned so as to surround only the outer surface of the medium portion (S1) without surrounding the aerosol substrate portion (S2) when the aerosol generating article (S) (e.g., the aerosol generating article (S) of FIG. 6) is fully accommodated in the receiving space (110a). For example, as the buffer layer (220) is positioned to surround only the outer surface of the medium portion (S1), the transfer of heat generated from the heater (200) to the medium portion (S1) may be delayed.

[0169] In one example, as the medium portion (S1) is delayed heated by the buffer layer (220), the aerosol substrate portion (S2), which is heated by the conductor (210) without the buffer layer (220), can have its temperature rise faster than that of the medium portion (S1), and as a result, aerosol can be generated preferentially from the aerosol substrate portion (S2) and then aerosol can be generated from the medium portion (S1).

[0170] According to another embodiment, in an aerosol generating device, the buffer layer (220) may be arranged to surround only the outer surface of the medium part (S1), thereby allowing the aerosol substrate part (S2) to rise to a higher temperature than the medium part (S1) when the heater (200) is operated. For example, the buffer layer (220) may be made of a material with high heat capacity so that even when sufficient heat is supplied from the heater (200), it may not rise to the same temperature as the conductor (210), and accordingly, the medium part (S1) and the aerosol substrate part (S2) may be heated to different temperatures.

[0171] As the outer surface of the medium part (S1) is arranged to be surrounded by the buffer layer (220), a situation may occur where some of the heat directed from the heater (200) toward the medium part (S1) is absorbed by the buffer layer (220). In contrast, since there is no buffer layer (220) on the outer surface of the aerosol base part (S2), the heat directed from the heater (200) toward the aerosol base part (S2) may be transferred to the aerosol base part (S2) without being absorbed by the buffer layer (220), and as a result, the aerosol base part (S2) may be heated to a higher temperature than the medium part (S1).

[0172] When the medium part (S1) and the aerosol substrate part (S2) contain different types of aerosol generating materials, the temperature at which an aerosol is generated from the medium part (S1) and the temperature at which an aerosol is generated from the aerosol substrate part (S2) may be different. For example, the medium part (S1) may generate an aerosol at a first temperature, and the aerosol substrate part (S2) may generate an aerosol at a second temperature higher than the first temperature.

[0173] In order to generate an aerosol from the aerosol substrate (S2), the heater (200) must generate enough heat to raise the aerosol substrate (S2) to a second temperature. If the medium (S1) rises to a second temperature higher than the first temperature, a burnt taste may be felt in the aerosol generated from the medium (S1).

[0174] According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device heats the medium part (S1) and the aerosol base part (S2) to different temperatures without utilizing a plurality of heaters (200) through the buffer layer (220), thereby preventing the medium part (S1) from being heated to a high temperature and burning during the operation of the heater (200), and consequently, the user's smoking sensation can be prevented from being reduced.

[0175] Although not illustrated in the drawings, according to another embodiment, the buffer layer (220) may be arranged so as to surround only the aerosol substrate (S2) without surrounding the medium portion (S1) when the aerosol generating article (S) is completely contained in the receiving space. In this case, when heat is generated from the heater (200), the aerosol may be generated first in the medium portion (S1) and then in the aerosol substrate (S2), but is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the aerosol substrate (S2) may be heated to a lower temperature than the medium portion (S1) by the buffer layer (220) due to the arrangement structure described above.

[0176] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0177] Referring to FIG. 8, an aerosol generating device (100) according to another embodiment may include a housing (110) (e.g., housing (110) of FIG. 3), a power source (111) (e.g., power source (111) of FIG. 3), a control unit (112) (e.g., control unit (112) of FIG. 3), a heater (200) (e.g., heater (200) of FIG. 3), a conductor (210) (e.g., conductor (210) of FIG. 3), a buffer layer (220) (e.g., buffer layer (220) of FIG. 3), and a tube (230). The components of the aerosol generating device (100) are not limited thereto, and depending on the embodiment, other components may be added, or at least one component (e.g., tube (230)) may be omitted. At this time, the aerosol generating device (100) according to another embodiment may be a device in which only the placement positions of the conductor (210) and the buffer layer (220) are changed from the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 3, and redundant descriptions below will be omitted.

[0178] A conductor (210) is positioned to surround an aerosol generating article (S) contained in a receiving space (110a) inside a housing (110), and can heat the aerosol generating article (S) by transferring heat generated from a heater (200) to the aerosol generating article (S). For example, the heater (200) may be positioned to surround the outer surface of the conductor (210) inside the housing (110), and as power is supplied from the power source (111) to the heater (200), heat generated from the heater (200) may be transferred to the aerosol generating article (S) through the conductor (210).

[0179] The buffer layer (220) may be attached to the inner surface of the conductor (210) and positioned to surround only the outer surface of a portion of the aerosol generating article (S) contained in the receiving space (110a). As the buffer layer (220) is positioned to surround only the outer surface of a portion of the aerosol generating article (S), it may delay the heat transferred from the heater (200) to a portion of the aerosol generating article (S). For example, heat generated from the heater (200) may be transferred to the aerosol generating article (S) through the conductor (210), and the buffer layer (220) may be positioned between a portion of the aerosol generating article (S) and the conductor (210) to delay the heat transferred to a portion of the aerosol generating article (S).

[0180] According to one embodiment, a buffer layer (220) is positioned to surround a portion of the medium (e.g., medium (S1) of FIG. 4) of an aerosol generating article (S) so as to delay heat transferred to a portion of the medium. As the heat transferred to a portion of the medium is delayed by the buffer layer (220), a portion of the medium reaches a designated temperature at which aerosol can be generated later than the rest of the medium, and as a result, aerosol can be generated later in a portion of the medium compared to the rest of the medium.

[0181] According to another embodiment, the buffer layer (220) may be positioned to surround a portion of the medium portion of the aerosol generating article (S) and a portion of the aerosol base portion (e.g., the aerosol base portion (S2) of FIG. 6), or may be positioned to surround only a portion of the aerosol base portion (S2). According to yet another embodiment, the buffer layer (220) may be positioned to surround only the outer surface of the medium portion excluding the aerosol base portion, or may be positioned to surround only the outer surface of the aerosol base portion excluding the medium portion.

[0182] According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device (100) can cause a portion of the aerosol generating article (S) to reach a specified temperature more slowly than other portions through a buffer layer (220), thereby allowing aerosol to be generated preferentially in other portions of the aerosol generating article (S) and then in some portions of the aerosol generating article (S). That is, according to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device (100) can cause aerosol to be generated from other portions of the aerosol generating article (S) during the initial smoking period and aerosol to be generated from some portions of the aerosol generating article (S) during the later smoking period, thereby providing a constant amount of aerosol to the user throughout the smoking period.

[0183] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0184] Referring to FIG. 9, according to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device (100) may include a housing (110) (e.g., the housing (110) of FIG. 3), a power source (111) (e.g., the power source (111) of FIG. 3), a control unit (112) (e.g., the control unit (112) of FIG. 3), a heater (200), a conductor (210), and a buffer layer (220). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (100) may be substantially identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 3, and redundant descriptions below will be omitted.

[0185] The housing (110) includes a receiving space (110a) in which an aerosol generating article (S) can be received, and an internal space in which components of an aerosol generating device (100) can be placed can be formed inside the housing (110).

[0186] The heater (200) is placed in the internal space of the housing (110) and may include a coil (or 'induction coil') capable of generating a magnetic field as power is supplied. For example, the heater (200) may be electrically or operatively connected to the power source (111) and may generate an alternating magnetic field based on the power supplied from the power source (111).

[0187] A conductor (210) may be positioned so as to be inserted into at least a portion of an aerosol generating article (S) when the aerosol generating article (S) is received in the receiving space (110a) within the receiving space (110a). The conductor (210) may generate heat by an alternating magnetic field generated by a heater (200), and the aerosol generating article (S) may be heated by the heat generated by the conductor (210). For example, the conductor (210) may be positioned so as to be inserted into a medium portion (S1) of the aerosol generating article (S) (e.g., medium portion (S1) of FIG. 4) in the receiving space (110a) to heat the medium portion (S1) in response to an alternating magnetic field generated by a heater (200).

[0188] A buffer layer (220) is positioned between the heater (200) and the conductor (210) within the internal space of the housing (110) and can delay the transmission of a portion of the magnetic field generated by the heater (200) to the conductor (210). For example, the buffer layer (220) can absorb at least a portion of the magnetic field generated by the heater (200) to delay the transmission of the magnetic field to a portion of the conductor (210), and as a result, a smaller amount of magnetic field may reach a portion of the conductor (210) compared to other portions of the conductor (210). In this case, the buffer layer (220) may be referred to as a 'magnetic field buffer layer'.

[0189] According to one embodiment, a buffer layer (220) may be positioned to surround a portion of the medium (S1) of an aerosol generating article (S) between a heater (200) and a conductor (210). By the above-described arrangement structure of the buffer layer (220), the magnetic field transmitted to a portion of the conductor (210) inserted within the portion of the medium (S1) can be delayed among the alternating magnetic fields generated by the heater (200). As the magnetic field transmitted to a portion of the conductor (210) is delayed by the buffer layer (220), the portion of the conductor (210) inserted within the portion of the medium (S1) may have a slower rate of temperature rise compared to other portions of the conductor (210).

[0190] Accordingly, one region of the conductor (210) reaches a designated temperature at which aerosol can be generated from the medium (S1) later than another region of the conductor (210), and as a result, aerosol can be generated later in some region of the medium (S1) compared to the rest of the medium (S1).

[0191] When all areas of the medium (S1) of the aerosol generating article (S) are heated simultaneously, a large amount of aerosol may be generated in the initial smoking section, but in the later smoking section, the aerosol generating material contained in the medium (S1) is depleted, so the amount of aerosol generated is inevitably reduced relatively, and as a result, the user's smoking sensation may be reduced.

[0192] On the other hand, an aerosol generating device (100) according to another embodiment can delay the magnetic field reaching a part of the conductor (210) through the buffer layer (220), thereby allowing aerosol to be generated from another part of the medium (S1) during the initial smoking period and to be generated into a part of the medium (S1) surrounded by the buffer layer (220) during the later smoking period. An aerosol generating device (100) according to another embodiment can provide a constant amount of aerosol to the user throughout the smoking period by preventing the aerosol generating material contained in the aerosol generating item (S) from being completely depleted during the initial smoking period by varying the timing of aerosol generation for each area of ​​the aerosol generating item (S) through the buffer layer (220).

[0193] In the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device (100) and the aerosol generating article (S) illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 9 may be referred to as an 'aerosol generating system,' and the aerosol generating system may mean a system that generates aerosol by heating the aerosol generating article (S) through the aerosol generating device (100).

[0194] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include: a housing comprising a receiving space for receiving an aerosol generating article; a heater that generates heat as power is supplied; a conductor for transferring heat generated from the heater to the aerosol generating article received in the receiving space to heat the aerosol generating article; and a buffer layer for delaying the heat transferred from the heater to the aerosol generating article.

[0195] According to one embodiment, the buffer layer is positioned to surround only a portion of the aerosol-generating article, and delays the heat transferred from the heater to the portion of the aerosol-generating article, thereby allowing the aerosol to be generated later in the portion of the aerosol-generating article compared to other portions of the aerosol-generating article.

[0196] For example, the buffer layer absorbs heat generated from the heater from the time the operation of the heater begins until a specified time, so that the rate of temperature rise is lower than that of the conductor, and after the specified time, it can rise to the same temperature as the conductor.

[0197] In one example, the buffer layer may include a heat-resistant material.

[0198] According to one embodiment, the conductor is positioned to surround the aerosol generating article contained in the receiving space, and the heater is positioned to surround the conductor so that heat generated from the heater can be transferred to the conductor.

[0199] In one example, the buffer layer may be positioned to surround only a portion of the aerosol-generating article between the conductor and the heater.

[0200] At this time, the heater may include a first portion in contact with the outer surface of the conductor; and a second portion spaced apart from the conductor and forming a recess for accommodating the buffer layer between the conductor and the heater.

[0201] According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a tube positioned to surround the heater and fixing the heater, the conductor, and the buffer layer by pressing the heater in a direction toward the conductor.

[0202] In another example, the buffer layer may be attached to the inner surface of the conductor and positioned to surround only a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0203] According to one embodiment, the buffer layer is arranged to surround the outer surface of a first region of the medium portion of the aerosol generating article, and the aerosol may be generated later in the first region compared to the rest of the medium portion.

[0204] According to another embodiment, the buffer layer is arranged to surround the outer surface of a first region of the medium portion of the aerosol generating article and the outer surface of a second region of the aerosol base portion, and the aerosol may be generated later in the first region compared to the remaining region of the medium portion, and the aerosol may be generated later in the second region compared to the remaining region of the aerosol base portion.

[0205] According to another embodiment, the buffer layer is arranged to surround the outer surface of a second region of the aerosol substrate of the aerosol generating article, and the aerosol may be generated later in the second region compared to the remaining region of the aerosol substrate.

[0206] According to another embodiment, the buffer layer may be arranged to surround the entire outer surface of the first region of the medium portion of the aerosol generating article and the outer surface of the aerosol base portion.

[0207] According to another embodiment, the buffer layer may be arranged to surround the entire outer surface of the medium portion of the aerosol generating article and the outer surface of the second region of the aerosol base portion.

[0208] An aerosol generating system according to one embodiment comprises: an aerosol generating article including a medium portion; and an aerosol generating device for heating the aerosol generating article; wherein the aerosol generating device comprises: a housing including a receiving space for receiving the aerosol generating article; a heater that generates heat as power is supplied; a conductor for transferring heat generated from the heater to the aerosol generating article to heat the aerosol generating article; and a buffer layer for delaying the heat transferred from the heater to the aerosol generating article; wherein the buffer layer is arranged to surround only a part of the medium portion to delay the heat transferred to the part of the medium portion, thereby allowing the part of the medium portion to reach a designated temperature later than the remaining part of the medium portion.

[0209] Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not exclusive or distinguishable from one another. Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be used in combination or combined for their respective configurations or functions.

[0210] For example, this means that configuration A described in a specific embodiment and / or drawing and configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing can be combined. That is, even if the combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that combination is possible, except where it is described that combination is impossible.

[0211] The foregoing detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in all respects and should be considered exemplary. The scope of the invention shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Housing including a receiving space for accommodating an aerosol-generating article; A heater that generates heat as power is supplied; A conductor for transferring heat generated from the heater to the aerosol generating article contained in the receiving space to heat the aerosol generating article; and An aerosol generating device comprising: a buffer layer for delaying heat transferred from the heater to the aerosol generating article.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above buffer layer is, It is positioned to surround only a portion of the aerosol-generating article, and An aerosol generating device that delays heat transferred from the heater to a portion of the aerosol generating article so that aerosol is generated later in a portion of the aerosol generating article compared to other portions of the aerosol generating article.

3. In Paragraph 2, An aerosol generating device in which the buffer layer absorbs heat generated from the heater from the time the operation of the heater is initiated until a specified time, so that the rate of temperature rise is lower than that of the conductor, and rises to the same temperature as the conductor after the specified time.

4. In Paragraph 2, An aerosol generating device in which the above buffer layer comprises a heat-resistant material.

5. In Paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device in which the conductor is positioned to surround the aerosol generating article contained in the receiving space, and the heater is positioned to surround the conductor so that heat generated from the heater is transferred to the conductor.

6. In Paragraph 5, An aerosol generating device, wherein the buffer layer is positioned to surround only a portion of the aerosol generating article between the conductor and the heater.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above heater is, A first portion in contact with the outer surface of the conductor; and An aerosol generating device comprising: a second portion spaced apart from the conductor and forming a recess for accommodating the buffer layer between the conductor and the heater.

8. In Paragraph 5, An aerosol generating device further comprising: a tube arranged to surround the heater and pressurizing the heater in a direction toward the conductor to fix the heater, the conductor, and the buffer layer.

9. In Paragraph 5, An aerosol generating device, wherein the buffer layer is attached to the inner surface of the conductor and arranged to surround only a portion of the aerosol generating article.

10. In Paragraph 2, An aerosol generating device in which the buffer layer is arranged to surround the outer surface of a first region of the medium portion of the aerosol generating article, and aerosol is generated later in the first region compared to the rest of the medium portion.

11. In Paragraph 2, The above buffer layer is arranged to surround the outer surface of the first region of the medium portion of the aerosol generating article and the outer surface of the second region of the aerosol base portion, and An aerosol generating device in which an aerosol is generated later in the first region compared to the remaining region of the medium, and an aerosol is generated later in the second region compared to the remaining region of the aerosol substrate.

12. In Paragraph 2, An aerosol generating device in which the buffer layer is arranged to surround the outer surface of a second region of the aerosol base portion of the aerosol generating article, and aerosol is generated later in the second region compared to the remaining region of the aerosol base portion.

13. In Paragraph 2, An aerosol generating device, wherein the buffer layer is arranged to surround the entire outer surface of the first region of the medium portion of the aerosol generating article and the outer surface of the aerosol base portion.

14. In Paragraph 2, An aerosol generating device, wherein the buffer layer is arranged to surround the entire outer surface of the medium portion of the aerosol generating article and the outer surface of the second region of the aerosol base portion.

15. An aerosol generating article comprising a medium portion; and an aerosol generating device for heating the above aerosol generating article; comprising, The above aerosol generating device is, A housing including a receiving space for accommodating the above-mentioned aerosol-generating article; A heater that generates heat as power is supplied; A conductor for transferring heat generated from the heater to the aerosol generating article to heat the aerosol generating article; A buffer layer for delaying heat transferred from the heater to the aerosol generating article; comprising An aerosol generating system in which the buffer layer is positioned to surround only a portion of the medium to delay heat transferred to the portion of the medium, thereby causing the portion of the medium to reach a specified temperature later than the remainder of the medium.

Images