Aerosol-generating system

Abstract

An aerosol-generating system according to an embodiment includes an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating device, wherein: the aerosol-generating article includes an aerosol-generating rod and a filter rod; the aerosol-generating device includes a cartridge comprising a liquid composition which includes an aerosol-generating material and a discoloration-inducing material, and a cartridge heater for heating the liquid composition to generate an aerosol; the aerosol generated in the cartridge passes through the aerosol-generating article; and the filter rod may be discolored as the aerosol passes therethrough.

Description

Aerosol generation system

[0001] The embodiments relate to an aerosol generating system, and more specifically, to an aerosol generating system that can easily verify whether an aerosol generating article has been used.

[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 a cigarette (or 'aerosol generating article') using an aerosol generating device, rather than by burning a cigarette to generate an aerosol.

[0003] An aerosol generating article may include at least one aerosol generating rod, and the aerosol generating rod may include an aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating substrate may include an aerosol generating substance and nicotine, and the aerosol generating substrate may be heated to generate an aerosol containing nicotine vapor.

[0004] Among aerosol generation systems, there exist non-heating aerosol generation systems that do not directly heat the aerosol-generating article. A non-heating aerosol generation system includes a cartridge that generates aerosols by heating an aerosol-generating material, and the aerosol generated from the cartridge can pass through the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article can be indirectly heated by receiving heat contained in the aerosol generated from the cartridge.

[0005] In the case of non-combustion aerosol generation systems (e.g., heated or non-heated aerosol generation systems), it can be difficult to determine whether the aerosol-generating product has been used, as there is almost no deformation of its appearance after use. Accordingly, there is a need for an aerosol generation system that can easily determine whether the aerosol-generating product has been used.

[0006] 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 to which the embodiments belong from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0007] An aerosol generating system according to one embodiment includes an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating article includes an aerosol generating rod and a filter rod, and the aerosol generating device includes a cartridge comprising a liquid composition including an aerosol generating substance and a discoloration-inducing substance, and a cartridge heater that heats the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the aerosol generated in the cartridge passes through the aerosol generating article, and the filter rod may be discolored as the aerosol passes through.

[0008] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment can easily distinguish an aerosol generating article after use because it induces discoloration of the aerosol generating article during the use of the aerosol generating article.

[0009] 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.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

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

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating system including an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment and an aerosol generating article inserted therein.

[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section of an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken with respect to the AA' cross-sectional line of FIG. 4, showing an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment and an aerosol generating article inserted therein.

[0016] An aerosol generating system according to one embodiment includes an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating article includes an aerosol generating rod and a filter rod, and the aerosol generating device includes a cartridge comprising a liquid composition including an aerosol generating substance and a discoloration-inducing substance, and a cartridge heater that heats the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the aerosol generated in the cartridge passes through the aerosol generating article, and the filter rod may be discolored as the aerosol passes through.

[0017] The above-mentioned discoloration-inducing substance may have a structure in which one or more functional groups selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl groups, ether groups, ketone groups, and aldehyde groups are bonded to a benzene ring or a heterocycle.

[0018] The above-mentioned discoloration-inducing substance may have a structure in which one or more functional groups selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl groups, ether groups, ketone groups, and aldehyde groups are bonded to two or more carbon atoms constituting a benzene ring or a heteroring.

[0019] The above heterocycle may be a five-membered ring or a six-membered ring containing at least one oxygen atom.

[0020] The weight of the aerosol generating material and the weight of the discoloration-inducing material may have a ratio of 9:1 to 7:3.

[0021] The above aerosol generating load contains nicotine, and the nicotine may have a pH of 7.0 to 11.0.

[0022] Nicotine transferred from the aerosol generating rod can be adsorbed onto the filter rod.

[0023] The above aerosol generating rod further includes a shear plug disposed upstream of the aerosol generating rod, and nicotine transferred from the aerosol generating rod can be adsorbed to the shear plug.

[0024] The filter rod comprises at least one capsule, and the capsule may comprise the discoloration-inducing substance.

[0025] The filter rod may include a recess containing a hollow that is sunken from upstream toward downstream.

[0026] The above hollow may have a diameter that decreases as it goes downstream.

[0027] The aerosol generating device may include a blocking member that blocks at least a portion of the path of an aerosol generated in the cartridge and moving toward the aerosol generating article.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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).

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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).

[0036] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0037] 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, CH). 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.

[0038] 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).

[0039] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the temperature at which the heater (18, CH) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater (18, CH), or the heater (18, CH) 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.

[0040] 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, CH). 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, CH) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0041] As another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor that detects the resistance value of the heater (18, CH). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater (18, CH), and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (18, CH) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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).

[0044] According to one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect the user's puff.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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 item is inserted (hereinafter, insertion space), the heater (18, CH), 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and can be implemented as various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0050] According to one embodiment, an 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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 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.

[0065] 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, CH), 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.

[0066] 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, CH) 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.

[0067] According to one embodiment, a heater (18, CH) can heat an aerosol generating article and / or a medium and / or aerosol generating material within a cartridge by receiving power from a power source (11). An aerosol generating device (1) may include a heater (18) for heating an aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge heater (CH) for heating a cartridge (i.e., a solid and / or liquid medium).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, CH) 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.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, CH) 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.

[0070] The heater (18, CH) 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, CH) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (11) to the heater (18, CH). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, CH) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, CH) based on the temperature of the heater (18, CH) detected using a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, CH) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, CH) based on a temperature profile and / or power profile stored in the memory (17).

[0076] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to the heater (18, CH) by controlling a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heater (18, CH) 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, CH), 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).

[0077] 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, CH). 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).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, CH) 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, CH) by using the PWM method. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, CH) 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, CH) by using a PID method, which is a feedback control method using the difference value between the temperature of the heater (18, CH) 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.

[0079] 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, CH) to correspond to a preset target power over time.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can detect the user's puff by detecting the power supplied to the heater (18, CH). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, CH) 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, CH), etc. Accordingly, a change may occur in the power (or current) supplied to the heater (18, CH) during the power control using the PID method. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on the change in the controlled power.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can prevent the heater (18, CH) 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, CH) or stop the power supply to the heater (18, CH) based on the fact that the temperature of the heater (18, CH) exceeds a preset limit temperature.

[0082] 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).

[0083] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, CH) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, CH) 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, CH) 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, CH) 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, CH) is above a limit temperature or the temperature change slope of the heater (18, CH) is above a set slope.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount for the heater (18, CH) 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, CH) 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)).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, CH) 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, CH).

[0087] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, CH) based on whether the cartridge is connected 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, CH) can be stopped or the power supply to the heater (18, CH) can be controlled so that power is not supplied to the heater (18, CH).

[0088] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, CH) 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, CH) exceeds a limit temperature while preheating the heater (18, CH) (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, CH).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, CH) 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, CH) is heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the heater (18, CH) 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, CH) or control it so that power is not supplied to the heater (18, CH).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, CH) 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, CH) when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or / or when no puff is detected for a preset time or longer. The control unit (12) may also control the power supply to the heater (18, CH) when a puff is detected.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, CH) 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, CH). 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, CH). For another example, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, CH) 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, CH) based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile) when it is detected that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is a first aerosol generating article (or a first cartridge), and control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, CH) based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile) when it is detected that the aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge) is a second aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge).

[0092] 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, CH).

[0093] 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, CH), detection of overvoltage application to the heater (18, CH), 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, CH), the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the temperature of the heater (18, CH), the voltage applied to the heater (18, CH), the current flowing through the heater (18, CH), etc.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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. A cartridge heater (CH) 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 (CH) may be included in an aerosol generating device (1) that is detachable from the cartridge.

[0103] FIG. 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0104] 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 (183, 24) (e.g., the heater (18, CH) 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. 2, and some of the components may be omitted or new components may be added. In the following drawings, descriptions that overlap with FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) may provide a space (hereinafter, insertion space) that is open upward so that an aerosol generating article (2) can be inserted. 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 lower end of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the housing (10), and the upper end of the aerosol generating article (2) may protrude to the exterior of the housing (10).

[0106] Unlike what is described, the cartridge (19) may provide an insertion space for receiving an aerosol generating article (2). In this case, the insertion space may be formed by being recessed to a certain depth toward the interior of the cartridge (19) so that at least a portion of the aerosol generating article (2) can be inserted. The bottom of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the cartridge (19), and the top of the aerosol generating article (2) may protrude outside the cartridge (19). Also, in this case, the aerosol generating device (1) may not include a heater (183).

[0107] According to one embodiment, 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). A user may put the top of the aerosol generating article (2) exposed to the outside into their mouth and inhale air.

[0108] According to one embodiment, a heater (183) can heat an aerosol generating article (2). The heater (183) may extend upward around a space (i.e., an insertion space) into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the heater (183) may be in the form of a tube (e.g., a cylinder) containing a hollow inside. The heater (183) may include a form that contains a hollow inside and surrounds said hollow. In this case, the heater (183) may be supported by a polyimide film. A heater supported by such a film may be referred to as a film heater. The heater (183) may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater (183) may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into said hollow. In the present disclosure, the heater (183) may be referred to as an external heating type heater that heats the outside of the aerosol generating article (2). Meanwhile, an insulating material may be placed on the outside of the heater (183). Through this, heat radiating outward from the heater (183) and applied to the outside of the housing (10) can be reduced.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) may include an electric resistive heater and / or an induction heating type heater.

[0110] For example, an electric resistive heater may include an electric resistive material 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).

[0111] For example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an induction coil (not shown) that surrounds at least a portion of the heater (183) (e.g., placed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater (183)). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator, etc., may be further included outside the induction coil (not shown) to increase the efficiency of induction heating. The induction heating type heater may include a susceptor and generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (not shown).

[0112] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) 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 an electric resistive heater and / or an induction heating type heater, 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 (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 placed at positions corresponding to longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be respectively placed at positions corresponding to longitudinal positions of the first part and the second part of a single heater (183). In addition, the heater and / or induction coil may include three or more.

[0113] Unlike what is described, the aerosol generating device (1) may not include a heater (183). The aerosol generating article (2) may be heated directly or indirectly by a cartridge heater (CH), or may not be heated substantially. Indirect heating may mean that as the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (CH) passes through the aerosol generating article (2), the aerosol generating article (2) is heated by receiving heat contained in the aerosol. In this case, the aerosol generating device (1) may be referred to as a non-heating (or indirectly heated) aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating rod of the aerosol generating article (2) may contain additives such as basic substances. Based on these basic substances, the nicotine contained in the aerosol generating rod may have a basic pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). This basic nicotine can flow into the user's mouth along with the aerosol flowing from the cartridge (19) described later into the aerosol generating article (2).

[0114] Unlike what is described, the heater (183) may include an internal heating type heater. For example, the internal heating type heater may include various heating elements such as a rod-type heating element, a tubular-type heating element, a plate-type heating element, or a needle-type heating element. The internal heating type heater may be inserted through the bottom of the aerosol generating article (2) and may be set to heat the inside of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0115] According to one embodiment, the cartridge (19) may be detachably coupled to the housing (10). For example, a space may be formed on one side of the housing (10), and at least a portion of the cartridge (19) may be inserted into the space formed on one side of the housing (10) so that the cartridge (19) may be mounted on the housing (10). Alternatively, the cartridge (19) may be integrally formed with the housing (10).

[0116] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) and / or cartridge (19) may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing (10) may include a structure that allows air from the outside to flow into the interior of the housing (10) when the cartridge (19) is inserted. The incoming air may pass through the cartridge (19) and flow into the insertion space through the airflow channel (CN) and into the user's oral cavity. The airflow channel (CN) may include various structures to reduce residual droplets or to facilitate airflow.

[0117] In FIG. 2, the cartridge (19) is shown positioned on the side of the aerosol generating article (2) and the airflow channel (CN) is shown formed from the side of the cartridge (19) to the bottom (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2), but the positions of the cartridge (19) and the airflow channel (CN) are not limited thereto. For example, the cartridge (19) may be positioned adjacent to the bottom (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2), in which case the airflow channel (CN) may be formed in a substantially straight shape to connect the cartridge (19) and the bottom (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0118] According to one embodiment, the cartridge (19) may include a storage portion (C0) containing an aerosol generating material, a cartridge heater (CH) and / or a liquid delivery means impregnated (containing) the aerosol generating material. The liquid delivery means may impregnate the aerosol generating material supplied from the storage portion (C0). For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the cartridge heater (CH) can heat an aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge (19). For example, the cartridge heater (CH) may include an electric resistive heater and / or an induction heating heater.

[0120] For example, an electric resistive heater may include an electric resistive material and may be heated as current flows through the electric resistive material. For another example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an induction coil (not shown) around the induction heating type heater. The induction heating type heater may include a susceptor and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (not shown). The cartridge heater (CH) may be formed in a coil shape that surrounds (or wraps around) the liquid delivery means and / or in a shape that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means (e.g., a pattern shape).

[0121] Unlike what is described, the cartridge heater (CH) may be included in the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the cartridge heater (CH) may be included inside the housing (10). In this case, the cartridge (19) and the cartridge heater (CH) may be separated by removing the cartridge (19).

[0122] According to one embodiment, an aerosol may be generated based on the heat generated by a cartridge heater (CH). For example, as an aerosol generating material impregnated in a liquid delivery means is heated by the cartridge heater (CH), vapor may be generated from the aerosol generating material, and as the generated vapor is mixed with outside air introduced into the cartridge (19), an aerosol may be generated. The aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (CH) may be introduced into the aerosol generating article (2) through an airflow channel (CN). While the aerosol passes through the aerosol generating article (2), tobacco or flavoring material may be added to the aerosol, and the aerosol with added tobacco or flavoring material may be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0123] FIG. 3 illustrates an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment.

[0124] Referring to FIG. 3, the aerosol generating article (2) may include an aerosol generating rod (21), a filter rod (22), and a shear plug (25). Additionally, the aerosol generating article (2) may be wrapped by at least one wrapper (24).

[0125] The aerosol generating rod (21) may include tobacco material and / or non-tobacco material. The tobacco material and non-tobacco material may include nicotine and / or nicotine salts and may be heated to produce an aerosol containing nicotine vapor. The tobacco material and non-tobacco material may have various shapes. For example, the tobacco material and non-tobacco material may have at least one form among sheets, corks, strands, particles, beads, granules, powders, and extracts, but are not limited thereto.

[0126] Tobacco material may be manufactured using at least one tobacco raw material selected from leaf tobacco raw material and reconstituted tobacco raw material. Leaf tobacco raw material may include at least one selected from yellow tobacco, Burley tobacco, and Oriental tobacco, but is not limited thereto. Reconstituted tobacco raw material may refer to tobacco raw material regenerated by utilizing tobacco by-products. For example, reconstituted tobacco raw material may include leaf tobacco.

[0127] Non-tobacco substances may be substances manufactured without using tobacco raw materials. For example, non-tobacco substances may be manufactured using cellulose, nicotine, organic acids, etc. Furthermore, non-tobacco substances may be manufactured using cellulose, nicotine salts, etc., but are not limited thereto.

[0128] 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.

[0129] The aerosol generating rod (21) may include at least one plate leaf sheet. The plate leaf sheet may include at least one of a slurry-type plate leaf and a paper-type plate leaf. Slurry-type plate leaves and paper-type plate leaves may be distinguished according to the manufacturing method. At least one plate leaf sheet may be arranged to extend along the entire length of the aerosol generating rod (21). However, it is not limited thereto, and the aerosol generating rod (21) may include a plurality of plate leaf strips manufactured by cutting or slicing the plate leaf sheet. Additionally, the plate leaf sheet may be crimped to include wrinkles, and the aerosol generating rod (21) may include a crimped plate leaf sheet or a plurality of plate leaf strips manufactured from the crimped plate leaf sheet.

[0130] The aerosol generating rod (21) may include at least one of puffed leaf and puffed main vein. The puffed leaf and puffed main vein may be manufactured by puffing leaf tobacco raw material and main vein, which is a byproduct of leaf tobacco raw material.

[0131] The filter rod (22) may include a plurality of segments. Referring to FIG. 3, the filter rod (22) may include a first segment (221) and a second segment (222). The first segment (221) and the second segment (222) may be arranged in order along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0132] The first segment (221) can cool the aerosol. The high-temperature aerosol generated in the aerosol generating rod (21) can be cooled as it passes through the first segment (221).

[0133] The first segment (221) may include a filter material. For example, the first segment (221) may include at least one filter material selected from paper, cellulose acetate, polylactic acid, polypropylene, and lyocell. The first segment (221) may be a cylindrical rod or a tube-shaped rod containing an internal hollow, but is not limited thereto. For example, the first segment (221) may be a paper tube formed of paper.

[0134] The first segment (221) may include a cooling material. For example, the cooling material may include a polymer material having a cooling function. The polymer material having a cooling function may come into contact with a high-temperature aerosol and absorb heat from the aerosol. The polymer material having a cooling function may include polylactic acid, but is not limited thereto. As another example, the first segment (221) is a tube-shaped rod including an internal hollow, and a polymer material having a cooling function may be applied to the surface of the internal hollow.

[0135] The second segment (222) can filter some components contained in the aerosol passing through the second segment (222). The second segment (222) may include a filter material. For example, the second segment (222) may include at least one filter material among paper, cellulose acetate, polylactic acid, polypropylene, and lyocell. For example, the second segment (222) may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow.

[0136] The second segment (222) may be a cylindrical rod or a tube-shaped rod including an internal hollow, but the shape of the second segment (222) is not limited thereto.

[0137] The second segment (222) may add flavor to the aerosol passing through the second segment (222). For example, the second segment (222) may include a flavoring agent. The flavoring agent may be sprayed into the second segment (222) in a liquid state, but is not limited thereto.

[0138] The flavoring agent may include, but is not limited to, menthol. For example, the flavoring agent may include botanical flavorings such as cinnamon, sage, herbs, chamomile, kudzu, sweet potato, lavender, bergamot, lemon, orange, jasmine, ginger, vanilla, spearmint, peppermint, acacia, coffee, celery, sandalwood, and cocoa. As another example, the flavoring agent may include animal flavorings such as musk, ambergris, civet, and castrium.

[0139] Flavoring agents may be alcohol compounds such as geraniol, linalol, anethole, eugenol, etc. Flavoring agents may be aldehyde compounds such as vanillin, benzaldehyde, anisaldehyde, etc. Flavoring agents may be ester compounds such as isoamyl acetate, linalyl acetate, isoamyl propionate, linalyl butyrate, etc.

[0140] The second segment (222) may include at least one capsule (23). At least one capsule (23) may be embedded inside the filter material. The capsule (23) may generate flavor or aerosol. For example, the capsule (23) may be a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is surrounded by a film. The film of the capsule (23) may rupture due to external pressure to release the liquid contained within the film. The liquid released from the capsule (23) may be absorbed by the filter material of the second segment (222). The capsule (23) may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0141] The second segment (222) may include an adsorbent. The adsorbent may adsorb a specific substance in the gaseous phase. For example, the adsorbent may include at least one of activated carbon, zeolite, alumina, silica gel, and bentonite.

[0142] The shear plug (25) can introduce outside air into the interior of the aerosol generating article (2). For example, the aerosol generated from the cartridge (19) of the aerosol generating device (1) can be introduced into the aerosol generating rod (21) through the shear plug (25).

[0143] The shear plug (25) may be located on one side opposite to the filter rod (22) with respect to the aerosol generating rod (21). For example, the shear plug (25), the aerosol generating rod (21), and the filter rod (22) may be arranged in order along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (2). The shear plug (25) can prevent the tobacco material of the aerosol generating rod (21) from escaping toward the upstream end of the aerosol generating rod (21).

[0144] The shear plug (25) may include a filter material. For example, the shear plug (25) may include at least one filter material selected from paper, cellulose acetate, polylactic acid, polypropylene, and lyocell. For example, the shear plug (25) may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow.

[0145] The shear plug (25) may be a tube-shaped rod containing a hollow inside. The aerosol generated in the cartridge (19) of the aerosol generating device (1) may flow into the aerosol generating rod (21) through the hollow of the shear plug (25). For example, the shear plug (25) may include a hollow extending from the upstream end to the downstream end of the shear plug (25). The cross-section of the hollow may have various shapes such as circular, elliptical, polygonal, cross-shaped, or Y-shaped, but is not limited thereto. As another example, the shear plug (25) may be a cylindrical rod that does not contain a hollow.

[0146] The shear plug (25) can add flavor to the aerosol passing through the shear plug (25). For example, the shear plug (25) may contain a flavoring agent. The flavoring agent may be sprayed into the shear plug (25) in a liquid state, but is not limited thereto.

[0147] The aerosol generating article (2) may include a wrapper (24) that surrounds at least some of the aerosol generating rod (21), filter rod (22), and shear plug (25). The wrapper (24) may be a single wrapper, but may also be a combination of multiple wrappers (241, 242, 243, 24F, 24T).

[0148] The wrapper (24) may include paper. For example, the wrapper (24) has a thickness of about 10 μm to about 150 μm and a weight of about 20 g / m² 2 Up to about 100g / m² 2 It may include paper having a basis weight, but is not limited thereto. If the wrapper (24) is a combination of multiple wrappers, the thickness and basis weight of the paper included in the multiple wrappers may be the same or different.

[0149] The aerosol generating article (2) may be wrapped in overlapping layers by two or more wrappers. For example, the aerosol generating rod (21) may be wrapped by the first wrapper (241), the filter rod (22) may be wrapped by the second wrapper (242), the shear plug (25) may be wrapped by the third wrapper (243), and the aerosol generating rod (21), filter rod (22), and shear plug (25) may be re-wrapped by the final wrapper (24F).

[0150] The first wrapper (241) may surround the aerosol generating rod (21). The first wrapper (241) may include a thermal conductivity enhancing material. The thermal conductivity enhancing material may include, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. The thermal conductivity enhancing material can evenly distribute the heat transferred to the aerosol generating rod (21) by improving the thermal conductivity of the first wrapper (241). For example, the first wrapper (241) may be a laminated sheet in which paper and metal foil are laminated. The first wrapper (241) may be a laminated sheet in which paper is placed on one side of the metal foil, or a laminated sheet in which paper is placed on both sides of the metal foil.

[0151] The second wrapper (242) may surround the filter rod (22). The second wrapper (242) is depicted as surrounding only the second segment (222) of the filter rod (22), but is not limited thereto.

[0152] The second wrapper (242) may be oil-resistant. As the second wrapper (242) is oil-resistant, the flavoring agent contained in the second segment (222) and / or capsule (23) may be prevented from leaking out of the aerosol-generating article (2). For example, the second wrapper (242) may include at least one oil-resistant material among polyvinyl alcohol and silicone. The surface of the second wrapper (242) may be coated with an oil-resistant material.

[0153] The third wrapper (243) may surround the shear plug (25). The third wrapper (243) may include a thermal conductivity enhancing material. The thermal conductivity enhancing material may include, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the third wrapper (243) may be a laminated sheet in which paper and metal foil are laminated. The third wrapper (243) may be a laminated sheet in which paper is placed on one side of the metal foil, or a laminated sheet in which paper is placed on both sides of the metal foil.

[0154] The final wrapper (24F) can wrap the aerosol generating rod (21), filter rod (22), and shear plug (25) together. The final wrapper (24F) can protect the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (2) so that the aerosol generating article (2) can be smoothly inserted into the aerosol generating device (1).

[0155] The wrapper (24) may include a tip paper (24T). The tip paper (24T) may surround a portion of the aerosol generating article (2) extending along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (2) from the downstream end of the aerosol generating article (2). For example, the tip paper (24T) may surround an area corresponding to the entirety of the second segment (222) and a portion of the first segment (221). The tip paper (24T) may come into contact with the user's bend during use of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0156] The outer surface of the tip paper (24T) may be coated with a substance such as a sweetener and a lip release agent. The sweetener may provide a sweet taste to the user. For example, the sweetener may include sucralose, citric acid, etc., but is not limited thereto. The lip release agent may allow the user's bulb to be easily separated after contact with the tip paper (24T). For example, the lip release agent may include at least one of nitrocellulose, ethyl acetate, polyamide, and isopropyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto.

[0157] Hereinafter, an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Herein, the aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article, and may generate an aerosol by inserting the aerosol generating article into the aerosol generating device.

[0158] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating system including an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment and an aerosol generating article inserted therein.

[0159] Referring to FIG. 4, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may include a housing (10), a cap (10C), and a cartridge (19). In the aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to this embodiment that some of the components may be omitted or new components may be added by referring to FIG. 1 to 3 and the drawings and description below. Descriptions that overlap with FIG. 1 to 3 in the drawings below will be omitted.

[0160] The housing (10) is located at the lower part of the cartridge (19) and cap (10C) (e.g., the part facing the -z direction) to support the cartridge (19) and cap (10C). Components for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1) may be placed inside the housing (10).

[0161] The cap (10C) may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the cartridge (19) and at least a portion of the housing (10). For example, the cap (10C) may be attached to the housing (10) to completely surround the outer side of the cartridge (19). The cap (10C) can protect the cartridge (19) and the housing (10) from external impact or the ingress of foreign matter from the outside.

[0162] The cartridge (19) may include a storage unit (C0) for storing a liquid composition. The liquid composition may include an aerosol generating substance and a discoloration-inducing substance. The liquid composition stored in the storage unit (C0) may be supplied to a cartridge heater (CH) included in the cartridge (19). The liquid composition may be heated by the cartridge heater (CH) to generate an aerosol.

[0163] An aerosol generating article (2) according to one embodiment may be inserted into the cartridge (19). Although not illustrated in FIG. 4, the cartridge (19) may include an insertion space into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted, and the aerosol generated inside the cartridge (19) may pass through the aerosol generating article (2) inserted in the insertion space and be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1). A user may inhale the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1) through the aerosol generating article (2).

[0164] The discoloration-inducing substance can be vaporized by heating of the cartridge heater (CH). The discoloration-inducing substance may be included in the aerosol generated in the cartridge (19) and pass through the aerosol-generating article (2), and may induce discoloration in at least one of the components of the aerosol-generating article (2). For example, the discoloration-inducing substance may pass through the filter rod (22) and induce discoloration of the filter rod (22).

[0165] The discoloration-inducing substance may have a structure in which one or more functional groups selected from the group consisting of alcohol groups, ketone groups, and aldehyde groups are bonded to a benzene ring or heterocyclic ring. Here, bonding of a functional group to a benzene ring or heterocyclic ring may mean that the functional group forms a covalent bond with a carbon atom constituting the benzene ring or heterocyclic ring. The discoloration-inducing substance of the above-described structure may induce discoloration of the filter rod (22) by reacting directly with the filter material of the filter rod (22), by reacting with a substance contained in an aerosol, or by reacting with a substance other than the filter material located on the filter rod (22).

[0166] Discoloration-inducing substances may have a structure in which two or more functional groups are bonded to a benzene ring or a heteroring. In other words, discoloration-inducing substances may have a structure in which functional groups are bonded to two or more carbon atoms constituting the benzene ring or heteroring. If a discoloration-inducing substance has a structure in which two or more functional groups are bonded to a benzene ring or a heteroring, it can induce a stronger discoloration reaction. When a discoloration-inducing substance has a structure in which two or more functional groups are bonded to a benzene ring or a heteroring, the two or more functional groups may be different functional groups. For example, a discoloration-inducing substance may have a structure in which a hydroxyl group, an ether group, and an aldehyde group are bonded to a benzene ring. As another example, a discoloration-inducing substance may have a structure in which a hydroxyl group and a ketone group are bonded to a heteroring.

[0167] The heterocycle included in the structure of the discoloration-inducing material may be a five-membered ring or a six-membered ring containing at least one oxygen atom. For example, the discoloration-inducing material may have a structure in which a hydroxyl group and a ketone group are bonded to a heterocycle of a five-membered ring containing one oxygen atom. As another example, the discoloration-inducing material may have a structure in which a ketone group and a hydroxyl group are bonded to a six-membered ring containing one oxygen atom.

[0168] In the case of a non-combustion type aerosol generating system (e.g., a heated or non-heated aerosol generating system), since there is almost no deformation of the appearance after use of the aerosol generating item (2), it may be difficult to distinguish whether the use of the aerosol generating item (2) is complete. Since the discoloration-inducing substance induces discoloration of the aerosol generating item (2) during the use of the aerosol generating item (2), the user can easily distinguish the aerosol generating item (2) that has been used by checking whether the aerosol generating item (2) has discolored.

[0169] The storage portion (C0) of the cartridge (19) may contain an aerosol generating material. 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 is not limited thereto. The aerosol generating material may have a plurality of combinations. For example, the aerosol generating material may include glycerin and propylene glycol, and the glycerin and propylene glycol may have a weight ratio of about 1:1 to about 5:1.

[0170] The weight of the aerosol generating material and the weight of the discoloration-inducing material stored in the storage portion (C0) of the cartridge (19) may have a ratio of about 9:1 to about 7:3. Within the aforementioned range, the aerosol generating article (2) can be discolored smoothly, and the taste of the generated aerosol can be improved. For example, the weight of the aerosol generating material and the weight of the discoloration-inducing material may have a ratio of about 9:1 to about 8:2. When the aerosol generating material includes glycerin and propylene glycol, the weight of glycerin, the weight of propylene glycol, and the weight of the discoloration-inducing material may have a ratio of about 4 to 7: about 3 to 4: about 1 to 3. For example, the weight of glycerin, the weight of propylene glycol, and the weight of the discoloration-inducing substance stored in the storage portion (C0) of the cartridge (19) may have a ratio of about 5 to 6: about 2 to 3: about 1 to 2.

[0171] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating rod contains nicotine, and the nicotine may have a pH of about 7.0 to about 11.0. For example, the nicotine contained in the aerosol generating rod may have a pH of about 7.5 to about 9.5. When the nicotine has a pH within the aforementioned range, the nicotine may have high volatility. Accordingly, nicotine may be transferred to the user's oral cavity even if the aerosol generating article (2) is heated indirectly. Indirect heating may mean that the aerosol generating article (2) is heated by receiving heat contained in the aerosol as the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (CH) passes through the aerosol generating article (2). In this case, the aerosol generating device (1) may be referred to as a non-heating (or indirectly heated) aerosol generating device.

[0172] The aerosol generating load may include a pH-treated tobacco material having a pH within the aforementioned range. However, it is not limited thereto, and the aerosol generating load may also include a pH-treated non-tobacco material. Since the descriptions above regarding FIG. 3 may apply identically or similarly to tobacco materials and non-tobacco materials, redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0173] The pH-treated tobacco material may contain a pH regulator. The pH regulator can adjust the pH so that nicotine has a basic pH. The pH regulator may include at least one of alkali metal carbonates, alkaline earth metal carbonates, alkali metal bicarbonates, alkaline earth metal bicarbonates, alkali metal hydroxides, alkaline earth metal hydroxides, alkali metal phosphates, alkaline earth metal phosphates, alkali metal monohydrogen phosphates, and alkaline earth metal monohydrogen phosphates, but is not limited thereto. For example, the pH regulator may include at least one of potassium carbonate (K2CO3) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3).

[0174] pH regulators can convert nicotine salts in nicotine into freebase nicotine by alkalizing nicotine. Nicotine salts must be heated to a temperature of approximately 120°C or higher to generate nicotine vapor. On the other hand, freebase nicotine has a relatively lower boiling point and higher volatility compared to nicotine salts. Therefore, if the content of freebase nicotine in nicotine is high, nicotine vapor can be generated even under relatively low temperature conditions.

[0175] The ratio of nicotine salts to freebase nicotine within nicotine can vary depending on pH. Here, the ratio is based on moles and refers to the proportion of moles of nicotine salts and moles of freebase nicotine within the total moles of nicotine. As pH decreases, the proportion of freebase nicotine decreases, while as pH increases, the proportion of freebase nicotine within nicotine may increase.

[0176] At the pH range described above, the proportion of free-base nicotine in the nicotine increases, and accordingly, nicotine with enhanced volatility can be transferred from the aerosol generating rod to other components of the aerosol generating article (2). For example, nicotine can be transferred to the filter rod (22), and the nicotine transferred to the filter rod (22) can be adsorbed onto the filter material of the filter rod (22). The filter rod (22) may include cellulose acetate tow, and nicotine transferred from the aerosol generating rod can be adsorbed between the cellulose acetate fibers constituting the cellulose acetate tow.

[0177] Nicotine adsorbed on the filter rod (22) (e.g., freebase nicotine) can react with a discoloration-inducing substance contained in the aerosol that is generated in the cartridge (19) and passes through the aerosol generating article (2), thereby inducing discoloration of the filter rod (22).

[0178] In the case of a non-heating aerosol generating system, since direct heating of the aerosol generating article (2) is omitted, the deformation occurring in the appearance of the aerosol generating article (2) is significantly less compared to a heated aerosol generating system. Therefore, it may be more difficult to distinguish whether the aerosol generating article (2) has been used in a non-heating aerosol generating system. According to one embodiment, since the discoloration-inducing substance can react with nicotine adsorbed on the filter rod (22) to induce discoloration of the filter rod (22), it may be effective in distinguishing whether the aerosol generating article (2) has been used in a non-heating aerosol generating system.

[0179] However, the configuration in which nicotine is transferred from the aerosol generating rod is not limited to the filter rod (22). For example, an aerosol generating rod according to one embodiment includes a shear plug (25) disposed upstream of the aerosol generating rod, and nicotine transferred from the aerosol generating rod may be adsorbed on the shear plug (25). Accordingly, a discoloration-inducing substance contained in the aerosol generated from the cartridge (19) and passing through the aerosol generating article (2) may react with the nicotine adsorbed on the shear plug (25) to induce discoloration of the shear plug (25).

[0180] According to one embodiment, the filter rod (22) includes at least one capsule (23), and the capsule (23) may include a discoloration-inducing substance. The capsule (23) may be applied in the same or similar manner as described above with respect to FIG. 3. The discoloration-inducing substance may be stored in a liquid state inside the film of the capsule (23). The film of the capsule (23) may be ruptured by external pressure to release the discoloration-inducing substance contained inside the film to the outside of the capsule (23). The discoloration-inducing substance released from the capsule (23) may be absorbed by the filter material of the filter rod (22). The discoloration-inducing substance absorbed by the filter material may react with the filter material or a substance such as nicotine adsorbed on the filter material to induce discoloration of the filter material.

[0181] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section of an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment.

[0182] Referring to FIG. 5, an aerosol generating article (2) according to one embodiment may include an aerosol generating rod, a filter rod (22), and a shear plug (25). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to this embodiment that the components included in the aerosol generating article (2) are not limited to those shown in FIG. 5, and some of the components may be omitted or new components may be added. Descriptions that overlap with FIG. 3 will be omitted in the following drawings.

[0183] According to one embodiment, the filter rod (22) may include a recess (2221). The recess (2221) may include a hollow that is recessed from upstream to downstream. The hollow of the recess (2221) may extend along the direction from upstream to downstream but may not extend to the downstream end of the filter rod (22). For example, the recess (2221) may be formed in the second segment (222) of the filter rod (22). The recess (2221) may form a hollow that is recessed from upstream to downstream of the second segment (222). Referring to FIG. 5, an embodiment in which one recess (2221) is provided is shown, but is not limited thereto, and the filter rod (22) may include a plurality of recesses (2221).

[0184] Since no filter material is placed in the hollow of the recess (2221), the resistance to airflow can be reduced compared to the part where the filter material is placed. Accordingly, the flow of aerosol passing through the aerosol generating article (2) can be concentrated in the hollow of the recess (2221). As the flow of aerosol is concentrated in the hollow of the recess (2221), a relatively large amount of aerosol can pass through the area located on the longitudinal extension of the hollow of the recess (2221) in the downstream end of the filter rod (22). Therefore, the discoloration area (D) where discoloration occurs in the downstream end of the filter rod (22) can be concentrated in the area located on the longitudinal extension of the hollow of the recess (2221). Accordingly, the user can easily distinguish the aerosol generating article (2) that has been used.

[0185] According to one embodiment, the hollow of the recess (2221) may have a diameter that decreases as it extends downstream. If the hollow of the recess (2221) has a diameter that decreases as it extends downstream, the concentration of aerosols passing through the recess (2221) can be further improved, and at the same time, the suction resistance of the filter rod (22) can be prevented from increasing excessively.

[0186] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken with respect to the AA' cross-sectional line of FIG. 4, showing an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment and an aerosol generating article inserted therein.

[0187] Referring to FIG. 6, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may include a cartridge (19) and an airflow passage. Since at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) may be identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) described above, a redundant description is omitted.

[0188] FIG. 6 illustrates the direction of movement of external air and the direction of movement of aerosol in an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment. An air inlet (19H) may be formed in the upper part of the aerosol generating device (1) (e.g., a part facing the +z direction). External air introduced through the air inlet (19H) may flow into the interior of the cartridge (19) via the space between the storage part (C0) of the cartridge (19) and the housing (10).

[0189] The liquid composition stored in the storage portion (C0) of the cartridge (19) can be transferred to the cartridge heater (CH). The cartridge heater (CH) can be positioned along a direction (e.g., x-axis direction) that crosses the direction in which the housing (10) extends (e.g., z-axis direction). The cartridge heater (CH) can heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol.

[0190] The aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (CH) can move to the lower part (e.g., the part facing the -z direction) of the insertion space (19A) of the cartridge (19). The aerosol that has moved to the lower part of the insertion space (19A) can enter the upstream end (e.g., the shear plug (25)) of the aerosol generating article (2), pass through the aerosol generating article (2), and be discharged at the downstream end (e.g., the second segment (222)) of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0191] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a blocking member (19B) that blocks at least a portion of an aerosol travel path (e.g., an airflow channel) that is generated in a cartridge (19) and travels toward an aerosol generating article (2). For example, the blocking member (19B) may be placed in an insertion space (19A) of the cartridge (19). The blocking member (19B) may be placed in the lower part of the insertion space (19A) (e.g., a portion facing the -z direction) to block the aerosol from entering a portion of the upstream end of the aerosol generating article (2) while blocking the aerosol from entering the remaining portion.

[0192] For example, the blocking member (19B) may have a plate shape with a hole formed therein. The hole may have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the aerosol generating article (2). The ratio of the diameter of the hole to the diameter of the aerosol generating article (2) may be approximately 1:1.2 to approximately 1:3, but is not limited thereto. The movement of aerosol through the remaining parts excluding the hole of the blocking member (19B) may be blocked, and aerosol may only move through the hole of the blocking member (19B). For example, the hole of the blocking member (19B) may be located at the center of the downstream end of the insertion space (19A). Accordingly, aerosol may be introduced into the part of the upstream end of the aerosol generating article (2) (e.g., shear plug (25)) corresponding to the hole of the blocking member (19B), but may not be introduced into the remaining part. Accordingly, the discolored area (D) may be formed in one area of ​​the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article (2) where the aerosol is introduced, and may not be formed in the remaining area of ​​the upstream end where the introduction of the aerosol is blocked. Therefore, the user can more easily check whether the aerosol-generating article (2) has changed color and can distinguish the aerosol-generating article (2) that has been used.

[0193] Referring to FIG. 6, the blocking member (19B) is shown having a plate shape with a hole formed therein, but the shape of the blocking member (19B) is not limited thereto. As another example, the blocking member (19B) may have a pin or rod shape with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the aerosol generating article (2). The blocking member (19B) may be positioned at the downstream end of the insertion space (19A) to extend along the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (19A).

[0194] Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not exclusive or distinct 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.

[0195] 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 in cases where it is described that combination is impossible.

[0196] 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. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device, The above aerosol generating article includes an aerosol generating rod and a filter rod, and The above aerosol generating device comprises a cartridge comprising a liquid composition including an aerosol generating substance and a discoloration-inducing substance, and a cartridge heater that generates an aerosol by heating the liquid composition. An aerosol generation system in which an aerosol generated in the above cartridge passes through the above aerosol generating article, and the filter rod changes color as the aerosol passes through.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned discoloration-inducing substance is an aerosol generating system having a structure in which one or more functional groups selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl groups, ether groups, ketone groups, and aldehyde groups are bonded to a benzene ring or a heterocycle.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned discoloration-inducing substance is an aerosol generating system having a structure in which one or more functional groups selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl groups, ether groups, ketone groups, and aldehyde groups are bonded to two or more carbon atoms constituting a benzene ring or a heteroring.

4. In Paragraph 2 or 3, An aerosol generating system in which the above heterocycle is a five-membered ring or a six-membered ring containing at least one oxygen atom.

5. In Paragraph 1, An aerosol generating system having a weight ratio of the aerosol generating material and the weight of the discoloration-inducing material of 9:1 to 7:

3.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above aerosol generating rod contains nicotine, and The above nicotine is an aerosol generating system having a pH of 7.0 to 11.

0.

7. In Paragraph 1, An aerosol generation system in which nicotine transferred from the aerosol generation rod is adsorbed onto the filter rod.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above aerosol generating rod further includes a shear plug disposed upstream of the above aerosol generating rod, and An aerosol generation system in which nicotine transferred from the aerosol generation rod is adsorbed to the shear plug above.

9. In Paragraph 1, The filter load above includes at least one capsule, and The above capsule is an aerosol generating system comprising the above-mentioned discoloration-inducing substance.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above filter rod is an aerosol generating system comprising a recess containing a hollow that is recessed from upstream toward downstream.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above-mentioned hollow is an aerosol generating system having a diameter that decreases as it goes downstream.

12. In Paragraph 1, The aerosol generating device comprises an aerosol generating system including a blocking member that blocks at least a portion of the path of an aerosol generated in the cartridge and moving toward the aerosol generating article.

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