CN117396096A

CN117396096A - Aerosol generating device

Info

Publication number: CN117396096A
Application number: CN202280038556.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 权宁范; 林宪一; 金东星; 金龙焕; 张锡水
Original assignee: KT&G Corp
Current assignee: KT&G Corp
Priority date: 2021-11-11
Filing date: 2022-11-09
Publication date: 2024-01-12

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment comprises: a first sensor configured to measure a temperature of a heating member for heating an aerosol-generating substance; a second sensor configured to detect a characteristic of the aerosol-generating substance; a switching module connected to the first sensor and the second sensor, and connected to a common sensor signal line connected to the heating member; and a controller configured to control the switching module and to receive the first sensor output signal from the first sensor or the second sensor output signal from the second sensor.

Description

Aerosol generating device

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device.

Background

In recent years, there has been an increasing need for alternative methods of overcoming the disadvantages of existing cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing need for systems that generate aerosols by heating cigarettes or aerosol-generating substances using aerosol-generating devices, rather than by burning cigarettes.

It is necessary to cause the aerosol-generating device to set a target temperature for heating the aerosol-generating article and confirm whether the heating temperature reaches the target temperature. To this end, the aerosol-generating device comprises a temperature sensor or thermocouple that measures the temperature of a heater or heating element that heats the aerosol-generating article.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

Recent aerosol-generating devices have been equipped with various sensors to precisely control the heating temperature and improve user convenience. However, since many sensors are provided, there are the following problems: many physical sense lines must be arranged and designed.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an aerosol-generating device that can reduce manufacturing complexity and material costs by: the corresponding sensing operation is performed by various sensors by means of existing sensing lines for temperature sensing.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an aerosol-generating device capable of operating a heating member through a separate temperature profile in the case of an overly wet cigarette by sharing a thermocouple wire for controlling the temperature of the heating member with a capacitive sensor for identifying an overly wet cigarette.

The technical problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described problems, and the problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the present specification and drawings.

Solution to the problem

An aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment comprises: a first sensor configured to measure a temperature of a heating member for heating an aerosol-generating substance; a second sensor configured to detect a characteristic of the aerosol-generating substance; a switching module connected to the first sensor and the second sensor, and connected to a common sensor signal line connected to the heating member; and a controller configured to: the switching module is controlled and either a first sensor output signal from the first sensor or a second sensor output signal from the second sensor is received.

Advantageous effects of the invention

Aerosol-generating devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may reduce manufacturing complexity and material costs by: the corresponding sensing operation is performed by various sensors by means of existing temperature sensing lines for temperature sensing.

The aerosol-generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may operate the heating member through a separate temperature profile by sharing a thermocouple wire for controlling the temperature of the heating member with a capacitive sensor for identifying the excessively wet cigarette in the case of the excessively wet cigarette, and thus, the aerosol-generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may provide the user with an optimal amount of atomization and smoking sensation according to characteristics of the cigarette.

However, the effects of the embodiments are not limited to the above-described effects, and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong from the present specification and drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 to 3 are diagrams showing examples in which cigarettes are inserted into an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 4 and 5 are illustrations showing examples of cigarettes according to embodiments.

Fig. 6 is a schematic block diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the controller and the base shown in fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a detailed schematic view of an aerosol-generating device according to another embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a heating controller and the controller shown in fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to another embodiment.

Detailed Description

As terms used in describing various embodiments, general terms that are currently widely used are selected in consideration of functions of structural elements in various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, the meaning of these terms may vary depending on the intent, judicial cases, the advent of new technology, and the like. In addition, in some cases, terms that are not commonly used may be selected. In this case, the meaning of the term will be described in detail at the corresponding part in the description of the present disclosure. Thus, terms used in various embodiments of the present disclosure should be defined based on meanings of the terms and descriptions provided herein.

Furthermore, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the term "comprising" and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" will be understood to mean inclusion of the stated element but not the exclusion of any other element. In addition, the terms "-member", "-member" and "module" described in the application document refer to a unit for processing at least one function and operation, and may be implemented by hardware components or software components, and combinations thereof.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown so that those having ordinary skill in the art may readily implement the present disclosure. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 to 3 are illustrations showing examples in which cigarettes are inserted into an aerosol-generating device.

Referring to fig. 1, the aerosol-generating device 1 may comprise a battery 11, a controller 12 and a heater 13. Referring to fig. 2 and 3, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further comprise a vaporiser 14. Furthermore, the cigarette 2 may be inserted into the interior space of the aerosol-generating device 1.

Fig. 1 to 3 show components of an aerosol-generating device 1 relating to the present embodiment. Accordingly, one of ordinary skill in the art relating to the present embodiment will appreciate that other general-purpose components may be included in the aerosol-generating device 1 in addition to those illustrated in fig. 1-3.

In addition, fig. 2 and 3 show that the aerosol-generating device 1 comprises a heater 13. However, the heater 13 may be omitted as needed.

Fig. 1 shows: the battery 11, the controller 12 and the heater 13 are arranged in series. In addition, fig. 2 shows: the battery 11, the controller 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13 are arranged in series. In addition, fig. 3 shows: the vaporizer 14 and the heater 13 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol-generating device 1 is not limited to the structure shown in fig. 1 to 3. In other words, the battery 11, the controller 12, the heater 13 and the vaporiser 14 may be arranged in different ways depending on the design of the aerosol-generating device 1.

When the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1, the aerosol-generating device 1 may operate the heater 13 and/or the vaporizer 104 to generate an aerosol from the cigarette 2 and/or the vaporizer 14. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and/or the vaporiser 14 is delivered to the user by passing through the cigarette 2.

The aerosol-generating device 1 may heat the heater 13, if necessary, even when the cigarette 2 is not inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1.

The battery 11 may supply electrical power for the operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the battery 11 may supply electric power to heat the heater 13 or the carburetor 14, and may supply electric power for operation by the controller 12. In addition, the battery 11 may supply electric power for operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, and the like mounted in the aerosol-generating device 1.

The controller 12 may control the operation of the aerosol-generating device as a whole. In detail, the controller 12 may control not only the operation of the battery 11, the heater 13 and the vaporizer 14, but also the operation of other components included in the aerosol-generating device 1. In addition, the controller 12 may check the status of each of the components of the aerosol-generating device 1 to determine if the aerosol-generating device 1 is operational.

The controller 12 may include at least one processor. A processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or as a combination of a general purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program capable of being executed in the microprocessor. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a processor may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

The heater 13 may be heated by electric power supplied from the battery 11. For example, the heater 13 may be located outside the cigarette when the cigarette is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1. Thus, the heated heater 13 may increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating substance in the cigarette.

The heater 13 may comprise a resistive heater. For example, the heater 13 may include conductive traces, and the heater 13 may be heated when current flows through the conductive traces. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example, and may include all heaters that can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol-generating device 1, or may be set to a temperature desired by the user.

As another example, the heater 13 may include an induction heater. In detail, the heater 13 may include a conductive coil for heating the cigarette in an induction heating method, and the cigarette may include a base that can be heated by the induction heater.

For example, the heater 13 may include a tube-type heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element, and the heater 13 may heat the inner or outer side of the cigarette 2 according to the shape of the heating element.

In addition, the aerosol-generating device 1 may comprise a plurality of heaters 13. Here, the plurality of heaters 13 may be inserted into the cigarette 2, or may be disposed outside the cigarette 2. In addition, some of the plurality of heaters 13 may be inserted into the cigarette 2, and other of the plurality of heaters 13 may be disposed outside of the cigarette 2. Further, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shape shown in fig. 1 to 3, and may include various shapes.

The vaporizer 14 may generate an aerosol by heating the liquid composition, and the generated aerosol may be delivered to a user through the cigarette 2. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporiser 14 may be moved along the airflow path of the aerosol-generating device 1, and the airflow path may be configured such that the aerosol generated by the vaporiser 14 is delivered to the user through the cigarette.

For example, vaporizer 14 may include a liquid storage portion, a liquid delivery element, and a heating element, but is not limited thereto. For example, the liquid reservoir, the liquid delivery element and the heating element may be comprised in the aerosol-generating device 1 as separate modules.

The liquid storage unit may store the liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid comprising tobacco-containing materials having volatile tobacco flavor components, or may be a liquid comprising non-tobacco materials. The liquid storage portion may be formed to be detachable from the carburetor 14, or the liquid storage portion may be integrally formed with the carburetor 14.

For example, the liquid composition may include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, flavors, fragrances, or vitamin mixtures. The flavoring may include menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit-flavored ingredients, but is not limited thereto. The flavoring agent may include ingredients capable of providing a variety of flavors or fragrances to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin a, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the liquid composition may include aerosol-forming materials such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

The liquid delivery element may deliver the liquid composition of the liquid reservoir to the heating element. For example, the liquid transport element may be a core such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition transported by the liquid transporting element. For example, the heating element may be a metal heating wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited thereto. Further, the heating element may comprise a conductive wire, such as a nichrome wire, and the heating element may be positioned to wrap around the liquid delivery element. The heating element may be heated by the current supply means and may transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. Thus, an aerosol can be generated.

For example, the vaporizer 14 may be referred to as a cartomizer (cartomizer) or an atomizer (atomizer), but is not limited thereto.

The aerosol-generating device 1 may comprise general components in addition to the battery 11, the controller 12, the heater 13 and the vaporiser 14. For example, the aerosol-generating device 1 may comprise a display capable of outputting visual information and/or a motor for outputting tactile information. Furthermore, the aerosol-generating device 1 may comprise at least one sensor (puff detection sensor, temperature detection sensor, cigarette insertion detection sensor, etc.). In addition, the aerosol-generating device 1 may be formed in a structure in which external air may be introduced or internal air may be discharged even when the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1.

Although not shown in fig. 1 to 3, the aerosol-generating device 1 and the further carrier may together form a system. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol-generating device 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 may be heated when the carrier and the aerosol-generating device 1 are coupled to each other.

The cigarette 2 may resemble a typical burning cigarette. For example, the cigarette 2 may be divided into a first portion comprising aerosol-generating substance and a second portion comprising a filter, etc. Alternatively, the second portion of the cigarette 2 may also include an aerosol-generating substance. For example, an aerosol-generating substance made in the form of particles or capsules may be inserted in the second portion.

The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1 and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1, or a part of the second part and the entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1. The user may draw the aerosol while maintaining the second portion with the user's mouth. In this case, the aerosol is generated by passing outside air through the first portion, and the generated aerosol passes through the second portion and is delivered into the mouth of the user.

For example, the external air may flow to at least one air channel formed in the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the opening and closing of the air channel and/or the size of the air channel formed in the aerosol-generating device 1 may be adjusted by the user. Thus, the amount and quality of smoking can be adjusted by the user. As another example, outside air may flow into cigarette 2 through at least one aperture formed in the surface of cigarette 2.

Hereinafter, an example of the cigarette 2 will be described with reference to fig. 4 and 5.

Fig. 4 and 5 show examples of cigarettes.

Referring to fig. 4, cigarette 2 may include a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first portion described above with reference to fig. 1 to 3 may comprise a tobacco rod 21 and the second portion may comprise a filter rod 22.

Fig. 4 shows that the filter rod 22 comprises a single segment. However, the filter rod 22 is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22 may include a plurality of segments. For example, filter rod 22 may include: a first section configured to cool the aerosol; and a second section configured to filter specific components contained in the aerosol. In addition, filter rod 22 may also include at least one segment configured to perform other functions, as desired.

The diameter of the cigarette 2 may be in the range of about 5mm to about 9mm, and the length of the cigarette 2 may be about 48mm. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 may be about 12mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 10mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 14mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 12mm. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The cigarettes 2 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 24. The package 24 may have at least one hole through which external air may be introduced or internal air may be discharged. For example, cigarettes 2 may be packaged by one package 24. As another example, cigarettes 2 may be double wrapped by at least two wrappers 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped by a first wrapper 241 and the filter rod 22 may be wrapped by second wrappers 242, 243 and 244. In addition, the entire cigarette 2 may be packaged by a single package 245. When the filter rod 22 includes a plurality of segments, each segment may be packaged by each of the second packages 242, 243, and 244.

The first and second packages 241 and 242 may each comprise conventional filter wrapper. For example, the first and second packages 241 and 242 may include porous or non-porous wrappers, respectively. Further, the first and second packages 241 and 242 may include paper and/or aluminum laminate packaging materials having oil resistance, respectively.

The third wrapping 243 may comprise a hard wrapping paper. For example, the third package 243 may have a basis weight of about 88g/m ² To about 96g/m ² In the range of (3), or, the basis weight of the third package 243 may be in the range of about 90g/m ² To about 94g/m ² Within a range of (2). Further, the thickness of the third package 243 may be in the range of about 120um to about 130um, for example, the thickness of the third package 243 may be 125um.

The fourth package 244 may include an oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth package 244 may be at about 88g/m ² To about 96g/m ² In the range of (2), or, the basis weight of the fourth package 244 may be in the range of about 90g/m ² To about 94g/m ² Within a range of (2). Further, the thickness of the fourth package 244 may be in the range of about 120um to about 130um, for example, the thickness of the fourth package 244 may be 125um.

The fifth package 245 may include a sterile paper (MFW). Here, the aseptic paper (MFW) refers to one of such papers: the paper is specially prepared such that the tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. of the paper are further improved as compared to plain paper. For example, the fifth package 245 may have a basis weight of about 57g/m ² To about 63g/m ² For example, the fifth package 245 may have a basis weight of 60g/m ² . Further, the thickness of the fifth package 245 may be in the range of about 64um to about 70um, for example, the thickness of the fifth package 245 may be 67um.

A specific material may be added to the interior of the fifth package 245. Here, examples of the specific material may include silicon, but are not limited thereto. For example, silicon has characteristics such as heat resistance, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, or electrical insulation, which are small in change with temperature. However, even if the specific material is not silicon, any material having the above-described characteristics may be applied to the fifth package 245 (or coated on the fifth package 245) without limitation.

The fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the cigarettes 2 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 13, there is a possibility that the cigarette 2 is burned. Specifically, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any one of the materials included in the tobacco rod 21, the cigarette 2 may burn. Even in this case, since the fifth wrapper 245 includes a non-combustible material, the burning phenomenon of the cigarettes 2 can be prevented.

Further, the fifth package 245 can prevent the holder 1 from being contaminated by substances generated in the cigarettes 2. By the user's suction, liquid substances may be generated in the cigarette 2. For example, when the aerosol generated in the cigarette 2 is cooled by the outside air, a liquid substance (e.g., moisture or the like) may be generated. When the fifth wrapper 245 wraps the cigarettes 2, liquid substances generated in the cigarettes 2 can be prevented from leaking out of the cigarettes 2.

The tobacco rod 21 comprises an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance 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. In addition, the tobacco rod 210 may include other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and/or organic acids. In addition, the tobacco rod 210 may include a flavored liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, injected into the tobacco rod 210.

The tobacco rod 21 may be formed in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be formed into a sheet (sheet) or a bundle (strand). Further, the tobacco rod 21 may be formed as cut tobacco formed of minute pieces cut from tobacco pieces. Further, the tobacco rod 21 may be surrounded by a heat conducting material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil, such as aluminum foil. For example, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may uniformly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, and thus, the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod 21 may be increased, and the mouthfeel of the tobacco may be improved. In addition, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may serve as a base for heating by an induction heater. Here, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 may include an additional base in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21.

The filter rod 22 may comprise a cellulose acetate filter. The shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a cylindrical rod or a tube rod having a hollow portion inside. In addition, the filter rod 22 may comprise a concave rod. When the filter rod 22 includes a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may have a different shape.

The first section of the filter rod 22 may include a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first section may comprise a tubular structure having a hollow portion therein. When the heater 13 is inserted by the first stage, the internal material of the tobacco rod 21 can be prevented from being pushed rearward, and the cooling effect of the aerosol can be generated. The diameter of the hollow included in the first section may be a suitable diameter in the range of about 2mm to about 4.5mm, but is not limited thereto.

The length of the first segment may be a suitable length in the range of about 4mm to about 30mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the first section may be 10mm, but is not limited thereto.

The hardness of the first stage can be adjusted by adjusting the plasticizer content at the time of manufacturing the first stage. Further, the first segment may be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a membrane or tube comprising the same material or a different material within the first segment (e.g. in the hollow).

The second section of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated when the heater 13 heats the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to a proper temperature.

The length or diameter of the second segment may be determined differently depending on the shape of the cigarette 2. For example, the length of the second segment may be suitably determined to be in the range of about 7mm to about 20 mm. For example, the length of the second section may be about 14mm, but is not limited thereto.

The second segment may be manufactured by braiding the polymer fibers. In this case, the fragrant liquid may be applied to the fibers made of the polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be manufactured by braiding together fibers to which the scented liquid is applied and fibers made of a polymer. Alternatively, the second section may be formed from a curled polymeric sheet.

For example, the polymer may comprise a material selected from at least one of: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose Acetate (CA) and aluminum foil.

Since the second section is formed of woven polymer fibers or crimped polymer sheets, the second section may include a single passageway or multiple passageways extending in the longitudinal direction of the second section. Herein, a passageway refers to a passage through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

For example, the second segment formed from the curled polymeric sheet may be formed from a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, e.g., the second segment formed from the curled polymeric sheet may be formed from a material having a thickness between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. Further, the total surface area of the second section may be between about 300mm ² /mm and about 1000mm ² Between/mm. Furthermore, the aerosol-cooling element may be formed from a material having a thickness of between about 10mm ² From/mg to about 100mm ² A specific surface area between/mg.

The second segment may comprise threads (threads) containing volatile fragrance components. Here, the volatile perfume ingredient may be menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the wire may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

The third section of the filter rod 22 may include a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be suitably determined to be in the range of about 4mm to about 20 mm. For example, the length of the third section may be about 12mm, but is not limited thereto.

The third segment may be manufactured such that the scent is generated by spraying a scent liquid over the third segment during the manufacturing of the third segment. Alternatively, individual fibers with applied fragrance liquid may be inserted into the third section. The aerosol generated by the tobacco rod 21 is cooled as it passes through the second section of the filter rod 22 and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user through the third section. Thus, when the scent element is added to the third section, an effect of enhancing the durability of the scent delivered to the user may be produced.

The filter rod 22 may furthermore comprise at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may generate a fragrance or an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a configuration in which a liquid containing a fragrance material is enclosed with a film. For example, the capsule 23 may be in the shape of a sphere or a cylinder, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to fig. 5, cigarette 2 may also include a front end filter 33, which is a front end plug. The front filter 33 may be located on the side of the tobacco rod 21, i.e. the side facing the filter rod 22. The front filter 33 may prevent the tobacco rod 31 from falling out during smoking and the liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco rod 21 into the aerosol-generating device 1 (fig. 1-3).

The filter rod 32 may include a first section 321 and a second section 322. Here, the first section 321 may correspond to the first section of the filter rod 22 in fig. 4, and the second section 322 may correspond to the third section of the filter rod 22 in fig. 4.

The overall length and diameter of the cigarette 3 may correspond to the overall length and diameter of the cigarette 2 of fig. 4. For example, the length of front filter 33 may be about 7mm, the length of tobacco rod 31 may be about 15mm, the length of first section 321 may be about 12mm, and the length of first section 322 may be about 14mm, although the embodiment is not limited thereto.

The cigarettes 3 may be packaged by at least one package 35. The package 35 may have at least one hole through which external air may be introduced or internal air may be discharged. For example, front end filter 33 may be packaged by a first package 351, filter rod 31 may be packaged by a second package 352, first segment 321 may be packaged by a third package 353, and second segment 322 may be packaged by a fourth package 354. In addition, the entire portion of the cigarettes 3 may be wrapped by the fifth wrapper 355.

Further, the fifth package 355 may have at least one through hole 36. For example, the through hole 36 may be formed at a portion of the fifth wrapper 355 surrounding the tobacco rod 31. The through-hole 36 may perform a function of transferring heat generated by the heater 31 shown in fig. 2 and 3 to the inside of the tobacco rod 31.

Further, second section 322 may include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may perform a function of generating a scent or perform other functions of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a configuration in which a liquid containing a flavoring material is enclosed with a film. For example, the capsule 34 may be spherical or cylindrical in shape, but is not limited thereto.

The first wrapper 351 may comprise a conventional filter wrapper to which a metal foil, such as aluminium foil, is coupled. For example, the total thickness of the first package 351 may be in the range of about 45um to about 55um, e.g., the total thickness of the first package 351 may be 50.3um. Further, the thickness of the metal foil of the first package 351 may be in the range of about 6um to about 7um, for example, the thickness of the metal foil of the first package 351 may be 6.3um. Further, the basis weight of the first package 351 may be about 50g/m ² To about 55g/m ² For example, the basis weight of the first package 351 may be 53g/m ² 。

The second package 352 and the third package 353 may each comprise a conventional filter wrapper. For example, the second package 352 and the third package 353 may include porous or non-porous wrappers, respectively.

For example, the porosity of the second package 352 may be 35,000CU, but is not limited thereto. Further, the thickness of the second package 352 may be in the range of about 70um to about 80um, for example, the thickness of the second package 352 may be 78um. Further, the basis weight of the second package 352 may be about 20g/m ² To about 25g/m ² For example, the basis weight of the second package 352 may be 23.5g/m ² 。

For example, the porosity of the third package 353 may be 24,000CU, but is not limited thereto. Further, the thickness of the third package 353 may be in the range of about 60um to about 70um, for example, the thickness of the third package 353 may be 68um. In addition, the third package 353 may have a basis weight of about 20g/m ² To about 25g/m ² For example, the third package 353 may have a basis weight of 21g/m ² 。

The fourth package 354 may comprise PLA laminate paper. Herein, PLA laminated paper refers to a three-ply paper including a paper ply, a PLA layer, and a paper ply. For example, the thickness of the fourth package 354 may be in the range of about 100um to about 120um, e.g., the thickness of the fourth package 354 may be 110um. Further, the basis weight of the fourth package 354 may be about 80g/m ² To about 100g/m ² For example, the basis weight of the fourth package 354 may be 88g/m ² 。

The fifth package 355 may include a sterile paper (MFW). Here, the aseptic paper (MFW) refers to one of such papers: the paper is specially prepared such that the tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. of the paper are further improved as compared to plain paper. For example, fifth package 355 may have a basis weight of about 57g/m ² To about 63g/m ² For example, fifth package 355 may have a basis weight of 60g/m ² . Further, the thickness of the fifth package 355 may be in the range of about 64um to about 70um, for example, the thickness of the fifth package 355 may be 67um.

A specific material may be added to the interior of fifth package 355. Here, examples of the specific material may include silicon, but are not limited thereto. For example, silicon has characteristics such as heat resistance, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, or electrical insulation, which are small in change with temperature. However, even if the specific material is not silicon, any material having the above-described characteristics may be applied to the fifth package 355 (or coated on the fifth package 355) without limitation.

Shear (shear) plug 33 may comprise cellulose acetate. For example, the front end filter 33 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., glyceryl triacetate) to cellulose acetate tow. The filaments comprising the cellulose acetate tow may have a denier of Shan Dan (mono denier) of between about 1.0 and about 10.0, or alternatively, the filaments comprising the cellulose acetate tow may have a denier of between about 4.0 and about 6.0. More specifically, the filament of the front end filter 33 may have a single denier of 5.0. Further, the cross section of the wire constituting the front filter 33 may have a Y shape. The total denier (total denier) of the front end filter 33 may be between about 20,000 and about 30,000, preferably the total denier of the front end filter 33 may be between about 25,000 and about 30,000. For example, the total denier of the front end filter 33 may be 28,000.

Further, the front-end filter 33 may include at least one passage, as required, and the cross section of the passage may have various shapes.

The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to fig. 4. Accordingly, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted hereinafter.

The first section 321 may comprise cellulose acetate. For example, the first section may comprise a tubular structure having a hollow portion therein. The first section 321 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., glyceryl triacetate) to the cellulose acetate tow. For example, the Shan Dan denier and the total denier of the first section 321 may be the same as the Shan Dan denier and the total denier of the front end filter 33.

Second section 322 may include cellulose acetate. The filaments comprising second section 322 may have a single denier in the range of about 1.0 to about 10.0, or alternatively, the filaments comprising second section 322 may have a single denier in the range of about 8.0 to about 10.0. For example, the filaments of second segment 322 may have a single denier of 9.0. Further, the cross-section of the filaments of second section 322 may have a Y-shape. The total denier of second segment 322 may be between about 20,000 and about 30,000, for example, the total denier of second segment 322 may be 25,000.

Fig. 6 is a schematic view of an aerosol-generating device 100 according to an embodiment, and fig. 7 is a schematic view showing the connection between the controller and the base shown in fig. 6. The aerosol-generating device 100 according to the embodiment may generate an aerosol by heating the cigarettes 2 housed in the aerosol-generating device 100 using an induction heating method. For example, the aerosol-generating device 100 may generate the variable magnetic field by supplying power to the induction coil 131. In this case, at least a portion of the cigarette 2 may be heated by the heating member 130 heated by the variable magnetic field, and aerosol may be generated when the cigarette 2 is heated. Here, although the aerosol-generating device 100 is described as an aerosol-generating device using an induction heating method, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the embodiments are equally applicable to aerosol-generating devices using a resistive heater method.

Referring to fig. 6 and 7, the aerosol-generating device 100 comprises: a heating member 130, the heating member 130 being for heating the cigarettes 2 inserted in the heating member 130; and a coil 131 for inducing a variable magnetic field in the heating member 130 to heat a location corresponding to the aerosol-generating article of the cigarette 2.

In an embodiment, the heating member 130 may be a susceptor. Hereinafter, the heating element 130 and the base will be used interchangeably. That is, hereinafter, the heating member 130 may be referred to as a base, and the base may be referred to as a heating member. The base 130 may surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the cigarette 2 housed in the aerosol-generating device 100. For example, the base 130 may surround at least a portion of the portion comprising the aerosol-generating substance and the portion comprising the tobacco substance.

In an embodiment, the induction coil 131 may be disposed to surround an outer circumferential surface of the base 130, and the induction coil 131 may generate a variable magnetic field in response to power supplied from a battery. In an embodiment, an Alternating Current (AC) value and a frequency value that can heat the susceptor 130 may be preset in the induction coil 131. For example, in the induction coil 131, the alternating current value may be set in a range of about 120mA to 140mA, and the frequency value may be set in a range of about 130KHz to 150 KHz. However, the alternating current value and the frequency value of the induction coil 131 are not limited thereto, and may be variously changed according to the material, thickness, or shape of the base 130.

A sensing wire 600 or a lead wire for measuring temperature is connected to both outer sides of the base 130. The controller 610 applies a sensor control signal, such as a voltage signal or a current signal, through the sensing line 600, and the controller 610 reads a sensor output signal, such as a resistance value or a capacitance value, measured by the base 130.

In an embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 100 comprises: a first sensor for measuring a temperature of the heating member 130, the heating member 130 heating the aerosol-generating substance; and a second sensor for detecting a characteristic of the aerosol-generating substance. The first sensor may be a contact temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple, a Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD), a thermistor, or a temperature marker (label). The second sensor may be a capacitive sensor that detects characteristics of the cigarette 2 housed in the base 130. The second sensor may detect whether the cigarette 2 accommodated in the base 130 is an excessively wet cigarette. In addition, the second sensor may detect whether cigarette 2 is received or inserted into base 130. The first sensor and the second sensor are described below with reference to fig. 8.

In an embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 100 comprises a switching module 613 connected to the first sensor 611 and the second sensor 612 and to a common sensor signal line 600 connected to the heating member 130. The controller 610 may switch the switching module to perform a temperature measurement by a first sensor or to detect a characteristic of the aerosol-generating article (e.g., cigarette 2) by a second sensor. That is, the first sensor 611 and the second sensor 612 perform respective sensing operations (e.g., temperature measurement and characteristic detection) based on information about the heating element 130 collected through the common sensor signal line 600 connected to the heating element 130.

Furthermore, in an embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 100 may further comprise a third sensor for detecting whether the cigarette 2 is inserted into the base 130. Here, the third sensor may be an inductance sensor, and the coil 131 shown in fig. 6 may be used as the third sensor. Further, when the second sensor is a capacitive sensor, the second sensor may perform a function of detecting whether the cigarette 2 is inserted into the base 130.

The controller 610 may output the second sensor control signal to the second sensor by switching the switching module in response to the third sensor output signal from the third sensor. In an embodiment, when a cigarette is inserted into the base 130, sensor power consumption may be reduced by driving a second sensor for detecting characteristics of the cigarette.

Referring to fig. 8, the aerosol-generating device includes a controller 610, a first sensor 611, a second sensor 612, a switching module 613, and a base 130.

The controller 610, the first sensor 611, the second sensor 612, and the switching module 613 may be disposed on a main Printed Circuit Board (PCB). Alternatively, the controller 610, the first sensor 611, and the second sensor 612 may be disposed on the main PCB, and the switching module 613 may be separated from the main PCB. The first sensor 611 and the second sensor 612 may be controlled by one sensor controller, or the first sensor 611 and the second sensor 612 may be controlled by respective sensor controllers of the first sensor and the second sensor. In an embodiment, the first sensor 611 and the second sensor 612 may be included in the controller 610 or a Micro Controller Unit (MCU) as functional modules.

The switching module 613 is connected to the first sensor 611 and the second sensor 612. In addition, the switching module 613 is also connected to a common sensor signal line connected to the base 130. The switching module 613 may be a Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) switch. The switching module 613 may connect the first sensor 611 to the base 130 or the second sensor 612 to the base 130 according to a switching signal of the controller 610.

The controller 610 may switch the switching module 613 and output a second sensor control signal, such as a voltage signal or a current signal, to the second sensor 612 to detect a characteristic of the aerosol-generating substance contained in the cigarette contained in the base 130. In this case, the first sensor 611 and the base 130 are not physically connected to each other. In embodiments where the second sensor 612 is a capacitive sensor, an electric field may be formed between the base 130 and the inserted cigarette according to a voltage signal or a current signal applied to the outside of the base 130, and an increase in humidity or a change in capacitance may be detected when an excessively wet cigarette is inserted. Here, the excessively wet state (i.e., excessively wet state) may refer to a state in which the cigarette 2 contains about 15wt% or more of moisture relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating substance of the cigarette 2. Thus, when the detected capacitance value is greater than the reference capacitance value corresponding to 15wt%, it can be determined that cigarette 2 is an excessively wet cigarette. However, the amount of moisture used for determining the state of the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a general state or an excessively wet state) is not limited thereto, and various changes may be made according to the design of the manufacturer.

When the cigarette 2 accommodated in the base 130 is not an excessively wet cigarette, the controller 610 controls the cigarette 2 to be heated according to the first heating profile. On the other hand, when the cigarette 2 accommodated in the base 130 is an excessively wet cigarette, the controller 610 controls the cigarette 2 to be heated according to a second heating profile different from the first heating profile. For example, the second heating profile may have a longer preheat time than the preheat time of the first heating profile.

After detecting the characteristic of the aerosol-generating substance by the second sensor 612, the controller 610 may switch the switching module 613, output a first sensor control signal to the first sensor 611, and measure the temperature of the base 130. In this case, the second sensor 612 and the base 130 are not physically connected to each other. In an embodiment in which the first sensor 611 is a thermocouple, current flows through wires connected to both sides of the base 130, and a temperature change may be sensed through a resistance change.

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a heating controller 620 and the controller 610 shown in fig. 8.

Referring to fig. 8 and 9, the controller 610 includes a temperature determiner 614, an insertion determiner 615, and an over-humidity determiner 616. In addition, the controller 610 may also control the heating controller 620, and the heating controller 620 may supply AC power to the coil 131 shown in fig. 6.

The temperature determiner 614 determines the temperature of the susceptor 130 based on the first sensor output signal output from the first sensor 611.

The insertion determiner 615 determines whether the cigarette 2 is accommodated in the base 130 based on a sensor output signal from the second sensor 612 or a separate third sensor (e.g., the coil 131 or the inductance sensor shown in fig. 6).

The over-humidity determiner 616 determines whether the aerosol-generating article housed in the base 130 is in an over-wet state or whether the aerosol-generating substance in the aerosol-generating article (e.g., cigarette 2) housed in the base 130 is in an over-wet state based on the second sensor output signal from the second sensor 612.

In an embodiment, when the insertion determiner 615 determines that the cigarette 2 has been inserted, the controller 610 switches the switching module 613 and outputs a second sensor control signal to the second sensor 612. The excessive humidity determiner 616 determines whether or not the cigarette 2 accommodated in the base 130 is in an excessively humid state, based on the second sensor output signal output from the second sensor 612.

The controller 610 loads the first heating profile or the second heating profile stored in a memory (not shown) according to the determination result of the over-humidity determiner 616. The controller 610 outputs a heating control signal according to the first heating profile or the second heating Qu Xianxiang, and the heating controller 620 supplies AC power corresponding to the heating control signal to the coil 131.

In an embodiment, the controller 610 switches the switching module 613 after the determination of the excessive humidity determiner 616 is completed, and outputs a first sensor control signal to the first sensor 611. The temperature determiner 614 receives the first sensor output signal from the first sensor 611 and determines the temperature of the susceptor 130 that is currently being heated.

When it is desired to maintain the temperature of the susceptor 130 or readjust the temperature of the susceptor 130 according to the temperature determined by the temperature determiner 614, the controller 610 may control the susceptor 130 to follow the target temperature on the heating curve through Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) control.

Fig. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device 1000 according to another embodiment.

Referring to fig. 10, the aerosol-generating device 1000 may include a controller 1010, a sensing unit 1020, an output unit 1030, a battery 1040, a heater 1050, a user input unit 1060, a memory 1070, and a communication unit 1080. However, the internal structure of the aerosol-generating device 1000 is not limited to that shown in fig. 6. That is, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that depending on the design of the aerosol-generating device 1000, some of the components shown in fig. 6 may be omitted or new components may be added.

The sensing unit 1020 may sense a state of the aerosol-generating device 1000 or a state around the aerosol-generating device 1000 and transmit the sensed information to the controller 1010. Based on the sensed information, the controller 1010 may control the aerosol-generating device 1000 to perform various functions, such as controlling operation of the heater 1050, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol-generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, displaying a notification, etc.

The sensing unit 1020 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 1022, an insertion detection sensor 1024, and a suction sensor 1026, but is not limited thereto.

The temperature sensor 1022 may sense the temperature at which the heater 1050 (or aerosol-generating substance) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 1000 may comprise a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 1050, or the heater 1050 may be used as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, a temperature sensor 1022 may also be disposed around the battery 1040 to monitor the temperature of the battery 1040. In an embodiment, temperature sensor 1022 may measure the temperature of heater 1050 before it is heated.

In an embodiment, the temperature sensor 1022 may be a first sensor, and may be a thermocouple using the following means: the resistance change is measured by a wire connected to the outside of the base 130.

The insertion detection sensor 1024 may sense insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 1024 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and the insertion detection sensor 1024 may sense a signal change according to insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article. In an embodiment, the insertion detection sensor 1024 may be a second sensor that is a capacitive sensor or a third sensor that is an inductive sensor. Further, the second sensor may determine a physical characteristic of the cigarette accommodated in the base 130, i.e., an over-wet state. In an embodiment, the first sensor and the second sensor may share a physical sensing line (e.g., a shared sensor signal line 600) connected to both sides of the base 130.

Suction sensor 1026 may sense the user's suction based on various physical changes in the airflow channel or airflow pathway. For example, the puff sensor 1026 may sense a user's puff based on any of temperature changes, flow changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

In addition to including the above-described temperature sensor 1022, insertion detection sensor 1024, and suction sensor 1026, the sensing unit 1020 may further include at least one of a temperature/humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a position sensor (e.g., a Global Positioning System (GPS)), a proximity sensor, and a red, green, and blue (RGB) sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the function of each of the sensors can be intuitively inferred from the names of the sensors by those of ordinary skill in the art, a detailed description of these sensors may be omitted.

The output unit 1030 may output information about the state of the aerosol-generating device 1000 and provide the information to a user. The output unit 1030 may include at least one of a display unit 1032, a haptic unit 1034, and a sound output unit 1036, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 1032 and the touch panel are layered to form a touch screen, the display unit 1032 may also function as an input device in addition to functioning as an output device.

The display unit 1032 may visually provide information to the user about the aerosol-generating device 1000. For example, the information about the aerosol-generating device 1000 may refer to various information such as a charge/discharge state of the battery 1040 of the aerosol-generating device 1000, a warm-up state of the heater 1050, an insertion/removal state of the aerosol-generating article, or a state in which the use of the aerosol-generating device 1000 is restricted (e.g., an abnormal object is sensed), and the display unit 1032 may output the information to the outside. The display unit 1032 may be, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel, an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display panel, or the like. Further, the display unit 1032 may be in the form of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) device.

The haptic unit 1034 may provide information about the aerosol-generating device 1000 to a user in a haptic manner by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus. For example, haptic unit 1034 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electro-stimulation device.

The sound output unit 1036 may audibly provide information to the user regarding the aerosol-generating device 1000. For example, the sound output unit 1036 may convert an electric signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

The battery 1040 may supply electrical power for operation of the aerosol-generating device 1000. The battery 1040 may supply power so that the heater 1050 may be heated. Further, the battery 1040 may supply power required for operation of other components in the aerosol-generating device 1000 (e.g., the sensing unit 1020, the output unit 1030, the user input unit 1060, the memory 1070, and the communication unit 1080). The battery 1040 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 1040 may be a lithium polymer (lipy) battery, but is not limited thereto.

The heater 1050 may receive power from the battery 1040 to heat the aerosol-generating substance. Although not shown in fig. 10, the aerosol-generating device 1000 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a Direct Current (DC)/DC converter) that converts power of the battery 1040 and supplies the converted power to the heater 1050. Further, when the aerosol-generating device 1000 generates an aerosol in an induction heating method, the aerosol-generating device 1000 may further comprise a DC/AC converter converting DC power of the battery 1040 into AC power.

The controller 1010, the sensing unit 1020, the output unit 1030, the user input unit 1060, the memory 1070, and the communication unit 1080 may each receive power from the battery 1040 to perform functions. Although not shown in fig. 10, the aerosol-generating device 1000 may further include a power conversion circuit that converts power of the battery 1040 to supply power to the respective components, such as a Low Dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit.

In one embodiment, heater 1050 may be formed from any suitable resistive material. For example, suitable resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, and the like. In addition, the heater 1050 may be implemented by a metal wire, a metal plate on which conductive traces are arranged, a ceramic heating element, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

In another embodiment, the heater 1050 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 1050 may include a base that heats the aerosol-generating substance by generating heat by means of a magnetic field applied by a coil.

In an embodiment, the heater 1050 may include a plurality of heaters. For example, heater 1050 may include a first heater for heating cigarettes and a second heater for heating a liquid composition.

The user input unit 1060 may receive information input from a user or may output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 1060 may include a keypad, a dome switch, a touch pad (e.g., a contact capacitive method, a piezoresistive film method, an infrared sensing method, a surface ultrasonic conduction method, an integral tension measuring method, a piezoelectric effect method, etc.), a scroll wheel switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, although not shown in fig. 10, the aerosol-generating device 1000 may further include a connection interface, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, and the aerosol-generating device 1000 may be connected to other external devices through the connection interface, such as a USB interface, to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 1040.

The memory 1070 is a hardware component that stores various types of data processed by the aerosol-generating device 1000, and may store data processed by the controller 1010 and data to be processed. The memory 1070 may include at least one type of storage medium of a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro memory, a card type memory (e.g., a Secure Digital (SD) or extreme digital (XD) memory, etc.), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), a Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 1070 may store the operating time of the aerosol-generating device 1000, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, data regarding the user's smoking pattern, etc. In an embodiment, memory 1070 may store a plurality of temperature profiles.

The communication unit 1080 may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit 1080 may include a short-range wireless communication unit 1082 and a wireless communication unit 1084.

The short-range wireless communication unit 1082 may include, but is not limited to, a bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a Wireless LAN (WLAN) (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared data protocol (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication unit, an Ultra Wideband (UWB) communication unit, an ant+ communication unit, and the like.

The wireless communication unit 1084 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN)) communication unit, and the like. The wireless communication unit 1084 may also identify and authenticate the aerosol-generating device 1000 within the communication network by using subscription user information, such as an international mobile subscription user identifier (IMSI).

The controller 1010 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 1000. In an embodiment, the controller 1010 may include at least one processor. A processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a processor may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

The controller 1010 may control the temperature of the heater 1050 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 1040 to the heater 1050. For example, the controller 1010 may control the supply of electric power by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 1040 and the heater 1050. In another example, the direct heating circuit may also control the supply of power to the heater 1050 according to a control command of the controller 1010.

When the aerosol-generating device 1000 begins to operate, the controller 1010 controls the supply of power to the heater 1050 according to a predetermined temperature profile or a predetermined warm-up profile.

In an embodiment, the controller 1010 may control the supply of power to the heater 1050 by a PID control method. That is, the controller 1010 may control the supply of electric power to the heater 1050 by a PID control method so that the heater 1050 has a temperature corresponding to a set temperature profile. For example, the controller 1010 may supply electric power by adjusting the parameter Kp for proportional control, the parameter Ki for integral control, and the parameter Kd for differential control, or by adjusting at least one of these parameters, so that the temperature of the heater 1050 reaches the target temperature within a time corresponding to the temperature rise period according to the temperature profile.

The controller 1010 may analyze the result sensed by the sensing unit 1020 and control a subsequent process to be performed. For example, the controller 1010 may control power supplied to the heater 1050 based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 1020 to start or end the operation of the heater 1050. As another example, the controller 1010 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 1050 and the time of power supply based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 1020 such that the heater 1050 may be heated to a certain temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

The controller 1010 may control the output unit 1030 based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 1020. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 1026 reaches a preset number, the controller 1010 may inform the user that the aerosol-generating device 1000 is about to terminate through at least one of the display unit 1032, the haptic unit 1034, and the sound output unit 1036.

In an embodiment, the controller 1010 may control the power supply time and/or the power supply amount of the heater 1050 according to the state of the aerosol-generating article sensed by the sensing unit 1020. For example, when the aerosol-generating article 15 is in an excessively wet state, the controller 1010 may control the power supply time for the induction coil such that the warm-up time is increased compared to a case where the aerosol-generating article 15 is in a general state.

One embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a computer-readable recording medium including instructions executable by a computer, such as program modules, being able to be executed by the computer. Computer readable recording media can be any available media that can be accessed by the computer and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, and removable and non-removable media. Further, the computer-readable recording medium may include both a computer storage medium and a communication medium. Computer storage media includes all of the volatile, nonvolatile, removable, and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically embodies computer readable instructions, data structures, other data in a modulated data signal such as a program module or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media.

The above description of the embodiments is merely an example, and it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and equivalents of the above embodiments may be made. The scope of the disclosure should, therefore, be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the scope described in the claims will be construed as being included in the protection scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device comprising:

a first sensor configured to measure a temperature of a heating member for heating an aerosol-generating substance;

a second sensor configured to detect a characteristic of the aerosol-generating substance;

a switching module connected to the first sensor and the second sensor, and to a common sensor signal line connected to the heating member; and

a controller configured to: the switching module is controlled and either a first sensor output signal from the first sensor or a second sensor output signal from the second sensor is received.

2. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heating member comprises a base configured to heat the aerosol-generating substance in response to a variable magnetic field induced by a coil.

3. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the common sensor signal line is connected to the exterior of the base.

4. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first sensor comprises a thermocouple.

5. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the second sensor comprises a capacitive sensor.

6. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the second sensor is further configured to: a detection is made as to whether a cigarette comprising the aerosol-generating substance is inserted into the heating member.

7. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the switching module comprises a Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) switch.

8. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a third sensor configured to: a detection is made as to whether a cigarette comprising the aerosol-generating substance is inserted into the heating member,

wherein the third sensor comprises an inductive sensor.

9. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 8, wherein the inductive sensor comprises a coil configured to induce a variable magnetic field in the heating member.

10. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 8, wherein the controller is further configured to: switching the switching module to cause the controller to connect to the second sensor in response to a third sensor output signal from the third sensor; and outputting a second sensor control signal to the second sensor.

11. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: switching the switching module so that the controller is connected to the second sensor; outputting a second sensor control signal to the second sensor; and determining whether a cigarette including the aerosol-generating substance is an excessively moist cigarette based on a second sensor output signal from the second sensor.

12. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 11, wherein the controller is further configured to: after determining whether the cigarette is too wet, switching the switching module such that the controller is connected to the first sensor; and outputting a first sensor control signal to the first sensor.

13. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 11, wherein the controller is further configured to: when the cigarette is not an overly wet cigarette, the temperature of the heating member is controlled according to a first heating profile.

14. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 11, wherein the controller is further configured to: when the cigarette is an excessively wet cigarette, the temperature of the heating member is controlled according to a second heating profile different from the first heating profile.

15. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are controlled by one sensor controller.