CN117597044A

CN117597044A - Aerosol generating device and method of operating the same

Info

Publication number: CN117597044A
Application number: CN202380012710.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 金龙焕; 权宁范; 金东星; 林宪一
Original assignee: KT&G Corp
Current assignee: KT&G Corp
Priority date: 2022-06-16
Filing date: 2023-06-16
Publication date: 2024-02-23

Abstract

The aerosol-generating device comprises: a housing including a receiving channel into which a cigarette is inserted; a cover coupled to the housing; a heater for heating the cigarettes; a humidity sensor disposed on an upper surface of the cover; and a controller configured to determine the humidity of the cigarette by comparing the amount of moisture detected by the humidity sensor with a preset threshold.

Description

Aerosol generating device and method of operating the same

Technical Field

One or more embodiments relate to an aerosol-generating device and a method of operation for the aerosol-generating device. In particular, one or more embodiments relate to an aerosol-generating device capable of providing an operating mode corresponding to the humidity of a cigarette detected by a humidity sensor and a method of operation for the aerosol-generating device.

Background

Recently, there has been an increase in demand for smoking methods that replace conventional cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing need for a method of generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating substance in a cigarette, rather than by burning the cigarette. Accordingly, studies on a heating type cigarette or a heating type aerosol-generating device have been actively conducted.

At the same temperature, the specific heat of moisture is greater than air and the heat capacity is also greater than air. Thus, when a user inhales an aerosol having a higher moisture content, it may feel much more heat than air at the same temperature.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

The present disclosure provides an aerosol-generating device capable of distinguishing between a normal cigarette and an over-wet cigarette, and a method of operating the aerosol-generating device.

The present disclosure provides an aerosol-generating device having an operation mode corresponding to each of a normal cigarette and an over-wet cigarette, and a method of operating the aerosol-generating device.

The technical problems of the present disclosure are not limited to the above description, and other technical problems not described herein may be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments of the present disclosure relate from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

Solution to the technical problem

According to one or more embodiments, an aerosol-generating device comprises: a housing including a receiving channel into which a cigarette is inserted; a cover coupled to the housing; a heater for heating the cigarettes; a humidity sensor disposed on an upper surface of the cover; and a controller configured to determine the humidity of the cigarette by comparing the amount of moisture detected by the humidity sensor with a preset threshold.

According to one or more embodiments, a method of operating an aerosol-generating device comprises: the method includes heating a cigarette by a heater, determining a humidity of the cigarette by comparing an amount of moisture detected by a humidity sensor with a preset threshold, and driving the heater according to a temperature profile corresponding to the determined humidity of the cigarette. The aerosol-generating device comprises: a housing including a receiving channel into which a cigarette is inserted; and an outer hole coupled to the case, and overlapping the receiving passage in a thickness direction, and the humidity sensor is disposed on an upper surface of the cover.

The beneficial effects of the invention are that

According to the aerosol-generating device and the method of operating the same, it is possible to distinguish between a normal cigarette and an excessively moist cigarette by using a humidity sensor.

According to the aerosol-generating device and the method of operating the same, it is possible to provide operation modes corresponding to a normal cigarette and an excessively moist cigarette, respectively.

The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the above-described effects, and effects that are not described may be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the present specification and drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 to 3 are illustrations showing examples of inserting cigarettes into an aerosol-generating device.

Fig. 4 and 5 show examples of cigarettes.

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

Fig. 7A is a perspective view of the exterior of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 7B is a perspective view showing an operation state in which some components of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of fig. 7A are separated.

Fig. 8A and 8B are top views of the covers of fig. 7A and 7B, respectively.

Fig. 9A is a cross-sectional view of a capacitive humidity sensor.

Fig. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the resistive humidity sensor.

Fig. 9C is a cross-sectional view of the optical humidity sensor.

Fig. 10 is a graph for explaining a temperature profile.

Fig. 11 is a flow chart of a method of operation of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.

Detailed Description

With respect to terms in the various embodiments, general terms currently in wide use are selected in consideration of the functions of structural elements in the 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 certain instances, the applicant may choose terms arbitrarily in a particular instance. In this case, the meaning of the terms will be described in detail at corresponding portions 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.

In addition, 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.

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are shown so that those having ordinary skill in the art may readily implement the 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, one or more embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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 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 illustrate components of an aerosol-generating device 1 according to the present embodiment. Accordingly, one of ordinary skill in the art relating to this 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 illustrate that the aerosol-generating device 1 comprises a heater 13. However, the heater 13 may be omitted as needed.

Fig. 1 illustrates that the battery 11, the controller 12 and the heater 13 are arranged in series. In addition, fig. 2 illustrates that the battery 11, the controller 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13 are arranged in series. Fig. 3 illustrates that 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 illustrated 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 14 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.

If necessary, the aerosol-generating device 1 may heat the heater 13 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 power to heat the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14, and may supply 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 generally control the operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. 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 component of the aerosol-generating device 1 to determine whether 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 executable 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 raise 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 the heater 13 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 by 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 may heat the inside or outside 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, a plurality of heaters 13 may be inserted into the cigarette 2, or may be arranged 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 130 may be disposed outside of the cigarette 2. Further, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shape illustrated 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 conveyed 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 transfer element and the heating element may be included 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 separable from the carburetor 14, or 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 flavor 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 transfer 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 transferred by the liquid transfer element. For example, the heating element may be a metal heating wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, or the like, but is not limited thereto. Further, the heating element may comprise a conductive filament, such as a nickel-chromium wire, and the heating element may be positioned to wrap around the liquid transport element. The heating element may be heated by the current supply device 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 exhausted even when the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1.

Although not illustrated 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 conventional 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 may be inserted in the second portion, which is made in the form of particles or capsules.

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 into at least one air channel formed in the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the opening and closing of the air channels and/or the size of the air channels 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 illustrate examples of cigarettes.

Referring to fig. 4, cigarette 2 may include a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. Fig. 4 illustrates 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 comprise a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a section configured to cool the aerosol and a section configured to filter specific components included in the aerosol. Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may also include at least one section configured to perform other functions, if 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 section of the filter rod 22 may be about 10mm, the length of the second section of the filter rod 22 may be about 14mm, and the length of the third section of the filter rod 22 may be about 12mm. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Cigarettes 2 may be wrapped using 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 wrapped by one wrapper 24. As another example, cigarettes 2 may be double wrapped by two or more wrappers 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped by the first wrapper 241 and the filter rod 22 may be wrapped by the wrappers 242, 243. Furthermore, the entire cigarette 2 may be packaged by a single package 245. When the filter rod 22 includes multiple segments, each segment may be packaged by a separate package 242, 243, 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 Within a range of (A), in particularGround at 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 120 μm to about 70 μm, particularly 125 μm.

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 Within a range of, in particular, about 90g/m ² To about 94g/m ² Within a range of (2). Further, the thickness of the fifth package 244 may be in the range of about 120 μm to about 130 μm, particularly 125 μm.

The fifth package 245 may include a sterilization paper (MFW). Here, MFW refers to a specially prepared paper having further improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. 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 Within the range of, in particular, 60g/m ² . Further, the thickness of the fifth package 245 may be in the range of about 64 μm to about 70 μm, particularly 67 μm.

The fifth package 245 may be internally added with a specific material. 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 with little change in temperature. However, even if the specific material is not silicon, any material having the above-described characteristics may be applied to (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, the cigarette 2 may burn. Specifically, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any of the materials included in the tobacco rod 21, the cigarette 2 may burn. Since the fifth package 245 includes a non-combustible material, the occurrence of a burning phenomenon of the cigarettes 2 can be prevented even in this case.

In addition, the fifth package 245 may prevent the aerosol-generating device 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, liquid substances (e.g., moisture, etc.) may be generated. When the fifth wrapper 245 wraps the cigarettes 2, liquid substances generated in the cigarettes 2 can be prevented from oozing out of the cigarettes 2.

The tobacco rod 21 may include 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 21 may include other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and/or organic acids. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may include a flavored liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, injected into the tobacco rod 21.

The tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured in various forms. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be formed as a sheet or a wire. 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 may increase the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod and may improve the taste of tobacco. Further, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may function as a base that is heated by the induction heater. Here, although not illustrated 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 comprise a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod having a hollow interior. 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 therein. When the heater 13 is inserted by the first section, the inner material of the tobacco rod 21 can be prevented from being pushed backward, thereby generating a cooling effect of the aerosol. 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 section may be a suitable length in the range of about 4mm to about 30mm, but is not limited thereto. In particular, the length of the first section may be 10mm, but is not limited thereto.

In the production of the first section, the hardness of the first section can be adjusted by adjusting the content of plasticizer. Furthermore, in the manufacture of the first section, a structure such as a membrane or a tube comprising the same material or different materials may be inserted inside the first section (e.g. in the hollow).

As the heater 13 heats the tobacco rod 21, the second section of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated. In this way, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to a suitable temperature.

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

The second section may be manufactured by braiding polymer fibres. In this case, the fragrant liquid may be applied to the fibers made of the polymer. Alternatively, the second section may be made 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 the group consisting 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 its longitudinal direction. Herein, a passageway refers to a passage through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

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

The second section may comprise a wire containing a volatile fragrance ingredient. 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 the second segment with 1.5mg or more of menthol.

The third section of the filter rod 22 may include a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third section may suitably be identified as being 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.

In the process of manufacturing the third section, the third section may be manufactured such that the scent is generated by spraying a scent liquid on the third section. Alternatively, individual fibers to which the scented liquid is applied 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 fragrance element is added to the third section, an effect of enhancing the durability of the fragrance 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, the cigarette 3 may further include a front end plug 33. The front end plug 33 may be located on the side of the tobacco rod 31, i.e. on the side opposite to the filter rod 32. The front end plug 33 may prevent the tobacco rod 31 from separating towards the outside and may prevent liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco rod 31 into the aerosol-generating device (1 in fig. 1-3) during smoking.

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 diameter and overall length of the cigarette 3 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the cigarette 2 in fig. 4. For example, the length of the front end plug 33 may be about 7mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 may be about 15mm, the length of the first section 321 may be about 12mm, and the length of the second section 322 may be about 14mm, but 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, the front end plug 33 may be packaged by a first package 351, and the tobacco rod 31 may be packaged by a second package 352, and the first section 321 may be packaged by a third package 353, and the second section 322 may be packaged by a fourth package 354. In addition, the entire cigarette 3 may be packaged by the fifth package 355.

Further, the fifth package 355 may have at least one aperture 36. For example, the holes 36 may be formed in a region surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but are not limited thereto. The holes 36 may be used to transfer heat formed by the heater 13 shown in fig. 2 and 3 to the interior of the tobacco rod 31.

Further, the second section 322 may include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may generate a flavor or 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 45 μm to about 55 μm, particularly 50.3 μm. Further, the thickness of the metal foil of the first package 351 May be in the range of about 6 μm to about 7 μm, particularly 6.3 μm. Further, the basis weight of the first package 351 may be about 50g/m ² To about 55g/m ² Within the range of (3) g/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 70 μm to about 80 μm, particularly 78 μm. Further, the basis weight of the second package 352 may be about 20g/m ² To about 25g/m ² Within the range of (3), in particular 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 60 μm to about 70 μm, particularly 68 μm. In addition, the third package 353 may have a basis weight of about 20g/m ² To about 25g/m ² Within the range of, in particular, 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. The thickness of the fourth package 354 may be in the range of about 100 μm to about 120 μm, specifically 110 μm. Further, the basis weight of the fourth package 354 may be about 80g/m ² To about 100g/m ² Within a range of in particular 88g/m ² 。

The fifth package 355 may include MFW. Here, MFW refers to a specially prepared paper having further improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. 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 Within the range of, in particular, 60g/m ² . Further, the thickness of the fifth package 355 may be in the range of about 64 μm to about 70 μm, particularly 67 μm.

The fifth package 355 may have a specific material added inside. 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 with little change in temperature. However, even if the specific material is not silicon, any material having the above-described characteristics may be applied to (or coated on) the fifth package 355 without limitation.

The front end plug 33 may comprise cellulose acetate. For example, the front end filter 33 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (such as triacetin) to the cellulose acetate tow. Shan Dan (denier) of the filaments comprising the cellulose acetate tow may be between about 1.0 and about 10.0, particularly between about 4.0 and about 6.0. More specifically, shan Dan of the filaments of the front end filter 33 may be 5.0. Further, the cross section of the filaments constituting the front filter 33 may have a Y shape. The total denier of the front filter 33 may be between about 20,000 and about 30,000, specifically between about 25,000 and about 30,000. More particularly, the total denier of the front filter 33 may be 28,000.

Further, if necessary, the front-end filter 33 may include at least one passage, 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 therein. The first section 321 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to the cellulose acetate tow. For example, the single denier and the total denier of the first section 321 may be the same as the single denier and the total denier of the front filter 33.

The second section 322 may include cellulose acetate. The filaments Shan Dan comprising the second section 322 can range from about 1.0 to about 10.0, specifically from about 8.0 to about 10.0. More particularly, shan Dan of the filaments of the second section 322 can be 9.0. Furthermore, the cross-section of the filaments of the second section 322 may have a Y-shape. The total denier of second section 322 may be between about 20,000 to about 30,000, specifically 25,000.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device 600 according to another embodiment.

The aerosol-generating device 600 may comprise a controller 610, a sensing unit 620, an output unit 630, a battery 640, a heater 650, a user input unit 660, a memory 670, and a communication unit 680. However, the internal structure of the aerosol-generating device 600 is not limited to the structure illustrated in fig. 6. That is, depending on the design of the aerosol-generating device 600, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that some of the components shown in fig. 6 may be omitted or new components may be added.

The sensing unit 620 may sense a state of the aerosol-generating device 600 and a state around the aerosol-generating device 600 and transmit the sensed information to the controller 610. Based on the sensed information, the controller 610 may control the aerosol-generating device 600 to perform various functions, such as controlling operation of the heater 650, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol-generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, displaying a notification, etc.

The sensing unit 620 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 622, an insertion detection sensor 624, a suction sensor 626, and a humidity sensor 628, but is not limited thereto.

The temperature sensor 622 may sense the temperature to which the heater 650 (or aerosol-generating substance) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 600 may comprise a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 650, or the heater 650 may be used as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, a temperature sensor 622 may also be disposed around the battery 640 to monitor the temperature of the battery 640.

The insertion detection sensor 624 may sense insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 624 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 may sense signal changes according to insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article.

Suction sensor 626 may sense suction of a user based on the airflow channel or various physical changes in the airflow channel. For example, aspiration sensor 626 may sense aspiration of a user based on any one of temperature changes, flow changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

The humidity sensor 628 may detect the amount of moisture included in the cigarette (2 in fig. 2). Over-wet cigarettes may evaporate a significant amount of water when heated, as compared to ordinary cigarettes. Therefore, condensation may occur in the vicinity of the portion where the excessively wet cigarette is located. According to an embodiment, the humidity sensor 628 may be arranged at a location in the aerosol-generating device 600 where condensation is highly likely to occur. For example, the humidity sensor 628 may be disposed near an outer hole (1002 p in fig. 7A) overlapping in the thickness direction with the accommodation channel (1004 h in fig. 7A) of the aerosol-generating device 600, or in a door (1003 in fig. 7A). The humidity sensor 628 may detect the amount of moisture on the door. For example, the humidity sensor 628 may be any one of a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, and an optical sensor. However, this is merely an example, and the humidity sensor 628 is not limited thereto.

The sensing unit 620 may include at least one of a temperature/humidity sensor, an air 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, blue (RGB) sensor (illuminance sensor), in addition to the above-described temperature sensor 622, insertion detection sensor 624, and suction sensor 626. Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred from the names of the sensors by those of ordinary skill in the art, detailed descriptions of the sensors may be omitted.

The output unit 630 may output information about the state of the aerosol-generating device 600 and provide the information to a user. The output unit 630 may include at least one of a display unit 632, a haptic unit 634, and a sound output unit 636, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 632 and the touch panel form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 632 may also function as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display unit 632 may visually provide information to the user about the aerosol-generating device 600. For example, the information about the aerosol-generating device 600 may refer to various information such as a charge/discharge state of the battery 640 of the aerosol-generating device 600, a warm-up state of the heater 650, an insertion/removal state of the aerosol-generating article, or a state in which the use of the aerosol-generating device 600 is restricted (e.g., an abnormal object is sensed), etc., and the display unit 632 may output the information to the outside. The display unit 632 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display panel, or the like. Further, the display unit 632 may be in the form of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) light emitting device.

The haptic unit 634 may provide information about the aerosol-generating device 600 to a user in a haptic manner by converting an electrical signal into mechanical or electrical stimulation. For example, the haptic unit 634 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electro-stimulation device.

The sound output unit 636 may audibly provide information about the aerosol-generating device 600 to a user. For example, the sound output unit 636 may convert an electric signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

The battery 640 may supply power for operating the aerosol-generating device 600. The battery 640 may supply power so that the heater 650 may be heated. Further, the battery 640 may supply power required for operating other components in the aerosol-generating device 600 (e.g., the sensing unit 620, the output unit 630, the user input unit 660, the memory 670, and the communication unit 680). The battery 640 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 640 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

The heater 650 may receive power from the battery 640 to heat the aerosol-generating substance. Although not illustrated in fig. 6, the aerosol-generating device 600 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a Direct Current (DC)/DC converter) that converts power of the battery 640 and supplies the converted power to the heater 650. In addition, when the aerosol-generating device 600 generates an aerosol in an induction heating method, the aerosol-generating device 600 may further comprise a DC/Alternating Current (AC) converter that converts DC power of the battery 640 into AC power.

The controller 610, the sensing unit 620, the output unit 630, the user input unit 660, the memory 670, and the communication unit 680 may each receive power from the battery 640 to perform functions. Although not illustrated in fig. 6, the aerosol-generating device 600 may further include a power conversion circuit that converts power of the battery 640 to supply power to the respective components, such as a Low Dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit.

In an embodiment, the heater 650 may be formed of 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, nickel chromium, and the like. Further, the heater 650 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 650 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 650 may include a base that heats the aerosol-generating substance by generating heat from a magnetic field applied by a coil.

In an embodiment, the heater 650 may include a plurality of heaters. For example, the heater 650 may include a first heater for heating cigarettes and a second heater for heating the liquid composition.

The user input unit 660 may receive information input from a user or may output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 660 may include a keyboard, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact capacitive method, pressure resistive film method, infrared sensing method, surface ultrasonic conduction method, integral tension measuring method, piezoelectric effect method, etc.), a scroll wheel switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. Further, although not illustrated in fig. 6, the aerosol-generating device 600 may further include a connection interface, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, and the aerosol-generating device 600 may be connected with other external devices through the connection interface, such as a USB interface, to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 640.

The memory 670 is a hardware component for storing various types of data (e.g., temperature profiles) processed in the aerosol-generating device 600, and may store data processed by the controller 610 and data to be processed. The memory 670 may include at least one storage medium of a flash memory type memory, a hard disk type memory, 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, or an optical disk. The memory 670 may store operating time, maximum number of puffs, current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, data regarding a user's smoking pattern, etc. of the aerosol-generating device 600.

The communication unit 680 may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic apparatus. For example, the communication unit 680 may include a short-range wireless communication unit 682 and a wireless communication unit 684.

The short-range wireless communication unit 682 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+ communication unit, and the like.

The wireless communication unit 684 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 684 may also identify and authenticate the aerosol-generating device 600 within the communication network by using subscription user information, such as an international mobile subscription user identifier (IMSI).

The controller 610 may control the conventional operation of the aerosol-generating device 600. In an embodiment, the controller 610 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 610 may control the temperature of the heater 650 by controlling the power supply of the battery 640 to the heater 650. For example, the controller 610 may control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 640 and the heater 650. In another example, the direct heating circuit may also control the power supply of the heater 650 according to a control command of the controller 610.

The controller 610 may analyze the result sensed by the sensing unit 620 and control a subsequent process to be performed. For example, the controller 610 may control the power supplied to the heater 650 based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 620 to start or end the operation of the heater 650. As another example, the controller 610 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 650 and the time of power supply based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 620 so that the heater 650 may be heated to a certain temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

The controller 610 may control the output unit 630 according to the result sensed by the sensing unit 620. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 626 reaches a preset number, the controller 610 may inform the user that the aerosol-generating device 600 is about to end through at least one of the display unit 632, the haptic unit 634, and the sound output unit 636.

The controller 610 may determine the humidity state of the cigarette by using the humidity sensor 628. The controller 610 may operate the heater 650 using a temperature profile corresponding to the determined humidity state of the cigarette. Hereinafter, a detailed method of determining the humidity state of the cigarette by using the humidity sensor 628 will be described in detail with reference to fig. 7A to 10.

Fig. 7A is a perspective view of the exterior of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment; fig. 7B is a perspective view showing an operation state in which some components of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of fig. 7A are separated.

Referring to fig. 7A, an aerosol-generating device 1000 may include a housing 1100 and a cover 1002. Since the cover 1002 is coupled to an end portion of the housing 1100, the housing 1100 and the cover 1002 form the exterior of the aerosol-generating device 1000.

The housing 1100 may form part of the exterior of the aerosol-generating device 1000 and house various components therein to protect the components.

The cover 1002 and the housing 1100 may include a plastic material that is not easily heat-transferred or a metal material coated with a heat shielding material, respectively. The cover 1002 and the case 1100 may be manufactured according to, for example, an injection molding method, a three-dimensional (3D) printing method, or a method of assembling small parts manufactured according to an injection molding method.

A maintaining device (not shown) for maintaining a coupled state of the cover 1002 and the housing 1100 may be installed between the cover 1002 and the housing 1100. For example, the retaining means may comprise a protrusion and a groove. Since the protrusion maintains the coupling with the groove, the coupling of the cover 1002 with the case 1100 may be maintained, and the following structure may be used: in this structure, when the protrusion is moved by the user pressing the operation button, the protrusion is separated from the groove.

In addition, the maintenance device may include, for example, a magnet and a metallic material attached to the magnet. When the maintaining means includes a magnet, the magnet may be mounted on any one of the case 1100 and the cover 1002, and a metal material attached to the magnet may be mounted on the other one of the case 1100 and the cover 1002. Alternatively, magnets may be mounted on both the housing 1100 and the cover 1002.

On the upper surface of the cover 1002 attached to the housing 1100, an outer hole 1002p for inserting the cigarette 2000 therein may be formed. Further, in the upper surface of the cover 1002, a guide rail 1003r is formed adjacent to the outer hole 1002p. A door 1003 that can slide along the upper surface of the cover 1002 can be mounted in the guide 1003r. The door 1003 can slide in a straight line along the guide 1003r.

The door 1003 moves along the guide 1003r in the direction shown by the arrow of fig. 7A such that the outer hole 1002p and the insertion hole 1004p are exposed to the outside, wherein the outer hole 1002p allows the cigarette 2000 to pass through the cover 1002, and the insertion hole 1004p allows the cigarette 2000 to be inserted into the housing 1100. The outer hole 1002p of the cover 1002 may expose the insertion hole 1004p in the accommodation channel 1004h in which the cigarette 2000 is accommodated to the outside.

When the outer hole 1002p is exposed to the outside through the door 1003, the user may insert the end 2000b of the cigarette 2000 into the outer hole 1002p and the insertion hole 1004p and mount the cigarette 2000 into the receiving channel 1004h formed inside the cover 1002.

The guide rail 1003r has a concave groove, but one or more embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the guide rail 1003r may have a convex shape and extend not in a straight line but in a curve.

A button 1009 is mounted on the housing 1100. When the button 1009 is controlled, the operation of the aerosol-generating device 1000 may be controlled.

When the cover 1002 is coupled to the case 1100, an external air inflow gap 1002g is formed in a portion of the cover 1002 coupled to the case 1100, wherein air may flow into the cover 1002 through the external air inflow gap 1002 g.

Referring to fig. 7B, when a cigarette 2000 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1000, a user may hold the cigarette 2000 in the mouth to inhale an aerosol.

The housing 1100 may include an upper housing 1100a into which the cigarettes 2000 are inserted and heated, and a lower housing 1100b that supports and protects the various components in the housing 1100. Hereinafter, the case 1100 refers to both the upper case 1100a and the lower case 1100 b.

A cover 1002 may be coupled to the housing 1100 to cover the cigarette support 4 coupled with the housing 1100. Further, the cover 1002 may be separated from the case 1100 as needed.

Fig. 8A and 8B are top views of the covers of fig. 7A and 7B, respectively.

Referring to fig. 7A, 8A, and 8B, humidity sensors HS1 and HS2 may detect the amount of moisture included in cigarette 2000. Humidity sensors HS1 and HS2 may measure the amount of moisture based on moisture (WT in fig. 9A) that condenses on the upper surface of cover 1002 when cigarette 2000 is heated.

When the cigarette 2000 contains moisture, the moisture may evaporate when the cigarette 2000 is heated, and may condense on the upper surface of the cover 1002. When the moisture content of the cigarette 2000 is high, the amount of moisture evaporated from the cigarette 2000 is more than that evaporated from a dry ordinary cigarette, and thus, the condensation phenomenon on the upper surface of the cover 1002 may be more serious. That is, the amount of moisture that condenses on the upper surface of cover 1002 may be proportional to the amount of moisture in cigarette 2000.

According to an embodiment, the humidity sensors HS1 and HS2 may be arranged at a position in the aerosol-generating device 1000 where condensation is very likely to occur.

For example, as shown in fig. 8A, the cover 1002 may include an outer hole 1002p overlapping the accommodation channel 1004h in the thickness direction. Humidity sensor HS1 may be arranged along the outline of outer aperture 1002p. In this case, the outline of the outer hole 1002p has a circular shape, and the humidity sensor HS1 may have a ring shape.

The outline shape of the outer hole 1002p is merely an example, and is not limited thereto. For example, the outline shape of the outer hole 1002p may be any one of an ellipse, a triangle, a rectangle, and a polygon.

The shape and arrangement of the humidity sensor HS1 are merely examples, and are not limited thereto. For example, the shape of the humidity sensor HS1 may be an ellipse, triangle, rectangle, polygon, or the like having a chamber at the center thereof to correspond to the outline shape of the outer hole 1002p. Further, the humidity sensor HS1 may be disposed on at least a portion of the upper surface of the cover 1002. That is, the humidity sensor HS1 may be disposed on the entire upper surface of the cover 1002, or may be disposed arbitrarily on an upper portion of the cover 1002.

As another example, as shown in fig. 8B, the cover 1002 may include a door 1003 that is capable of sliding along an upper surface of the cover 1002. The humidity sensor HS2 may be disposed on an upper surface of the door 1003. In this case, the upper surface of the door 1003 may have a circular shape, and the humidity sensor HS2 may be formed on the entire upper surface of the door 1003.

However, the shape of the upper surface of the door 1003 is merely an example, and is not limited thereto. For example, the shape of the upper surface of the door 1003 may be any one of an ellipse, a triangle, a rectangle, and a polygon.

The shape and arrangement of the humidity sensor HS2 are merely examples, and are not limited thereto. For example, the shape of the humidity sensor HS2 may be elliptical, triangular, rectangular, polygonal, or the like to correspond to the shape of the upper surface of the door 1003. Further, a humidity sensor HS2 may be disposed on at least a portion of the upper surface of the door 1003. That is, the humidity sensor HS2 may be arbitrarily disposed on the upper portion of the door 1003, not on the entire upper surface of the door.

As described above, when the humidity sensors HS1 and HS2 are arranged on the cover 1002, a better space utilization can be expected as compared to when the humidity sensors need to be arranged in the accommodation passage 1004 h. When the humidity sensor is disposed in the accommodation channel 1004h, there is a disposition restriction that the humidity sensor must avoid the heater (650 in fig. 6). Thus, the humidity sensor may be disposed in the vicinity of the filter rod (22 in fig. 4) instead of being disposed in the vicinity of the tobacco rod (21 in fig. 4) that contains mainly moisture. In contrast, the humidity sensors HS1 and HS2 according to the embodiment may measure the amount of moisture condensed on the cover 1002 due to the moisture included in the cigarette 2000 evaporating when the cigarette 2000 is heated, and thus, the humidity sensors HS1 and HS2 may be relatively freely disposed on at least a portion of the cover 1002.

Fig. 9A is a cross-sectional view of a capacitive humidity sensor. Fig. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the resistive humidity sensor. Fig. 9C is a cross-sectional view of the optical humidity sensor. In this case, the operation principle of the humidity sensor HS1 in fig. 8A and the humidity sensor HS2 in fig. 8B are substantially the same as each other, and for convenience of explanation, the humidity sensor will be described hereinafter based on the humidity sensor HS1 in fig. 8A.

Referring to fig. 8A and 9A to 9C, the humidity sensor HS1 may be any one of a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, and an optical sensor.

Referring to fig. 6, 8A and 9A, the surface of the humidity sensor HS1 and the upper surface of the cover 1002 may form a continuous surface. The humidity sensor HS1 may include a plurality of electrodes E1, a substrate SUB1, and a coating CT.

The electrodes E1 may include conductive materials, respectively. For example, the electrode E1 may include a highly conductive metal material such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), or aluminum (Al).

The capacitance between the electrodes E1 may vary depending on the amount of moisture WT between the electrodes E1. For example, as the amount of moisture WT condensed on the coating CT increases, the capacitance may also increase.

The electrode E1 may be mounted on the substrate SUB 1. The coating CT may include a polymer composite material surrounding the electrode E1 and the substrate SUB 1.

The humidity sensors HS1 and HS2 may output an electrical signal corresponding to the capacitance between the electrodes E1 to an external part (e.g., the controller 610). The humidity sensor HS1 may detect a change in capacitance between the electrodes E1 and output an electrical signal corresponding to the detection result to an external part (e.g., the controller 610).

The controller 610 may detect the amount of moisture condensed on the coating CT in response to a signal transmitted from the humidity sensor HS 1.

Referring to fig. 6, 8A and 9B, the surface of the humidity sensor HS1 and the upper surface of the cover 1002 may form a continuous surface. The humidity sensor HS1 may include a plurality of electrodes E2, a substrate SUB2, and a desiccant DH.

The electrodes E2 may include conductive materials, respectively. For example, the electrode E2 may include a highly conductive metal material such as Au, ag, cu, or Al. Although not explicitly shown in fig. 9B, the electrode E2 may have a configuration in which paired comb-shaped electrodes E2 are alternately arranged on a plane. Each comb electrode E2 may include a first portion extending in a first direction, and a plurality of second portions branched in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

The desiccant DH may comprise a material that absorbs ambient moisture WT. For example, the dehumidifying agent DH may include a conductive polymer, such as lithium chloride (LiCl) or aluminum oxide (Al 2O 3).

The resistance between the electrodes E2 may be different according to the amount of moisture WT absorbed by the desiccant DH. For example, as the amount of moisture WT absorbed by the desiccant DH increases, the resistance may decrease.

The electrode E2 may be mounted on the substrate SUB 2.

The humidity sensor HS1 may output an electrical signal corresponding to the resistance between the electrodes E2 to an external part (e.g., the controller 610). The humidity sensor HS1 may detect a change in resistance between the electrodes E2 and output an electrical signal corresponding to the detection result to an external part (e.g., the controller 610).

The controller 610 may detect the amount of moisture absorbed (or condensed) by the desiccant DH in response to a signal transmitted from the humidity sensor HS 1.

Referring to fig. 6, 8A and 9C, the surface of the humidity sensor HS1 and the upper surface of the cover 1002 may form a continuous surface. The humidity sensor HS1 may include a transmitting portion EM, a light receiving portion RC, a substrate SUB3, and a coating CT.

The emitting part EM may include at least one light source generating light. For example, the emission part EM may include light sources of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs), laser Diodes (LDs), and the like. In this case, the light sources included in the emission part EM may be arranged in a specific pattern.

The emitting portion EM may radiate light in a specific direction set in advance. For example, the emission part EM may include a first light collection part (not shown) configured to collect light generated from the light source toward the object. Here, the first light collecting part may include an imaging lens, a Diffractive Optical Element (DOE), and the like.

The light receiving part RC may include a photodiode that reacts to light. The light receiving part RC may output an electrical signal corresponding to light incident to the photodiode.

The light receiving part RC may include a second light collecting part (not shown) that collects light reflected from the object (hereinafter referred to as reflected light). For example, the reflected light collected by the second light collecting portion may be transmitted to a photodiode included in the light receiving portion RC. In this case, the second light collecting part may include a lens receiving the reflected light incident from a specific direction.

The light receiving part RC may further include an optical filter (not shown) that may restrictively transmit light in a specific wavelength region. For example, the optical filter may be an infrared optical filter that will restrictively transmit infrared light having a wavelength ranging from about 780nm to about 1 mm.

The emission portion EM and the light receiving portion RC may be mounted on the substrate SUB 3. The coating CT may include a polymer composite surrounding the emitting portion EM, the light receiving portion RC, and the substrate SUB 3.

Light irradiated from the emitting portion EM in a preset direction may be reflected from the moisture WT condensed on the coating layer CT and transmitted to the light receiving portion RC. In this case, the light receiving part RC may output an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of light incident to the photodiode.

The time difference between the point of light irradiation from the emission portion EM and the point of reflected light incident on the light receiving portion RC may be different depending on the amount of moisture WT condensed on the coating layer CT.

For example, when the amount of the moisture WT condensed on the coating CT is large, light can be easily reflected from the moisture WT as compared with when the amount of the moisture WT is small. In this case, the time difference between the point of time when light is irradiated from the emission portion EM and the point of time when reflected light is incident on the light receiving portion RC may be reduced.

The humidity sensor HS1 may output an electric signal corresponding to the amount of light incident to the light receiving part RC and/or an electric signal corresponding to the time difference to an external part (e.g., the controller 610). The humidity sensor HS1 may detect a change in the amount of light incident to the light receiving part RC and/or a change in the time difference, and output an electrical signal corresponding to the detection result to an external part (e.g., the controller 610).

The controller 610 may detect the amount of moisture condensed on the coating CT based on the signal transmitted from the humidity sensor HS 1.

Referring to fig. 7A to 9C, the controller 610 may classify the cigarettes 2000 into normal cigarettes or over-wet cigarettes based on the amount of moisture detected by the humidity sensors HS1 and HS 2.

According to an embodiment, the controller 610 may compare the amount of moisture detected by the humidity sensors HS1 and HS2 to a preset threshold to determine the humidity of the cigarette 2000. In this case, the preset threshold may be a minimum amount of moisture that the user may feel hot due to moisture included inside the cigarette 2000 when the user inhales the aerosol. For example, the controller 610 may determine that the cigarette 2000 is a normal cigarette when the moisture amount is less than a threshold value, and the controller 610 may determine that the cigarette 2000 is an excessively humid cigarette when the moisture amount is greater than or equal to the threshold value.

The controller 610 may drive the heater 650 according to the first temperature profile TP1 when the cigarette 2000 is determined to be a normal cigarette, and the controller 610 may drive the heater 650 according to the second temperature profile TP2 when the cigarette 2000 is determined to be an excessively wet cigarette. Hereinafter, the first temperature curve TP1 and the second temperature curve TP2 will be described in detail with reference to fig. 10.

Fig. 10 is a graph for explaining a temperature profile. In this case, the graph represented by the solid line is a first temperature curve for a normal cigarette, and the graph represented by the broken line is a second temperature curve for an excessively wet cigarette.

Referring to fig. 10, a first temperature curve TP1 indicates temperature values over time optimized for a normal cigarette. The first temperature profile TP1 may be divided into a first period P1, which is a warm-up period, and a second period P2, which is a smoke extraction period.

The first period P1 may include a period in which the temperature rises from a first temperature T1, which is an outdoor temperature, to a second temperature T2 at which the aerosol-generating substance volatilizes, and a period in which the temperature falls to a third temperature T3 at which smoking is started. The second period P2 may include a period in which the temperature decreases from the third temperature T3 to the fourth temperature T4 as the maintenance temperature and a period in which the fourth temperature T4 is maintained. In this case, the second temperature T2, the third temperature T3, and the fourth temperature T4 may be greater than or equal to the temperature at which the aerosol-generating substance volatilizes, and may be different according to the type of aerosol-generating substance.

The second temperature profile TP2 indicates a time-varying temperature value optimized for an excessively moist cigarette. The second temperature profile TP2 may be divided into a third period P3, which is a warm-up period, and a fourth period P4, which is a smoke extraction period.

The third period P3 may include a period in which the temperature rises from the first temperature T1, which is the outdoor temperature, to the second temperature T2, a period in which the second temperature T2 is maintained, and a period in which the temperature falls to the fourth temperature T4 at which smoking is started, and the aerosol-generating substance volatilizes at the second temperature. The fourth period P4 may include a period in which the fourth temperature T4 is maintained.

In this case, the time required to reach the second temperature T2 according to the second temperature profile TP2 may be longer than the time required to reach the second temperature T2 according to the first temperature profile TP1 due to moisture in the cigarette 2000.

In addition, after the second temperature profile TP2 reaches the second temperature T2, the temperature is continuously maintained at the second temperature T2, and at least a portion of the moisture in the interior of the cigarette 2000 may be evaporated. Thus, the initial thermal sensation may be lessened. In contrast, when the amount of moisture in the cigarette 2000 is less than the threshold, the user may be less likely to feel heat due to the moisture in the cigarette 2000, and thus, the first temperature profile TP1 may not include a period of evaporation of the moisture in the cigarette 2000. That is, the preheating period P3 of the second temperature profile TP2 may be greater than the preheating period P1 of the first temperature profile TP1, and the third temperature T3, which is the smoking start temperature of the normal cigarette, may be higher than the fourth temperature T4, which is the smoking start temperature of the over-wet cigarette.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an operation method of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment.

Referring to fig. 6 to 11, the operation method of the aerosol-generating device may include an operation S100 of heating the cigarette 2000 using the heater 650, an operation S200 of measuring an amount of moisture condensed on the cover 1002 using the humidity sensors HS1 and HS2, an operation S300 of comparing the measured amount of moisture with a preset threshold, operations S410 and S420 of determining humidity of the cigarette 2000, and an operation S500 of driving the heater 650 according to a temperature profile corresponding to the determined humidity of the cigarette 2000.

In this case, the aerosol-generating device 1000 may comprise: a housing 1100 including a receiving channel 1004h into which cigarettes 2000 are inserted; and a cover 1002 coupled to the case 1100 and including an outer hole 1002p, the outer hole 1002p overlapping the receiving channel 1004h in a thickness direction.

In detail, in the operation S100 of heating the cigarette 2000, when the cigarette 2000 contains moisture, the moisture may be evaporated when the cigarette 2000 is heated, and thus may be condensed on the upper surface of the cover 1002. When the cigarette contains a large amount of moisture, the amount of moisture evaporated from the cigarette may be greater than that evaporated from a dry ordinary cigarette, and thus, the condensation phenomenon on the upper surface of the cover 1002 may be more serious. That is, the amount of moisture that condenses on the upper surface of cover 1002 may be proportional to the amount of moisture in cigarette 2000.

In operation S200 of measuring the amount of moisture condensed on the cover 1002 using the humidity sensors HS1 and HS2, the humidity sensors HS1 and HS2 may be arranged at positions in the aerosol-generating device (1000 in fig. 7A) where condensation is extremely likely to occur.

For example, as shown in fig. 8A, the cover 1002 may include an outer hole 1002p overlapping the accommodation channel (1004 h in fig. 7A) in the thickness direction. Humidity sensor HS1 may be arranged along the outline of outer aperture 1002p. In this case, the outline of the outer hole 1002p may have a circular shape, and the humidity sensor HS1 may be a ring shape.

As another example, as shown in fig. 8B, the cover 1002 may include a door 1003 that is capable of sliding along an upper surface of the cover 1002. The humidity sensor HS1 may be disposed on an upper surface of the door 1003. In this case, the upper surface of the door 1003 may have a circular shape, and the humidity sensor HS2 may be formed on the entire upper surface of the door 1003.

In this case, the humidity sensor HS1 may be any one of a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, and an optical sensor.

In operation S300 of comparing the measured moisture amount with a preset threshold value and operation S400 of determining the humidity of the cigarette 2000, the controller 610 may divide the cigarette 2000 into a normal cigarette and an excessively humid cigarette based on the moisture amounts detected by the humidity sensors HS1 and HS 2. The controller 610 may compare the amount of moisture detected by the humidity sensors HS1 and HS2 to a preset threshold and determine the humidity of the cigarette 2000. In this case, the preset threshold may be a minimum amount of moisture that the user may feel hot due to moisture included inside the cigarette 2000 when the user inhales the aerosol. For example, when the moisture amount is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the controller 610 may determine that the cigarette 2000 is an excessively wet cigarette in operation S410, and when the moisture amount is less than the threshold value, the controller 610 may determine that the cigarette 2000 is a normal cigarette in operation S420.

In operation S500 of driving the heater 650 according to the temperature profile corresponding to the determined moisture amount of the cigarette 2000, the controller 610 may drive the heater 650 according to the first temperature profile TP1 when the cigarette 2000 is determined as a normal cigarette, and the controller 610 may drive the heater 650 according to the second temperature profile TP2 when the cigarette 2000 is determined as an excessively wet cigarette. The first temperature profile TP1 may be divided into a first period P1 as a warm-up period and a second period P2 as a smoking period. The second temperature profile TP2 may be divided into a third period P3, which is a warm-up period, and a fourth period P4, which is a smoking period. In this case, the warm-up period P3 of the second temperature profile TP2 may be greater than the warm-up period P1 of the first temperature profile TP 1. Accordingly, at least a portion of the moisture included in the cigarette 2000 may evaporate, and the initial thermal sensation may be lessened.

It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art in the pertinent art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the above-described features. Accordingly, the disclosed methods should be considered in descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. The scope of the disclosure is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope thereof will be construed as being included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating device comprising:

a housing including a receiving channel configured to receive a cigarette;

a cover coupled to the housing;

a heater configured to heat the cigarette;

a humidity sensor disposed on an upper surface of the cover; and

a controller configured to: the humidity of the cigarette is determined by comparing the amount of moisture detected by the humidity sensor with a preset threshold.

2. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the humidity sensor is configured to measure the amount of moisture based on moisture condensing on the cover when the cigarette is heated.

3. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the cover comprises an outer aperture overlapping the receiving channel in a thickness direction, and

the humidity sensor is arranged along the contour of the outer aperture.

4. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 3, wherein the profile of the outer aperture has a circular shape and the humidity sensor has an annular shape.

5. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a door slidable along an upper surface of the cover, and

the humidity sensor is disposed on an upper surface of the door.

6. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 5, wherein the upper surface of the door has a circular shape, and the humidity sensor is formed on the entire upper surface of the door.

7. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the humidity sensor comprises any one of a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor and an optical sensor.

8. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heater is arranged in the receiving channel and heats the cigarette by induction heating.

9. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: determining the cigarette as a normal cigarette when the moisture content is less than the threshold; and determining the cigarette as an over-wet cigarette when the moisture amount is greater than or equal to the threshold.

10. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 9, wherein the controller is further configured to: when the cigarette is determined to be a normal cigarette, driving the heater according to a first temperature profile; and driving the heater according to a second temperature profile when the cigarette is determined to be an over-wet cigarette.

11. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 10, wherein the preheating period of the second temperature profile is greater than the preheating period of the first temperature profile.

12. A method of operation of an aerosol-generating device, the method of operation comprising:

heating the cigarettes by a heater;

determining the humidity of the cigarette by comparing the amount of moisture detected by the humidity sensor with a preset threshold; and

the heater is driven according to a temperature profile corresponding to the determined humidity of the cigarette,

wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a housing comprising a receiving channel into which the cigarette is inserted, and an external aperture coupled to the housing and overlapping the receiving channel in a thickness direction, and

the humidity sensor is disposed on an upper surface of the cover.

13. The method of operation of claim 12, wherein the moisture content is measured based on moisture condensing on the cover when the cigarette is heated during the determining of the humidity of the cigarette.

14. The method of operation of claim 12, wherein the cover includes a door slidable along an upper surface of the cover, and

The humidity sensor is disposed on an upper surface of the door.

15. The method of operation of claim 12, wherein the humidity sensor comprises any one of a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, and an optical sensor.